Matt Parish has declared his days coaching in the NRL are over, despite leading Samoa’s stunning charge to the World Cup final.
Parish had assistant roles with Manly in 2012 and Parramatta in 2013, but said his future is with Samoa and the New South Wales Rugby League pathways program.
The former Balmain Tigers player works for NSWRL as an analyst, helping develop the next wave of young guns trying to crack NRL rosters.
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“I know I’ll never be an NRL head coach and I’m fine with that,” Parish told WWOS.
“I’ve done my time as an assistant coach and enjoyed that.
“But I’ve been working the last few years in pathways with the NSW Rugby League and I love helping young up and comers.
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“I work closely with ‘Freddy’ (Blues coach Brad Fittler) and he is great in his support of these rising players.
“They are young and keen to learn and enjoyable to work with.”
A star-studded Samoa were tipped as genuine World Cup contenders, however they were humbled 60-6 against England in the tournament opener.
But Parish orchestrated an incredible turnaround Samoa to beat Tonga in the quarters and then stun England 27-26 in the semis.
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They fell short in the final at Old Trafford to tournament favourites Australia 30-10.
“I was proud of the guys and how they responded after that awful first game,” Parish said.
“We gave it a good crack against the Kangaroos but they are world champions for a reason and just had too much class and experience.”
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