Samoan captain Junior Paulo delivered an emotional post-game speech in London, reminding his side of the impact his team’s historic run will have on people around the world.
Paulo was handed a reprieve by the World Cup match review committee overnight and is now free to play in the final against Australia at Old Trafford despite being sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on England’s Tom Burgess.
The inspirational skipper heaped praise on his team following the win, with members of the Samoan team sharing his address to the team.
“The win tonight is overwhelming but never forget the impact we have had on the world,” Paulo said to his team inside the away dressing room at Emirates Stadium in London in the aftermath of his side’s win.
“Don’t forget the impact we have had on those people around the world who have never met us but have supported us right from the get-go. They have never forgotten about us.”
Paulo, who was elevated to co-captain at the Parramatta Eels this year, showed off his leadership credentials with a well-worded tribute to the people of Samoa.
Junior Paulo’s tackle on Tom Burgess.Credit:Getty
“I don’t know if I have the words to describe how much it means,” he told his teammates and coaching staff.
“We’re all here because of the blessings and prayers that are going on around the world, Australia, Brisbane, you can name every city around the world. Every single Samoan around the world is going to be proud of what we achieved.
“It was always going to be tough when a lot of critics were against us but we always said the only thing that matters is the people in this room. That was going to be the only thing that carries us throughout this tournament. I said it before, that belief never changed right – from the get-go, from the first day we came into camp together.”
It’s the first time a team from outside of Australia, New Zealand, England and Great Britain has qualified for the Rugby League World Cup final since France in 1968.
Samoa celebrates the win after Crichton’s field goal.Credit:Getty
Parish has been heavily criticised for the results of the Samoan side under his watch but the under-fire coach has now etched his team into rugby league folklore by guiding them into the World Cup final.
“I see so much inspiration, pride and passion from everyone,” he told his team after the game.
“To make all of this happen. It is special so enjoy it – enjoy this week, enjoy tonight, let’s make the most of this opportunity. I am happy it is not over.”
The writing on Stephen Crichton’s wrist strapping spoke volumes of the team’s mindset. For my people, it read, and his people weren’t disappointed.
“We have a lot of people all over the globe that are backing us,” Crichton said.
“We definitely see the marches they are doing back home. It was definitely for them. It inspires us a lot. We see a lot of videos on social media coming out to us. Our coach shows us a lot of videos before the game. It just motivates the boys and gives us a lot of love and support.
“This is what we strive for, to put our little country on the map. I think we’ve done that. Credit to the boys that had the opportunity to go and play elsewhere and chose the motherland to play for. I was born in Samoa, blood and blood through Samoa.
“I came over to Australia when I was two. Australia and the NRL has given me a massive opportunity to represent my family and in my first World Cup I think I owe it back to my mum and dad and my grandmother back in Samoa to play for them.”
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