Samoan coach Matt Parish has slammed NRL organisers for their treatment of the national side following Saturday’s Pacific Test.
It has been revealed that Samoan players weren’t paid a match fee for their Test with Tonga, whilst Tongan players received just $500.
Parish told The Daily Telegraph that those in Rugby League’s head office in charge of promoting International Rugby League were ‘weak’.
"No one gets looked after in the Pacific Tests and it’s unfair,” Parish said.
"The NRL pays money for the City and Country, the Kangaroos and the Kiwis players to be paid, but the Pacific nations, as with a lot of things, seem to get overlooked".
Players representing Australia receive around $30,000 per Test match, whilst it’s believed New Zealand players earn closer to $20,000.
Samoan players celebrate after winning the Pacific Test against Tonga at Pirtek Stadium. Source: Getty Images
Saturday’s Pacific Test was well supported again, drawing a raucous crowd of 15,225. But money generated from the contest does not filter back to the players.
Around $180,000 is given to both the Australian and New Zealand Rugby League to help fund the annual Anzac Test, however the four Pacific nations, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Fiji all share about $350,000 between them.
This only further fuels discontent amongst the Pacific nations, following Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett’s decision to stop Anthony Milford from playing for Samoa.
Samoan fans support their side at the Pacific Test against Tonga. Source: Getty Images
Semi Radradra made his debut for Australia last week after changing his allegiance from Fiji, highlighting the growing concern that more Pacific nations players will look to qualify for Australia and New Zealand given the greater financial rewards on offer.
