RLWC Bob Fulton's lessons fuel Mal Meninga's reborn Kangaroos

Australia's last game prior to this World Cup was a 2019 defeat to Tonga. It was the first time since 1978 that the Kangaroos had lost to someone other than England/Great Britain or New Zealand. Mal Meninga's team is 12 months later than originally scheduled. They play Samoa at Old Trafford on Saturday (Sunday AEDT). They are the current defending champions. The team has 13 debutants. Mensa believes his team plays with the passion and commitment that is conducive to being an Australian.

Parish describes Samoa as a "little dot in the Pacific". Australia lost 60-6 to them in tournament opener. Many of Samoan players were born, raised or developed in Australia schools, junior clubs and NRL sides. Samoans around the world have had street parades championing their players.