Cup seed planted over fruit platters
THE seed was planted for one of the biggest coups in World Cup history in the backyard of a western Sydney home over platters of fruit and a powerpoint presentation.
In early May, Samoan coach Matt Parish caught up with a handful of Penrith players at the home of former Panthers assistant coach Andrew Webster.
While Webster’s wife laid out lashings of fruit, Parish outlined his vision for Samoa to the likes of Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton.
Over more than an hour, he showed them a powerpoint presentation where he explained what the Samoan side would look like if they pledged their commitment to the Pacific island nation.
He gave them a glimpse of the World Cup draw and explained how their tournament would play out if they qualified for the NRL grand final, leaving them precious little time to get up to speed with their teammates.
He laid his cards on the table and floated an idea that has flourished into one of the most remarkable tales in the World Cup. Those 90 minutes may be the most important in Samoan rugby league history.
“We had a meeting out at Andrew Webster’s place,” Parish said. “He was helping me. This was in early May. I told them about our plans for the World Cup at the end of the year but obviously they had Origin and competitions to win.
“We had a Pacific test for those who didn’t make Origin. The other boys went on to play Origin. Then I left it at that. They knew what was coming at the end of the year and it was up to them to make the decision.”
Parish acknowledged it wasn’t a hard sell. To many of the players, the opportunity to represent the land of their heritage sold itself.
“Webby had been talking to them briefly about it because he coached them at Penrith,” Parish said.
“We sat around and I had a powerpoint of what the team could look like, where we were staying, our draw.
“I laid all the information out – these are the cards. There was no great sales pitch. It was just the truth of what it could look like …”
Parish found out on social media that some were going to play for Samoa.
Others, including captain Junior Paulo, called him personally to inform him of their plans.
Paulo had spoken to Parish before the Origin series but he wanted to focus on his NSW commitments before he made the ultimate decision.
Parish insists he always had faith that the players would jump on board. He knew how much it meant to them to play for Samoa – their passion for the jersey and their island has been one of the highlights of the World Cup.
“I was always confident, particularly with Jarome (Luai),” Parish said.
“He is a proud Samoan, very proud. I was confident but again, it became their choice. The guys have sacrificed so much – money, family.
“Jarome is over here and has a newborn kid (at home). He has left his wife and three children. Brian’s partner is arranging their wedding – he is getting married in early December.
“All these guys have left their family. I just admire what they have done.
“These Penrith boys have been up for so long – they won a grand final and we are trying to squeeze this out of them.
“It is great the dominos all fell right for us.”