2013 Rugby League World Cup Thread
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
10 star World Cup debutants
By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
11:45am Tue 15th October, 2013
Australia may be World Cup favourites and New Zealand may be the title-holders, but several other nations at this year's tournament will be boasting a host of NRL stars – from rookies on the rise to veterans who have already played at the highest level for club and country. In fact, more than 120 NRL stars past and present will be on show.
Here are 10 players who will make their debut for their chosen country at the 2013 World Cup, either with their first international appearance or after switching national allegiance.
First off, some guidelines: under the Rugby League International Federation's eligibility laws, a player can represent the country of his parents or grandparents, or his place of birth or residence.
Once a player has represented a country, he cannot represent another country until the end of the next World Cup or a period of two years, whichever comes first. After that time, a player is allowed to represent a different nation if eligible.
Petero Civoniceva (Fiji)
The Brisbane Broncos legend and former Panthers skipper has represented Australia 45 times and played State of Origin for Queensland for more than a decade, but will represent his country of birth for the first time at the 2013 World Cup.
The 37-year-old prop brings a ton of experience to the national team and links up with the squad after a season with the Redcliffe Dolphins in Queensland's Intrust Super Cup, in which he won the club's Player of the Year gong. Speedsters Akuila Uate, Marika Koroibete and Kevin Naiqama are likely to steal the highlights for Fiji but expect big Petero to play a part if the Bati are to spring a surprise or two against the bigger nations.
Andrew Fifita (Australia)
Fifita has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the past year. Now boasting the skills and work ethic to match his raw size and power, the Sharks prop started the season with the goal of playing rep football and then ticked all the boxes: he played City-Country in April, State of Origin in June and has now been selected for Australia's World Cup squad.
The one-time Tonga international is expected to get game time as well, and could be pushing Matt Scott and James Tamou for a starting berth by the end of the tournament.
Anthony Milford (Samoa)
One of the few bright lights of a mixed year for the Raiders, teenage speedster Milford will be the attacking spark of a Samoan side that packs plenty of grunt. He made 16 line-breaks and scored nine tries in the 18 games of his rookie NRL season, graduating from super sub to 80-minute regular halfway through the campaign.
Milford is capable of causing some real problems for the Kiwis in their opening match of the tournament.
Jorge Taufua (Tonga)
Taufua had a superb season for grand finalists Manly this season, running in 20 tries in 26 games to earn his first international call-up with Tonga. The barnstorming 102kg winger now has two full seasons of the NRL under his belt and will be a key strike weapon out wide for the Tongans, who will be battling with Scotland and Italy for a place in the quarter-finals.
Clint Newton (USA)
The veteran back-rower, who has won premierships with Newcastle and Melbourne and will return to the Knights next season after stints with Hull Kingston Rovers and the Panthers, was actually born in South Carolina. He'll be the most experienced member of the USA Tomahawks squad at the 2013 World Cup, with a quarter-finals spot up for grabs if the Americans can get the better of Wales and Cook Islands.
Brett White (Ireland)
One of five NRL players picked in Ireland's World Cup squad, White missed the last tournament in 2008 due to foot surgery and went on to represent Australia a year later in the Four Nations.
The Raiders prop has played eight State of Origin games for New South Wales and will be an obvious leader for the Irish, who will be at long odds to survive their group against the might of Australia, England and Fiji.
Peter Wallace (Scotland)
Wallace was born in Melbourne, started his career with the Panthers, has played the bulk of his NRL football with Brisbane and will return to the foot of the Blue Mountains next season – but not before representing Scotland for the first time at the World Cup.
The former NSW Origin halfback will be one of three NRL players to line up for the Bravehearts thanks to a Scottish family background, alongside the Gold Coast's Luke Douglas and North Queensland's Kane Linnett.
Joseph Leilua (Samoa)
Knights centre Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua has had a rollercoaster couple of seasons – after being sacked by the Roosters he was recruited by Wayne Bennett and proved to be one of Newcastle's best in their run towards the preliminary finals in 2013.
The powerful left centre scored 13 tries in 19 games this season and brings aggression and quality finishing ability to a Samoan outfit brimming with NRL talent.
Kade Snowden (Italy)
The one-time Australian Test prop and former NSW Origin player will line up for the Italians – after sitting out the final two games of his seven-match suspension.
The Knights star will sit out Italy's pre-tournament trial match against England and their opener against Wales before playing his first matches for the country against Scotland and Tonga.
He's just one of several NRL players in the Italian squad, alongside the likes of Anthony and Mark Minichiello, Aiden Guerra, Anthony Laffranchi, Cameron Ciraldo, James Tedesco, Joel Riethmuller and Paul Vaughan.
Tariq Sims (Fiji)
Since bursting onto the NRL scene in 2011, the big-hitting, hard-running Sims has been a player to watch. He starred in the 2012 NSW City-Country game but that's as far as his representative career has gone until now, thanks largely to two broken legs in successive years.
But after enjoying his most stable season to date, Sims is ready to star on the international stage alongside brothers Ashton and Korbin for Fiji.
http://www.nrl.com/10-star-world-cup-debutants/tabid/10874/newsid/75068/default.aspx
By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
11:45am Tue 15th October, 2013
Australia may be World Cup favourites and New Zealand may be the title-holders, but several other nations at this year's tournament will be boasting a host of NRL stars – from rookies on the rise to veterans who have already played at the highest level for club and country. In fact, more than 120 NRL stars past and present will be on show.
Here are 10 players who will make their debut for their chosen country at the 2013 World Cup, either with their first international appearance or after switching national allegiance.
First off, some guidelines: under the Rugby League International Federation's eligibility laws, a player can represent the country of his parents or grandparents, or his place of birth or residence.
Once a player has represented a country, he cannot represent another country until the end of the next World Cup or a period of two years, whichever comes first. After that time, a player is allowed to represent a different nation if eligible.
Petero Civoniceva (Fiji)
The Brisbane Broncos legend and former Panthers skipper has represented Australia 45 times and played State of Origin for Queensland for more than a decade, but will represent his country of birth for the first time at the 2013 World Cup.
The 37-year-old prop brings a ton of experience to the national team and links up with the squad after a season with the Redcliffe Dolphins in Queensland's Intrust Super Cup, in which he won the club's Player of the Year gong. Speedsters Akuila Uate, Marika Koroibete and Kevin Naiqama are likely to steal the highlights for Fiji but expect big Petero to play a part if the Bati are to spring a surprise or two against the bigger nations.
Andrew Fifita (Australia)
Fifita has enjoyed a remarkable rise in the past year. Now boasting the skills and work ethic to match his raw size and power, the Sharks prop started the season with the goal of playing rep football and then ticked all the boxes: he played City-Country in April, State of Origin in June and has now been selected for Australia's World Cup squad.
The one-time Tonga international is expected to get game time as well, and could be pushing Matt Scott and James Tamou for a starting berth by the end of the tournament.
Anthony Milford (Samoa)
One of the few bright lights of a mixed year for the Raiders, teenage speedster Milford will be the attacking spark of a Samoan side that packs plenty of grunt. He made 16 line-breaks and scored nine tries in the 18 games of his rookie NRL season, graduating from super sub to 80-minute regular halfway through the campaign.
Milford is capable of causing some real problems for the Kiwis in their opening match of the tournament.
Jorge Taufua (Tonga)
Taufua had a superb season for grand finalists Manly this season, running in 20 tries in 26 games to earn his first international call-up with Tonga. The barnstorming 102kg winger now has two full seasons of the NRL under his belt and will be a key strike weapon out wide for the Tongans, who will be battling with Scotland and Italy for a place in the quarter-finals.
Clint Newton (USA)
The veteran back-rower, who has won premierships with Newcastle and Melbourne and will return to the Knights next season after stints with Hull Kingston Rovers and the Panthers, was actually born in South Carolina. He'll be the most experienced member of the USA Tomahawks squad at the 2013 World Cup, with a quarter-finals spot up for grabs if the Americans can get the better of Wales and Cook Islands.
Brett White (Ireland)
One of five NRL players picked in Ireland's World Cup squad, White missed the last tournament in 2008 due to foot surgery and went on to represent Australia a year later in the Four Nations.
The Raiders prop has played eight State of Origin games for New South Wales and will be an obvious leader for the Irish, who will be at long odds to survive their group against the might of Australia, England and Fiji.
Peter Wallace (Scotland)
Wallace was born in Melbourne, started his career with the Panthers, has played the bulk of his NRL football with Brisbane and will return to the foot of the Blue Mountains next season – but not before representing Scotland for the first time at the World Cup.
The former NSW Origin halfback will be one of three NRL players to line up for the Bravehearts thanks to a Scottish family background, alongside the Gold Coast's Luke Douglas and North Queensland's Kane Linnett.
Joseph Leilua (Samoa)
Knights centre Joseph ‘BJ’ Leilua has had a rollercoaster couple of seasons – after being sacked by the Roosters he was recruited by Wayne Bennett and proved to be one of Newcastle's best in their run towards the preliminary finals in 2013.
The powerful left centre scored 13 tries in 19 games this season and brings aggression and quality finishing ability to a Samoan outfit brimming with NRL talent.
Kade Snowden (Italy)
The one-time Australian Test prop and former NSW Origin player will line up for the Italians – after sitting out the final two games of his seven-match suspension.
The Knights star will sit out Italy's pre-tournament trial match against England and their opener against Wales before playing his first matches for the country against Scotland and Tonga.
He's just one of several NRL players in the Italian squad, alongside the likes of Anthony and Mark Minichiello, Aiden Guerra, Anthony Laffranchi, Cameron Ciraldo, James Tedesco, Joel Riethmuller and Paul Vaughan.
Tariq Sims (Fiji)
Since bursting onto the NRL scene in 2011, the big-hitting, hard-running Sims has been a player to watch. He starred in the 2012 NSW City-Country game but that's as far as his representative career has gone until now, thanks largely to two broken legs in successive years.
But after enjoying his most stable season to date, Sims is ready to star on the international stage alongside brothers Ashton and Korbin for Fiji.
http://www.nrl.com/10-star-world-cup-debutants/tabid/10874/newsid/75068/default.aspx
Last edited:
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
SBW left out of Kiwis for warm-up game
AAP
5:56pm Tue 15th October, 2013
Star second-rower Sonny Bill Williams hasn't been named in the Kiwis team for their World Cup warm-up match against the Cook Islands in Doncaster.
Coach Stephen Kearney has named an 18-man squad for the international on Sunday, which doesn't carry Test status, choosing to leave out his six players who were involved in the recent NRL grand final.
That includes Manly Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran and five players from the champion Sydney Roosters side - wing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and forwards Williams, Sam Moa, Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
It means Williams will probably make his international rugby league return when they play the opening match of their World Cup title defence against Samoa in Warrington on October 27.
The 28-year-old dual international hasn't played for the Kiwis since 2008 and was a controversial late inclusion in the touring party in place of Melbourne Storm second-rower Tohu Harris after making himself available following the official squad announcement.
The team to face the Cook Islands will be captained by Simon Mannering, one of seven Warriors players in the squad, including halves Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai.
Mannering and Leuluai are the most experienced members of the squad with 30 Tests each.
Kiwis:
1.Josh Hoffman
2.Jason Nightingale
3.Krisnan Inu
4.Dean Whare
5.Manu Vatuvei
6.Thomas Leuluai
7.Shaun Johnson
8.Jesse Bromwich
9.Issac Luke
10.Sam Kasiano
11.Frank Pritchard
12.Simon Mannering (capt
13.Elijah Taylor
Interchange
14.Greg Eastwood
15.Ben Matulino
16.Alex Glenn
17.Kevin Lock
18.Bryson Goodwin
Coach: Stephen Kearney
http://www.nrl.com/sbw-left-out-of-kiwis-for-warm-up-game/tabid/10874/newsid/75074/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Pettybourne gets US call up for World Cup
AAP
6:34pm Tue 15th October, 2013
He was born in New Zealand, played for the Australian Schoolboys and has represented Samoa.
But England-based former Wests Tigers and South Sydney rugby league player Eddy Pettybourne has been called up as a late replacement for the United States at this month's Rugby League World Cup.
The 25-year-old forward, who will link up with Wigan in the English Super League after the tournament, replaces the injured Andrew Durutalo in coach Terry Matterson's 24-man Eagles squad.
After opting to represent his native New Zealand, Pettybourne was called up by the Kiwis for the 2009 Four Nations tour to the UK as a late replacement but did not get to make his Test debut and actually played for Samoa against Tonga this year.
http://www.nrl.com/pettybourne-gets-us-call-up-for-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/75075/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Fiji are league's band of brothers
By Ben Horne
AAP
7:20pm Tue 15th October, 2013
Forget the Burgess brothers and the Morris twins, it's Fiji who hold the mantle as the Rugby League World Cup's family nation.
The Bati's tight-knit culture was credited for propelling them into the semi-finals of the 2008 World Cup, but as they prepare for another tilt at the titles, it seems Rick Stone's team have taken team "brotherhood" to a new level.
As commentator Ray Warren would describe, Fiji features the brothers' Sims, the brothers' Naiqama and the brothers' Millard in their 24-man squad for their UK assault starting on October 28 against Ireland.
The count of seven siblings will make for a challenging call for broadcasters and certainly takes a little edge off headlines spruiking England's selection of Sam, George and Tom Burgess.
Ashton, Tariq and Korbin Sims will provide the grunt for the Fiji forward pack, while Wes and Kevin Naiqama and Daryl and Ryan Millard will look to spark an exciting backline.
The only other World Cup side that can hold a candle to Fiji in the big brother stakes is Scotland, with Ian and Andrew Henderson, Brett and Callum Phillips and Adam and Jonathan Walker all featuring for the Bravehearts.
During their preparations in `08, the Bati put an emphasis on culture and traditional ways of Fijian life.
Coach Stone has just finished running an extensive camp back in Fiji, and said the prevalence of blood relatives in the squad had only strengthened the bond of his team.
"That's true. The Sims boys, the Millard and Naiqama brothers as well - it's a pretty tight-knit group," said Newcastle Knights assistant, Stone.
"We've got a bit of work to do on the field but off the field they've really bonded well and are enjoying each other's company.
"We try to mix the culture in and spirituality and religion is a big part of their life. Some blokes who haven't experienced a traditional Fiji side of life have enjoyed the exposure."
North Queensland prop Ashton was part of the `08 squad, but Fiji will field a pack to be reckoned with this time around, with his younger brothers Tariq and Korbin two of the brightest forwards coming through in the NRL.
Wes Naiqama is a veteran of Fijian rugby league and after captaining the `08 side, he'll slot back into the vice-captaincy with legendary prop Petero Civoniceva on board for one final hurrah to international rugby league.
Kevin Naiqama was outstanding in Newcastle's semi-final win over Melbourne and looks set to star with the prospect of a regular opportunity on the wing for Penrith next year.
Daryl Millard was an excellent defensive centre for St George Illawarra and Canterbury, but he's gone to another level in the English Super League - starring for Catalans and the Exiles representative team.
Younger brother Ryan, a half or fullback, is one of the real success stories of the Fijian squad, having toiled away in the lower grades for a number of seasons to now realise his dream of representing the Bati at a World Cup.
Millard is firmly in contention to play halfback, with Stone undecided on his halves and hooker.
http://www.nrl.com/fiji-are-leagues-band-of-brothers/tabid/10874/newsid/75076/default.aspx
AAP
5:56pm Tue 15th October, 2013
Star second-rower Sonny Bill Williams hasn't been named in the Kiwis team for their World Cup warm-up match against the Cook Islands in Doncaster.
Coach Stephen Kearney has named an 18-man squad for the international on Sunday, which doesn't carry Test status, choosing to leave out his six players who were involved in the recent NRL grand final.
That includes Manly Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran and five players from the champion Sydney Roosters side - wing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and forwards Williams, Sam Moa, Frank-Paul Nuuausala and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
It means Williams will probably make his international rugby league return when they play the opening match of their World Cup title defence against Samoa in Warrington on October 27.
The 28-year-old dual international hasn't played for the Kiwis since 2008 and was a controversial late inclusion in the touring party in place of Melbourne Storm second-rower Tohu Harris after making himself available following the official squad announcement.
The team to face the Cook Islands will be captained by Simon Mannering, one of seven Warriors players in the squad, including halves Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai.
Mannering and Leuluai are the most experienced members of the squad with 30 Tests each.
Kiwis:
1.Josh Hoffman
2.Jason Nightingale
3.Krisnan Inu
4.Dean Whare
5.Manu Vatuvei
6.Thomas Leuluai
7.Shaun Johnson
8.Jesse Bromwich
9.Issac Luke
10.Sam Kasiano
11.Frank Pritchard
12.Simon Mannering (capt
13.Elijah Taylor
Interchange
14.Greg Eastwood
15.Ben Matulino
16.Alex Glenn
17.Kevin Lock
18.Bryson Goodwin
Coach: Stephen Kearney
http://www.nrl.com/sbw-left-out-of-kiwis-for-warm-up-game/tabid/10874/newsid/75074/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Pettybourne gets US call up for World Cup
AAP
6:34pm Tue 15th October, 2013
He was born in New Zealand, played for the Australian Schoolboys and has represented Samoa.
But England-based former Wests Tigers and South Sydney rugby league player Eddy Pettybourne has been called up as a late replacement for the United States at this month's Rugby League World Cup.
The 25-year-old forward, who will link up with Wigan in the English Super League after the tournament, replaces the injured Andrew Durutalo in coach Terry Matterson's 24-man Eagles squad.
After opting to represent his native New Zealand, Pettybourne was called up by the Kiwis for the 2009 Four Nations tour to the UK as a late replacement but did not get to make his Test debut and actually played for Samoa against Tonga this year.
http://www.nrl.com/pettybourne-gets-us-call-up-for-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/75075/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Fiji are league's band of brothers
By Ben Horne
AAP
7:20pm Tue 15th October, 2013
Forget the Burgess brothers and the Morris twins, it's Fiji who hold the mantle as the Rugby League World Cup's family nation.
The Bati's tight-knit culture was credited for propelling them into the semi-finals of the 2008 World Cup, but as they prepare for another tilt at the titles, it seems Rick Stone's team have taken team "brotherhood" to a new level.
As commentator Ray Warren would describe, Fiji features the brothers' Sims, the brothers' Naiqama and the brothers' Millard in their 24-man squad for their UK assault starting on October 28 against Ireland.
The count of seven siblings will make for a challenging call for broadcasters and certainly takes a little edge off headlines spruiking England's selection of Sam, George and Tom Burgess.
Ashton, Tariq and Korbin Sims will provide the grunt for the Fiji forward pack, while Wes and Kevin Naiqama and Daryl and Ryan Millard will look to spark an exciting backline.
The only other World Cup side that can hold a candle to Fiji in the big brother stakes is Scotland, with Ian and Andrew Henderson, Brett and Callum Phillips and Adam and Jonathan Walker all featuring for the Bravehearts.
During their preparations in `08, the Bati put an emphasis on culture and traditional ways of Fijian life.
Coach Stone has just finished running an extensive camp back in Fiji, and said the prevalence of blood relatives in the squad had only strengthened the bond of his team.
"That's true. The Sims boys, the Millard and Naiqama brothers as well - it's a pretty tight-knit group," said Newcastle Knights assistant, Stone.
"We've got a bit of work to do on the field but off the field they've really bonded well and are enjoying each other's company.
"We try to mix the culture in and spirituality and religion is a big part of their life. Some blokes who haven't experienced a traditional Fiji side of life have enjoyed the exposure."
North Queensland prop Ashton was part of the `08 squad, but Fiji will field a pack to be reckoned with this time around, with his younger brothers Tariq and Korbin two of the brightest forwards coming through in the NRL.
Wes Naiqama is a veteran of Fijian rugby league and after captaining the `08 side, he'll slot back into the vice-captaincy with legendary prop Petero Civoniceva on board for one final hurrah to international rugby league.
Kevin Naiqama was outstanding in Newcastle's semi-final win over Melbourne and looks set to star with the prospect of a regular opportunity on the wing for Penrith next year.
Daryl Millard was an excellent defensive centre for St George Illawarra and Canterbury, but he's gone to another level in the English Super League - starring for Catalans and the Exiles representative team.
Younger brother Ryan, a half or fullback, is one of the real success stories of the Fijian squad, having toiled away in the lower grades for a number of seasons to now realise his dream of representing the Bati at a World Cup.
Millard is firmly in contention to play halfback, with Stone undecided on his halves and hooker.
http://www.nrl.com/fiji-are-leagues-band-of-brothers/tabid/10874/newsid/75076/default.aspx
It's very interesting that Australia haven't organised a warm up game. With that first game against England being so important, I'd have thought they'd have played one for sure. They also have a history of losing first up in the UK.
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I think it's smart, they're going to win their group regardless so it's not worth risking more injuries playing more games than they have to. They're so well oiled and experienced they don't need to work on combinations or anything of the like as much as other nations.
I hope the Kangaroos themselves are that complacent! 
Well Australia lost their opening game of a UK tour in 1990, 1994, 1995 and 2001, all with better sides than they have now, I'd say. Probably weaker Great Britain or England sides than this year's model in a couple of cases, too. Given it's such an important game because the loser is likely to face the Kiwis in their semi, I'd be playing a warm up game if I was them.
They looked pretty incohesive at stages in the Anzac test, after all.
They looked pretty incohesive at stages in the Anzac test, after all.
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
No doubt it's going to be a nervous game for us, England are a great team but I think Sheens and the players have enough confidence in themselves to be able to get straight into it and perform at the level needed to beat England and so they should. Whether that happens or not on the day who knows, I just don't think a warm up game is necessary when they're already a champion team and know what they have to do, it's only going to risk further injuries, Sheens has said that there's alot of players still with minor injuries, it's not worth the risk. It's a small gain for a massive risk.
We'll just have to wait and see!
We'll just have to wait and see!
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Well there's only been a few tournaments in the last couple of years and Australia have won 2 of the 3 since the last world cup. Including the most recent tournament. Plus they've won every Test match for as long as I can remember. To say they're far from a champion team is a bit outlandish. They're not as dominant but there's a reason why they're hot favourites. They might lose the odd game but they've never lost twice in a row and they only lose once every few years. England have booted NZ out 2/3 of the last tournaments so I think NZ should be alot more worried than Australia to be honest. Not that Australia can take anyone lightly either.
I'd be worried no matter which team I was, I can honestly see any of the three finals combos from Aus, NZ and England being a possibility.
cowboyman
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Champion teams usually hold the biggest trophy in their sport. As far as I'm aware I think NZ currently hold that trophy.
I think the Poms will win this one anyway. For once they actually have some outside backs that will cause damage on both sides of the field. When a guy like Briscoe looks likely of not making the side then you know they have some strike power.
I think the Poms will win this one anyway. For once they actually have some outside backs that will cause damage on both sides of the field. When a guy like Briscoe looks likely of not making the side then you know they have some strike power.
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
That was 5 years ago and they've never had to defend it once so let's not get carried away. We all know England, NZ and Australia are the 3 best countries in the world and the only ones even worth competing against and the last time these 3 countries battled it out Australia beat them all.
Just look at the quality that Australia is forced to leave out and you're talking about Tom Briscoe.
Each to their own, I just can't wait for it all to begin.
Just look at the quality that Australia is forced to leave out and you're talking about Tom Briscoe.
Each to their own, I just can't wait for it all to begin.
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Joshhh
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
This should be a really good World Cup. It's always fun watching the emerging nations play & now there is even more to watch in the USA, Italy, Wales & Cook Islands. I'm about a 60% supporter of Australia & 40% supporter of New Zealand so i love it when games are really close between the two & when Australia is having a real tough time winning, England have become real strong in the last few years too. When these 3 play eachother in tournament formats they're real gritty State of Origin like clashes, that's why i'm not too much of a fan of the one off tests.
I couldn't agree more, the one-off tests do way more harm than good to the international game.
I loved Cameron Smith's article in the Big League World Cup preview issue. Strip the NRL back to 20 rounds to provide more opportunities for international league (and a proper window for Origin). I don't remember all the specifics, but we need more tournaments with more countries, more often. Not to diminish the NRL in any way, but just to build up the sport throughout the world.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Wallace and Co to boost Bravehearts
NRL.com
9:55am Wed 16th October, 2013
Scotland coach Steve McCormack is preparing for the arrival of his NRL stars on Thursday to add the final ingredients to what he hopes is a winning mix at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
The 10-year veteran coach oversaw his first training session of the campaign on Sunday and enjoyed the combination of new talent and experienced stars at his disposal.
"It's a pleasure to get the players together," he told ScotlandRL.com. "As in previous years, they've been superb. We have policy of leaving egos at the door, a 'no big heads' policy – everybody mucks in, whether you've just won Man of Steel or if you're someone who's winning their first cap. They're a brilliant bunch of lads."
Despite several withdrawals due to injury, Scotland's squad looks as strong as any of the mid-ranking teams at RLWC2013 and McCormack, who masterminded the 2008 World Cup campaign, believes it is capable of an upset or two.
"It's arguably one of best squads Scotland have ever had – there are some exciting young players, like David Scott, who's come through the Scottish player development pathway, and Callum Phillips, who's had a fantastic first season at Workington, to the likes of Danny Brough, Dale Ferguson and the NRL players. It's a really exciting squad that I've got to work with and I'm expecting big things."
The NRL stars – Brisbane Broncos star Peter Wallace, Gold Coast prop Luke Douglas and North Queensland centre Kane Linnett – only arrive on Thursday morning at Manchester airport but are expected to train with their new team-mates that afternoon at Featherstone and recover in time to play some part against Papua New Guinea in Scotland's only warm-up game on Saturday at Big Fellas Stadium.
"We'll see how they cope," admitted McCormack. "It's a long journey from Australia but we've sent things over to help them deal with jet-lag and they're quite experienced players. I've no doubt they'll be welcomed by the coaching staff and players. We've done our research on them – we know they are quality players and, more importantly, quality people, so I'm sure they'll fit in."
Scotland face a PNG side for the first time ever, one that has more than a sprinkling of NRL stars and Super League regulars, and is coached by the former Wigan legend Adrian Lam.
"It's doesn't get much tougher," claims McCormack. "A week after PNG we're playing Tonga so it's going to be as physical as is gets. They're going to be one of the most physical sides you can face in world rugby league. They're perfect opposition ahead of the Tonga game and will be very well coached with high expectations. I think it will be an outstanding game."
http://www.nrl.com/wallace-and-co-to-boost-bravehearts/tabid/10874/newsid/75078/default.aspx
NRL.com
9:55am Wed 16th October, 2013
Scotland coach Steve McCormack is preparing for the arrival of his NRL stars on Thursday to add the final ingredients to what he hopes is a winning mix at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
The 10-year veteran coach oversaw his first training session of the campaign on Sunday and enjoyed the combination of new talent and experienced stars at his disposal.
"It's a pleasure to get the players together," he told ScotlandRL.com. "As in previous years, they've been superb. We have policy of leaving egos at the door, a 'no big heads' policy – everybody mucks in, whether you've just won Man of Steel or if you're someone who's winning their first cap. They're a brilliant bunch of lads."
Despite several withdrawals due to injury, Scotland's squad looks as strong as any of the mid-ranking teams at RLWC2013 and McCormack, who masterminded the 2008 World Cup campaign, believes it is capable of an upset or two.
"It's arguably one of best squads Scotland have ever had – there are some exciting young players, like David Scott, who's come through the Scottish player development pathway, and Callum Phillips, who's had a fantastic first season at Workington, to the likes of Danny Brough, Dale Ferguson and the NRL players. It's a really exciting squad that I've got to work with and I'm expecting big things."
The NRL stars – Brisbane Broncos star Peter Wallace, Gold Coast prop Luke Douglas and North Queensland centre Kane Linnett – only arrive on Thursday morning at Manchester airport but are expected to train with their new team-mates that afternoon at Featherstone and recover in time to play some part against Papua New Guinea in Scotland's only warm-up game on Saturday at Big Fellas Stadium.
"We'll see how they cope," admitted McCormack. "It's a long journey from Australia but we've sent things over to help them deal with jet-lag and they're quite experienced players. I've no doubt they'll be welcomed by the coaching staff and players. We've done our research on them – we know they are quality players and, more importantly, quality people, so I'm sure they'll fit in."
Scotland face a PNG side for the first time ever, one that has more than a sprinkling of NRL stars and Super League regulars, and is coached by the former Wigan legend Adrian Lam.
"It's doesn't get much tougher," claims McCormack. "A week after PNG we're playing Tonga so it's going to be as physical as is gets. They're going to be one of the most physical sides you can face in world rugby league. They're perfect opposition ahead of the Tonga game and will be very well coached with high expectations. I think it will be an outstanding game."
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