“They [Tonga] are going to be very strong, there are going to be some world class players in there,” Parish told Radio Samoa.
The number of Samoan NRL players gave Parish confidence that his team would be one of the three to advance from a tough pool which also includes New Zealand and Scotland.
“With the change in eligibility rules, we’ve got some pretty good players available, you’ve got some guys that will have played in the NRL semi-finals, Tautau Moga [Broncos], Ricky Leutele [Sharks], Fa'amanu Brown [Sharks],” Parish said.
“Junior Paulo had a terrific season for the Raiders, even though they were disappointing. Johnny Asaita is up with the Cowboys, along with Antonio Winterstein. Herman Ese'ese is a young front rower for the Broncos who is playing very well.”
Parish also nominated Eels centre Kirisome Auva’a and forward Suaia Matagi, Panthers five-eighth Tyrone May, Dragons prop Leeson Ah Mau and Warriors pair Sam Lisone and Bunty Afoa as players under consideration for the Samoa squad.
“We’ve got a really good sprinkling [of experience] and I’m really excited,” he said.
Parish said the players were looking forward to the strong support of the Samoa community during the tournament, particularly in New Zealand, where they play the Kiwis at Mt Smart Stadium on 28 October before taking on Tonga in Hamilton a week later and travelling to Cairns to meet Scotland on 11 November.
“There’s plenty of Samoans in Auckland so we need everyone to get out (to the games) because we need all the support we can get,” Parrish added.
“I know the boys are really keen to play there and looking forward to the support we’re going to get over there,” he said.
Toa Samoa Rugby League World Cup 2017 Fixtures
Vs New Zealand
Purchase Tickets to New Zealand v Samoa in Auckland on 28/10/2017
Vs Tonga
Purchase Tickets to Tonga v Samoa in Hamilton on 04/11/2017
Vs Scotland
Purchase Tickets to Scotland v Samoa in Cairns on 11/11/2017
Daniel Fraser | @dfraser15
New Zealand Media & PR Manager, Rugby League World Cup
