Tag: Dragons

“It was really special”: Courtney Winfield-Hill scored three tries as England secured a huge 72-4 victory over Brazil in their Rugby League World Cup opener; Next, they face Canada in a double-header with the men’s team at Wigan

England half-back Courtney Winfield-Hill believes her side can build from a “really special” opening victory against Brazil, as they look to go all the way at the Rugby League World Cup.

In a player of the match performance, Winfield-Hill scored a hat-trick in England’s dominant win over Brazil and admitted it was a moment to remember as they walked out to the roaring crowd at Headingley as stands packed with local school children cheered for the home nation.

“It was really special and I think that is something that England rugby league fans do really well,” said Winfield-Hill.

“Especially here at Headingley, to hear that South Stand drum giving us a really big lift through moments in that game, that was incredibly special.

“It was a big occasion today with the number of people in the crowd and the volume going off.

“It all adds to it and now we have experienced, perhaps we can settle in a little more and just get minds on the game.”

Despite a resounding win, Winfield-Hill believes England have a lot of areas to improve if they are going to secure their goal of winning the World Cup on home soil.

“Patchy is the word I would use to describe it,” she added.

“We were really good in certain patches then we probably got a bit excited at times and just lost touch with a couple of basics.

“I am sure Craig (Richards) and the coaching staff will get us back on the straight and narrow over the next couple of days.

“Georgia (Roche) and I have only been together at Leeds for a year and it has been clunky at times, there is no denying that for us.

“But it was also really good today to have some time with Zoe Harris and just connecting a different partnership because we know that throughout this tournament, everybody is going to play a part and there is going to be different combinations at times.”

On Saturday, England will have another special moment as they play in front of a packed-out crowd in a double-header with the men’s team at Wigan, with the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton attending the occasion.

“We just need to learn to gain momentum through basics. I think we lost it at points there today and we know that comes through discipline,” Winfield-Hill said.

“So, solidifying a few basics will be on the agenda and I am really looking forward to the double-header with the men, who are building some terrific momentum themselves.

“That will be another really good moment to be a part of.”

Back row Kevin Proctor was sacked by NRL club Gold Coast Titans in July for posting a video of himself on social media vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game in which he was not playing; the former New Zealand international has signed a 12-month contract with Wakefield

Former New Zealand Test forward Kevin Proctor has joined Wakefield Trinity for the 2023 Betfred Super League season.

The 33-year-old back row was considering retiring from the game after being sacked by NRL club Gold Coast Titans in July for posting a video of himself on social media vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game in which he was not playing.

But the ex-Melbourne Storm player, who won 22 caps for the Kiwis up to 2019, has signed a 12-month deal with Trinity and is looking forward to sampling Super League.

“I just can’t wait to get over and get going,” Proctor said. “The challenge is something I’m really looking forward to.

“I’m hoping my experience will complement the squad and the young fellas that are a part of it.

“I’m really hungry to succeed and can’t wait for the journey to start.”

Wakefield’s new head coach Mark Applegarth expects Proctor’s experience and ability to provie invaluable as Trinity aim to avoid another season of being involved in the relegation battle.

“I’m really happy to have Kevin on board for 2023,” Applegarth said.

“He’s a player that’s done it all in Australia and somebody I’m looking forward to working with. He will definitely drive the standards of the group up in training and games as he’s a real competitor.

“After chatting with Kevin on numerous occasions, it’s clear to see he’s coming over with plenty of ambition left to compete at the highest level. I can’t wait for him to get started.”

From his junior days with Croydon Hurricanes to starring on the world stage for England, Kai Pearce-Paul has made impressive progress in his rugby league career; the 21-year-old has drawn comparisons from some quarters with one of the sport’s greats as well

With his deft offloading ability, strong ball carrying and tough tackling, it is perhaps no surprise Kai Pearce-Paul has drawn comparisons to one of the greats from some quarters.

The 21-year-old Wigan Warriors player has been tagged as ‘The English Sonny Bill Williams’, with the New Zealand cross-code icon being one of the players Pearce-Paul admired as a youngster.

It is a comparison he takes in his stride, although Pearce-Paul is more concerned with being his own man rather than measuring himself against Williams or anyone else.

“I hear that a bit from my friends as well because I like to offload and it’s something he did,” Pearce-Paul said. “He was the master of that, really, and I’ve had a few comparisons in my time.

“He’s a great guy, an unreal player, and he’s done it all, really. He was someone I looked up to as a kid.

“I don’t like to compare myself, and if people want to say it then it’s okay and they can do that. But I’m my own player and he’s a great player as well, and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

Pearce-Paul is now a fully-fledged international player too after making his England Test debut in the 94-4 win over Greece on Saturday which secured top spot in Group A of the Rugby League World Cup, capping a memorable day with a try and two assists.

It is the latest step on a journey which began for the Bromley-born second row or centre as a junior player with community club Croydon Hurricanes and continued with him joining the academy set-up at London Broncos.

Impressive displays in the U19s competition for the Broncos and for Lancashire in the Academy Origin series led to Wigan bringing him in on an initial four-year contract in 2019, and Pearce-Paul has become an established first-team regular since making his debut in September 2020.

His performances this year earned him a place in Shaun Wane’s 24-man England squad for the World Cup and after sitting out the opening win over Samoa and being 18th man for the match against France, he finally got the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition against the Greeks at Bramall Lane.

“It’s been a long journey, and this is something you can only dream of, playing as a young boy for Croydon Hurricanes and down in London,” Pearce-Paul said.

“I was a young kid thinking one day I wanted to play for my country and now it’s something which has become a reality.

“It was something which took a while to hit me but running out on that pitch and having the crowd roaring, it all became so real and that was a great feeling.”

Pearce-Paul is not the only player from outside rugby league’s northern heartland in England’s squad, with Basingstoke-born former Broncos back row Mike McMeeken another one who has blazed a trail too.

But although he was in the minority among his friends in playing the 13-man code growing up, his progress has attracted plenty of attention from them.

“As a kid, I was one of the only ones of my mates who played rugby league and they all really respected how good the game was,” Pearce-Paul said.

“Obviously it’s not as big down in London, but I’ve had a lot of messages from old friends and rugby union friends saying congratulations and watching.

“The support is there, which is nice, and it’s good having old friends, teachers and family watching me play.”

Pearce-Paul will now hope he has done enough to retain his place in Wane’s matchday 17 when England head to his second home of Wigan for the quarter-finals on Saturday, November 5, where Papua New Guinea are their most likely opponents.

He already knew Wane from the 58-year-old’s role as the Warriors’ leadership and management director and is enjoying his time being coached by the man who guided Wigan to three Super League Grand Final triumphs as part of the England squad.

“It’s been really good,” Pearce-Paul said. “He’s an honest man and very straightforward – he tells you how it is.

“The boys respect that about him and that brings the respect of wanting to play for him. That’s a way of paying him back, playing well and doing what he coaches us.

“It’s what you expect with Waney. Having him around Wigan, I always knew the kind of guy he was and he’s a great guy, and it’s the same at England.

“It translates onto the pitch in how we’re playing in these last few games, which is really good.”

England head coach Craig Richards has named his 19-player squad as side kick-off the Women’s World Cup against debutants Brazil as part of a double-header at Headingley on Tuesday (2.30pm)

Emily Rudge will lead England into the fourth Rugby League World Cup of her career when they open the women’s tournament against Brazil.

Head coach Craig Richards’ squad for the opening match of the tournament at Headingley on Tuesday sees all four previous winners of the Woman of Steel award included as well.

Leeds Rhinos’ half-back pairing Georgia Roche and Courtney Winfield-Hill, St Helens loose forward Jodie Cunningham and this year’s winner Tara-Jane Stanley are all in line to feature.

Rudge is the most experienced player in the squad and is set to win her 37th England cap when she leads the team out to face the World Cup debutants in the Group A opener.

Other notable selections include Leeds back Caitlin Beevers, who at 21 has already won two Women’s Super League titles and a Challenge Cup, England’s all-time leading try-scorer Amy Hardcastle of St Helens and Wigan Warriors’ Vicky Molyneux.

The latter is the sole member of the present squad who was part of England Women’s very first international outing against France in 2007.

The match against Brazil at 2.30pm is part of a double-header at Headingley to kick off the women’s tournament and is followed by Papua New Guinea taking on Canada at 5pm.

England 19-player squad vs Brazil

Emily Rudge (captain), Tara Stanley, Caitlin Beevers, Fran Goldthorp, Amy Hardcastle, Leah Burke, Georgia Roche, Courtney Winfield-Hill, Grace Field, Tara Jones, Hollie Dodd, Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Molyneux, Vicky Whitfield, Shona Hoyle, Olivia Wood, Keara Bennett, Zoe Harris, Zoe Hornby.

France being awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 World Cup is a sign of how rugby league has progressed there in recent years; the current squad will reach the quarter-finals of this year’s tournament if they beat Samoa in Warrington on Sunday

Regardless of what happens in the final Group A match against Samoa on Sunday, French rugby league appears to be riding a wave of optimism as the nation prepares to host the next World Cup in three years’ time.

Of course, students of rugby league history will know there has been many a false dawn across the Channel when it comes to the 13-man code in the past. National team head coach and former player Laurent Frayssinous is probably just as aware of that as anyone else too.

Nevertheless, even in the wake of last Saturday’s 42-18 defeat to England, the 45-year-old chose to focus on the positives and is in no doubt France are showing signs of once again becoming a team capable of competing with the other big names on the international stage.

“We played England 12 months ago and I can see from last year to this year, there is a massive, massive improvement in how we play the game, the way we attack and the way we defend,” Frayssinous, whose side will reach the quarter-finals of this year’s World Cup with victory over Samoa, said.

“We keep on building, we keep on learning, and we learnt a few things against England. We go and play Samoa with confidence because I think we deserve some credit for the last two games.

“We started to build something so we could lay the platform. The players know our philosophy and what we expect them to do on the field.”

The decision to award France the hosting rights for the next global gathering, having hosted the inaugural edition in 1954 and again in 1972, is another sign of how the sport has somewhat come in from the margins in the country in recent years.

A large part of that has come on the back of the success of Catalans Dragons in the Betfred Super League, becoming the first overseas team to win the Challenge Cup in 2018 and then winning the League Leaders’ Shield and reaching the Grand Final for the first time in 2021.

The relegation of Toulouse Olympique back to the second tier of the British professional league system after just one year in Super League has dented those ambitions slightly, but that has not altered their long-term aim to establish themselves at the top level as well.

France’s domestic Elite One championship has benefitted from an influx of high-profile foreign players in recent seasons, too, with the latest big move seeing former NRL star Corey Norman link up with ex-Catalans man and former Australia international James Maloney at Lezignan after leaving Toulouse.

On the international front, Sydney Roosters’ NRL Grand Final-winning head coach Trent Robinson has linked up with the national team as coaching director, benefitting both Frayssinous and the squad with his experience along with growing his own links with the country after playing there for Toulouse and later coaching Catalans.

Last Saturday’s match showed Les Chanticleers still have some catching up to do after their run without a win against England extended to 21 matches, yet hooker Alrix Da Costa – one of the Catalans contingent in the squad – believes they are making progress.

“International games are always different,” vice-captain Da Costa, one of those who plies his trade at club level for Catalans in Super League, said. “It’s massive and it’s some good experiences for all the players.

“You have some NRL players [to play against] so the level is higher and it’s good for us. We take everything and learn from that.”

France were finalists at the first World Cup 68 years ago when one of the greatest national teams the country has ever produced beat Australia and New Zealand, only to be edged out 16-12 by Great Britain in the final following a 13-13 draw between the two in the group stage.

They finished second in 1968, too, but in the modern era their best performances have been quarter-final appearances in 2000 and 2013 – something they could equal if they defeat Samoa in Warrington this weekend.

That, believes Da Costa, would be a just reward for the efforts France’s squad have put in and give them something to build on ahead of hosting the World Cup in 2025.

“It would be massive for us,” Da Costa said. “We have been working so hard the last few years, so I think we deserve this, but we need to work even harder.

“Against England, we needed to be a bit smarter and if we keep going like this then we’ve got a chance.”

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.”

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.

“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

“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.

“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.

“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.

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

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer, who is leaving his role at the end of the year, was investigated after a complaint was made over comments he made about the Fiji national team at the Championship and League One awards dinner on September 26

RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer has avoided any sanctions for using “unacceptable” language at an official function.

The governing body launched an investigation into Rimmer’s actions after receiving a complaint over comments he made about the Fiji national team at the Championship and League One awards dinner on September 26.

The RFL says it followed procedures under the Directors’ Code of Conduct, led by the RFL chair Simon Johnson, who submitted a 21-page report to the RFL Board and to Rimmer, who announced last month his intention to step down from his role at the end of the year.

It said the procedures involved gathering of information from three independent experts, in addition to a number of attendees at the dinner, and a statement from Rimmer – who apologised for his comments.

Views from the Fiji Rugby League and their World Cup travelling party were also sought.

“The report concluded that the language fell within the wide definition of unacceptable language as defined in the RFL’s Operational Rules and therefore could be considered to breach the Code of Conduct,” A statement from the governing body said.

“However, it noted that the comment was taken within the context of a wider discussion of the World Cup; that any insult of the Fiji national team or of people from Fiji or of Fijian origin or heritage was unintended; and that the Fiji national team, the Federation and the Confederation have accepted Ralph Rimmer’s apology for the comments.

“Noting the agreement of all consulted that there was no intent in the use of the unacceptable language; that a fulsome apology was issued and accepted; and taking into account relevant and applicable precedent, from other sports and previous RFL compliance investigations, the decision of the chair is that no formal disciplinary action is appropriate.

“The matter will be dealt with through education, to be conducted during the three months before Ralph Rimmer’s previously-announced departure from the RFL at the end of the year.”

The statement was issued two hours before Fiji were due to play England in a Rugby League World Cup warm-up game at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium.

Halifax Panthers beat Leeds Rhinos in the Wheelchair Super League Grand Final on Saturday, live on Sky Sports; Rob Hawkins scored five tries for Halifax in victory; Nathan Collins also scored five tries, for Leeds in a losing effort

Halifax Panthers claimed Wheelchair Grand Final glory on Saturday, winning their first Super League title since 2019 after a thrilling 52-48 success against Leeds Rhinos.

A packed house in Manchester saw Leeds make the stronger start, and despite the concession of the first score to Halifax’s Nathan Holmes, they hit back with tries from James Simpson and Nathan Collins – the latter finishing after a superb Tom Halliwell pass – to lead 10-6 15 minutes into the final.

Halifax replied with some inspired play, however, and proved dominant in the second quarter, scoring five tries without response.

Rob Hawkins and Jeremy Bourson were among the try scorers, and five minutes from the half-time break, the Panthers had turned things around to lead 36-10.

In the final play of the first half, Leeds got themselves back into the contest, though, as Collins registered his second try close to the posts.

The Rhinos, much like the first period, re-emerged to start the stronger, as Jodie Boyd-Ward and Collins scored quick-fire tires to narrow the deficit, before Halifax hit back through a Seb Bechara try.

Collins would soon notch his fourth and fifth tries of the final for Leeds, however, cutting the Halifax lead to just two points at 42-40 with 12 minutes left.

Two minutes later, the Rhinos were level as Collins punished a Halifax push with a penalty goal, after the Leeds man himself had been fouled.

The final wasn’t level for long, however, as Hawkins grabbed his fourth try – with a salute to the fans en route – before scoring his fifth to seemingly seal victory for Halifax.

Leeds had one final say and push, though, as England international Josh Butler finished off a flowing move, and once Collins added the conversion, the gap was narrowed to four points with a minute to go.

A penalty against Halifax for a double tag gave Leeds one final set, and though they pushed hard, they just fell short in the Grand Final.

The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup begins on Thursday November 3, with England competing in a group against Australia, Spain and Ireland on home soil.

The final is being held at Manchester Central on Friday November 18.

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