Samoa captain Junior Paulo suspended for gripping semifinal against England, teammate Joseph Suaalii free to play
Samoan skipper Junior Paulo has been suspended ahead of his side’s semi-final clash with England on Sunday. Teammate Joseph Suaalii will play after escaping punishment.
Paulo was hit with a one-match ban from the World Cup match review committee after striking Tonga’s David Fifita in the throat with a raised forearm during Samoa’s two-point victory over it’s Pacific rivals on Monday.
Unless his suspension is overturned on appeal, Paulo will not take to the field as Samoa attempts to avenge its 60-6 opening-round loss to England.
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Samoa is expected to appeal the ban with Paulo’s case to be heard on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
In a separate incident, Suaalii was put on report for lifting his knees while being tackled by second-rower Felise Kaufusi.
However, the 19-year-old escaped suspension with a warning.
Suaalii was previously given a concerning act notice by the NRL’s match review committee for carrying out the same action earlier this year.
Speaking after the match, Samoan coach Matt Parish was hopeful Suaalii would escape a ban following a standout performance.
“I would be surprised if anything came of that,” he said.
Suaalii on report for lifting his knees
Following the heavy defeat to England, Samoa bounced back with wins over Greece and France, leading the team to finish second in group A.
Samoa’s 20-18 win over Tonga has secured them a berth in the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup for the first time.
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