Samoa will be “dangerous” at this year’s World Cup says Australia boss Mal Meninga

Australia head coach Mal Meninga believes Samoa could be a dangerous side at this year’s World Cup in England.

Samoa head into the campaign later this year as outsiders but look to be putting together one of their strongest ever squads.

Queensland representative and 11-time Australia international Josh Papali’i recently committed his allegiance to the side for this year’s World Cup. The 30-year-old also teased that more big names from the NRL are set to join him.

New South Wales Origin and Penrith Panthers stars Jarome Luai and Brian To’o will also represent Samoa this year.

Samoa will be led by head coach Matt Parish for this year’s tournament. Richard Agar, Andrew Webster and Frank Pritchard will all be a part of the coaching staff.

Mal Meninga: Samoa will be ‘dangerous’

Kangaroos boss Meninga was the first guest the official Rugby League World Cup podcast, ‘This is Impact’.

The 62-year-old admitted he believes New Zealand and England will be his side’s biggest competition at the tournament, while Samoa will also be a team to watch out for.

“I think the usual suspects; New Zealand and England,” Meninga replied when asked who he thinks his side’s biggest threats will be.

“Tonga are starting to make enormous inroads in the international space.

“I believe Samoa, if they get their act together, they’re dangerous.

“Fiji have made the last couple of semi-finals in the World Cup. They’re starting to make some huge inroads too. 

“We’ve got Scotland and Italy in our group as well. The diversity of that is fantastic. Obviously we go into those games as huge favourites, but at the end of the day, it’s great to see those nations being represented.”

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