Parish believes playing for Samoa is a good Origin showcase

Samoa coach Matt Parish believes playing in the Four Nations can help players put themselves in the shop window for State of Origin selection.

Josh McGuire, not selected for Australia so now in the Samoan squad, is one player Parish feels could put down a marker for Queensland selection in the future.

“I think they’ve definitely got a point to prove. I think guys like Josh McGuire, it’s a great opportunity to showcase what he’s got to Mal Meninga for next year’s Origin series,” Parish told Australian reporters.

“Same with BJ [Joey Leilua], Tim Lafai, when he joins us next week, for the NSW team. It’s a great opportunity for them all. It’s a great opportunity for all our players to show what they’ve got against the world’s best.”

McGuire played for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII against Papua New Guinea recently, but did not make the Kangaroos squad for the Four Nations.

Parish hopes that the player can impress Queensland coach Mal Meninga in the forthcoming Four Nations.

“Obviously he’s come out of a good system at the Broncos. He’s brought that enthusiasm, he obviously played pretty well in the Prime Minster’s XIII against PNG and he’s unlucky not to make the Australian team,” Parish added.

“But again he’s got a great opportunity as I said to show Mal Meninga what he’s got against some very good teams and hopefully push his case for the Queensland team next year.

“From our point of view in Samoa, we’d only be too happy for him to play for us and then cement a spot in the Queensland team because that’s what it’s all about.

“If you look at last year [with] Anthony Milford, [the] way he played for us at the World Cup certainly enhanced his career this year. He obviously got close to Queensland selection.”