Matt Parish rubbishes claims Samoa players have been on World Cup media blackout
Samoa coach Matt Parish has rubbished claims that his Samoa players have been on a media blackout during the World Cup since their opening defeat.
Parish’s strained relationship with the media has been widely reported since his side’s 60-6 thrashing to England in the World Cup opener.
Some journalists even called for Parish to send players home following their opening shock defeat, despite a large chunk of those backing up from a Grand Final appearance in the NRL less than a week beforehand.
Ever since, Parish has had some tension with the media, opening his press conference after the win over France “Are you going to write the truth this time?” to attending journalists.
World Cup organisers have confirmed that Samoa have met all required media duties to date.
However, following their victory over Tonga in the quarter-finals, players were seen dismissing media requests, with reports of a blackout.
Parish has since responded to those claims to Love Rugby League, stating that is not the truth.
“That’s absolute garbage,” he said.
“We have never had a media ban on anyone during this tour. Maybe some of them (players) just don’t want to speak to you (media).”
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Matt Parish leads Samoa to first-ever World Cup final
Samoa became the first-ever tier two nation to make a World Cup final following their 27-26 victory over England at Emirates Stadium.
Before the tie, Parish claimed that the tournament was never about the first game, and claimed the media made it about that fixture.
His Samoa side have since been on the rise, claiming wins over Greece, France and Tonga before defeating Shaun Wane’s men in the semis.
It also cements his position in charge of Samoa, with calls from Down Under for him to make room for Andrew and Matthew Johns ahead of the delayed 2021 World Cup.
Samoa will face favourites Australia at Old Trafford next Saturday in the World Cup final.
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