Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock is ‘worried’ for Samoa in World Cup Final against Australia

Samoa booked their place in the Rugby League World Cup Final yesterday at the expense of England at the Emirates Stadium.

It was thanks to a Stephen Crichton drop goal in Golden Point extra time as Matt Parish’s team punished England’s errors.

Speaking after the game, those on BBC were divided on how next week’s final, which will see Samoa take on holders Australia at Old Trafford.

Former Samoan international Willie Poching, former Wakefield Trinity coach and Grand Final winner at Old Trafford with Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford, believed Samoa would have a good chance as they’re used to battles against the stars in the Australian line-up: “These guys play that opposition every week, so they’ll hold no fear. They’ll be up for it.”

However, former England skipper and Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Peacock felt worried for Samoa: “I’m worried about the final, I’m worried because in 2013 New Zealand won an epic semi-final, really close, really brutal against England and that was almost their final.

“I hope Samoa show up thinking they can beat Australia so we can have a great final.”

Following these comments from Peacock, former St Helens and England star Jon Wilkin responded with: “Jarome Luai is turning up thinking he can win.”

Luai is up against his Penrith Panthers halfback partner and good friend Nathan Cleary in the final.