We are now a matter of days before the World Cup kicks off in Townsville on 25th October. England along with Papua New Guinea will begin the long awaited tournament which was first announced by the RLIF in 2004. Moving on from the disaster tournament of 2000, in my opinion this years competition has the potential to resurrect the international game to new levels. With the development being spread across France, we have another creditable international side slowly rising from the ashes. In the Pacific isles, Rugby League has been a relatively low key affair internationally. I feel the utmost importance on this side of the world is funding the relevant governing bodies to ensure competitive international matches are played regularly between the likes on Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Papua New Guinea. Throw in an Australian and New Zealand rep sides to ensure they are playing at a decent standard of rugby and have a mountain to climb in terms of establishing a decent standard that is a credit to the international game. The Pacific Islands were born to play Rugby League, so support from the ARL and RLIF would defiantly not go amiss.
Anyway, that’s for the future. Onto more pressing matters, and that is to see England (hopefully) lift the World Cup in Brisbane on the 22nd November. The format of this year’s competition has been heavily criticised. However, I feel it is of the utmost important to have a competitive tournament. If having a bizarre format establishes a tournament that is exciting to watch, it will draw the crowds in. If it draws the crowds in, it will be a success and therefore a saviour to the international game.
Every effort has been made to ensure fans in Australia know about the tournament. The ‘Heroes Here 08’ slogan has been branded about on every sponsorship billboard across every NRL ground. Even an advertisement on the runway of Melbourne airport has been spotted with the tagline ‘sent here for punishment’. Underneath is a picture of English scrum half, Rob Burrow. But despite the efforts by Colin Love and his merry band of organisers, Australian die hard fans are forever being the pessimists. “Who gives a f-ck?” was a quote used by Steve Mascord supplied by an NRL supporter in the latest issue of Rugby League World. So it seems the Australians don’t care. That is despite the final selling out months ago, is it? We all know Sydney-siders have this problem of attending games, but I guarantee you games in Townsville, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra will all have high attendances. You couldn’t spread the game better in Victoria by hosting ‘Convicts V Pommies’ in Melbourne’s Telstra Dome. Clever thinking has gone into this organisation by state governments that want it. And I say that quote with care. It seems Western Australia didn’t care when it came to hosting games in Perth. Outbid by New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to host even one single game, it left itself with nothing. And surprisingly, a stately broadsheet has the nerve to write an article moaning about how no games were to be staged on the other side of the country. How petty. If Western Australia had invested more money into a game, I’m pretty confident they would have got one.
And onto business, as it were. Below are all ten teams with a small prediction on how they will perform on the biggest stage, the Rugby League World Cup.
Australia
They are overwhelming favourites to retain their crown, first stolen from Great Britain in 1975. They have quality all over the squad, all the way down from fullback to loose forward. Their strength in depth is so immense; it would take one hell of a performance to knock these guys from their perch. Buts that’s not to say they are invincible. No team is and I’m sure the ghosts of 2005 are still ringing their ears, as is the nature of Australian sport and its ethics.
Prediction: Easily the best in the competition and will prove it by winning the final.
England
England have never won the World Cup as ‘England.’ Only as Great Britain, has the nation that invented this great sport ever won the World Cup, which is more times than our soccer counterparts. But for thirty three years we haven’t had a sniff. Neither has any other nation for that matter, but now I feel we have a good enough side to take on the Aussies. On our day (and that’s all it takes to win a World Cup) we are capable of being the best team in the world. For England to beat Australia, we have to play them down the middle and do so convincingly. That gives the weaker backline a chance to put the sword to the green and gold backline when they are on the back foot. Taking every single chance and scraping for every metre is also important.
Prediction: Have the potential to win, but may fall short again.
Fiji
Fiji have been quiet in their preparations for this World Cup. Little has been said or written about them and no doubt this has suited them enabling them to concentrate on their first game against France during the second week of the tournament. With experienced players like Jarryd Hayne, Ashton Sims and Semi Tadulala, they can pose a threat on form. But despite this, they lack any real experience to progress further in this competition.
Prediction: May win a game, will not win the group.
France
France take with them the majority of the Catalan first team. On that basis alone, with players coming into this World Cup on the back of a very good domestic season their confidence will be sky high. If Thomas Bosc performs like he did in Super League, he alone will carry the French into the semi finals.
Prediction: Will walk all over their group opponents, but will be challenged in the semi final qualifier.
Anyway, that’s for the future. Onto more pressing matters, and that is to see England (hopefully) lift the World Cup in Brisbane on the 22nd November. The format of this year’s competition has been heavily criticised. However, I feel it is of the utmost important to have a competitive tournament. If having a bizarre format establishes a tournament that is exciting to watch, it will draw the crowds in. If it draws the crowds in, it will be a success and therefore a saviour to the international game.
Every effort has been made to ensure fans in Australia know about the tournament. The ‘Heroes Here 08’ slogan has been branded about on every sponsorship billboard across every NRL ground. Even an advertisement on the runway of Melbourne airport has been spotted with the tagline ‘sent here for punishment’. Underneath is a picture of English scrum half, Rob Burrow. But despite the efforts by Colin Love and his merry band of organisers, Australian die hard fans are forever being the pessimists. “Who gives a f-ck?” was a quote used by Steve Mascord supplied by an NRL supporter in the latest issue of Rugby League World. So it seems the Australians don’t care. That is despite the final selling out months ago, is it? We all know Sydney-siders have this problem of attending games, but I guarantee you games in Townsville, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra will all have high attendances. You couldn’t spread the game better in Victoria by hosting ‘Convicts V Pommies’ in Melbourne’s Telstra Dome. Clever thinking has gone into this organisation by state governments that want it. And I say that quote with care. It seems Western Australia didn’t care when it came to hosting games in Perth. Outbid by New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland to host even one single game, it left itself with nothing. And surprisingly, a stately broadsheet has the nerve to write an article moaning about how no games were to be staged on the other side of the country. How petty. If Western Australia had invested more money into a game, I’m pretty confident they would have got one.
And onto business, as it were. Below are all ten teams with a small prediction on how they will perform on the biggest stage, the Rugby League World Cup.
Australia
They are overwhelming favourites to retain their crown, first stolen from Great Britain in 1975. They have quality all over the squad, all the way down from fullback to loose forward. Their strength in depth is so immense; it would take one hell of a performance to knock these guys from their perch. Buts that’s not to say they are invincible. No team is and I’m sure the ghosts of 2005 are still ringing their ears, as is the nature of Australian sport and its ethics.
Prediction: Easily the best in the competition and will prove it by winning the final.
England
England have never won the World Cup as ‘England.’ Only as Great Britain, has the nation that invented this great sport ever won the World Cup, which is more times than our soccer counterparts. But for thirty three years we haven’t had a sniff. Neither has any other nation for that matter, but now I feel we have a good enough side to take on the Aussies. On our day (and that’s all it takes to win a World Cup) we are capable of being the best team in the world. For England to beat Australia, we have to play them down the middle and do so convincingly. That gives the weaker backline a chance to put the sword to the green and gold backline when they are on the back foot. Taking every single chance and scraping for every metre is also important.
Prediction: Have the potential to win, but may fall short again.
Fiji
Fiji have been quiet in their preparations for this World Cup. Little has been said or written about them and no doubt this has suited them enabling them to concentrate on their first game against France during the second week of the tournament. With experienced players like Jarryd Hayne, Ashton Sims and Semi Tadulala, they can pose a threat on form. But despite this, they lack any real experience to progress further in this competition.
Prediction: May win a game, will not win the group.
France
France take with them the majority of the Catalan first team. On that basis alone, with players coming into this World Cup on the back of a very good domestic season their confidence will be sky high. If Thomas Bosc performs like he did in Super League, he alone will carry the French into the semi finals.
Prediction: Will walk all over their group opponents, but will be challenged in the semi final qualifier.
Ireland
If Group A is the “Super Group”, then group c must be the group of death. Ireland qualified by beating Russia by more points than Lebanon did in qualifying. You honestly couldn’t split the nations further apart. But unfortunately Lebanon missed out having to perform in the repechage rounds. Had they beaten Samoa in Featherstone, we may have had another thrilling match between the two nations to look forward to. As it is, Ireland are up against it anyway. The majority of the side have only played in the National Leagues this season, while others haven’t played in NRL or Super League. There are of course a few Wiganers (Pat Richards, Eamon O’Carroll) and a few NRL types (Ryan Tandy).
Prediction: God help them. If the first game doesn’t knock them for six, the second one will.
New Zealand
Write off New Zealand at your peril. Last year they toured Great Britain with a starting thirteen on the treatment table on the other side of the world. This year, their stars (minus Sonny Bill Williams) are back to their best. Benji Marshall has only played four games for New Zealand since making his international debut in 2005 against Australia. He will prove to the world what he is capable of. Keeping him fit is essential to their success in this competition. Without him, New Zealand lose half of their quality immediately. Yes, they have Grand Finalists and senior, experienced players, but they don’t show the same threatening body language that a side with Benji Marshall will have. Take out Marshall, take out New Zealand.
Prediction: England are beatable, New Zealand are capable of making the final.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea go into this World Cup with nothing to lose. They are under no pressure to perform as they must face the prospect of being overwhelming underdogs in every single match against England, New Zealand and Australia. The rewards of upsetting just one of their three opponents are staggeringly high, with the repercussions of losing minimal. John Wilshire must captain a side that will be limited in first grade and international experience, while at the same time be motivated enough to put on a decent show.
Prediction: Potential banana skin for any side, but a single win would make their tournament a success.
Samoa
Samoa were the tenth and final team to qualify for this tournament but they may have side to become the fourth best by the end of it. They have named a squad with only five of their players playing outside the NRL or Super League. They may have a lack of strength in depth compared to their Tongan rivals, but they make up for that in quality for their starting seventeen. Powerhouses like Ali Lauititi, Kyle Luluai and Harrison Hansen can provide the go forward so that Francis Meli and Willie Talau can capitalise from.
Prediction: Biggest test against Tonga, but should have the aim of making the semi finals.
Scotland
Scotland represent a fine split between first and second grade players. Not taking anything away from the Scots, they have it all to do if they are to get out of their group with France and Fiji. Danny Brough, who was on fine form for Wakefield this year, must take that form into the World Cup if his team have any chance of progressing. Having never won a World Cup match before his tournament, the odds are well and truly in their favour. But with this being the strongest side Scotland have put together in a long time, will the factor of probability finally kick in?
Prediction: Will do well to win a game, but won’t progress further.
Tonga
With Ireland the potential whipping boys of group c, it looks likely the winner of the Halloween bloodbath between Tonga and Samoa will top the group. But winning that match will be no easy task despite the fact Tonga possesses the likes of Fraiser Anderson, Richard Fa’aoso, Michael Jennings and Fuifui Moimoi in their ranks. I have said from the beginning of the year, the Pacific Island clash could easily be the game of the year and I honestly cannot predict what will happen in the heat of the moment. Emotions will be high and drama will be intense. Make sure you don’t miss that game.
Prediction: If they were to top the group, they won’t get past their Qualifying Semi opponents.
So overall, how will the World Cup play out? Australia will retain their crown they have hung onto for over thirty years. I believe England will be the losing finalists, but don’t be surprised to see New Zealand lose out either. France should lose out to Australia in the first semi final, and if the Aussies’ 2000 semi final is anything to go by, that should be a good game to watch. Samoa will be the team to face France before losing out in the qualifying semi, while Tonga will finish second above Ireland in Group C. Group B will see France thrash Scotland and comfortably beat Fiji, who themselves will have a game on their hands against Scotland. Meanwhile poor old Papua New Guinea will lose out every time, but as long as they don’t beat England I will happily support them in their quest to upset New Zealand and Australia.
Now bear in mind I tipped Catalan to take the League Leader’s shield home with six super League games remaining, the above could turn out very differently. Here’s to a wonderfully competitive tournament, with the only controversy and focus seen on the field with drama and excitement that will grip all Rugby League fans alike.
If Group A is the “Super Group”, then group c must be the group of death. Ireland qualified by beating Russia by more points than Lebanon did in qualifying. You honestly couldn’t split the nations further apart. But unfortunately Lebanon missed out having to perform in the repechage rounds. Had they beaten Samoa in Featherstone, we may have had another thrilling match between the two nations to look forward to. As it is, Ireland are up against it anyway. The majority of the side have only played in the National Leagues this season, while others haven’t played in NRL or Super League. There are of course a few Wiganers (Pat Richards, Eamon O’Carroll) and a few NRL types (Ryan Tandy).
Prediction: God help them. If the first game doesn’t knock them for six, the second one will.
New Zealand
Write off New Zealand at your peril. Last year they toured Great Britain with a starting thirteen on the treatment table on the other side of the world. This year, their stars (minus Sonny Bill Williams) are back to their best. Benji Marshall has only played four games for New Zealand since making his international debut in 2005 against Australia. He will prove to the world what he is capable of. Keeping him fit is essential to their success in this competition. Without him, New Zealand lose half of their quality immediately. Yes, they have Grand Finalists and senior, experienced players, but they don’t show the same threatening body language that a side with Benji Marshall will have. Take out Marshall, take out New Zealand.
Prediction: England are beatable, New Zealand are capable of making the final.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea go into this World Cup with nothing to lose. They are under no pressure to perform as they must face the prospect of being overwhelming underdogs in every single match against England, New Zealand and Australia. The rewards of upsetting just one of their three opponents are staggeringly high, with the repercussions of losing minimal. John Wilshire must captain a side that will be limited in first grade and international experience, while at the same time be motivated enough to put on a decent show.
Prediction: Potential banana skin for any side, but a single win would make their tournament a success.
Samoa
Samoa were the tenth and final team to qualify for this tournament but they may have side to become the fourth best by the end of it. They have named a squad with only five of their players playing outside the NRL or Super League. They may have a lack of strength in depth compared to their Tongan rivals, but they make up for that in quality for their starting seventeen. Powerhouses like Ali Lauititi, Kyle Luluai and Harrison Hansen can provide the go forward so that Francis Meli and Willie Talau can capitalise from.
Prediction: Biggest test against Tonga, but should have the aim of making the semi finals.
Scotland
Scotland represent a fine split between first and second grade players. Not taking anything away from the Scots, they have it all to do if they are to get out of their group with France and Fiji. Danny Brough, who was on fine form for Wakefield this year, must take that form into the World Cup if his team have any chance of progressing. Having never won a World Cup match before his tournament, the odds are well and truly in their favour. But with this being the strongest side Scotland have put together in a long time, will the factor of probability finally kick in?
Prediction: Will do well to win a game, but won’t progress further.
Tonga
With Ireland the potential whipping boys of group c, it looks likely the winner of the Halloween bloodbath between Tonga and Samoa will top the group. But winning that match will be no easy task despite the fact Tonga possesses the likes of Fraiser Anderson, Richard Fa’aoso, Michael Jennings and Fuifui Moimoi in their ranks. I have said from the beginning of the year, the Pacific Island clash could easily be the game of the year and I honestly cannot predict what will happen in the heat of the moment. Emotions will be high and drama will be intense. Make sure you don’t miss that game.
Prediction: If they were to top the group, they won’t get past their Qualifying Semi opponents.
So overall, how will the World Cup play out? Australia will retain their crown they have hung onto for over thirty years. I believe England will be the losing finalists, but don’t be surprised to see New Zealand lose out either. France should lose out to Australia in the first semi final, and if the Aussies’ 2000 semi final is anything to go by, that should be a good game to watch. Samoa will be the team to face France before losing out in the qualifying semi, while Tonga will finish second above Ireland in Group C. Group B will see France thrash Scotland and comfortably beat Fiji, who themselves will have a game on their hands against Scotland. Meanwhile poor old Papua New Guinea will lose out every time, but as long as they don’t beat England I will happily support them in their quest to upset New Zealand and Australia.
Now bear in mind I tipped Catalan to take the League Leader’s shield home with six super League games remaining, the above could turn out very differently. Here’s to a wonderfully competitive tournament, with the only controversy and focus seen on the field with drama and excitement that will grip all Rugby League fans alike.
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