Paulo Cleared to Face Kangaroos After Escaping Ban for Semi-Final Shoulder Charge

Samoa will have Junior Paulo available for their Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia after the big prop escaped with a warning for his shoulder charge in Sunday night's 20-18 loss to Tonga. The match review committee graded the tackle on Tonga winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak a Grade 1 offence, and as a first offence under World Cup rules it carries only a warning, leaving Paulo free to play. Paulo was penalised and placed on report by referee Adam Gee during the first half at CommBank Stadium but stayed on the field. It is a huge relief for Samoa, who will need all of their forward power against the tournament hosts at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Sunday, November 8. The news is less good on another front, with five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita limping off in the second half clutching his left hamstring and now in doubt. Tonga's thrilling 20-18 win, sealed by captain Addin Fonua-Blake's try eight minutes from time, was played in front of 29,411 fans — the biggest crowd for a sporting event at CommBank Stadium. It sets up a blockbuster semi-final weekend: New Zealand face Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday, before Australia meet Samoa in the rematch of the 2022 final on Sunday. For Samoa, Paulo's clearance keeps their pack intact for the toughest test of all. Against a Kangaroos side that has won 12 of 16 World Cups, they will need every bit of his size, experience and aggression to stand any chance of reaching the final.