Big Mal on his guard

AUSTRALIA boss Mal Meninga says Samoa are not “massive” underdogs in tomorrow’s World Cup final.

The holders have won eight of the last nine tournaments and opponents

Samoa are 9-1 to win their maiden

World Cup decider at

Old Trafford.

But having seen Matt Parish’s outfit knock out

England in the semi-finals, Meninga (inset) said: “I wouldn’t say they’re massive underdogs. “They’ve played really good rugby league. As Matt has mentioned numerous times, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. “They played really well against the English and deserve to be here. We’re not underestimating them.”