Paulo Warns Kangaroos Samoa's Best Is Yet to Come Ahead of Semi-Final

Samoa captain Junior Paulo says his team's best is yet to come as they prepare for Sunday night's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The Samoans are chasing revenge for the 2022 final, when Australia beat them 30-10 in the title decider, and Paulo admitted the shattering feeling of that defeat still stings. He stopped short of saying revenge was the prime motivation, but made clear the squad is keen to move forward and find ways to motivate themselves from that loss. Samoa reached the semi-final despite falling 20-18 to fierce Pasifika rivals Tonga on Sunday, a result that sent Tonga into the other semi-final against New Zealand. Prop Francis Molo added a warning of his own, saying it would be foolish to buy into talk that the Kangaroos have looked unconvincing in escaping late wins over New Zealand and Fiji. Australia are the three-time defending champions and remain favourites, but Samoa believe they are still building combinations and have not yet hit their straps. If Paulo is right, Sunday could produce the biggest upset in the nation's rugby league history.