Matt Parish

Parish, who was ordained as a Samoan chief in an emotional ceremony last December witnessed by many of his players and their families, advised the new Rugby League Samoa executive of his decision after a decade in the role.

Having taken charge of Samoa in 2013, Parish was the longest serving international coach at last year’s World Cup and has made a significant contribution to the rise of the Pacific nations.

He also had charge of Samoa at the 2013 and 2017 World Cups, as well as the 2014 Four Nations tournament, and oversaw numerous Pacific Test victories.

"I don't think it is the big three any more," Parish said. 

"I actually think it is the big six or the big seven because they have changed the international eligibility rules for players and I think the gap between the third and fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh nations isn't that great now."

While Scotland secured a draw with New Zealand during last year's Four Nations and Italy shocked England in a warm-up match before the 2013 World Cup, no tier two country has beaten one of the big three in a Test or major tournament for more than 35 years.