Dyldam Parramatta Eels utility Joseph Paulo says the USA Tomahawks will come out fighting against the Australian Kangaroos, after their dream run into the quarterfinals at the Rugby League World Cup.
Paulo has caused quite a stir in rugby league circles, captaining the Tomahawks to two Group match victories in USAs debut World Cup.
I never thought we would get this far, Paulo admits.
I was hoping to get one win but credit to these boys, they turn up for every game; from France [as a trial match], Cook Islands and Wales... all these wins.
Now we are here playing against Australia, I can't believe it.
From rank outsiders to winning Group D, Paulo says their victories have united the players much more than he could have expected.
You can just tell we will be mates for life; we are all fighting for something, he said.
Everyone is playing for important reasons, from Matt Petersen playing his last game to Gabe Farley hoping to play his first.
Then there are other guys playing for contracts too - we are here to make memories.
Paulo will come up against his Parramatta Eels teammate Jarryd Hayne in Saturday nights encounter - and despite normally being great mates off the field, the sense of rivalry is heating up.
He hasn't given me much; I texted him to find out if he was coming to my wedding but he hasn't gotten back to me so I think that means he will be playing! Sefa laughed.
At training the boys are telling me to make sure I put a shot on him and I'm like 'Yeah, no worries boys, I got it.
But even more special to Paulo than playing against a teammate, is being able to pull on the USA jersey alongside his brother, Junior Paulo.
To stand side by side and sing the national anthem was really special, and to know your best friend and brother is next to you... its amazing, Sefa said.
There is so much to be proud of with the Tomahawks, we have all made some amazing friendships - there is something special about this group and I'm so glad to be part of it.
Click here to see our Rugby League World Cup hub, with the latest news, video and photos from the United Kingdom!
Paulo has caused quite a stir in rugby league circles, captaining the Tomahawks to two Group match victories in USAs debut World Cup.
I never thought we would get this far, Paulo admits.
I was hoping to get one win but credit to these boys, they turn up for every game; from France [as a trial match], Cook Islands and Wales... all these wins.
Now we are here playing against Australia, I can't believe it.
From rank outsiders to winning Group D, Paulo says their victories have united the players much more than he could have expected.
You can just tell we will be mates for life; we are all fighting for something, he said.
Everyone is playing for important reasons, from Matt Petersen playing his last game to Gabe Farley hoping to play his first.
Then there are other guys playing for contracts too - we are here to make memories.
Paulo will come up against his Parramatta Eels teammate Jarryd Hayne in Saturday nights encounter - and despite normally being great mates off the field, the sense of rivalry is heating up.
He hasn't given me much; I texted him to find out if he was coming to my wedding but he hasn't gotten back to me so I think that means he will be playing! Sefa laughed.
At training the boys are telling me to make sure I put a shot on him and I'm like 'Yeah, no worries boys, I got it.
But even more special to Paulo than playing against a teammate, is being able to pull on the USA jersey alongside his brother, Junior Paulo.
To stand side by side and sing the national anthem was really special, and to know your best friend and brother is next to you... its amazing, Sefa said.
There is so much to be proud of with the Tomahawks, we have all made some amazing friendships - there is something special about this group and I'm so glad to be part of it.
Click here to see our Rugby League World Cup hub, with the latest news, video and photos from the United Kingdom!
