Rugby League

Paulo to use past heartbreak to fuel World Cup charge

By Sebastian Tan

Oct 10, 2026

Samoa's Junior Paulo was in good spirits at Saturday's Rugby League World Cup launch in Sydney. -AAP Image

Junior Paulo knows what it feels like to pull yourself from the depths of grand final misery and glowingly represent your country at a Rugby League World Cup weeks later.

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So he's happy to lend a helping hand to his Samoa teammates who are suffering similar heartache.

Parramatta's Paulo had big dreams of winning the NRL grand final in 2022, but they shattered when the forward's side suffered a 28-12 loss to Penrith in the decider.

He had to forge on, and weeks later, he found himself leading Samoa in a historic World Cup final against Australia.

This year four of Samoa's players, Newcastle winger Greg Marzhew, prop Pasami Saulo, and second-rowers Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen will be feeling similar pain after they lost to the Sydney Roosters in the grand final last Sunday.

"I was in the same shoes, losing to Penrith and then (having to play in the) World Cup," Samoa co-captain Paulo said at the tournament's launch on Saturday.

"All you want to do is ... be able to turn it around.

"So for them (Manuleleua and McEwen), they're eager to get back out and play some footy. Hopefully it means they bring the physicality that they do.

"It's time for us to bring them up to being ready to represent Samoa, but also making it enjoyable for them."

Regardless, Paulo cannot wait to lead a star-studded Samoan side when they begin their campaign next Friday against France before facing Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

All eyes are sure to be fixed on star half Jarome Luai after a headline-riddled season where he was announced as the first official signing for the PNG Chiefs from 2028 before later being released by Wests Tigers to join Parramatta for 2027.

"He's (been) just a bit misunderstood by many towards the back end of the year. People were very opinionated about him," said Paulo of his fellow co-captain.

"He's locked in, putting his best foot forward and representing Samoa. He enjoys being in these camps and you can just tell how locked in he is by the first day we got into camp.

"(I) just want to see him evolve as a leader, and grow into the leader he is now. All the boys will be backing him, and luckily, nothing fazes Romey (Luai) too much."

In the lead-up to the tournament, some members of the team also spent some time in Samoa, which Paulo said was an "indescribable" feeling as it reminded the players that what the side is embarking on is for more than themselves.