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TITAN PETE
25-10-11, 10:39 AM
Thought i start a thread for this event as there are qualifying games happening at the moment :thumbsup:

TITAN PETE
25-10-11, 10:41 AM
Lebanon beat Russia on their own turf, boost chances for WC

October 24, 2011 01:04 AM
The Daily Star

BEIRUT: Lebanon beat Russia 32-0 over the weekend, boosting the Cedars team’s chances of qualifying for the 2013 Rugby World Cup.

The Cedars team, who were at a distinct disadvantage because of lack of training facilities and unfamiliar windy and freezing weather in the town of Veraya, Russia, still managed Saturday to pull off a crushing defeat of the Bears, their Russian counterparts.

“It’s a win, but a lot of factors affected our performance,” the NRL website quoted Lebanese coach David Baysarri as saying. Baysarri emphasized that he was just satisfied to come away with a victory.

“We all had to endure freezing conditions, which we’re not used to,” the coach added.

The freezing weather was hardly the only challenge Lebanon’s rugby team has had to contend with lately.

The Lebanese Rugby League, which started around 10 years ago, still has a long way to go before it can generate a real following among youths and sports fans. In spite of this, a few dedicated people have made sure that Lebanon has gotten its own rugby union, league and university competition.

Indeed, if the Cedars’ performance in their first two games of the World Cup qualifying matches are any indication then the team appears to have all the talent and determination it needs to go all the way.

Last week, the Cedars kicked off their Rugby League World Cup qualifying campaign with a stellar 96-4 victory against Serbia.




(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

TITAN PETE
25-10-11, 10:43 AM
Jamaica set to enter Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers
by Phil Caplan on Tuesday 18 Oct 2011 10:18

Jamaica have stepped up their preparations for their bow in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup Atlantic Qualifiers.

The reggae rugby boys, who include Wigan's Karl Pryce in their 20-man squad, face South Africa in Philadelphia on Wednesday, 19th October , the Rhinos having lost 40-4 against USA in the opening round at the weekend.

"Through some hard work behind the scenes at the Jamaica Rugby League Association we have been able to fund an extra day in the USA to aid our preparations," said Jamaica coach Dean Thomas. "We have had three good sessions in the UK at Heworth and done some quality work at our USA training base."

He continued, "We are fully prepared for what will be a battle royal. South Africa will be keen to avoid the wooden spoon and I am sure they will throw everything at us.

"They will be enthusiastic and committed. We need to ensure we have a good defensive attitude and play intelligent rugby league when in possession."

The Rhinos, whose squad is exclusively made up of domestic players, have been forced into one change after defeat to the Tomahawks, Christof Swanepoel suffering a mild concussion. Gerhard de Wet, an exciting youngster from Tuk Bulls, who was a stand out in the warm up game against Canada, comes in to the reckoning.

"The game against the USA was tougher than expected," claimed South Africa skipper Andre Loader. "They fielded basically a fully professional team and the difference in experience showed. The match was played at a higher intensity and quality than we are used to.

"However, the boys dug deep and showed a lot of heart, great spirit, commitment and dedication and I am extremely proud to have been on the field with them.

"The Jamaican team is similar to the USA. However, the guys had a chat and they aim to give the Jamaicans a good go. We know this will be another test of character and it only serves as motivation for us."

JAMAICA 20-man squad
Wayne Allen (Batley Bulldogs), Ashley Johnson (Coventry Bears), Romaen Campbell, Roy Calvert, Ryan Grant (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Joseph Brown (Gateshead Thunder), Jode Sheriffe, Paul White (Halifax), Lamont Bryan, Omari Caro (Harlequins), Ross Peltier (Huddersfield Giants), Richie Barnett, Waine Pryce (Hunslet Hawks), Jymel Coleman, Jamaine Wray (Keighley Cougars), Danny Bravo (Leeds Rhinos), Corey Hanson (Sheffield Eagles), Karl Pryce (Wigan Warriors) Sandino Hastings, Tyronie Rowe (Vauxhall Rugby Club).

SOUTH AFRICA 20-man squad
Henry du Toit, Stevie Meyer, Gerrie Slabber, (Bloemfontein Roosters, Orange Free State), Francois Greyvensteyn, Christo Joubert, Andre Loader, Andre Olwagen, Rudi Prinsloo (Brakpan Bears, Eastern Gauteng), Johan Fritz (Middelburg Tigers, Mpumalanga Province), Gerhard de Wet, Hans du Plessis, Riaan Engelbrecht, Deon Kraemer, Christo Louw, Sivive Mpondo, JP Nel, Pieter van der Nest, Marcelle Slabbert, Jonothan Soares, Rupert Wells (Tuks Bulls, Northern Gauteng).

TITAN PETE
25-10-11, 10:45 AM
USA beat Jamaica to secure 2013 Rugby League World Cup berth

? Tomahawks beat Jamaica 40-4 in Philadelphia

? USA to face Wales and Cook Islands in Group D



guardian.co.uk, Monday 24 October 2011 09.46 BST


The 2013 Rugby League World Cup will be hosted by England and Wales and contested by 14 teams.

The United States were celebrating the culmination of nearly 15 years' work after becoming the 13th nation to secure their place in the 2013 World Cup.

The Tomahawks will line up alongside Wales and the Cook Islands in Group D after beating Jamaica 40-4 in Philadelphia to win the Atlantic zone qualifying group.

It was third time lucky for the States, who lost out to Lebanon in qualifying for the 2000 event and were beaten by Samoa in the preliminary stages of the last World Cup in 2008.

The head coach, Matt Elliott, who was formerly in charge at Bradford, said: "There's been some tough defeats and some near misses. I think the first thing to do is to recognise what everyone did prior to this."

The United States lost all three matches in the 1995 Emerging Nations Cup, which was played alongside the Centenary World Cup in Britain, and Elliott believes the Jamaicans will make similar progress in the years to come.

"They're probably going through the same process as the USA did," he said. "They deserve a heap of credit, the whole coaching staff and all the players."

The final spot in the 14-team World Cup will be decided on Saturday when unbeaten Italy and Lebanon meet in the last round of the European zone qualifying competition in Belgrade.

The winners of that match will line up alongside Scotland and Tonga in Group C.

TITAN PETE
25-10-11, 10:52 AM
Italy set up World Cup qualifier decider

A hat trick by skipper Anthony Minichiello saw Italy book a 2013 Rugby League World Cup decider against Lebanon next week, after a 52-6 win in Belgrade against Serbia in their latest European Zone Qualifier.



The veteran Sydney Rooster crossed twice in the first eight minutes as the Azzurri made the early running but the Serbs, who were rocked by the pre-match withdrawal of their most experienced player Dalibor Vukanovic with a hamstring problem, were no pushovers.

Italy head coach Carlo Napolitano was pleased to keep the bandwagon rolling. ?The game started very passionately, both sides got stuck into one another and the Serbs dragged us into an arm wrestle,? he commented.

?The passages where we stuck to our structure made it very difficult for Serbia to live with us. Riethmuller and Ciraldo were leaders in the middle and Mantellato was outstanding but the Serbs never gave up.?

He added, ?They have heaps of potential, with some big units. It will take them a couple of years to improve that much more but they played really well, controlling the ruck well and defending very bravely.?

?We'll need to improve on our lapses of concentration ahead of next week and do some work on tightening our defence.?

After Minichiello?s initial blitz, on the back of some fine, expansive handling, Serbia regrouped and kept the visitors scoreless for the next ten minutes.

Joel Riethmuller edged the Italians further in front and two tries in three minutes around the half hour mark.

Centre Matt Parrata crossed and man of the match for the second successive week, winger Josh Mantellato, who also kicked eight goals, saw the Italians 28-0 ahead at the break.

Serbia had their moment of glory from the kick off to the second half, Italy spilling the ball, the hosts re-gathering and Zoran Pesic scooting over from acting half back, Adam Nedić goaling.

Three touchdowns in ten minutes soon after, from Dom Nasso, Minichiello with his third and Rhys Lennarduzzi restored the visitor?s supremacy and although Lennarduzzi crossed for his second to bring up the half century, the Serbians finished the stronger.

Vic Mauro was sinbinned in the 66th minute for alleged foul play and the home side dominated possession and territory for the remainder of the game without being able to turn that into what would have been deserved points.

It was a performance that left Serbian Technical Director Lee Crooks suitably impressed. ?It was a very pleasing performance in the context of the vast difference in experience of the two sides,? he said.

?The amount of effort and enthusiasm was outstanding and our control and structure was vastly improved, this week we made collisions stick and stifled the Italians.?

?We don't have that sense of game awareness yet but we'll keep working on it this week. We had Italy on the back foot for long passages in the game, we did the basics much better and put them under sustained pressure but weren't always able to take advantage of it.?

?We go into next week with a lot of confidence. Russia must have played magnificently to limit Lebanon to 32 points and it's a massive game for both sides.?

He proudly noted, ?This match has put Serbian Rugby League on the map. It was a massive performance. Today epitomises the development that's going on here.?



SERBIA 6 (0)

Ivan ?u?njara, Neboj?a ?ivanović, Milo? Ćalić, Danilo Delić, Radovan Tajsić, Adam Nedić, Nik?a Unković, Ilija Radan, Austen Novaković, Dejan Lukenić, Lazar ?ivković, Stefan Nedeljković, Soni Radovanović. Subs: Zoran Pe?ić, Vladan Kikanović, Aleksandar Aleksić,Vuk Tvrdi?ić



Try: Pe?ić (41)

Goal: Nedić



ITALY 52 (28)

Anthony Minichiello (c), Josh Mantellato, Dom Nasso, Matt Parrata, Fabrizio Ciaurra, Ben Stewart, Ryan Ghietti, Vic Mauro, Jonathan Marcinczak, Alex Ranieri, Cameron Ciraldo, Joel Riethmuller, Rhys Lennarduzzi. Subs: Dean Vicelich, Matthew Sands, Ray Nasso, Ryan Tramonte



Tries: Minichiello (5, 8, 50), Riethmuller (19), Parrata (28), Mantellato (31), D. Nasso (45), Lennarduzzi (55, 65)

Goals: Mantellato 8

TITAN PETE
25-10-11, 10:56 AM
Italy set up World Cup qualifier decider

Three touchdowns in ten minutes soon after, from Dom Nasso, Minichiello with his third and Rhys Lennarduzzi restored the visitor?s supremacy and although Lennarduzzi crossed for his second to bring up the half century, the Serbians finished the stronger.




I hope the Yanks are not involved in any more reporting of any Rugby League matches :laugh: :laugh:

DIEHARD
25-10-11, 12:23 PM
I hope the Yanks are not involved in any more reporting of any Rugby League matches :laugh: :laugh:

Hahaha did you ever hear the commentary for the Souths v Leeds game in Jacksonville or the Liberty Cup Australia vs USA?

It was full of it.

I enjoyed Jamaica vs USA vs Canada.

But the USA really need to sort out their civil war and unify with the USARL. Im utter sick of it. Likewise with the two Italian leagues.

I really hope Lebanon qualifies, they deserve it and are authentic and have been ticking the right boxes for years. :thumbsup:

I cant wait for the 2013 World Cup! Not far away now! :banana:

Boofhead
25-10-11, 04:01 PM
1. Anthony Minichiello
3. Joel Monaghan
4. Chris Nero
6. Terry Campese
7. Grant Rovelli
8. Aidan Guerra
9. Michael Monaghan
11. Rocky Trimarchi
12. Mark Minichiello
13. Anthony Laffranchi

14. Cameron Ciraldo

Italy for WC2013!

GC_Titans_Fan
26-10-11, 10:41 PM
I hope the Yanks are not involved in any more reporting of any Rugby League matches :laugh: :laugh:

What's wrong with what you highlighted?

Nothing wrong with that at all, if they start changing terminology of plays in rugby league then good on them, it'll probably help them spread the game in the US if the game has aspects that are known to them and that they can relate too then it'll only help. There is already difference in terminology between Australia and England on positions and most Europe countries don't even call the sport Rugby League. Never underestimate local angles. I wouldn't mind if they started calling tackles 'downs' and change the name of the sport to 6-down-football. As long as they play it and become passionate about it.

On the USA qualifying, this can only be good for rugby league. Hopefully off the back of this rugby league can grow and get more exposure over there. I've already seen news and magazine articles on rugby league and appearances on sports shows since the USA qualified for their first ever world cup.

Between now and the world cup, I wouldn't mind the two USA competitions co-existing as long as they both develop the game, spread the game and advertise the game. If they are doing this then there is no problem. The only change I want is for the USARL players be considered for the USA national team!

TITAN PETE
31-10-11, 01:03 PM
Italy qualify for final Cup spot in dramatic fashion

NRL.com Sun, Oct 30, 2011 - 2:35 PM

There were tears aplenty and high emotions on both sides in Belgrade as Italy became the 14th and final nation to qualify for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup for the first time in their history.

The Azzurri secured a place in Group C of the main tournament on points? difference thanks to a 78th minute drop goal from scrum half Ryan Ghietti, given by referee Thierry Alibert, which secured a 19-19 draw with luckless Lebanon.

The Cedars had fought back from an 18-0 half time deficit and looked set to have prized victory when Nadim Couri?s one-pointer edged them in front with only four minutes remaining. However, from the restart, Lebanon fumbled possession and in the resulting set, Northern Pride?s Ghietti struck to devastating effect.

The difference for qualification ultimately came down to Lebanon not scoring enough points in the second half of their match in Russia the week before when, having built up a 26 point lead, they were restricted to only one other score in the second period while Italy?s bigger win over Serbia saw them go into the crunch clash with an eight point advantage.

The outcome left Italian coach Carlo Napolitano in a state of shock. ?My overwhelming feeling is one of joy and relief,? he said. ?When Lebanon slotted their drop goal over to lead I slumped into my chair, it was a surreal moment, I thought it was 1999 again when we lost to the Cedars in a World Cup qualifier.?

?I called for a short kick off and we managed to get the ball back and equalise, I can hardly believe it,? he added ?We lost Ranieri and Ciraldo in the first half with shoulder and rib injuries and, full credit to Lebanon, they attacked us and knew we couldn?t get relief from bench.?

?In terms what the result means to rugby league in Italy, its hard gauge moment. I hope the public support us and numbers get down to the clubs in the country to grow the sport over the next important two years.?

A first minute altercation in front of a vibrant Serbian crowd set the tone for a physical encounter but poor discipline by Lebanon ? including dissent - proved to be their initial undoing, losing the penalty count 7-2 in the first half, and 11-6 overall, when they conceded three converted tries.

By the end of the first quarter, prop Alex Ranieri and back rower Cameron Ciraldo had been forced from the field but when the Cedars failed to diffuse a steepling bomb and conceded a second set of six near their own line, Italian loose forward Ben Falcone latched on to a fine offload to open the scoring, Josh Mantellato goaling.

On the half hour, Lebanon looked as though they would level but a knock on ruined a long Nick Kassis break and almost immediately Italy struck for their second score, Ben Stewart crossing and Mantellato adding the extras.

The impressive Wyong winger, who has had a terrific qualifying tournament, then went over five minutes from the break on the end of a flowing passing move, the decisive last, long ball coming from skipper Anthony Minichiello; Mantellato landing the conversion to take his points tally to ten.

Lebanon, revived by coach David Baysarri?s exhortations during the interval, came out with renewed intent at the start of the second period, a long Ray Moujali break in the 42nd minute again ending in squandered possession.

Soon after, another Kassis bust set the position Adnan El Zabedieh to go over, Couri goaling and momentum began to shift. It was transformed with two tries in as many minutes in the lead up to the hour as first Moujali powered over and, with the Cedars making ground with every set, a kick on the last tackle took a fortunate bounce and James Boustani was on hand to take a scoring offload, Couri adding his third successful conversion to level.

The final, increasingly tense and dramatic quarter looked to be heading for stalemate as the Italian defence tightened, Couri missing a drop goal attempt with eight minutes to go. He landed his next effort but then, with the short kick off spilt, Ghietti stepped up to be the hero.

It was Lebanon?s third draw, after two against Ireland in the lead up to the 2008 World Cup, and again it ultimately cost them qualification.

Italian Azzurri:
Tries: Ben Falcone, Ben Stewart, Josh Mantellato
Goals: Josh Mantellato 3 from 3
Field Goals: Ryan Ghietti 1
Team: Anthony Minichiello, Josh Mantellato, Dom Nasso, Matt Parrata, Christophe Calegari, Ben Stewart, Ryan Ghietti, Alex Ranieri, Ray Nasso, Vic Mauro, Cameron Ciraldo, Joel Riethmuller, Ben Falcone; Subs: Dean Vicelich, Rob Quitadamo, Ryan Tramonte, Rhys Lenarduzzi

Lebanon Cedars:
Tries: Adnan El Zabedieh, Ray Moujali, James Boustani
Goals: Nadim Couri 3 from 3
Field Goals: Nadim Couri 1
Team: Adnan Saleh, Adnan El Zabedieh, Danny Barakat, Adham Elzabedieh, Clifton Nye, James Boustani, Nadim Couri, Charlie Farah, Jamie Clark, Khaled Deeb, Ahmed Ellaz, Steve Azzi, Ray Moujali; Subs: Chris Saab, Nick Kassis, Allen Soultan, Robin Hachache

TITAN PETE
31-10-11, 01:06 PM
Italy qualify for final Cup spot in dramatic fashion

NRL.com Sun, Oct 30, 2011 - 2:35 PM

There were tears aplenty and high emotions on both sides in Belgrade as Italy became the 14th and final nation to qualify for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup for the first time in their history.


It was Lebanon?s third draw, after two against Ireland in the lead up to the 2008 World Cup, and again it ultimately cost them qualification.

Italian Azzurri:
Tries: Ben Falcone, Ben Stewart, Josh Mantellato
Goals: Josh Mantellato 3 from 3
Field Goals: Ryan Ghietti 1
Team: Anthony Minichiello, Josh Mantellato, Dom Nasso, Matt Parrata, Christophe Calegari, Ben Stewart, Ryan Ghietti, Alex Ranieri, Ray Nasso, Vic Mauro, Cameron Ciraldo, Joel Riethmuller, Ben Falcone; Subs: Dean Vicelich, Rob Quitadamo, Ryan Tramonte, Rhys Lenarduzzi

Lebanon Cedars:
Tries: Adnan El Zabedieh, Ray Moujali, James Boustani
Goals: Nadim Couri 3 from 3
Field Goals: Nadim Couri 1
Team: Adnan Saleh, Adnan El Zabedieh, Danny Barakat, Adham Elzabedieh, Clifton Nye, James Boustani, Nadim Couri, Charlie Farah, Jamie Clark, Khaled Deeb, Ahmed Ellaz, Steve Azzi, Ray Moujali; Subs: Chris Saab, Nick Kassis, Allen Soultan, Robin Hachache

Got to feel sorry for Lebanon for coming so close again :?) , but at least they still have the Bulldogs :laugh:

DIEHARD
31-10-11, 05:21 PM
Got to feel sorry for Lebanon for coming so close again :?) , but at least they still have the Bulldogs :laugh:

More evidence that we really need an Emerging Nations World Cup once again!

I remember years ago starting a petition to bring back the World Cup, well now Rugby League needs an ENWC. Itd do more good than many other projects. We need to give something for nations to aim for and to pitch funding proposals for.

Boofhead
31-10-11, 08:55 PM
Hell yes. Go the Azzurri!

TITAN PETE
29-11-11, 08:39 AM
Four countries to stage 2013 RL World Cup

AAP Mon, Nov 28, 2011 - 10:06 PM


Four countries - England, Wales, Ireland and France - will host the 2013 rugby league World Cup, the Rugby Football League announced on Monday.

The group stages and quarter-finals of the competition, involving 14 teams, will take place at 18 venues including Avignon and Perpignan in France and Ireland's rugby union stronghold of Thomond Park.

Venues for the the opening ceremony, the semi-finals and the final, as well as the precise fixtures, will be confirmed early next year.

The quarter-finals will be held at Headingley, Warrington and Wigan in England and Wrexham in Wales.

Tournament director Nigel Wood said: "We experienced massive interest in hosting matches from all across Europe and we have had to make some tough decisions.

"We are excited that the tournament will visit established world-class rugby league venues but will also visit some new locations, including Bristol and Whitehaven, where we see unique opportunities to grow the game and to deliver a lasting legacy for our sport."

The tournament will consist of two pools of four and two of three.

Australia have been drawn alongside England, Fiji and Ireland in Group A while holders New Zealand will face Papua New Guinea, Samoa and France in Group B.

Scotland will face Tonga and Italy in Group C and Wales have been drawn against the Cook Islands and the United States in Group D.

RIP
10-12-11, 04:53 PM
Dose anyone have an idea when they (world cup/RLIF) will release the fixtures and the venues where they will be playing at. *I know they have release the venues of where games will be hold*

DIEHARD
10-12-11, 07:16 PM
Dose anyone have an idea when they (world cup/RLIF) will release the fixtures and the venues where they will be playing at. *I know they have release the venues of where games will be hold*

I actually heard that they will be making venue announcements in the next couple weeks. I hope they get the balance right but also take games to Wembley and France and Wales.

DIEHARD
25-04-12, 08:37 PM
RLWC2013 pulls out of Whitehaven

Rugby League World Cup 2013 have announced today that the Scotland v Tonga and Scotland v Italy matches will no longer take place in Whitehaven.

As a result of decisions taken by their consortium partners, Copeland Borough Council are no longer able to guarantee the building of Pow Beck Stadium within the timeframe required by the tournament.

Sally Bolton RLWC2013 General Manager said ?When selecting Copeland as a host RLWC2013?s selection committee were very supportive of the idea of building a new stadium in Whitehaven as a way of growing the game in West Cumbria.

?The fact that Copeland Borough Council's partners are no longer able to deliver that is disappointing as the area will not benefit from being part of RLWC2013, the biggest sporting event in the UK to take place after London 2012.

?As the Copeland bid was predicated on the building of a new stadium our strategy always included a robust contingency plan, which has now been put into place and we will announce the replacement venues shortly."

Source: http://www.RugbyLeagueWorldCup.com

The Mole
23-11-12, 08:44 AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-stars-happy-to-turn-out-for-italy-in-rugby-league-world-cup-for-free/story-e6frep5x-1226522351081

DIEHARD
23-11-12, 06:01 PM
Italy will be a strong team and a dark horse.

It's just a shame that the domestic league is split into two with one rebel league. Just like USA. That has to end.

I hope Italy can build off the World Cup

GC_Titans_Fan
24-11-12, 12:39 AM
I'm really hoping the World Cup can be really huge for Italt and the USA. Would be so much bigge for those countries if there weren't splits though.

DIEHARD
27-11-12, 06:33 AM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255083_454380021288832_1730589028_n.jpg

Love the Italian Rugby League jersey.

Titanic
27-11-12, 09:50 AM
Whoever is second from the left looks like he should be in a maternity ward.

TITAN PETE
27-11-12, 03:15 PM
Whoever is second from the left looks like he should be in a maternity ward.

Too much Pasta :rolleyes:

DIEHARD
02-01-13, 05:53 PM
I got my World Cup beanies in the post from the RFL. They were offered as part of the early bird ticket program. Love them.

GC_Titans_Fan
02-01-13, 08:40 PM
They look a bit plain don't they?

DIEHARD
21-01-13, 01:23 PM
Kiwis preparing for Rugby League World Cup

With an eye to the Rugby League World Cup, a Kiwis training squad will assemble in Sydney this weekend for a two-day training camp.

30 players have been invited to attend the first gathering of the year.

NZRL general manager of high performance Tony Kemp says it's a big year for rugby league and big year for the Kiwis and the camp allows them to set the bar for 2013.

At the camp, the players will be involved in sessions looking at sports science, leadership, mental skills and medical elements.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney and his assistant Tony Iro will also run game-specific clinics.

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz

DIEHARD
21-01-13, 01:24 PM
They look a bit plain don't they?

I think they are great, in the RLWC colours.

DIEHARD
22-04-13, 06:23 AM
After enjoying the Anzac Test on Friday I am now crunching the numbers and dates to see if I can get there for the World Cup.

Maybe get there for the 1/4s - Final. A month is a bit too much of an ask.

DIEHARD
17-09-13, 11:55 AM
I'm gonna be fangurling so hard over the World Cup... starting now!

DIEHARD
25-09-13, 04:11 PM
Got my World Cup tickets in the mail today. Unfortunately I probably need to made the decision to not attend. The tickets look rad.

shamus
25-09-13, 10:36 PM
Got my World Cup tickets in the mail today. Unfortunately I probably need to made the decision to not attend. The tickets look rad.

Jesus I must be old............I thought rad was good?? :?)

Chaserz
29-09-13, 02:33 AM
Oof, I had a board meeting the other day, regarding the qualification opportunities for European countries to qualify in the next World Cup (that is, all other countries aside from England). The RLEF has proposed a complicated scheme for the future, I still have to figure it out, somehow...

Anyway, few fellow mates are going too, since it's just across the North Sea for us... if work allows me -_-...

DIEHARD
29-09-13, 09:18 AM
Hope you can make it Chaserz. Keep us informed.

Yea I meant rad as good. I'll post some pics when I can of the tickets. Might be time for a new Roos jersey too. I can't believe it's been 5 years since the 2008 World Cup. Which was an amazing experience and a successful World Cup for our sport.

Still wondering how the Kangaroos will look. Any bolters?

Titanic
29-09-13, 09:29 AM
Looks like I can make the PNG/France game in the first round, it's at Hull and I will be in London for meetings :-)

DIEHARD
29-09-13, 09:31 AM
Looks like I can make the PNG/France game in the first round, it's at Hull and I will be in London for meetings :-)

Oh what a great fixture. PNG v France. That'd be one of my picks of the pool games to attend.

Chaserz
29-09-13, 07:10 PM
Awk, that would be cool man.

I'm still checking on flights on Oct 26th to Cardiff to see AUS vs ENG opening match, but the returning flights on the same day or the day after are quite expensive, especially for the given distance.

I'll check on my fellow board members what they are up to :). Then again, I have had some serious bills coming in here, so I need to take off my own financial matters first maybe...

DIEHARD
07-10-13, 09:37 PM
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-to3bQuEg0k?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

DIEHARD
10-10-13, 11:16 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/1382293_617840388257208_360768471_n.jpg

DIEHARD
10-10-13, 11:21 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/539690_617430754964838_1026546341_n.jpg

DIEHARD
10-10-13, 11:21 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1377602_618063591568221_1868541252_n.jpg

DIEHARD
10-10-13, 11:56 PM
Rabbitohs' early exit has silver lining for Kangaroos star Greg Inglis

Greg Inglis is confident the knee that plagued him throughout the second half of the season won't destabilise his World Cup campaign.

Inglis declared himself a certain starter for the Kangaroos, ending doubt that his troublesome knee would force his withdrawal from the tournament. The South Sydney fullback, who will switch back to the centres for Australia, was well down on his best form after tearing his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the opening half of Queensland's victory in Origin III.

Originally expected to miss up to eight weeks with the injury, he missed only three games before battling on.

Inglis said he had struggled to adjust to playing with discomfort, as South Sydney again fell agonisingly one game short of a grand final appearance with a 30-20 loss to Manly.

Advertisement Their early exit allowed Inglis to give his knee a much needed rest.

“The season is over and a new chapter begins and that's representing the Aussie squad,” Inglis said. “[We're] still licking our wounds [at South Sydney].

“In the end in the NRL for the South Sydney Rabbitohs it wasn't to be this year. Fingers crossed for next year. We have to knuckle down and work harder.

“When you have a PCL you have to get used to the feeling and everything back in your knee. You've got to get used to the bumps and bruises you can get. I felt things in there that I haven't felt before.

“Over a few weeks I started to get the same niggles and I knew what it was and kept going on it.

“Towards the back end of the season I kept producing better games week to week. I was out there training a bit with the boys. The first few weeks I was behind training wise.”

Inglis said he wouldn't risk playing in the tournament if he felt he would do further damage.

“This is the highest accolade you can get playing this sport.” Inglis said. “I love representing Australia and I love spending time with the boys.

“Wearing the green and gold you've got to represent the best you can.”

The pain of Australia's 2008 World Cup defeat to New Zealand still haunts Inglis. Inglis played in the 34-20 loss, just one of two times he has tasted defeat in 23 appearances for Australia.

“It still hurts,” Inglis said. “The Kiwis have all the bragging rights in the world. They are the world champions. Hopefully we can go over there and walk away with it. It's not going to be an easy road.

“We have England straight up.”

The Kangaroos leave for England on Monday.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league

DIEHARD
11-10-13, 05:14 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1375948_618029524904961_1891652219_n.jpg

DIEHARD
11-10-13, 06:35 PM
My teams...

Australia
France (Can't ever not love them and hope they return to former glory)
PNG
Wales

DIEHARD
14-10-13, 12:34 AM
Kangaroos' Tate ready for best ever RLWC

Australian centre Brent Tate believes the Rugby League World Cup starting this month will be the toughest in the competition's history.

More than 120 top-line NRL players will be in action in the 16-team tournament that kicks-off on October 26 when the Kangaroos take on England at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

And North Queensland star Tate said Sonny Bill Williams' u-turn decision to play for defending champions New Zealand only added to the tournament's lustre although it could spell trouble for Australia's bid to reclaim the trophy they once dominated.

"As a fan it's great that he's playing, but not as a player. But it shows how seriously everyone is taking this World Cup," Tate told AAP.

"It's a big challenge for us. It's over there in England in their conditions and their team now has plenty of NRL experience and Sonny going to the Kiwis is going to lift them immensely.

"You be foolish to think you can just turn up and win.

"I think it's going to the best World Cup rugby league has seen."

Tim Sheens' side will face an England side containing three of South Sydney's Burgess brothers, Canterbury's player of the year James Graham in addition to Sam Tomkins and Lee Mossop, who are joining the Warriors and Parramatta respectively next year.

But Tate warned attention must be paid to Tonga and Samoa who have a host of quality NRL players in their line ups.

Tonga will have Manly's Jorge Taufua and Brent Kite in their side in addition to Sydney Roosters grand final hero Daniel Tupou with Samoa likely to field South Sydney prop Roy Asotasi and Canberra excitement machine Anthony Milford.

"When you look at all the developing nations like Tonga and Samoa they have some real good players.

"Then you have England with the Burgess brothers and New Zealand with all their players it is going to be a real challenge for us."

Tate, who was part of the squad that lost to the Kiwis in the 2008 final in Brisbane, admits he never thought he'd get the chance to pull on the green and gold jersey again after undergoing a third knee reconstruction in 2010.

The Queensland centre tore his anterior cruciate ligaments in the Four Nations final defeat to New Zealand but has recovered well to reclaim his spot in the international side.

"Thinking back to 2008 I didn't even think I'd be playing rugby league in 2013," he said.

"I missed the last final through injury but I remember the feeling I had for a couple of months after, it was pretty bad.

"I must admit after that injury I didn't know the future held for me.

"But now I am back and I am desperate to be part of a team that brings the World Cup back to Australia."

Source: http://www.NRL.com

DIEHARD
18-10-13, 08:18 PM
World Cup Sin Bin: Big crowd tipped for tournament opener
Steve Mascord

The opening game of the 1995 World Cup – the one against which all since have been measured – attracted 41,271 fans to Wembley.

OK, that was only one game – between Australia and England. But there are signs that next Saturday's opening double header, which tacks on Wales v Italy to the same fixture, at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, will draw more.

That's what organisers are saying, anyway. The reason England are playing Australia on “neutral” ground is straightforward: there is no need to over-burden the London market before the semi-final double-header at Wembley on November 23 and fans from the north have supported an entire Super League round being played in Cardiff in the past.

If the prices of accommodation are anything to go by, the city is just about sold out. There are still rooms at the Park Plaza and the Hilton if you've left it late – for $493 or $525 a pop. But the key opportunity that awaits rugby league over the next seven weeks is to finally establish the brands of the national teams and wash away residual cynicism, particularly in Australia where the money is.

Advertisement These teams, boasting recognisable faces, will be on television and on news bulletins, for five days straight, then after a 24-hour break, another five days straight and then the same again. While sponsoring an NRL team might be beyond many businesses, the idea of getting behind a national side should begin to take seed in the minds of potential backers and media companies if the events are well run and there aren't too many blow-outs. These are teams with millions of dollars worth of NRL and Super League talent that are commercially under-resourced, almost pristine; big billboards waiting to be filled, television properties available to be sold who would play more games between World Cups if people would fund them. It seems like rugby league has been put in the clear with the line open. But just watch those tufts of grass jump out of the ground and pull off the shoulder charges between now and November 30.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/world-cup-sin-bin-big-crowd-tipped-for-tournament-opener-20131017-2vput.html#ixzz2i4FMArSb

DIEHARD
18-10-13, 10:36 PM
HUDDERSFIELD SELL-OUT LEADS THE WAY AS WORLD CUP FEVER GROWS

Rugby League World Cup 2013 announced today that the England v Ireland game at Huddersfield is the first game to sell out. Organisers are confident that the tournament will be the best attended Rugby League World Cup ever.

Since the Super League and NRL Grand Finals, interest in RLWC2013 has grown massively with ticket sales rising day by day as the tournament rolls out the final stages of its marketing strategy.

RLWC2013 Tournament Director Nigel Wood said “The immediate pre-tournament period was always seen as crucial to the success of RLWC2013 and I am delighted that our marketing team have succeeded in getting the tournament talked about everywhere and in every medium.

“Over 35,000 people are visiting the RLWC2013 website every day, and we have had to disappoint some people as, quite frankly, certain category tickets are simply sold out.”

In addition to the sell out at Huddersfield, fans have also been clamouring for tickets at other venues. There are no seating tickets left at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington where New Zealand take on Samoa, nor the Workington games where Scotland take on Tonga and Italy. In addition the Main Stand is completely sold out at Rochdale where Fiji play Ireland.

Wood added: “It’s not just the smaller venues that are going well. The three flag ship, premium, events are well on the way to setting new records.

“The event at Cardiff is really one not to be missed. An amazing Opening Ceremony is followed by arguably the biggest game in international Rugby League when England take on Australia and co-hosts Wales play a fascinating-looking Italy team. All this under the closed roof of the Millennium Stadium points to an extraordinary opening day for this tournament.

“The Rugby League World Cup Final also continues to attract huge numbers. 60,000 tickets have now gone for the event at Old Trafford on November 30 as it also heads for a sell-out. We have already had to open up new parts of Wembley for the double header semi-final.”

RLWC2013 Marketing Manager Mark Foster said: “Fans are catching World Cup fever and the level of interest in the England team has been enormous as Huddersfield shows. The good news is fans can still get great value for money tickets to see them at their games in Cardiff and Hull.

“Fans can also get to many other fantastic games across the country. I’d say to both Rugby League fans and lovers of great sport: The best players in the world are coming to play in your back yard. Be there and be part of it.”

To make sure you'll #bethere buy now at www.rlwc2013.com/tickets or call the 24-hour Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 2013.

http://www.superleaguefans.com/rugby-league-world-cup-2013/2013/10/18/huddersfield-sellout-leads-the-way-as-world-cup-fever-grows.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

DIEHARD
20-10-13, 06:25 PM
Our 2013 World Cup Kangaroos!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1385729_10151907194949583_334955524_n.jpg

DIEHARD
20-10-13, 08:11 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1378006_574391832596422_1466674678_n.jpg

6 Days until kick off!

TITAN PETE
20-10-13, 08:30 PM
Didn't know Furner was part of the Coaching staff..

DIEHARD
20-10-13, 11:52 PM
USA have a nice kit. Which is good because like no other nation, they have had some revolting shockers.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1394180_573692249333047_1442942405_n.png

DIEHARD
22-10-13, 04:33 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1235468_10151754428588074_358028273_n.jpg

DIEHARD
22-10-13, 06:20 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/603207_575189525849986_182241349_n.jpg

C-Whiz
22-10-13, 07:26 PM
USA have a nice kit. Which is good because like no other nation, they have had some revolting shockers.

OK, but what about the refs? Looks like a soccer strip.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BU_5EBJCEAAO6yD.jpg:large

Strangely, I actually prefer the pink outfit to the yellow one. Looks like something the Socceroos should be wearing to their World Cup.

Boofhead
23-10-13, 11:05 AM
Very Norwich.

http://www.asemcah.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/norwich-city-xara-home-shirt-2010-11-football-kit-news-new-isumix6o.jpg

Boofhead
23-10-13, 11:08 AM
Every player for every team who will be playing in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup
FOX SPORTS | October 23 2013, 11:21AM

THE world's best players will be battling it out for rugby league supremacy at the 2013 World Cup to be played between October 26 and December 1.

AUSTRALIA
Coach: Tim Sheens
Squad: Greg Bird (Titans), Darius Boyd (Knights), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Boyd Cordner (Roosters), Cooper Cronk (Storm), Robbie Farah (Tigers), Andrew Fifita (Sharks), Paul Gallen (Sharks), Jarryd Hayne (Eels), Greg Inglis (Rabbitohs), Michael Jennings (Roosters), Luke Lewis (Sharks), Brett Morris (Dragons), Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Nate Myles (Titans), Josh Papalii (Raiders), Corey Parker (Broncos), Matthew Scott (Cowboys), Billy Slater (Storm), Cameron Smith (Storm), James Tamou (Cowboys), Brent Tate (Cowboys), Sam Thaiday (Broncos), Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)

NEW ZEALAND
Coach: Steve Kearney
Squad: Jesse Bromwich (Storm), Greg Eastwood (Bulldogs), Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles), Alex Glenn (Broncos), Bryson Goodwin (Rabbitohs), Josh Hoffman (Broncos), Krisnan Inu (Bulldogs), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Sam Kasiano (Bulldogs), Thomas Leuluai (Warriors), Kevin Locke (Warriors), Issac Luke (Rabbitohs), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Ben Matulino (Warriors), Sam Moa (Roosters), Jason Nightingale (Dragons), Frank-Paul Nuuausala (Roosters), Frank Pritchard (Bulldogs), Elijah Taylor (Warriors), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Roosters), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Roosters), Dean Whare (Panthers), Sonny Bill Williams (Roosters)

ENGLAND
Coach: Steve McNamara
Squad:Carl Ablett (Leeds Rhinos), Tom Briscoe (Hull FC), George Burgess (Rabbitohs), Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs), Thomas Burgess (Rabbitohs), Rob Burrow (Leeds Rhinos), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Salford Red Devils), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants), Liam Farrell (Wigan), Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants), James Graham (Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos), Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos), Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves), Michael McIllorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos), Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves), Gareth Widdop (Storm)

SAMOA
Coach: Matt Parish
Squad: David Fa’alogo (Knights), Pita Godinet (Warriors), Harrison Hansen (Wigan), Masada Iosefa (Tigers), Faleniu Iosi (Letava Bulldogs), Tim Lafai (Bulldogs), Joseph Leilua (Knights), Teofilo Lepou (Marist Saints), Reni Maitua (Eels), Penani Manumeasili (Sharks), Mose Masoe (Panthers), Suaia Matagi (Warriors), Arden McCarthy (Point Chevalier Pirates), Anthony Milford (Raiders), Junior Moors (Storm), Edward Purcell (Warriors), Ben Roberts (Eels), Iosia Soliola (St Helens), Sauaso Sue (Tigers), Mark Taufua (Sharks), Ionatana Tino (Apia Barracudas), Daniel Vidot (Dragons), Antonio Winterstein (Cowboys)

TONGA
Coach: Charlie Tonga
Squad: Sosaia Feki (Sharks), Glen Fisi’iahi (Warriors), Mahe Fonua (Storm), Daniel Foster (Panthers), Sydney Havea (Liahona Old Boys), Siliva Havili (Warriors), Konrad Hurrell (Warriors), Brent Kite (Eagles), Samsoni Langi (Roosters), Siuatonga Likiliki (Knights), Willie Manu (St Helens), Sika Manu (Panthers), Nesiasi Mataitonga (Sharks), Fuifui Moimoi (Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Tigers), Mickey Paea (Hull KR), Patrick Politini (Sharks), Nafe Seluini (Roosters), Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield Giants), Jorge Taufua (Sea Eagles), Jason Taumololo (Cowboys), Peni Terepo (Eels), Daniel Tupou (Roosters), Siosa Vave (Eels)

FRANCE
Coach: Richard Agar
Squad: Jean Philippe Baile (Catalans Dragons), William Barthau (Catalans Dragons), Andrew Bentley (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Kane Bentley (Toulouse Olympique XIII), Thomas Bosc (Catalans Dragons), Damien Cardace (Catalans Dragons), Remi Casty (Catalans Dragons), Vincent Duport (Catalans Dragons), Olivier Elima (Catalans Dragons), Morgan Escare (Catalans Dragons), Theo ***es (Salford Red Devils), Jamal Fakir (Catalans Dragons), Benjamin Garcia (Catalan Dragons), Tony Gigot (Sporting Olympique Avignon XIII), Clint Greenshields (Cowboys), Younes Khattabi (AS Carcassone XIII), Kevin Larroyer (Catalans Dragons), Antoni Maria (Catalans Dragons), Gregory Mounis (Catalans Dragons), Eloi Pelissier (Catalans Dragons), Sebastian Raguin (St Esteve XIII Catalan), Mickael Simon (Catalans Dragons), Cyril Stacul (FC Lezignan XIII), Frederic Vaccari (Catalans Dragons)

FIJI
Coach: Rick Stone
Squad: Peni Botiki (Saru Dragons), Jayson Bukuya (Sharks), Petero Civoniceva (Redcliffe Dolphins), Kane Evans (Roosters), Aaron Groom (Asquith Magpies), Ilisavani Jegesa (Nabua Broncos), Marika Koroibete (Wests Tigers), Apisai Koroisau (Rabbitohs), Daryl Millard (Catalans Dragons), Ryan Millard (Burwood United), Kevin Naiqama (Knights), Wes Naiqama (Panthers), Alipate Noilea (Collegians Illawarra), Tikiko Noke (Lautoka Crushers), Vitale Junior (Sharks), Ashton Sims (Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Knights), Tariq Sims (Cowboys), James Storer (Collegians Illawarra), Kaliova Nauqe (Fassifern Queensland), Akuila Uate (Knights), Eloni Tui Michael Vunakece (Wyong Roos), Sisa Waqa (Storm), Semi Radradra (Eels)


PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Coach: Adrian Lam
Squad: Josiah Abavu (Port Moresby Vipers), Paul Aiton (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), Dion Aiye (Rabaul Gurias), Wellington Albert (Lae Tigers), Ase Boas (Rabaul Gurias), Jason Chan (Huddersfield Giants), Neville Costigan (Knights), Israel Eliab (Port Moresby Vipers), Richard Kambo (Port Moresby Vipers), Roger Laka (Enga Mioks), Enoch Maki (Mendi Muruks), L****n Marabe (Orange CYMS), Bosam McDonald (Roosters), David Mead (Titans), Mark Mexico (Lae Tigers), Jessie Joe Nandye (Whitehaven), Sebastien Pandia (Port Moresby Vipers), Francis Paniu (Rabaul Gurias), James Segeyaro (Panthers), Jason Tali (Mount Hagen Eagles), Ray Thompson (Cowboys), Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks), Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles)

ITALY
Coach: Carlo Napolitano
Squad: Christophe Calegari (FC Lezignan XIII), Gioele Celerino (North West Roosters), Chris Centrone (North Sydney Bears), Fabrizio Ciaurro (Brescia RL), Cameron Ciraldo (Panthers), Ben Falcone (Souths Logan Magpies), Sam Gardel (Souths Logan Magpies), Ryan Ghetti (Northern Pride), Aidan Guerra (Roosters), Gavin Hiscox (Central Capras), Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Joshua Mantellato (Newcastle Knights), Vitaliano Mauro (Salford Red Devils), Anthony Minichiello (Roosters), Mark Minichiello (Titans), Raymond Nasso (Sporting Olympique Avignon XIII), Dean Parata (Eels), Joel Riethmuller (Cowboys), James Saltonstall (Warrington Wolves), Brendan Santi (Tigers), Kade Snowden (Knights), James Tedesco (Tigers), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Paul Vaughan (Raiders)

IRELAND
Coach: Mark Aston
Squad: Dave Allen (Widnes Vikings), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Bob Beswick (Leigh Centurions), Damien Blanch (Catalans Dragons), Danny Bridge (Warrington Wolves), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Liam Finn (Featherstone Rovers), Simon Finnigan (Leigh Centurions), Scott Grix (Huddersfield Giants), Simon Grix (Warrington Wolves), Kurt Haggerty (Barrow Raiders), James Hasson (Sea Eagles), Rory Kostjayn (Cowboys), Stuart Littler (Leigh Centurions), Tyrone McCarthy (Warrington Wolves), James Mendeika (Warrington Wolves), Anthony Mullally (Huddersfield Giants), Eamon O’Carroll (Widnes Vikings), Apirana Pewhairangi (Eels), Pat Richards (Wigan), Colton Roche (Sheffield Eagles), Marc Sneyd (Castleford Tigers), Joshua Toole (Dragons), Brett White (Raiders)

SCOTLAND
Coach: Steve McCormack
Squad: Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls), Sam Barlow (Halifax), Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants), Brett Carter (Workington Town), Luke Douglas (Titans), Dale Ferguson (Huddersfield Giants), Ben Fisher (London Broncos), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Andrew Henderson (Sheffield Eagles), Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons), Alex Hurst (London Broncos), Ben Kavanagh (Widnes Vikings), Kane Linnett (Cowboys), Rhys Lovegrove (Hull KR), Gareth Moore (Batley Bulldogs), Brett Phillips (Workington Town), Matthew Russell (Titans), David Scott (Featherstone Rovers), Mitchell Stringer (Sheffield Eagles), Alex Szostak (Sheffield Eagles), Adam Walker (Hull KR), Jonathan Walker (Hull KR), Peter Wallace (Broncos), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats)

WALES
Coach: Iestyn Harris
Squad: Neil Budworth (unattached), Ross Divorty (Halifax), Gil Dudson (Wigan), Jacob Emmitt (Salford Red Devils), Ben Evans (Bradford Bulls), Rhys Evans (Warrington Wolves), Daniel Fleming (Castleford Tigers), Ben Flower (Wigan), Tyson Frizzel (Dragons), James Gurtjens (North Devils), Jordan James (Salford Red Devils), Danny Jones (Keighley Cougars), Elliot Kear (Bradford Bulls), Craig Kopczak (Huddersfield Giants), Rhodri Lloyd (Wigan), Peter Lupton (Workington Town), Rob Massam (North Wales Crusaders), Larne Patrick (Huddersfield Giants), Christiaan Roets (North Wales Crusaders), Matt Seamark (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Anthony Walker (St Helens), Ian Webster (Central Queensland Capras), Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings), Rhys Williams (Warrington Wolves)

UNITED STATES
Coach: Terry Matterson
Squad: Mark Cantoni (Dalby), Bureta Faramio (Mackay Cutters), Gabriel Farley (Southampton Dragons), Kristian Freed (Racing Club Lescure), Michael Garvey (Pennsylvania Bulls), Roman Hifo (Papakura Sea Eagles), Daniel Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), Stephen Howard (Tuggerong Bushrangers), Judah Lavulo (Cabramatta), Haveatama Luani (Tigers), David Marando (Belrose Eagles), Ryan McGoldrick (Salford Red Devils), Clint Newton (Panthers), Mark Offerdahl (AS Carcassone XIII), Joseph Paulo (Eels), Junior Paulo (Windsor Wolves), Matthew Petersen (Cudgen Hornets), Eddy Pettybourne (Wests Tigers), Craig Priestly (Southampton Dragons), Tuisegasega Samoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matthew Shipway (South Newcastle), Les Soloai (Featherstone Rovers), Lelauloto Tagaloa (Hawaii Chiefs), Taylor Welch (Chicago Griffins)

http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/every-player-for-every-team-who-will-be-playing-in-the-2013-rugby-league-world-cup/story-e6frf3ou-1226745130193#ixzz2iVEmkOf5

DIEHARD
23-10-13, 11:20 PM
Im very proud that we are contributing so many players to the World Cup.

Im upset to see Stuart make Campese withdraw from Italy.

teke
24-10-13, 03:52 AM
Who tagged laffranchi as ours :laugh:

Boofhead
24-10-13, 01:14 PM
Who tagged laffranchi as ours :laugh:

Guilty... Couldn't help myself. Also side show bob is making an appearance on the wing for USA.

DIEHARD
25-10-13, 09:50 PM
OH... MY... GOD...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/970651_545450062157266_1469098032_n.jpg

DIEHARD
25-10-13, 09:51 PM
Guilty... Couldn't help myself. Also side show bob is making an appearance on the wing for USA.

I count the old boys as ours too. :eyebrows:

DIEHARD
26-10-13, 06:20 PM
Bennett expects upsets with NRL stars in 'minnow' nations

Wayne Bennett, the mastermind behind New Zealand's shock World Cup victory in 2008, believes this year's edition will be the best and most unpredictable tournament in history.

Bennett, a former Kangaroos coach who assisted Kiwi mentor Stephen Kearney five years ago, said the influx of NRL talent to the so-called ''minnow'' nations has improved the profile and standard of the World Cup.

''I'm looking forward to watching the football,'' he said. ''In 2008, the way it was played and the result, gave it the credibility for 2013. There are now so many NRL players playing with the other nations [outside the top three], which wasn't as prevalent in 2008 after an eight-year gap between the World Cups.

''I think the league has done a great job, it's wonderful. There will be some upsets, which is great.

''You look at Fiji and there are some absolutely quality players there. [Same with] Samoa and Tonga. Mal Meninga is over there with the PNG side. You don't know what they could throw up, there's some toughness in those blokes.

''Certainly Fiji, with the quality of players [coach] Rick [Stone] has got there, they got through to the semis last time from memory.

''The result the other day [Italy defeated England in a warm-up match] showed everyone is capable. So anyone writing off Samoa or Tonga or someone like that is being a bit delusional because they have plenty of players with plenty of ability.''

Australia will go in as overwhelming favourite but its coach, Tim Sheens, has warned his team against complacency. New Zealand and England are the teams most likely to cause another World Cup boilover. ''Australia will always be the favourite, that just goes with the territory,'' Bennett said. ''I've heard Tim a number of times and he's right on the money - this will be a pretty tough tournament,'' Bennett said.

''Who knows what England is going to throw at you? A lot of their players have been in the NRL system for a couple of years and they have some good quality players there. And they are playing at home as well.

''Australia could get a couple of injuries and all of a sudden you're back to the field a bit. And the Kiwis are full of talent.''

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/bennett-expects-upsets-with-nrl-stars-in-minnow-nations-20131025-2w78f.html#ixzz2ioXtj0RK

DIEHARD
27-10-13, 03:16 PM
PNG v France next up! Two of my fvourite nations contesting. I'd prefer France to win but feel it'll be hard to overcome a tough Kumuls outfit.

DIEHARD
27-10-13, 06:42 PM
Was I the only one quickly trying to install freeview channels on my main TV?

My main TV uses foxtel over sat, so does not have 7Mate! But no force in the universe would come between me and a World Cup game!

DIEHARD
27-10-13, 06:45 PM
Big names want to keep playing at RLWC

Australia's big guns won't be volunteering themselves for a rest in coming pool games as they seek some much-needed rhythm at the Rugby League World Cup.

Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens fielded his strongest side in Saturday's opening 28-20 win over England in Cardiff but plans to rotate his 24-man squad for matches against Fiji and Ireland.

Sheens could make up to seven changes for next Saturday's match against Fiji in St Helens, with debutants Boyd Cordner and Josh Papalii set to come in along with Daly Cherry-Evans, Michael Jennings and Jarryd Hayne.

Australia's first-choice players are understanding of the rotation plans and willing to put the team first, but they are eager for game time, with superstar fullback Billy Slater putting up his hand to play next week.

The tournament favourites were slow out of the blocks against England, trailing 10-0 in the first half, and Slater cited a lack of recent game time for the sluggish start.

"Obviously we've got a very talented squad and anyone can fill in and do a great job. That's the benefit of playing for Australia," Slater said.

"Myself individually, I feel that another couple of games under my belt would be beneficial for me.

"So I've put my hand up to play next week and I'd imagine I'd do that the week after and the week after that.

"But Tim's got the decisions to make and obviously the ultimate goal is the last week in the tournament.

"We want to be playing our best football then and if to have a week off is the best thing for the side, then that's the best thing for me."

It's unlikely any of the squad will play in all six matches during the tournament, and star playmaker Johnathan Thurston echoed Slater's sentiments that they will be guided by the coach.

"But I'm fit to play and I'll be putting my hand up to play," Thurston said.

Slater was named Australia's players' player against England, but felt he needed to correct some deficiencies in his game.

The two-time international player of the year was among a host of players guilty of early sloppy errors, but redeemed himself with a superb 60-metre try on the stroke of halftime.

Slater famously threw a shocker of a pass that helped New Zealand to an upset win in the 2008 final, but again played down talk of personal redemption at this tournament.

"What's happened in the past, whether it was last week, two months ago or 10 years ago, it doesn't really come into what I'm going to do in the future," he said.

"I'm always about trying to improve myself and that's what I've always tried to do."

http://www.nrl.com

DIEHARD
28-10-13, 01:30 PM
The fans in the UK are setting a very high standard of support and attendence for us Aussies and Kiwis to live up to in 2017!

Skyfire
01-11-13, 05:10 PM
Ive been impressed with the tournament, how unlike rl to run a professional event. Well done. Great venue choice and the pool system some people cried about in 2008 is proving a winner.

I pray the weather holds out and crowds should continue to improve. Hope for a big crowd at the wembley stadium for the semi finals.

DIEHARD
07-11-13, 04:40 PM
70,000 sold for the World Cup Final!

DIEHARD
11-11-13, 08:45 PM
It's great to see Scotland process to the quarters.

Ive really become a convert of them due to their bravery in the pool matches.

DIEHARD
11-11-13, 09:22 PM
World Cup 2013 sells Rugby League's sport and family values

The UK is in the midst of a "golden decade" of hosting major events, from the 2010 Ryder Cup to the 2019 Cricket World Cup, via the 2012 Olympic Games, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2017 Rugby Union World Cup and more.

But one event some sports fans may not have caught up on is the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, currently being staged in England and Wales, with some other games in the Irish Republic and France.

Rugby League bosses say that as well as staging a popular and successful sporting contest, this event is as much about spreading interest in the game outside of its north of England heartlands.

"We are delighted with how things are going so far, we are more than pleased with it," says Brian Barwick, chairman of the Rugby Football League.

"It has exceeded our expectations in terms of people going to games, the quality of the games, and media interest,"

Sell-outs

He points to an attendance of more than 10,000 for the game at Leigh between Tonga and the Cook Islands, two small nations, and without any connections to the north-west of England.

Other highlights for Mr Barwick have been the sellouts at Warrington, Rochdale and Workington, and a gate of more than 7,000 for the USA v the Cook Islands game in Bristol, a rugby union - rather than rugby league - heartland.

Mr Barwick has experience in both sport administration and broadcasting
Another surprise has been the powerful form of the US team.

"We were very pleased with this, in what is not a traditional rugby league base," says Mr Barwick, who was attending a Sport Industry Group gathering in London.

The former BBC and ITV television sport executive, says World Cup organisers are also happy with TV viewing figures to date, and with the fact that every game so far has been "televised somewhere".

"This event had to do things for rugby league," he explains, saying that organisers' aims were more than just raising enough cash to bankroll the sport for the coming years.

"We had to introduce rugby league to a new set of people in this country. Fortunately, we had a good run in the media in the run-up to the event.

"One of the reasons I came on board was to broaden its media perspective, and holding five weeks of World Cup sport can only help."

Olympic legacy

He says that after a "classy" opening ceremony, the decision to play two games - including the high-profile England v Australia match - on the same Cardiff pitch on the event's opening day, paid off.

More than 45,000 people watched that opening-day double-header.

And Mr Barwick says ticket sales are healthy, and that more than 70,000 have been sold for the final at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, 30 November.

"I think it is the legacy of [London] 2012, people have got into the habit of going to events," the former Football Association chief executive says, adding that the volunteering legacy from the Olympic Games has also rubbed off on his event.

While at the FA, he saw through the completion of the new Wembley Stadium - which will host a Rugby League World Cup semi-final double header - and was involved in the appointment of Steve McLaren as the England football manager.

'World class sport'

Having experienced the national sporting domination of football, he believes that rugby league offers an equally exciting sporting alternative to both the round ball game and rugby union, and one "with unique qualities".

England played Australia in a high-profile opening day to the tournament
"Rugby league is a world class sport, played by world class athletes, but is has got a family feel to it.," says the 59-year-old, who was appointed to his RFL post in January this year.

"You can have a grandfather attending with his grandchildren - it is inter-generational.

"We want to bring more people in, we want wider recognition... but sometimes we are seen as poorer relations to the other [rugby] code."

He says the Rugby League World Cup will make money, and says that one immediate legacy of the World Cup is that people are enjoying the event.

But he says that a bigger challenge is to see if they can retain and increase the current level of interest.

"Those attending [World Cup] matches might stay with us, they might not, but our aim is to bring more people in.

"It will ebb and flow, but this is an opportunity for us to put our flag in the ground."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24835527

DIEHARD
11-11-13, 10:49 PM
OVER TWO MILLION VIEWERS WATCH ENGLAND IN RLWC2013 ON BBC

The official viewing figures from Saturday’s live coverage of Rugby League World Cup 2013 on the BBC show a peak audience of 2.2m watched England’s final group game against Fiji. The match, which England won 34-12, had a 15% share of the total viewing audience across all channels.

These latest figures compare very strongly with other sport available to audiences on Saturday and shows how Rugby League World Cup 2013 is capturing the interest of the British sporting public. For example the ATP Tennis World Tour Finals on BBC2 at the same time had a 1.2million peak audience, the rugby union England v Argentina international had a peak of 571,000, while the live Premier League football on SKY had a peak of 810,000.

Tonight sees the final group match of RLWC2013 taking place between France and Samoa in Perpignan, kick off 8pm local time (9pm GMT). This game will determine who England and Fiji will play in their respective quarter-finals this weekend and full coverage of the match is available on 5 Live Sports Extra, with highlights on BBC2 at 11.20pm.

RLWC2013 Tournament Director Nigel Wood said: “These figures demonstrate how the excitement and high-quality matches we have seen in Rugby League World Cup 2013 are capturing the wider sporting public.

“It has been fantastic to have seen so many record attendances at the group matches themselves, as well as such excellent viewing figures and the next few weeks, as we enter the drama and tension of the knock-out phases of the tournament, are a wonderful opportunity for the sport to build on this initial success.”

For tickets to the knock-out stages of Rugby League World Cup 2013, including ‘The Big Hit’ semi-final double header at Wembley on November 23 and The Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford on November 30, visit www.rlwc2013.com or call the 24 hour ticket line 08448472013

DIEHARD
13-11-13, 09:34 AM
World Cup update: group stage wrap-up

The Americans will face a massive jump in class when they take on Australia in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup group stage has been completed, with eight nations advancing to the quarter-finals and six others bowing out. Here is how things look going into this week's quarter-finals.

GROUP A

Australia go through undefeated with a points differential of +90 to easily top the group, with England taking second spot as expected. Fiji's win over Ireland was enough to take them through in third place, with the Irish beaten by a combined 92-0 in their final two matches against England and Australia.

GROUP B

New Zealand are the highest-scoring team of the tournament so far, averaging almost 50 points a game thanks to big wins over France and Papua New Guinea. Samoa – who at least tested the Kiwis on the way to a 42-24 defeat – have taken second place after beating France in their final group match, with the French taking the third qualifying spot ahead of the luckless Papua New Guinea who lost all three of their matches.

GROUP C

In the closest-fought group of the tournament, Scotland pipped Tonga by two points, drew with Italy, and managed to knock both highly-fancied teams out of the World Cup. Their win over the USA made them the only undefeated team of the group, with Tonga recovering from their first-up defeat to beat the Cook Islands and then Italy, who suddenly dropped from first in the group to last.

GROUP D

The Welsh were arguably the flop of the World Cup, losing their three matches against Italy, the USA and the Cook Islands. The Americans were the first team in the tournament to book their passage to the knockout stage after beating both their group rivals, while the Cooks ended their campaign on a high with a 28-24 win over Wales.

QUARTER-FINAL MATCH-UPS

Reigning champions New Zealand will start warm favourites against plucky Scotland, Australia should continue their charge towards the final with a win over the USA, England will take on the unconvincing French and Fiji take on Pacific Islands rivals Samoa.

Source: http://www.nrl.com

DIEHARD
13-11-13, 10:28 AM
Northern Pride are saying they will announce signing a RLWC player over the next few days. Exactly what we want to see from the tournament.

DIEHARD
16-11-13, 08:56 AM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1455117_586308231404782_661370373_n.jpg

Scotland prematch uniform.

C-Whiz
16-11-13, 08:44 PM
Have I mentioned how good the commentary has been? So GREAT to hear Vossey calling again. He knows the game but fills the voids with some funny commentary. I'd take him as my #1 caller.

DIEHARD
17-11-13, 12:31 AM
Yea Vossy has been great. And the Poms love him. They want to steal him for Super League. It's a shame that Nine screwed him over. The best thing is that he is actually a real deal fan of international footy.

Sounds like he is having the time of his life covering the World Cup.

shamus
17-11-13, 01:29 AM
Yea Vossy has been great. And the Poms love him. They want to steal him for Super League. It's a shame that Nine screwed him over. The best thing is that he is actually a real deal fan of international footy.

Sounds like he is having the time of his life covering the World Cup.

Not sure who screwed him over...9 or Warren...

In the end I guess it was 9 but with Warren imput.

Bugger, after 10:00pm...I keep telling myself...:drinkies:

DIEHARD
17-11-13, 05:11 AM
Ray Warren. The "Ricky Stuart" of commentary!

DIEHARD
18-11-13, 01:12 PM
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1451373_642126382495275_1920985002_n.jpg

DIEHARD
18-11-13, 03:38 PM
Rugby League World Cup over for Australian Kangaroos Billy Slater after knee injury in 62-0 win over USA Tomahawks

The same knee injury that kept Billy Slater sidelined for six weeks is expected to end his World Cup campaign after he limped from the field during Australia's 62-0 win against the USA.

Slater missed last year's Origin III and six club games after straining his posterior cruciate ligament. The left knee was too swollen for results to be conclusive when the fullback was taken for scans following Australia's win.

However, Slater feared the worse when he was taken from the field early in the second half.

''It's a bit sore,'' Slater said. ''There's not much I can do about it. I'll get scans and we'll know more from there. It's the leg that I did in the second State of Origin last year. It seems like the same injury. I suppose that's a good thing because the PCL isn't functional anyways.

''I suppose the only concern is the cartilage now and we'll know more from the scans. It's a classic PCL injury. There's a lot of swelling in the knee. Hopefully we can get some swelling out.''

It was a grade three PCL that sidelined Slater for an extended period last year. Slater's PCL is non-functioning and players can play on without it but he remained in discomfort post-match.

''I knew straight away what it felt like,'' Slater said. ''Hopefully the scans came up good and I'm a chance of playing again in the tournament. That remains to be seen.

''I actually have [a PCL] but it's torn and the knee was loose anyway. It's hard for me to put a timeframe on it. I'm pretty sure if the scans come back bad it'll be the tournament over for me. Hopefully I'm a chance of playing again.''

The injury capped a turbulent week for Slater, who was involved in a nightclub scuffle in Manchester. Slater said he has ''tried to put all that behind me''.

His likely replacement Greg Inglis scored two tries in his best performance of the tournament. Inglis roamed around the field with the ball more against the Tomahawks as he looked to get more involvement.

Inglis played his first game for Australia at fullback in the Kangaroos' 34-2 win over Fiji in the pool stages.

''I would love to wear that No.1 but I am not the coach,'' Inglis said. ''The first game I was a bit quiet so I put it into my head that I had to touch the ball a bit more.

''Hopefully the scans come back all clear. In the end [Slater] is a valuable member to this team. To see him go down like that was disappointing but like I said hopefully we see the scans come back all clear.

''I just want to get my hands on the ball and run a bit more.''

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/rugby-league-world-cup/rugby-league-world-cup-over-for-australian-kangaroos-billy-slater-after-knee-injury-in-620-win-over-usa-tomahawks-20131117-2xp2a.html#ixzz2kyN9GA1E

C-Whiz
19-11-13, 12:57 PM
Yea Vossy has been great. And the Poms love him. They want to steal him for Super League. It's what he was born to do!


It's a shame that Nine screwed him over.

Not sure who screwed him over...9 or Warren...

In the end I guess it was 9 but with Warren imput.
Don't really want to get to off topic, but wasn't it Hadley because Vossy said something about the Ray Warren statue???

C-Whiz
19-11-13, 12:59 PM
Was anyone picking Fiji for the semi's?

Even better, was anyone tipping USA for the quarter finals?

Nick
19-11-13, 02:57 PM
Sounds like Slater just aggravated his PCL again. Been giving him troubles for a while now, can see he cant extend his knee completely at times, preventing him from hitting full speed and stepping off the leg.

With the run they had and the team they have I could definitely see the Bati getting this far. USA was the ultimate surprise and it was fantastic to see them make the quarters. I would love to see more international events to broaden the game further. The rugby 7s its well and truly doing this well and I believe the NRL 9s may be a good pathway into an international game.

DIEHARD
19-11-13, 03:20 PM
I thought Fiji would, USA, no way. I thought they'd get annihilated.

TITAN PETE
19-11-13, 04:10 PM
I expected to see Samoa & or Fiji, never USA

DIEHARD
27-11-13, 01:33 PM
2.83 million peak in UK for the Semi Final!

DIEHARD
01-12-13, 06:30 PM
With Australia's victory so ends another success World Cup, one that really lifted the bar higher. It was so well organised and planned, which is bloody rare in RL.

The people of England and France and Wales really got behind the World Cup. So many new people to Rugby League got involved.

The games were fantastic and I was excited to see Scotland and Italy excite, the pacific nations of course and France stringing together a decent campaign with some exciting players.

Crowds were absolutely first class including that world record for the Final.

Now we have to wait 4 years for the next. I hope we truly see some efforts made to improve the quality and amount of development worldwide. I was disappointed with the 2008-2013 effort and I cant tell you where the money really went.

Next time it is in our backyard, so let us all start planning how we can help make it a stunning success. I wanna see sold out games at Skilled Park and Lang Park.