Samoa coach Matt Parish has dared Australia to target boom young fullback Joseph Suaali’i in this weekend’s World Cup final.
At 19, Suaali’i is the “baby” of the tournament and one of the youngest players to ever appear in a World Cup final.
The Kangaroos are certain to test the Roosters rookie’s nerves under the high ball and with their grubber kicks – but Parish welcomes the attention.
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“Good luck to them if they target him – he will handle it and then some,” Parish predicted to Wide World of Sports.
“The kid comes from a great system at the Roosters, and he has such maturity and a real cool head.
“He has got better with each game and we all have confidence that he will handle whatever they throw at him.
“Joseph is an exceptional athlete and he won’t crack – no way.”
Samoa players overcome with emotion
The Samoans rocked the rugby league world with their upset win over England in extra time last weekend – but know the job isn’t quite done.
“The Kangaroos will be tough – they are a great team,” Parish conceded.
“But there is no way my guys will be over-awed – they have played in Origins and grand finals.
“We are wounded but we will give it a crack – these guys are just so proud to represent the homeland of their families.”
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