‘Sāmoa’s future is in good hands’: Captain proud despite Rugby League World Cup exit

Junior Paulo had a message for the Sāmoan people after another Rugby League World Cup campaign that ended one step short of the final: the future is in good hands.

The Sāmoa captain thanked the supporters who stayed with the team through the rain at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium after Australia pulled away to win 44-12 and book a final against New Zealand.

“First off, I want to thank our Lord, the man upstairs, for bringing us all here. First of all, I want to thank our fans," Paulo told Seven after the match.

“Despite the result today, it's still 6-8-5 to the world. From the start, you know, we spoke about it was always for the culture and we wouldn't change a thing.”

Paulo, who was part of the Sāmoa side that reached the 2022 World Cup final, said the current group had plenty to be proud of despite falling short against the Kangaroos.

“To the boys, there's not a bunch of other blokes that would want to take the field. We'll ride it till the wheels fall off.”

Sāmoa face Australia during the Siva Tau before their World Cup semi-final at Allianz Stadium. Photo/AAP/Dan Himbrechts/ Photosport

He also had a message for the supporters who turned out despite the difficult conditions.

“Love to all our people, especially to everyone that's turned out tonight during the conditions. We love you.”

Paulo says the disappointment of another semi-final loss was already being balanced by what he sees coming next for Sāmoa.

Junior Paulo and his Sāmoa teammates acknowledge their supporters after the semi-final against Australia. Photo/AAP/Mark Evans/Photosport

“Yeah, the future is in good hands. The start of this journey, we all knew what we were capable of and we're unfortunate tonight.”

Paulo also gave credit to Australia for producing their best performance of the tournament when it mattered most.

“That's a credit to the Aussie boys for turning up the way they did and putting out that performance.”

Australia were in control from the opening stages, racing to a 24-2 lead by half-time.

Tom Dearden opened the scoring with a solo effort before Jacob Preston, Tom Trbojevic, Reece Walsh and Bradman Best added tries as the Kangaroos punished Sāmoa's mistakes and kept the pressure on.

Sāmoa fought back after the break, with Stephen Crichton pouncing on a Walsh error to score before Izack Tago powered through the Australian fullback to bring the score back to 32-12.

Sāmoa captain Junior Paulo leads his side against Australia in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final in Sydney. Photo/NRL/Photosport

But Australia had too much firepower. Walsh completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute after linking with Cameron Munster, before Jack Bostock finished a sweeping move six minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.

Australia captain Isaah Yeo said the performance was the most complete the Kangaroos had produced at the tournament.

“Yeah, it was. It probably felt like the most control we had.”

The match was played in difficult conditions, with rain and strong winds making the ball hard to handle.

“Conditions were tough. It was on and off we got rain. The wind was annoying for both sides, I reckon.”

But Yeo believes Australia are building at the right time. “I feel like we've been building each week and still chasing our best performance, so I thought that was a real step in the right direction.”

Now Australia turn their attention to New Zealand in the World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium next weekend.

Yeo knows it will be a different challenge. “Yeah, it is. What a wonderful way it was to start the World Cup. Both teams, I thought, were outstanding. As the tournament goes on, both teams have gotten better. Hell of a match-up, I think.”

Paulo says the result ends another memorable campaign. He says the journey has left the team and its supporters with plenty to look forward to. “We look forward to it.”

Earlier in the women’s tournament, Fetu Sāmoa also made history by reaching their first World Cup semi-final. They pushed the Kiwi Ferns hard in the opening half before New Zealand pulled away after the break to win 32-0.

Fetu Sāmoa captain Evania Isa’ako said the score did not reflect what the team had achieved. “Obviously we really gutted but super proud of the girls,” she said. “That didn't reflect our campaign I am sure.”

The run is a major step forward for women’s rugby league in Sāmoa, with Isa’ako saying the team’s performance would be significant for the game back home. For more RLWC action, click here.