The man behind the unbelievable Samoan success at the recent Rugby League World Cup has confirmed that his future remains with Samoa by conclusively stating “I know I’ll never be an NRL head coach and I’m fine with that.”.
Matt Parish held a six game stint at Salford City Reds (now Devils) in 2011 and has worked in the NRL as an assistant but he’s firmly set down a mark stating that head coaching roles in the NRL aren’t for him.
“I’ve done my time as an assistant coach and enjoyed that. … But I’ve been working the last few years in pathways with the NSW Rugby League and I love helping young up and comers.” Parish told WWOS.
It therefore comes as no surprise as to why he’s keen to keep working with Samoa given the star power in youth that the Toa Samoa have got, not least with 19-year-old full back Joseph Suaali’i.
Commenting on the final and his Samoan side, Parish stated his pride and noted the brilliant response after their opening game hammering against England 60-6.
“We gave it a good crack against the Kangaroos but they are world champions for a reason and just had too much class and experience.”