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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher gives his insight as to why West Ham’s controversial first goal against Bournemouth was given.
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Islam Makhachev wins lightweight title at UFC 280 with a second-round submission of Charles Oliveira
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Islam Makhachev capped his ascent to the lightweight throne with a win by arm triangle choke against Brazilian Charles Oliveira; TJ Dillashaw suffered a dislocated shoulder against Aljamain Sterling and continued until referee Mark Goddard called a halt
Last Updated: 23/10/22 9:30am
Islam Makhachev pulled off a submission win over Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight title and Aljamain Sterling beat TJ Dillashaw by TKO to claim the bantamweight belt at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Makhachev capped his ascent to the lightweight throne with a win by arm triangle choke against Brazilian Oliveira, the holder of the UFC record for submission wins with 16.
Oliveira was stripped of the lightweight belt in May when he missed the weight for his title clash with Justin Gaethje and though he beat the American the title remained vacant, setting up the showdown with Russian Makhachev.
After spending much of the first round defending and trying to threaten with submissions off his back, Oliveira tried to keep the fight on the feet in the second round.
That tactic looked like it was paying off until he was decked by a punch from Makhachev, who wasted no time jumping on his opponent, locking in the choke and forcing the tap for Oliveira.
Makhachev dedicated the win to his late coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who died in 2020, saying: “Many years ago he told me just train hard and I will be champion”,
He then handed the belt to Khabib Nurmagomedov, who took over from his father as the Russian’s coach and is himself a former UFC lightweight champion.
Makhachev’s 11th submission win moves the 31-year-old to a record of 23 wins and one loss as a pro.
In the co-main event TJ Dillashaw, who had to give up the belt and serve a two-year suspension after testing positive for EPO in 2019, suffered a dislocated shoulder early in the first round but somehow made it through the first frame.
Reigning champion Aljamain Sterling did not let up and Dillashaw’s shoulder popped out again in the second round, allowing the 33-year-old Jamaican-American to take him down and dominate him until referee Mark Goddard called a halt.
“I probably popped it out about 20 times in training camp… I told the ref in the back that my shoulder is probably going to pop out, we’ll put it back so if it does don’t stop [the fight],” American Dillashaw said in his post-fight interview.
In the main card’s other big fight, American Sean O’Malley won a close split decision over Russian Petr Yan after a three-round brawl to put himself in pole position for a shot at the bantamweight title.
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Christian Horner: Dietrich Mateschitz was a remarkable man
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Red Bull team principal Christian Horner pays his respects to Dietrich Mateschitz.
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Rangers 1-1 Livingston | Scottish Premiership highlights
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Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Livingston.
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Rashid Khan anticipates ‘great contest’ against England batters in T20 World Cup
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Rashid Khan talks to Eoin Morgan about Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup opener against England, expectations from their fans and taking on Jos Buttler.
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British Gymnastics to name coaches banned after Whyte Review and announces new action plan
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Names of banned coaches will be found online but removed when a punishment has been served; the “Reform ’25” action plan comes as a result of complaints and findings published in June’s Whyte Review into misconduct within gymnastics
By Rob Harris, Sky News sports correspondent
Last Updated: 18/10/22 3:06pm
British Gymnastic has launched an action plan to create “safe, positive and fair experiences” for gymnasts
British Gymnastics will name coaches who have been banned as part of a response to an investigation exposing the sport’s abusive culture.
A 40-point “Reform ’25” action plan is intended by the governing body to create “safe, positive and fair experiences” for gymnasts.
It follows more than 400 complaints to the Whyte Review that was published in June and found young gymnasts in Britain had been left humiliated, shamed and permanently psychologically or physically damaged.
A challenge for gymnastics officials is determining the proportionality of sanctions based on the scale of misconduct – from sexual and physical abuse to bullying and malnutrition.
While British Gymnastics will publish lists of banned coaches online, their names will be removed once a punishment has been served.
It leaves open the possibility of coaches returning to the sport with athletes and any guardians never knowing about past misconduct.
British Gymnastics CEO Sarah Powell told Sky News: “I think we would have to be really convinced about why somebody had been banned, and then will come back into the sport. I don’t know until I look at the determinations of those outcomes.”
British Gymnastics will publish lists of banned coaches online, although names will be removed once a punishment has been served
Coaches who are suspended pending the outcome of an investigation will also not be named – opening up the possibility of them working in other countries in another sport.
The aspiration to improve welfare, safeguarding and complaints is for “zero tolerance of abuse – whether that be emotional, physical or sexual” and more specialist staff to handle complaints.
On the education priorities, Reform ’25 highlights the need for “a cultural understanding that creating a fear of coaches has no place in gymnastics”.
There are concerns that British sport has developed a medals over morals culture, but the action plan states there should be a “recognition that striving for and achieving success is not the same thing as wellbeing”.
British Gymnastics wants the reforms implemented by 2025 – a year after the next Olympics in Paris – but with regular progress updates on the progress in improving the environment that is focused on high-performance while eradicating risks.
Powell said: “The key for us is to make sure that those who’ve been affected, we acknowledge the failings of the past, and we make sure we set out a new direction for the future.
“The reforms that we’re putting in place today will ensure that this sport can be a safe, positive experience for all involved.”
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Aberdeen 2-0 Hearts | Scottish Premiership highlights
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Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Hearts.
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Save of the season? Kepa Arrizabalaga makes brilliant point-blank stop
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Kepa Arrizabalaga makes an incredible point-blank save to keep out Danny Ings’ header and preserve Chelsea’s 1-0 lead against Aston Villa.
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Claressa Shields beats Savannah Marshall in O2 thriller
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Watch highlights of the epic between Claressa Shields and Savannah Marshall in a fight-of-the-year contender!
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‘Really hurt by that one!’ Ruthless Dubois crushes Koleva
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Caroline Dubois picks up another via knockout, stopping the tough Milena Koleva.
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Paul Merson: Ivan Toney has to go to the World Cup
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Former Arsenal midfield Paul Merson believes Brentford’s Ivan Toney must be selected to go to the World Cup in Qatar.
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Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool vs Man City is always intense
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Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk tells Jamie Redknapp he expects Sunday’s game against Manchester City to be as intense as ever.
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Rugby League World Cup 2021: England vs Samoa talking points and team news ahead of opening match in Newcastle
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England head coach Shaun Wane has faced a long wait for the World Cup to come around
England kick off the 2021 Rugby League World Cup against Samoa on Saturday and we take a look at some talking points and team news ahead of the clash in Newcastle. Plus, a look ahead to the evening game between Australia and Fiji…
Wane ‘desperate’ to get going | Young’s home from home
Shaun Wane has faced a longer than expected wait to lead England at the World Cup, but now it is finally here the four-time Super League Grand Final-winning head coach is excited to get stuck in.
The Wiganer was appointed as Wayne Bennett’s successor in 2020 but had to wait until the following year to coach the national team in a match due to the Covid-19 pandemic bringing international rugby league to a halt.
Concerns over the virus led to the World Cup being postponed 12 months as well. Wane’s frustration at those delays, however, is now being channelled into ensuring England kick off Group A and the tournament with a win over a star-studded Samoa at St James’ Park (2.30pm).
“I’ve been bored for the last two years,” Wane, whose side warmed up for the tournament with a 50-0 win over Fiji last Friday, said. “I am desperate for this tournament but my job as head coach is to make the complicated very simple.
“I need to prioritise what’s going to help us get a win against Samoa. We performed okay against Fiji but this is a different challenge this weekend against a really good Samoan team with six players from the NRL winners.
“They’ve got big athletes, man for man they’re 10-15 kilos heavier than us. We’re not as big but we’re very athletic and we have things in our game that we believe can trouble Samoa.”
Former dual-code international Jason Robinson believes England have a chance to create history at the Rugby League World Cup Former dual-code international Jason Robinson believes England have a chance to create history at the Rugby League World Cup
A crowd of around 45,000 is expected at St James’ Park for the match, which would make it the best-attended opening game in Rugby League World Cup history, and it will be an occasion to savour for England new boy Dom Young in particular.
Young, who coincidentally represents the Australian city of Newcastle with the Knights in the NRL, made a flying start to his international career last Friday by scoring a try and providing two assists in the win over Fiji.
Although born in Wakefield, the 21-year-old has family from the North-East who are all proud Newcastle United supporters. But while playing at the home of United perhaps does not mean as much for Chelsea fan Young, he cannot wait to be part of the match where he is set to start as one of England’s wingers.
“My mum’s side of the family are all from Newcastle,” Young said. “It’s kind of weird really, especially when I’m in Newcastle in Australia – and a lot of the suburbs have similar names as well.
Dom Young’s try-scoring efforts for Newcastle Knights in the NRL have earned him a call-up to Shaun Wane’s England squad for the Rugby League World Cup Dom Young’s try-scoring efforts for Newcastle Knights in the NRL have earned him a call-up to Shaun Wane’s England squad for the Rugby League World Cup
“They’re all Geordies, all proud United fans, and I’ve been to the stadium a few times. It’s massive and it’s going to be a great atmosphere – you know what English fans are like.”
Samoa play down expectations for opener
A quick look at the bookies’ odds for Saturday’s opening game will tell you it is Samoa, rather than the hosts, who are slight odds-on favourites to come away victorious.
That might come as a surprise to the casual fan, but much like their Pacific Island brethren Tonga, the Samoans have brought together a team packed with NRL talent who have eschewed overtures from Australia and New Zealand to represent the nation.
That includes five of the Penrith Panthers team who won this year’s NRL Grand Final and two more from runners-up Parramatta Eels, but skipper Junior Paulo has cautioned it will not be that simple against England
Jon Wilkin reveals his winning predictions for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Jon Wilkin reveals his winning predictions for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair Rugby League World Cup
“That would be quite the outcome for us but it’s all about preparation,” Paulo said. “The boys have gelled quite well but, knowing we haven’t played a lot of footy together, it’s all about building that connection.
“They’ve a quality forward pack and in that warm-up game they certainly powered through the middle. It’s a challenge we’re definitely looking forward to.
“We know we’ve got a quality outfit and we’re looking to hit the ground running this week.”
Samoa have not played together since June 25 when they eased to a 42-12 victory over the Cook Islands in the mid-season internationals and head coach Matt Parish has warned not to expect the best from his side against England.
Samoa train in Newcastle ahead of Saturday’s World Cup opener against England
“We’re under-done for the first game,” Parish said. “England played a trial match while our boys were all on a plane.
“I’m confident we’re going to get better as the competition goes on.”
Teams
England (from): Sam Tomkins (captain), Tommy Makinson, Kallum Watkins, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Welsby, George Williams, Tom Burgess, Michael McIlorum, Luke Thompson, Elliott Whitehead, Victor Radley, Dom Young, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mike Cooper, Chris Hill, Mike McMeeken, Marc Sneyd, Kai Pearce-Paul.
Samoa (from): Josh Aloiai, Stephen Crichton, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Oregon Kaufusi, Spencer Leniu, Danny Levi, Jarome Luai, Tyrone May, Anthony Milford, Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo (captain), Jaydn Su’a, Joseph Suaalii, Hamiso Tabaui-Fidow, Izack Tago, Martin Taupa’u, Brian To’o, Kelma Tuilagi.
Meninga utilises Aussie squad for Fiji clash
World champions Australia kick off their attempt to retain the Paul Barriere trophy against Fiji at Headingley on Saturday evening (7.30pm).
Aside from 2008, when they were beaten by New Zealand in the final, the Kangaroos have kept a firm hold on the World Cup since 1975 and are favourites to retain the title in England this year.
Head coach Mal Meninga, a player on the victorious teams in 1988 and 1992, took the step of naming his matchday 17 on Tuesday, with seven players set to make their debuts for Australia due to those who were involved in the recent NRL Grand Final being rested.
“This is an extremely strong team and suits what we are trying to achieve over the whole tournament,” Meninga said.
Australia head coach Mal Meninga is utilising his squad depth for the clash with Fiji
“The Grand Final players will not play against Fiji, while a number of the players we have named have not played in weeks. It’s important to give them match time as we look at our combinations.
“All of the players who will not play against Fiji will play the next match against Scotland [on Friday, October 21].”
Teams
Australia: James Tedesco (captain); Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell, Valentine Holmes, Murray Taulagi; Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans; Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Ben Hunt, Jake Trbojevic, Angus Crichton, Jeremiah Nanai, Cameron Murray.
Interchange: Harry Grant, Reuben Cotter, Pat Carrigan, Jack Wighton.
Fiji (from): Sunia Turuva, Miteli Vulikijapani, Kevin Naiqama (captain), Semi Valemei, Maika Sivo, Sitiveni Moceidreke, Brandon Wakeham, King Vuniyayawa, Apisai Koroisau, Tui Kamikamica, Viliame Kikau, Josh Wong, Lamar Manuel-Liolevave, Penioni Tagituimu, Jowasa Drodrolagi, Ben Nakubuwai, Taniela Sadrugu, Netane Masima, Isaac Lumelume.
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Rob Burrow: I have no regrets about playing rugby league despite MND battle; ‘My kids can play whatever sport they desire’
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Rob Burrow won eight Super League titles in a trophy-laden career for the Leeds Rhinos; he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019 but believes there is still a lot of work to be done to fully understand its causes and has campaigned for more research
Last Updated: 12/10/22 5:49pm
Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019 and has campaigned for more research into the disease
Rob Burrow says he has no regrets about playing rugby league and would not discourage his children from following in his footsteps despite his battle with motor neurone disease.
The former Leeds and Great Britain scrum-half is now confined to a wheelchair and unable to perform basic functions without help as motor neurone disease takes an increasing hold of his body.
Former rugby players are 15 times more likely to suffer from MND than the average person according to a new study, but Burrow, who was diagnosed with the disease in December 2019, is not entirely convinced by the findings.
A special moment for Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow as the whole of St James’ Park cheers for him! A special moment for Leeds Rhinos legend Burrow as the whole of St James’ Park cheers for him!
“It was such small sample so I cannot really comment,” said Burrow.
“More research needs to be done.”
Burrow, who won eight Super League titles during his glittering career with the Rhinos, insists he would not change anything from his past and would be happy for children Macy (10), Maya (7) and Jackson (3) to take up rugby.
“I’d like my kids to do whatever sports they desire,” he said with the use of eye-recognition technology.
“There is no evidence that anything causes MND. I think I was so unlucky that I got the disease.
“The positives outweigh the negatives. I would not be the person I am today without the experience I got from playing rugby league, the friendships and bonds and life experiences, travelling the world.”
Burrow wrote his name into Grand Final history with his stunning solo try which set Leeds Rhinos on course for victory in 2011 Burrow wrote his name into Grand Final history with his stunning solo try which set Leeds Rhinos on course for victory in 2011
Rob and his wife Lindsey, who cares for her husband full-time despite having to look after their three young children and holding down a job as a physiotherapist, are taking part in a documentary to highlight what it is like to live with motor neurone disease, with Burrow maintaining he is “not giving in, right until my last breath” as he has “too many reasons to live”.
“I’m a prisoner in my own body, that’s the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one’s home,” says Burrow.
Lindsey also opens up about the difficulties the family experience and contemplates a future without her childhood sweetheart.
The Burrow family speak about their charity work and the shirts they have designed for Leeds Rhinos The Burrow family speak about their charity work and the shirts they have designed for Leeds Rhinos
“I’m out of my comfort zone, but at the end of the day it’s not about us,” she said.
“The reason for doing this is to raise awareness about how brutal and cruel and devastating MND is and that it doesn’t just affect the person, it affects the whole family.
“Me doing an interview is nothing compared to what Rob and many other sufferers go through, it puts it into perspective and, if we can help one other person or raise more awareness and more funds for research, it can only be a good thing.
“It’s really tough doing those interviews, but I don’t want people to be sad.
“Yes, it is a sad story, but there is a lot of hope in there as well, seeing the kids and just how much they love life.”
Sinfield: Rugby league safer than ever due to protocols
Burrow’s former team-mate and close friend Kevin Sinfield says rugby league’s evolving protocols have made the sport “safer than ever” despite ongoing concerns over the long-term impact of head collisions.
Sinfield’s comments came hours before a group of over 75 former players were set to launch a legal claim against the Rugby Football League (RFL), alleging negligence in failing to take “reasonable action” to protect against irreversible neurological conditions.
The former Leeds Rhinos star is due to embark on his latest challenge to raise money for research into motor neurone disease and will run seven consecutive ultra-marathons, starting in Edinburgh and ending at the Rugby League World Cup final in Manchester.
He told BBC Radio Four’s Desert Island Discs: “I think with the advances medically in sport and how they’re governed, players are looked after better than they have ever been.
“Governing bodies have worked really hard to take away as many head collisions as they can, and then how these head collisions are monitored and looked after, the protocols that are in place now are better.
“I’d say it’s safer now than it’s ever been to play sport.
“However, there will continue to be head collisions. If we took all contact away from rugby and it became something very different to what it looks like today, we’d have a lot of people stop playing.”
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What does every Scottish Premiership boss think of VAR?
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Every Scottish Premiership boss tells Sky Sports News what they think of VAR and its introduction to the top-flight.
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Aquaphobia: The sports making a splash
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In episode four of Aquaphobia we hear travel around the country to get the experiences of different water sports and hear from a double Olympic water polo champion in the United States
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Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane’s top threes: Players, managers and pundits!
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Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane pick their top three players and managers n the Premier League, footballers of all time, and pundits!
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Rugby League World Cup 2021: Meet the 16 men’s teams taking part in this year’s tournament in England
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Which team will lift the Paul Barriere Trophy at Old Trafford on November 19?
We profile the 16 teams taking part in the men’s tournament as the Rugby League World Cup returns to England this year…
Group A
England
Head coach: Shaun Wane.
Captain: Sam Tomkins.
Sam Tomkins is hoping to skipper England to World Cup glory
Previous World Cup best: Runners-up x3 (1975, 1995, 2017).
Player to watch: Victor Radley. If you have any interest in the NRL, you will have seen what the Sydney Roosters star can do. After making a shock decision to represent the birthplace of his Sheffield-born dad and give up his chance to play State of Origin in Australia, Radley will be out to prove that he made the right call. His hard-hitting will only elevate this forward-heavy England side, so expect crunching tackles, hard running and some pretty big fireworks.
What to expect: A side brimming with potential are aiming to go one step further than their 2017 World Cup Final loss against Australia, but they have some big challenges on their way. A clash with a talent-laden Samoa side awaits them at the World Cup opener, but unknown entities on the international stage such as Jack Welsby, Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young will be hoping to be the surprise package which see England defy all expectations. The quarter-finals should be a given but the journey after that is unknown.
France
Head coach: Laurent Frayssinous.
Captain: Benjamin Garcia.
Catalans’ Benjamin Garcia captains France
Previous World Cup best: Runners-up x2 (1954, 1968).
Player to watch: Arthur Mourgue. One of the emerging talents of French rugby league and capable of slotting in at full-back or the halves, Mourgue has caught the eye for Catalans Dragons in the Betfred Super League and now has the opportunity to make a name for himself on the world stage.
What to expect: Given they are in a group with hosts England, who beat them 30-10 last October, and a star-studded Samoa team, it will be a tough ask for the French to reach the knock-out stages. Nevertheless, this is a side with plenty of Super League experience and should prove competitive, whoever they are up against.
Samoa
Head coach: Matt Parish.
Captain: Anthony Milford.
Jarome Luai is one of eight players to have featured in this year’s NRL Grand Final in Samoa’s squad
Previous World Cup best: Quarter-finals x3 (2000, 2013, 2017).
Player to watch: Jarome Luai. The Penrith Panthers half-back has been lighting up the NRL and comes into the side after helping his club secure back-to-back Grand Final victories. The 25-year-old has talked a lot about the honour of representing his family heritage and his creativity, speed and personality will bring some high drama as this side aims to climb up the international rankings.
What to expect: This star-studded Samoa side is packed with speed, size and talent, not to mention eight NRL Grand Finalists who know how to win. Although they have never got further than the quarter-finals in previous World Cups, you would not be betting against this side to be in the final come November 19.
Greece
Head coach: Steve Georgallis.
Captain: Jordan Meads.
Greece are playing in their first Rugby League World Cup
Previous World Cup best: First time qualified.
Player to watch: Stefanos Bastas. The first native Greek rugby league player to secure a professional contract will be familiar to watchers of Betfred League One, having previously played for Hemel Stags, Doncaster and Coventry Bears, and the prop can be expected to lead from the front for his team.
What to expect: Just qualifying for RLWC2021 has been an achievement for this team, given some of the obstacles they have had to overcome, but while Greece are unlikely to progress beyond the group stage, it can only be good for the growth of rugby league in the country to have them participating on the world stage.
Group B
Australia
Head coach: Mal Meninga.
Captain: James Tedesco.
Josh Addo-Carr will be a danger on the wing for Australia
Previous World Cup best: Winners x11 (1957, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1988, 1992, 1995, 2000, 2013, 2017).
Player to watch: Josh Addo-Carr. AKA ‘The Foxx’, the Melbourne Storm winger is regarded one of the fastest rugby league players in the world, with that speed being aligned with skill and vision which has made him a master of scoring spectacular tries in the NRL. One of a number in the Kangaroos squad who could light up this tournament.
What to expect: The 11-time winners head to England as the reigning champions and favourites to keep hold of the Paul Barriere Trophy. Having not played a Test match since 2019, though, Australia’s squad is a somewhat inexperienced one on the international stage and head coach Mal Meninga has included 13 uncapped players in his squad.
Fiji
Head coach: Joe Rabele.
Captain: Kevin Naiqama.
Kevin Naiqama leads Fiji at this year’s World Cup
Previous World Cup best: Semi-finals x3 (2008, 2013, 2017).
Player to watch: Viliame Kikau. The second row is renowned for his offloading game and it is something he will be troubling teams with, as he did for Penrith Panthers in the NRL. Kikau has represented Fiji on 12 occasions and knows how to cross the whitewash, scoring eight tries for his country. He is strong, powerful and his attacking mindset is something to look out for on the left edge as Group B gets under way.
What to expect: Fiji put in a brilliant performance in 2017 as they were beaten by eventual winners Australia in the semi-finals and with the Kangaroos in their group for this year’s tournament, they will be looking to rewrite the script. They are expected to make it to the quarter-final stages and then after that, this passionate side will have the belief they can go all the way.
Scotland
Head coach: Nathan Graham.
Captain: Dale Ferguson.
Ryan Brierley is one of the stand-out names in Scotland’s squad
Previous World Cup best: Quarter-finals (2013).
Player to watch: Ryan Brierley. A veteran of Scotland’s 2016 Four Nations and 2017 World Cup campaigns, the Salford Red Devils full-back goes into this year’s tournament on the back of a strong season in the Betfred Super League and could provide the Bravehearts with the sort of maverick spark that Danny Brough used to.
What to expect: Drawn in the same group as defending champions Australia and semi-finalists in the past three tournaments Fiji, it will be difficult for Scotland to progress to the knock-out stages. However, they have proven themselves capable of giving the big boys a bloody nose before and will be optimistic of doing so again.
Italy
Head coach: Leo Epifania.
Captain: Brendan Santi.
Nathan Brown is likely to be a key player for Italy
Previous World Cup best: Group stage x2 (2013, 2017).
Player to watch: Nathan Brown. The Parramatta Eels forward remains the Azzuri’s stand-out player for this year and is by far the most experienced member of this side in transition. After losing some NRL stars to the Australia national side, Italy will be relying on his experience to help them defy the odds.
What to expect: Italy have been placed in a difficult group for this year’s World Cup and they will have to put in the performance of their lives if they were to exit from the group stages. Fiji and Australia will be tough to beat and the clash with Scotland is set to be a grudge match.
Group C
New Zealand
Head coach: Michael Maguire.
Captain: Kieran Foran.
Brandon Smith is one of the stars of the New Zealand team
Previous World Cup best: Winners (2008).
Player to watch: Brandon Smith. When looking for talent in this New Zealand side there is plenty, but it is hard to look past Smith. The now-Sydney Roosters hooker has been at the top of world rugby for many years and will be guiding the Kiwis around the pitch with ease, and will use his experience to control the game.
What to expect: They are the No 1 side in the world for a reason and it is pretty much nailed on that New Zealand will top the group, with the talent in this squad having the potential to be eventual winners. With six NRL Grand Finalists plus a whole host of other talents, including Joseph Tapine, Dylan Brown and Joey Manu, this side should be an absolute joy to watch as they show off some serious skill – with a potential semi-final clash with Australia on the cards.
Lebanon
Head coach: Michael Cheika.
Captain: TBC.
Michael Cheika brings his international rugby union experience as coach of Lebanon
Previous World Cup best: Quarter-finals (2017).
Player to watch: Mitchell Moses. One of a number of NRL stars with Lebanese ancestry, the nephew of former Australia international hooker Benny Elias heads into the World Cup having helped Parramatta Eels reach the Grand Final and will be pulling the strings for the Cedars in the halves at this tournament.
What to expect: In a group where it seems as if the race to join expected qualifiers New Zealand in the knock-out stages is very much up for grabs, the Cedars will fancy their chances of repeating their last-eight appearance from five years ago. Head coach Michael Cheika brings a wealth of international experience from rugby union as well.
Jamaica
Head coach: Romeo Monteith.
Captain: Joe Brown.
Ashton Golding is one of the star names in the Jamaica squad
Previous World Cup best: First time qualified.
Player to watch: Ashton Golding. It is Super League stars who lead the way in this Jamaica side and none more so than Huddersfield Giants’ Golding, who has represented the Reggae Warriors on four occasions and is one of their most potent attacking threats, which they will be looking to use to their advantage in a tough group.
What to expect: As the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the World Cup, it is a momentous occasion for Jamaica regardless of outcome as they look to inspire the next generation. Clashes with New Zealand, Lebanon and Ireland await them in the group stages, and anything is possible.
Ireland
Head coach: Ged Corcoran.
Captain: George King.
Previous World Cup best: Quarter-finals (2000).
Player to watch: Luke Keary. Previously capped twice by Australia, the Sydney Roosters half-back has opted to represent his grandfather’s home nation at this year’s World Cup and should inject some dynamism into the team, which is further boosted by the inclusion of Super League stars like Richie Myler, Toby King and James Bentley.
What to expect: Every team in Group C will fancy their chances of reaching the knock-out stages and with a squad that includes some notable Super League and NRL talent, Ireland will be as confident of anyone of repeating their quarter-final appearance from their World Cup debut 22 years ago, which remains their best performance at rugby league’s global gathering.
Group D
Tonga
Head coach: Kristian Woolf.
Joint-captains: Jason Taumalolo and Sio Taukeiaho
Jason Taumalolo has been one of the players leading Tonga’s rugby league revolution
Previous World Cup best: Semi-finals (2017).
Player to watch: David Fifita. The Gold Coast Titans star has chosen to represent his father’s Tongan heritage at this year’s World Cup after previously representing Australia in the World Cup Nines three years ago. Fifita is a powerful addition to Tonga’s second row and will cause problems for any opponent as his team seek to make more history at this year’s tournament.
What to expect: The Tongans came within an Elliot Whitehead tackle of upsetting England in the semi-finals five years ago and a victory over Australia in 2019 served only to heighten expectations around the team. A squad packed with Super League and NRL talent and coached by the man who guided St Helens to victory in the past three Grand Finals is expected to excel in this tournament.
Papua New Guinea
Head coach: Stanley Tepend.
Captain: Rhyse Martin.
Papua New Guinea skipper Rhyse Martin
Previous World Cup best: Quarter-finals (2000, 2017).
Player to watch: Rhyse Martin. The Leeds Rhinos star ended the season in fine form in Super League and he will be wanting to emulate that on the international stage as he leads his country. Martin is strong, dynamic and a constant threat in attack as he uses his power and speed down the edge to dominate sides. His accuracy with the boot will also be an advantage to this Papua New Guinea side after he kicked a record-breaking 38 goals in a row for the Rhinos.
What to expect: Papua New Guinea could be one of the real surprises of this year’s tournament and as the fifth-ranked side in the world, they will be looking to provide some upsets. They bagged a huge win over Fiji earlier this year and have a combination of NRL experience together with young talents such as Lachlan Lam and, if they progress, it could see them set up a huge quarter-final clash with either Samoa or England.
Wales
Head coach: John Kear.
Captain: Elliot Kear.
Wales will be hoping Rhys Williams can be a try-scoring outlet again
Previous World Cup best: Semi-finals x2 (1995, 2000).
Player to watch: Rhys Williams. The absence of rugby union-bound Regan Grace due to injury has robbed Wales of one of its most potent attacking threats, but fellow winger Williams has proven a prolific try scorer both in Super League and for the Dragons since making his debut for them in 2008. He brings plenty of experience to the party as well.
What to expect: Realistically, getting out of the group which includes the Pacific Island powerhouses of Tonga and Papua New Guinea would be an achievement for Wales. But head coach John Kear has proven capable of masterminding cup upsets at club level, and has assembled a team which will fight for each other and their country to the last.
Cook Islands
Head coach: Tony Iro.
Captain: TBC.
Leeds forward Zane Tetevano will be leading the charge for the Cook Islands
Previous World Cup best: Group Stage (2000, 2013).
Player to watch: Zane Tetevano. If he gets it right, Leeds Rhinos middle Tetevano, combined with Catalans Dragons’ Dylan Napa, will be a force in the front row for this Cook Islands side. Both will be coming out all guns blazing and looking to lead from the front as their strong pack lays the groundwork.
What to expect: The Cook Islands is a proud rugby league nation and will be looking to do everything they can to get out of the group stages. A clash with Wales will be one they aim to win, but they have two tough asks in beating both Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
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Nunez levels for Liverpool!
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Liverpool have been having some joy down the right flank and it delivers the equalising goal from Nunez.
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