Samoa enforced media ban before RLWC2021 semi-finals

Samoa coach Matt Parish has doubled down on his Samoa media ban leading up to their semi-final clash with England this weekend. 

Samoa enforced a media ban on players 

The media were unable to chat with their players in the build-up to their semi-final contest with England.

There are concerns raised by rugby league followers about the media ban.

Andrew Voss said the media ban is unacceptable. Here is how he put it...

Media bans in rugby league are a crock of shit. @RLWC2021 Seriously...Do your job. It's not life or death. It is sport. Sport attracts opinions all day every day. And you take the good with the bad. If it is offensive material you delete or block. @BBCSport @VossyBrandySEN

Later, he tweeted

''I hope coach changes his stance. Nothing but good will be achieved as a result.''

Joseph Suaali'i escaped a ban

Samoa captain and leading front-rower Junior Paulo has been handed a one-match ban and is set to miss their semi-final clash with England. 

Paulo has been given 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.

Samoa coach Matt Parish will most definitely appeal the decision. If unsuccessful, Samoa will be without the Parramatta Eels wreaking-ball in when they meet England again in the RLWC2021 semi-final.

Fullback Joseph Suaali'i escaped a ban for kneeing Kaufusi.

Media bans in rugby league are a crock of shit. @RLWC2021 Seriously...Do your job. It's not life or death. It is sport. Sport attracts opinions all day every day. And you take the good with the bad. If it is offensive material you delete or block. @BBCSport @VossyBrandySEN

— Andrew Voss (@AndrewVossy) November 7, 2022

Latest on Samoa’s Junior Paulo...

 He was successful in his challenge against a one match penalty notice for a Grade A Striking Offences during Sunday’s RLWC2021 quarter final game against Tonga.

He will be free to play in the semi-final against England.