Toa Samoa Skipper To Miss Out Semi-Final Clash With England
Toa Samoa Vs Mate Maa Tonga R.L.W.C quarter final
Photo: R.L.W.C
Following their narrow victory against Pacific rivals Tonga, Toa Samoa's Joseph Suaali'i and captain Junior Paulo were summoned before the Rugby League World Cup judiciary after the two players were sighted for dangerous plays during the match with Mate Ma'a Tonga.
Toa Samoa's skipper, Junior Paulo, will not be taking part in the upcoming semi-final clash against England this upcoming Sunday after he was slammed with a one-match suspension following Samoa's quarter final matchup against Mate Ma'a Tonga last Monday.
The Toa Samoa captain was handed a Grade A penalty for striking, after leading with his forearm during a carry that went straight into the face of Tongan forward David Fifita.
The suspension against Junior Paulo can be altered if coach Matt Parish decides to appeal the decision, with Parish stating online that he'll certainly be taking this course of action as Paulo is a key offensive and defensive figure in the Toa Samoa lineup.
However, there is also good news for Toa Samoa, their fullback Joseph Suaali'i will be available to play in the semi-final with hosts England after he eluded a ban/suspension for raising his knee towards an opposing Tongan defender when he was trying to collect a high kick.