Today the Rugby League World Cup comes to a close with a final between Australia and Samoa.
With only two Super League players, at most three, set to feature, which Super League teams will be cheering on who this afternoon?
Castleford Tigers: Samoa
This one is an easy one. With their Head Coach Lee Radford working alongside Matt Parish in the Samoa set up and even inviting the likes of Suaia Matagi down to training this week, it is clear that Cas fans will be in Samoa’s camp this afternoon.
Catalans Dragons: Samoa
The Dragons originally had one of their star players in the Samoa squad at the beginning of the Rugby League World Cup. That was until Tyrone May suffered a nasty dislocated hip in the opening game against England. They’ll be routing for Samoa to put a smile on their injured star’s face.
Huddersfield Giants: Samoa
Huddersfield’s now former number nine was for such a long time in this tournament Samoa’s number nine till he was forced to return to Australia. Assuming that there is no hard feelings towards Levi for leaving so soon despite a stellar first year at the John Smith’s Stadium, they will be firmly in Samoa’s camp.
Hull FC: Samoa
Another straight forward one. They have star forward Ligi Sao in the Samoa squad who even scored against England last weekend at the Emirates. Also, the man who ended their Challenge Cup hoodoo, Lee Radford, is involved in their camp.
Hull KR: Samoa
Another Super League side, another team routing for Samoa. The legacy left by Mose Masoe at Craven Park after his injury has ensured that all Robins fans will always have huge love and affection for him. A former Samoan international having played for them in the 2013 World Cup, the Robins will be in the Samoa camp today.
Leeds Rhinos: Samoa
The Rhinos have no real connection to either team in their current squad. Their former boss Richard Agar has worked closely with Samoa in preparation for the tournament before handing over to Lee Radford. The last Australian international to play for Leeds was Trent Merrin in 2019. However, in 2023 they will have a Samoan international in the squad in the shape of Sam Lisone.
Leigh Leopards: Australia
Finally a team who are likely to be cheering on the green and golds today. That’s because Leigh boss Adrian Lam has been on the coaching staff alongside Mal Meninga.
Salford Red Devils: Samoa
A very easy one, the Red Devils have both Tim Lafai and Ken Sio in the Samoan squad with Lafai likely to play today.
St Helens: Australia
Australia boss Mal Meninga spent some of his career playing for St Helens back in the 1980s and subsequently endeared himself to their fans.
Wakefield Trinity: Samoa
Former Wakefield Trinity boss Willie Poching, who though no longer at the club doesn’t have any ill feeling towards him, is a former captain of Samoa. His son Kobe is still at the club as well. Meanwhile star halfback Mason Lino is a former Samoan international.
Warrington Wolves: Australia
The Wolves have signed two former Australian internationals for 2023 so will side with the Kangaroos today. Though Josh McGuire represented both Australia and Samoa, Paul Vaughan represented Australia alone.
Wigan Warriors: Samoa
Wigan may well side with Samoa today as Willie Isa of the Cherry and Whites is a former Samoan international. Though he played for New Zealand in their warm up against Leeds Rhinos, Isa has represented Samoa previously.