Samoa captain Junior Paulo has warned England : ‘We’re here to win the whole thing.’
The Parramatta powerhouse leads his side out against the hosts when the World Cup kicks off in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon. Traditional minnows Samoa have been installed as favourites to beat Shaun Wane’s side after seeing their squad bolstered by a raft of top Australian and New Zealand talent.
But Aucklander Paulo, a mainstay of the New South Wales State of Origin side, insists they’re not stopping there. Asked if the tiny Pacific nation can win the World Cup, he replied: “We’ve got a quality team and we think our best football gives us a chance to do it.
"As cliche as it sounds to be, you need to be in it to win it. And we’re here and definitely setting ourselves up for that opportunity.”
They hope to follow Tonga’s lead after they grew stronger with the presence of heritage stars to beat world champions Australia and Great Britain three years ago. And Sydney Roosters teen sensation full-back Joseph Sua'ali'i turning down the Kangaroos to plump for Samoa has been a huge boost. Paulo, 28, said: “I’d spoken to him just briefly when we were in Origin camp together.
“It was a decision that was up to him and I think what Rugby League Samoa gets out of it is certainly going to be very beneficial to that next generation who are looking to come through. That’s certainly the impact we’d rather have on Samoa. It’s exciting to see where this team can take us.”
The ex-Canberra forward, who debuted for Samoa in 2016, admits his side cannot wait to open the tournament. He said: “It is exciting. We’ve touched on it as well the impact we’re fortunate to have on rugby league and the communities that are here across the ditch.
“It’s obviously a bit different for a lot of us who it’s the first time we’ve been here. But you certainly hear about how much of a rugby league tragic place this country really is and we’re looking forward to experiencing it.
"England certainly have got a quality outfit. We watched the warm-up game and George Williams was the chief playmaker for them calling the shots but look across the park and they have got experienced guys, are a well balanced side and are obviously going to be a tough challenge.”
But Samoa are now so strong after not only Sua'ali'i but Penrith stars Jarome Luai and Brian To’o plus Canberra prop Josh Papali'i all turned down revered world champions Australia to represent their heritage. Pauli conceded: “It’s been quite a bold move from a lot of us to knock back nations like Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s a big sacrifice given the financial benefits you get from playing for those countries. But in terms of growing the game and wanting it to be the best competition - and you want the international game to be the pinnacle of rugby league - and that's certainly the way we’re trying to have that impact."
