Rugby League World Cup 2008

jgraham

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Those who follow the game of Rugby League will no doubt be aware that the 2008 world cup begins this Saturday in Australia with England taking on Papua New Guinea in the opening game.

Ten teams take part in the competition split up into 3 different groups. The groups are

GROUP A
Australia
England
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea

GROUP B
Fiji
France
Scotland

GROUP C
Ireland
Samoa
Tonga

Tournament favourites are Australia with New Zealand 2nd favourites, and England 3rd.

I'll try and keep this thread updated as best I can with various info and news so as they say watch this space!
 
Australia

Coach: Ricky Stuart. A brilliant half-back during his playing career with Canberra, Canterbury, New South Wales and Australia.

Started his NRL coaching career with Sydney City Roosters before taking charge at Cronulla Sharks, a role the 41-year-old combines with the Kangaroos job he has held since 2006.

Watch out for: Israel Falou. At 6ft 5in and 16st 3lb, the 19-year-old is a fearsomely powerful centre/winger. Not surprisingly nicknamed "Big Man", he became the youngest player to play for the Kangaroos when he played against New Zealand in October 2007 at just 18 years and 194 days old.

World Cup history: A monotonous tale of one success after another since 1975. The Kangaroos have won the tournament nine times, including the last six in a row, and undoubtedly have the most illustrious history of any team to play international rugby league.

Chances: Hot favourites to win in the centenary year of the game in Australia, with bookmakers offering odds as short as 2-9.

It is difficult to argue with their strength in depth, with the NRL seeming to churn out superstar after superstar but England and New Zealand will harbour hopes of ending the Kangaroos' long-standing dominance of the tournament.

Did you know? Terry Campese is the nephew of rugby union legend David. The exciting young stand-off was the ball-boy at his uncle's testimonial match.
 
England

Coach: Tony Smith. Anyone doubting the Australian's commitment to his adopted country should know that the 41-year-old is now a British citizen.

After a respectable but unspectacular playing career, Smith moved into coaching and made his mark at Leeds Rhinos, ending their long wait for a title in 2004 and following it up with another success in 2007.

Watch out for: Rob Burrow. With Smith promising a "high-energy" and entertaining brand of rugby, the stage looks set for the livewire scrum-half to sparkle. As he must tire of hearing, the 5ft 5in Rhinos star is the smallest man in Super League, but his invention and quick feet can make monkeys of the big men around the ruck if his pack can get him on the front foot.

World Cup history: Tricky one this. Great Britain won the trophy three times - in 1954, 1960 and 1972 - and finished runners-up in 1957, 1970, 1977 and 1992. England have chalked up final appearances in 1975 and 1995. The less said about their 2000 World Cup campaign, the better.

Chances: Optimists, including Leeds' Grand Final-winning coach Brian McClennan, believe England will never get a better chance. "England will have a very good World Cup. Australia are ready to be beat - their invincibility tag has gone now," said McClennan.


Morley is a no-nonsense operator who likes to get stuck into the opposition
England certainly have a squad containing players of genuine quality, with the likes of Jamie Peacock and Jamie Graham capable of going toe-to-toe with anybody, and Smith looks to have attended to every detail in his preparations.

But pessimists predict another agonising failure against the all-conquering Aussies. A lot could depend on whether Smith can get inside his players' minds enough to make them believe they have what it takes to beat the Kangaroos.

Did you know? England enforcer Adrian Morley holds an unwanted record for the fastest sending-off in Test history. Back in 2003, he was dismissed after just 12 seconds of Britain's defeat by Australia for his high tackle on Robbie Kearns.
 
Jgraham, mind telling me how this tournament works, I dont know too much about it and may give it a watch.

How does it progress in terms of teams into the next round, especially with one group having four teams. Why are all the favourites in the same group as well...
 
To be fair Keyser i'm not 100% i've got it right the way it works. As far as i understand the top 3 teams in the "super pool" (group A) go through to the semi finals, then the winner of pools B & C play for th eright to be the 4th semi finalist.

If your a RL fan then you'll know that only Eng, Aus & NZ are realistic winners and i guess the reasoning behind the "super pool" is to provide more entertainment and make it more interesting. Its a way of making each game, even in the pool stages as even as possible.

Rugby League isn't a massive sport and so the actual number of teams taking part is low for a World Cup, but i'm sure it'll be a fantastic event.

I hope i've explained enough for you, probably though just muddied the water a little!
 
I see, thanks. Seems a bit of a shame though, what happened to giving the underdog a chance etc! I suppose if those three teams are far superior though it makes sense.

Papua New Guinea are surely a lower ranked or seeded team than some in the other groups such as France though, I may be wrong. Seems they are just there to be the groups whipping boys.
 
KeyserSoze said:
I see, thanks. Seems a bit of a shame though, what happened to giving the underdog a chance etc! I suppose if those three teams are far superior though it makes sense.

Papua New Guinea are surely a lower ranked or seeded team than some in the other groups such as France though, I may be wrong. Seems they are just there to be the groups whipping boys.
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Yeah I think they drew the short straw to be honest.

It'd be nice to see an underdog do something but its highly unlikely, the big 3 arelight years ahead of the rest.

France may be a team to watchout for, they have odds of 100/1 though. Those kind of odds for a tournament that has only 10 teams kinda suggests how little chance there is of any other team winning it.
 
New Zealand (and us) to choke as per.

Tell me Wilkinson's retired already. Don't think I could bare watching another WC of block-block-punt from England. Especially if you win again!
 
How does this group system work?

Four teams in Group A, whilst B and C only have three each?

Do the top two + one + one progress?
 
cesc's_mullet said:
New Zealand (and us) to choke as per.

Tell me Wilkinson's retired already. Don't think I could bare watching another WC of block-block-punt from England. Especially if you win again!
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Your mistaken, this is the league WC cesc, not union. Not as big a tournament in media terms or as well known but still entertaining.

cesc's_mullet said:
How does this group system work?

Four teams in Group A, whilst B and C only have three each?

Do the top two + one + one progress?
Click to expand...

Top 3 in group A progress to the semis, and the best team from groups B & C join them in the semis.

I think anyway!
 
New Zealand

Coach: Stephen Kearney. The former Kiwi captain took over in difficult circumstances in February after his predecessor Gary Kemble resigned in the wake of a player revolt. Still just 36, the former Hull FC second rower is assistant coach with NRL side Melbourne Storm.

Kearney will also benefit from the considerable knowledge of legendary former Brisbane Broncos and Australia coach Wayne Bennett, with the 58-year-old working as an advisor.


Watch out for: David Kidwell. If the gargantuan second rower never pulls on a pair of rugby boots again, his place in the hearts of Kiwi fans is already assured after his thunderous shoulder charge on Australia's Willie Mason in 2006.

Kidwell is a key part of a typically physical and abrasive New Zealand pack, and a player the opposition will certainly treat with healthy respect.

World Cup history: Perennial contenders, New Zealand have taken part in every tournament without making the breakthrough of claiming the trophy. So far, appearances in the final in 1988 and 2000 are as close as they've got.

Chances: Like several other sides, New Zealand have been unable to select their very strongest squad, with Sonny Bill Williams defecting to rugby union and the likes of Brent Webb and Jeff Lima ruled out through injury.

Nevertheless, the clashes with England and old enemies Australia will not be for the faint-hearted, and a place in the final is well within reach for a talented and battled-hardened squad.

Did you know? Massive Kiwi winger Man Utd Vatuvei - all 17st 9lb of him - goes by the nickname "The Beast".
 
Papua New Guinea

Coach: Adrian Lam. The former Wigan scrum-half is a hero in Papua New Guinea, having played at the very highest level in Britain and Australia. Now assistant coach at Sydney Roosters.


Watch out for: John Wilshere. After a great season for Salford in National League One, the 30-year-old will be relishing the chance to show what he can do on the world stage.

With the added responsibility of captaining a rugby league-mad country, the skilful centre should come out all guns blazing.

World Cup history: The Kumuls did not get invited to the tournament until the 1985-88 "World Series" tournament. They lost all eight games in 1992, but enjoyed their best tournament last time out in 2000, winning all three group games to reach the quarter-finals. After losing to Wales in the last eight, the PNG squad was greeted by 70,000 fans on their return home.

Chances: "Stitch-up" is a very ugly phrase, but it's hard not to feel a huge amount of sympathy for the Kumuls after their treatment at the hands of the tournament organisers. Lumped in as a makeweight in a pool containing the three heavyweight teams in Test rugby, PNG have been given virtually no chance of progressing.

There is no doubting the talent and boundless enthusiasm within the squad, but their ability to compete for 80 minutes in successive Tests against Australia, England and New Zealand has to be in doubt.

Did you know? Former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is among PNG veteran Stanley Gene's countless British fans, describing the Hull KR star as "an iconic figure".
 
France

Coach: John Monie. The Australian's name is synonymous with Wigan's period of success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, while he also coached Parramatta Eels, Auckland Warriors and London Broncos before taking the French job in 2005.

Watch out for: Thomas Bosc. The talented Catalans Dragons half-back was a massive part of his side's run to the Super League play-offs this year, and has attracted more than a little interest from union scouts in France. Comfortable in possession, Bosc invariably picks the right option in attack.

World Cup history: Another side to have played in every World Cup, France won the first ever match in World Cup history, beating New Zealand 22-13 on 30 October 1954.

Appearances in the final in 1954 and 1968 are their best efforts so far, with a mixed bag of results making them one of the enigmas of international rugby league.

Chances: Some people are tipping France as dark horses in the tournament, with their squad dominated by much of the Dragons squad which did so well in Super League this year.

But Monie has played down expectations, insisting he just wants his players to be "competitive"

Did you know? The legendary full-back Puig Aubert - regarded by many as the greatest French rugby league player of all-time - was famous for his chain-smoking habit, often enjoying a cigarette during games.
 
Fiji

Coach: Joe Dakuitoga. Played in the 1995 World Cup for Fiji and had spells with the Penrith Panthers and the now defunct Sheffield Eagles. Dakuitoga was appointed coach last year and had been working in rugby league in Fiji since his contract with the Eagles expired in 1997.


Watch out for: Semi Tadulala. The Bradford winger is not just quick but has awesome power, scoring 17 tries this season in a Bulls side which failed to hit top gear. Will be relieved to have escaped suspension for a high tackle on Wigan's Cameron Phelps in the Super League play-offs.

World Cup history: Fiji made their World Cup debut in 1995, thrashing South Africa 52-6 but failing to score against England and Australia. Five years later they defeated Russia but again lost to the Kangaroos and England.

Chances: Face a tough contest against France if they are to qualify from their group. Lack the depth of the likes of Tonga and Samoa.

Did you know? Fiji have prepared for the World Cup with a three-week stint at the Military Forces training base in Nasinu.
 
Scotland

Coach: Steve McCormack. Considered one of the brightest young coaching talents in British rugby league, McCormack's day job sees him in charge of National League One side Widnes.

He was coaching in Super League with Salford at the age of just 28, and has also been at the Whitehaven helm.


Watch out for: Michael Robertson. Any player that scores a hat-trick in the NRL Grand Final has to be taken very seriously indeed, and that is exactly what the 25-year-old Manly winger did in his side's victory over Melbourne Storm.

World Cup history: Only made their first appearance in the 2000 tournament, and it was not an altogether happy experience. Three straight defeats saw a squad featuring the likes of Lee Gilmour and Adrian Vowles crash out at the first hurdle.

Chances: Despite a healthy sprinkling of NRL and Super League players in the squad, there is no question that the Scots are the outsiders in Pool B. A surprise win in either of their group games would represent genuine progress.

"There is no doubt that we are the underdogs in our group but we are quietly confident that, as always, our pride and spirit will shine through in our performance," said McCormack.

Did you know? Scotland have three brothers in their squad, with Andrew, Ian and Kevin Henderson all set to make their World Cup debuts in Australia.
 
Ireland

Coach: Andy Kelly. The former Hull KR and Wakefield forward has been involved in the Ireland set-up for more than eight years and stepped up to the head coach role in 2006.

He left his part-time role as Dewsbury coach earlier this year and will miss out on work in his day job as a self-employed kitchen fitter to travel to Australia.

Watch out for: Pat Richards. The Wigan star was in prolific point-scoring form this season, kicking 100 goals and crossing for 17 tries in Super League. A powerful runner, Richards also shores up the defence and will be a key player.

World Cup history: Made their World Cup debut in 2000, and performed admirably with the likes of Barrie McDermott, Steve Prescott, Chris Joynt and Brian Carney helping them win all three group games before losing 26-16 to England in the quarter-finals.

Chances: Ireland will struggle to match their achievements of 2000, and their chances were not helped by the late withdrawals of NRL duo Brett White and Shannon McDonnell. But with the anticipated support of many neutrals and the large community of Australians with Irish roots, Kelly's team could spring a surprise if they catch either of their pool opponents cold.

Did you know? Ireland flew on the same plane from the UK to Australia as the England players, but had to settle for standard seats while Tony Smith's men travelled in business class
 
Samoa

Coach: John Ackland. He is also assistant coach at New Zealand Warriors, who enjoyed a successful run in the recent NRL play-offs, falling just one game short of the Grand Final.

Watch out for: Ali Lauitiiti. A Grand Final winner with Leeds in 2007 and 2008, Lauitiiti possesses such wonderful off-loading skills that he can produce a pass from seemingly impossible positions. A seasoned international - for New Zealand.

World Cup history: Samoa's only World Cup appearance came in 2000 when the team reached the last eight. They defeated New Zealand Maori and Scotland but lost to Ireland in the group stage. A quarter-final meeting with Australia brought their participation to an abrupt end.

Chances: Samoa have plenty of high-quality players but to qualify for the semis they must win their group. The match with Tonga promises to be a thrilling and decisive encounter.

Did you know? Samoa stand-off Ben Roberts is a first cousin of Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and says the Socceroos star was a useful league player in his youth.
 
Tonga

Coach: Jim Dymock. The Canterbury Bulldogs assistant coach leads Tonga at the competition. He was a member of the Australia squad that won the 1995 World Cup and was a popular figure in Super League during a four-season spell with the London Broncos.

Watch out for: Epalahame Lauaki. The 24-year-old, who has New Zealand union international Sione as one of his nine brothers and sisters, is a force of nature on the field, playing with absolute commitment. His big hits are something best avoided.

World Cup history: Tonga made their debut in 1995, losing by just one point to New Zealand and drawing with Papua New Guinea. The Tongans lost to France and Papua New Guinea at the 2000 tournament but did register their only World Cup victory to date, a 66-18 win over South Africa.

Chances: Plenty of Tonga players have NRL experience. A lot will depend on their crunch game with Samoa but if they qualify from their group they could push for a place in the last four. Many expect them to have good tournament.

Did you know? Former Tonga captain Solomon Haumono quit the game in 2006 to become a professional heavyweight boxer and has won all his fights by knockout. His last ever game of rugby league ended with him being sent off after coming off the bench to get involved in a mass brawl on the pitch.
 
So thats all the teams and some brief info on them.

If some of you are reading this and have never seen a game of Rugby League, but have seen union and get bored by it then give league a watch. Its a much quicker, action packed game and i'm sure you'll not be let down.
 
Australia will win it but I will probably be rooting for New Zealand
 
Although not about the world cup I would like to give a mention to Dave Myers former Widnes, Salford, Wigan, Bradford and Great Britain player who died in the motorway crashes.

Dave Myers RIP
 
the provisional team for the 1st of Englands games against PNG has been revealed, no real surprises. The only position really up for grabs was that of Left wing. Smith had to choose between Mark Calderwood and Lee Smith, Smith is the player who got the nod.

Wellens - Full back (st helens)
Gardner - Right Wing (st helens)
Gleeson - Right Centre (warrington)
Senior - Left Centre (leeds)
Smith - Left Wing (leeds)
Pryce - Stand Off (st helens)
Burrow - Scrum Half (leeds)
Graham - Prop Forward (st helens)
Roby - Hooker (st helens)
Peacock - Prop Forward (leeds)
Ellis - Second Row (leeds)
Hock - Second Row (wigan)
Sinfield - Loose Forward (leeds)

Replacements:
Morley - Prop Forward (warrington)
Fa'asavalu - Prop Forward (st helens)
Wilkin - Second Row/Loose Forward (st helens)
McGuire - Stand Off (leeds)
 
jgraham2704 said:
the provisional team for the 1st of Englands games against PNG has been revealed, no real surprises. The only position really up for grabs was that of Left wing. Smith had to choose between Mark Calderwood and Lee Smith, Smith is the player who got the nod.

Wellens - Full back (st helens)
Gardner - Right Wing (st helens)
Gleeson - Right Centre (warrington)
Senior - Left Centre (leeds)
Smith - Left Wing (leeds)
Pryce - Stand Off (st helens)
Burrow - Scrum Half (leeds)
Graham - Prop Forward (st helens)
Roby - Hooker (st helens)
Peacock - Prop Forward (leeds)
Ellis - Second Row (leeds)
Hock - Second Row (wigan)
Sinfield - Loose Forward (leeds)

Replacements:
Morley - Prop Forward (warrington)
Fa'asavalu - Prop Forward (st helens)
Wilkin - Second Row/Loose Forward (st helens)
McGuire - Stand Off (leeds)
Click to expand...

Fa'asavalu is a terrible choice. He has been average all season.

With that, I get the feeling when McGuire comes on, it'll be for Roby, and Burrow will move upto dummy half.
 
Saints RL MUFC said:
Fa'asavalu is a terrible choice. He has been average all season.

With that, I get the feeling when McGuire comes on, it'll be for Roby, and Burrow will move upto dummy half.
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I wouldn't say he's been in top form all season, far from it but Fa'asavalu does bring something to the team that i don't think any other 'English' forward could and thats impact. You'll no doubt remember the run of games he had earlier in the season in which he came from teh bench and scored with his first touch of the ball.

He's the kind of player we'll need i think. Morley, Peacock and Graham are all quality props in their own right but Maurie is completely different to each.

I Think the same to about McGuire, he's a player that will again provide some impact from the bench, and Roby is the favourite to be spelled every now and then.
 
Despite what appears to be a lack of interest in the RL world cup i'll continue with this thread and hopefully come the end of the competition there'll be a bit more interest in the sport.

Anyways the competition kicked off over the weekend and the first game saw England come up against a tough Papua New Guinea outfit. England went into the game as clear favourites and understandably so, however this pressure and maybe nerves seemed to affect the England team and in the end had were made to work hard for their victory. 32-22 was the final score and hopefully we'll see a much improved performance - especially in defense, when we take on the favourites Australia on Sunday.

In the weekends other fixtures Australia outclassed 2nd favourites New Zealand 30 - 6, dark horses France overcame a stubborn Scotland side 36 - 18, and this morning in probably the best game of the tournament so far Tonga beat Ireland 22 - 20.

No games now until Friday, i'll still try and keep the thread updatd with any news or stories from Down Under!
 
Ireland were very unlucky to lose against Tonga. I didn't realise we had a rugby league team though!
 
Name Changed said:
Ireland were very unlucky to lose against Tonga. I didn't realise we had a rugby league team though!
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They were, was a very close game and was a shame they couldn't quite get the victory.

You'll probably not have heard of the team as Internationals are very few and far between.

Are you a RL fan usually or did you just fancy taking in one of the games?
 
jgraham2704 said:
They were, was a very close game and was a shame they couldn't quite get the victory.

You'll probably not have heard of the team as Internationals are very few and far between.

Are you a RL fan usually or did you just fancy taking in one of the games?
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I'm not really a fan. I'd watch it if it was on, that's about it. I'd prefer Rugby Union but I still like the Rugby League.
 
I've just realised this is being played in Australia.

It may have been worth going along to that last match.

52-4, hehehe.
 
Well what can I say!? A bit of a one sided game wasn't it.

Completely outclassed all over the pitch and we never looked likely to challenge them.

One positive and i use the term positive loosely is if we had have given them a game and dare i say even beat them they'd have been more fired up next time around, which is potentially the final. This way they may go into the game thinking its already won and we'll go into it with a massive point to prove - wishfull thinking i know.
 
rufus diabolus said:
I fell asleep at the end of the first half, how much did we win by?
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:lol:

My pre-tournament optimism has all but been wiped out now.

I think even in the so called lesser groups we'd have struggled against the likes of Samoa & Tonga.

I'm maybe stupidly clinging onto the hope that the players will turn it around and pull something special out of the bag when it matters!
 
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