WARRINGTON Wolves star signing for next season, Kiwi-born prop Roy Asotasi, was a surprise omission from the Samoa squad which arrived in town today to prepare for the Rugby League World Cup.
Asotasi, (pictured right) who signed for Warrington on a two-year deal from South Sydney Rabbitohs, was expected to be part of the Samoa team, with many tipping the experienced 31-year-old forward as captain.
But as the team arrived at the Village Hotel, where they will be based for the next month in their host town of Warrington, Head Coach Matt Parish (pictured left) confirmed Asotasi would not be joining the 24 man squad, saying the player was still in Australia.
When asked on the forwards whereabouts and why he hadn’t travelled with the squad he said “You’ll need to ask Roy about that.”
But he said he had 24 young players who were “committed to the Samoa cause.”
The 31-year-old’s career in the southern hemisphere has seen him play for the Canterbury Bulldogs between 2002 and 2006 winning the NRL Premiership in 2004. He made his debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs against the Sydney Roosters in 2007 and has gone on to make over 120 first team appearances for the Rabbitohs.
As a highly experienced forward both in the NRL and at international level Asotasi has captained the Rabbitohs, New Zealand and Samoa.
Meanwhile the 24 man squad was given a warm welcome at the Village Hotel by Council leader Cllr Terry O’Neill, Jan Souness, Chair of Warrington’s World Cup steering Committee and Village Hotel General Manager Donn Timmons. Local school children greeted the team with a special performance of the Haka.(Pictured top)
Jan urged the people of Warrington to get behind the Samoan team after three years planning for the event.
“The team are going to be very visible around the town and we are all routing for Samoa to stay in the competition for as long as possible.”
The Samoans have a warm up game against the England Knights at the weekend and will face New Zealand is their first qualifying game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on October 27, kick off 6pm.
Warrington-worldwide have 5 pairs of tickets to give away for the match – for a chance of winning the tickets simply answer the following question: Name Samoa’s Head Coach.
Simply email the answer to [email protected] titled Rugby League World Cup Tickets.
Winners will be notified by email.
* Wolves boss Tony Smith later revealed that he had spoken to Asotasi, who recently became a father for the second time, who explained he had dropped out of the tour party due to minor knee surgery.
For video coverage of the Samoans arriving including interviews with Matt Parish and Jan Souness CLICK HERE
The Samoan team meet up with Wolfie!
Wolves star signing missing from Samoa World Cup squad
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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Asotasi missing!! sounds a bit ominous with him not joining the team! has he got cold feet for next year with the wire as well! Come on Wolves let us know whats going on and who else you are signing for next season.
TS must do a ‘fergie’ – out with the old and in with the new – play the youngsters and look to finish top 6 next year the next two years after that he will have a very formidable team challenging for everything. TS will then retire and the wire will get Mr Harris in partnership with Mr Briers at the helm!