Samoan coach Matt Parish has backed his trio of stood down players to return to the squad despite being left "very disappointed" with their boozy night out.
Canterbury utility Reni Maitua, Wests Tigers forward Sauaso Sue and North Queensland centre Tautau Moga were overlooked for selection in the Samoa team to play England in Saturday's opening Four Nations match after being investigated for their role in a weekend night club incident. Moga was arrested after a brawl outside the club where fans had been invited to meet the Samoan players. The trio are likely to return in time to play New Zealand in Samoa's next game but the matter remains with the NRL's integrity unit.
Parish was critical of his players for their lack of professionalism and described the events as "a bit of a distraction".
"They are professional athletes and they knew we were training the next day," Parish said. "You've got to turn up in an appropriate condition to train.
"Personally very [disappointed] but that's what rugby league is about. You get your ups and downs you've got to move on. You can't change what's happened. It's how you react to it.
"The group has reacted very positively. We've got a mammoth task in front of us on Saturday. We've trained well.
"They are co-operating and have done everything. There is an inquiry going on. I can only comment on the football side of it.
"We've done what we think is right from a Samoan management and now it's in the hands of the integrity commission."
When asked if he had put the squad on a booze ban for the rest of the tournament Parish replied:
"They are professional athletes, they shouldn't be drinking when they are training should they?"
Maitua, Sue and Moga continue to train with the Samoan squad with Parish resisting the temptation to expel the players from the rest of the tournament
"They've been honest and upfront," Parish said. "They've helped with all the inquiries . It's not an ideal situation. The boys have been good with the way they've cooperated. We've been trying to concentrate on football as much as possible."
The Samoan's are also missing Canterbury centre Tim Lafai who has skipped the game because of his wedding but will re-join the squad in New Zealand. Jesse Sene-Lefao joined the camp on Monday following his wedding last week.
Parish praised the leadership of Canterbury veteran Frank Pritchard.
"Frank Pritchard's added quite a bit to our camp," Parish said. "He's come with a lot of enthusiasm. But so have a lot of guys. Ben Roberts has been terrific., BJ Leilua's had a really good finish to the year at the Knights. He's someone we're really looking to stand up at this tournament. I think he's a very good player."
