Leeds assistant coach Willie Poching has agreed to become head coach of Samoa for the Pacific Nations Cup.
Rhinos assistant to lead country in Papua New Guinea
Leeds assistant coach Willie Poching has agreed to become head coach of Samoa for the Pacific Nations Cup.
The 35-year-old former Samoa international worked as John Ackland's assistant for the country last year and is now hoping for greater success when he takes charge at the tournament in Papua New Guinea, which starts in October.
"I have always been immensely proud to represent Samoa and it is an honour to be named head coach," he said.
"John Ackland has done a great job over the past four years to revive Samoan rugby league and now hopefully I can build on the work he has done and continue what he has started.
"The players that he brought on board like Ali Lauitiiti and Tony Puletua will still be involved and we will be using these high profile guys to attract more players to the squad.
"We will name a training squad in the next few weeks and I think people will be surprised by a few of the names who have come forward to represent Samoa."
He added: "For a small country, we do extremely well in sport and not just rugby league and rugby union.
"There are Samoans involved in sport across the globe from sumo to the NFL and, hopefully, if we can produce a successful national side, it will really help put Samoa on the map."
