It's gonna be a sweet long weekend! Hope it rains, because I'm not going to see much of the daylight hours!!!
2013 Rugby League World Cup Thread
- Thread starter Joshhh
- Start date
Gareth Hock has been sacked by England for serious disciplinary breaches.
Are they officially in disarray yet? This is starting to look a bit 2008/2006ish for them.
Are they officially in disarray yet? This is starting to look a bit 2008/2006ish for them.
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Yep, Here it is...I would say England are in disarray @jamesgould
Hock thrown out of England RLWC side
AAP
7:26am Wed 23rd October, 2013
AP - Forward Gareth Hock has been removed from England's World Cup squad for "serious breaches of team discipline", England Rugby League has confirmed in a statement.
Brett Ferres has been called up to replace him.
Widnes Vikings enforcer Hock has enjoyed a controversial career to date.
The 30-year-old was due to join NRL side Parramatta next year before he reneged on a two-year deal to stay with his young family in England.
He tested positive to cocaine in 2009 and was handed a mandatory two year ban.
Earlier this year he was handed a four game Super League ban for making deliberate contact with a referee. It followed a similar incident in 2008.
http://www.nrl.com/hock-thrown-out-of-england-rlwc-side/tabid/10874/newsid/75125/default.aspx
Official Statement: Gareth Hock
England Rugby League have issued the following statement.
“As a result of serious breaches of team discipline that have fallen below the strict code of conduct as agreed by team management, Gareth Hock has been withdrawn from the England Rugby League World Cup squad with immediate effect.
"He is replaced by Huddersfield Giants Brett Ferres."
"There will be no further comment issued by England Rugby League on this matter."
http://www.englandrl.co.uk/article/33976/official-statement
Hock thrown out of England RLWC side
AAP
7:26am Wed 23rd October, 2013
AP - Forward Gareth Hock has been removed from England's World Cup squad for "serious breaches of team discipline", England Rugby League has confirmed in a statement.
Brett Ferres has been called up to replace him.
Widnes Vikings enforcer Hock has enjoyed a controversial career to date.
The 30-year-old was due to join NRL side Parramatta next year before he reneged on a two-year deal to stay with his young family in England.
He tested positive to cocaine in 2009 and was handed a mandatory two year ban.
Earlier this year he was handed a four game Super League ban for making deliberate contact with a referee. It followed a similar incident in 2008.
http://www.nrl.com/hock-thrown-out-of-england-rlwc-side/tabid/10874/newsid/75125/default.aspx
Official Statement: Gareth Hock
England Rugby League have issued the following statement.
“As a result of serious breaches of team discipline that have fallen below the strict code of conduct as agreed by team management, Gareth Hock has been withdrawn from the England Rugby League World Cup squad with immediate effect.
"He is replaced by Huddersfield Giants Brett Ferres."
"There will be no further comment issued by England Rugby League on this matter."
http://www.englandrl.co.uk/article/33976/official-statement
Last edited:
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Goodwin presses claims for Kiwis start
AAP
5:47am Wed 23rd October, 2013
New Zealand centre Bryson Goodwin is feeling on top of the world after a roller-coaster 18 months in which he recovered from a ruptured spleen to be on the cusp of a World Cup starting spot.
"I'm just really pleased to be back representing New Zealand again," a beaming Goodwin said while speaking at a community meet-and-greet in St Helens.
"I'm trying to make the most of it and have a good time."
In May last year, while playing for Canterbury in the NRL, Goodwin wound up in hospital after a seemingly innocuous tackle.
He was bed-ridden for nearly a month and admits the thought of being in Europe the following year to defend the World Cup was completely off his radar.
"Not this time a year ago," Goodwin said.
"But once I started at Souths and started working with the coaches, they gave me a lot of confidence."
A switch to South Sydney this year and a move into the centres culminated in the rangy back's best season to date, as the Rabbitohs fell one game short of the grand final.
Goodwin's strong showings continued into New Zealand's 50-0 warm-up waltz past the Cook Islands last weekend, when the 27-year-old bagged two tries to press his claim for a starting spot.
"You have to play well each week otherwise there's someone to take your spot," he said.
"There's so much depth and talent in this squad, so we've got a good chance if we play well."
Manly's Dean Whare and Bulldogs star Krisnan Inu began the campaign with the inside running to start in the centres.
But Goodwin's form, utility value and goal-kicking will keep him in the forefront of coach Stephen Kearney's mind.
The centres are just one of the healthy selection headaches for Kearney, with plenty of competition among the wings and props.
New Zealand will train in St Helens this week ahead of their World Cup opener against what is expected to be a feisty Samoa side in Warrington on Monday morning (AEDT).
http://www.nrl.com/goodwin-presses-claims-for-kiwis-start/tabid/10874/newsid/75124/default.aspx
Italy out to top group: Minichiello
NRL.com
6:00am Wed 23rd October, 2013
Italy captain Anthony Minichiello says a surprising warm-up victory over England can inspire his side to top their group at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Minichiello said beating pool rivals Wales, Scotland and Tonga is a real possibility, despite the fact the Italy squad only came together in its entirety last week.
The Italians are full of confidence after beating powerhouses England 15-14 on the weekend, and are ready to make their mark on the World Cup for the first time.
"It's exciting," Minichiello told NRL.com. "We've formed a pretty good squad. We had a good trial match against England the other day and came up with a victory, so it gives the team a lot of confidence that we can do something in this tournament.
"I don't know if it shocked us but it definitely gave us a lot of confidence and belief that we can do something special in this competition. We do have a good team that we're trying to build here so that trial match will give us confidence going into the Wales game this week."
Minichiello said the Italians would only improve as the tournament progressed, with the nation's NRL players – particularly himself and fellow Roosters grand final winner Aidan Guerra – only joining up with the squad recently.
"It's hard. The boys have been training for the last couple of weeks but with the NRL guys playing semi-finals and grand finals, we only all came together for our first training session last week in England when we landed. Obviously the game under our belt for the Wales game, and we'll continue to get better as we train on.
"We play Wales first up, then we go on to play Scotland and Tonga in our last round. We want to finish up the top, that's achievable for us and that's where we want to be."
After representing Australia 18 times, Minichiello said spreading rugby league around the planet and representing the country of his heritage were the key motivations for himself and brother Mark at this World Cup.
"This is what the tournament's all about," he said. "You want to have teams that are competitive on the world stage.
"For us, this is the first time Italy has been at the World Cup in its history so it's a pretty proud moment for the country and we're trying to get a stronger level of football over there, so hopefully this will bring a lot of interest to it.
"Obviously I've got some heritage there from my family, my parents, and they're obviously proud that I can represent that and so am I.
"My brother's here as well so it's always nice to play with your brother and it's been a while since that has happened, so I'm looking forward to it."
http://www.nrl.com/italy-out-to-top-group-minichiello/tabid/10874/newsid/75121/default.aspx
AAP
5:47am Wed 23rd October, 2013
New Zealand centre Bryson Goodwin is feeling on top of the world after a roller-coaster 18 months in which he recovered from a ruptured spleen to be on the cusp of a World Cup starting spot.
"I'm just really pleased to be back representing New Zealand again," a beaming Goodwin said while speaking at a community meet-and-greet in St Helens.
"I'm trying to make the most of it and have a good time."
In May last year, while playing for Canterbury in the NRL, Goodwin wound up in hospital after a seemingly innocuous tackle.
He was bed-ridden for nearly a month and admits the thought of being in Europe the following year to defend the World Cup was completely off his radar.
"Not this time a year ago," Goodwin said.
"But once I started at Souths and started working with the coaches, they gave me a lot of confidence."
A switch to South Sydney this year and a move into the centres culminated in the rangy back's best season to date, as the Rabbitohs fell one game short of the grand final.
Goodwin's strong showings continued into New Zealand's 50-0 warm-up waltz past the Cook Islands last weekend, when the 27-year-old bagged two tries to press his claim for a starting spot.
"You have to play well each week otherwise there's someone to take your spot," he said.
"There's so much depth and talent in this squad, so we've got a good chance if we play well."
Manly's Dean Whare and Bulldogs star Krisnan Inu began the campaign with the inside running to start in the centres.
But Goodwin's form, utility value and goal-kicking will keep him in the forefront of coach Stephen Kearney's mind.
The centres are just one of the healthy selection headaches for Kearney, with plenty of competition among the wings and props.
New Zealand will train in St Helens this week ahead of their World Cup opener against what is expected to be a feisty Samoa side in Warrington on Monday morning (AEDT).
http://www.nrl.com/goodwin-presses-claims-for-kiwis-start/tabid/10874/newsid/75124/default.aspx
Italy out to top group: Minichiello
NRL.com
6:00am Wed 23rd October, 2013
Italy captain Anthony Minichiello says a surprising warm-up victory over England can inspire his side to top their group at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Minichiello said beating pool rivals Wales, Scotland and Tonga is a real possibility, despite the fact the Italy squad only came together in its entirety last week.
The Italians are full of confidence after beating powerhouses England 15-14 on the weekend, and are ready to make their mark on the World Cup for the first time.
"It's exciting," Minichiello told NRL.com. "We've formed a pretty good squad. We had a good trial match against England the other day and came up with a victory, so it gives the team a lot of confidence that we can do something in this tournament.
"I don't know if it shocked us but it definitely gave us a lot of confidence and belief that we can do something special in this competition. We do have a good team that we're trying to build here so that trial match will give us confidence going into the Wales game this week."
Minichiello said the Italians would only improve as the tournament progressed, with the nation's NRL players – particularly himself and fellow Roosters grand final winner Aidan Guerra – only joining up with the squad recently.
"It's hard. The boys have been training for the last couple of weeks but with the NRL guys playing semi-finals and grand finals, we only all came together for our first training session last week in England when we landed. Obviously the game under our belt for the Wales game, and we'll continue to get better as we train on.
"We play Wales first up, then we go on to play Scotland and Tonga in our last round. We want to finish up the top, that's achievable for us and that's where we want to be."
After representing Australia 18 times, Minichiello said spreading rugby league around the planet and representing the country of his heritage were the key motivations for himself and brother Mark at this World Cup.
"This is what the tournament's all about," he said. "You want to have teams that are competitive on the world stage.
"For us, this is the first time Italy has been at the World Cup in its history so it's a pretty proud moment for the country and we're trying to get a stronger level of football over there, so hopefully this will bring a lot of interest to it.
"Obviously I've got some heritage there from my family, my parents, and they're obviously proud that I can represent that and so am I.
"My brother's here as well so it's always nice to play with your brother and it's been a while since that has happened, so I'm looking forward to it."
http://www.nrl.com/italy-out-to-top-group-minichiello/tabid/10874/newsid/75121/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Small nations dream big at RLWC
By Liam FitzGibbon
AAP
9:35am Wed 23rd October, 2013
Unprecedented depth in top-level talent has switched talk surrounding rugby league's minnows from inevitable hidings to possible boilovers at this year's World Cup.
The sport's determination to develop the game internationally has come at the expense of some credibility in the past, with the expanded 2000 tournament in the UK in particular blighted by lop-sided affairs.
But a significant increase in Polynesian players in the NRL over the past decade and further development across the lower-ranked nations has paved the way for a rejuvenation of the event.
"I think some people will be shocked by how good some of these Pacific Islands teams are."
Expanded to 14 teams, up from 10 in 2008, many are littered with first grade talent and it is widely expected the 'Big Three' of Australia, New Zealand and England will be tested like never before.
"There's so many of the NRL guys playing that the competition will throw up a boilover here or there," Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said.
"Whether or not it's against the big three will be interesting.
"But there'll be some interesting results among the others."
Fiji, semi-finalists in 2008 and captained by veteran prop Petero Civoniceva, are again expected to be among the most competitive sides outside the top nations.
Both Samoa and Tonga, though, look stronger than ever and will field sides comprised almost exclusively of NRL players.
Some shock results in warm-up matches, including Italy's win over England and the rank outsiders the US upsetting France, has raised hope among the minnows that anything is possible.
"I don't know if anyone's going to beat Australia or anything like that, but you look at some of these teams and I think there's certainly some shocks on the cards," said David Fairleigh, coach of Cook Islands and one of five Australians at the helm of World Cup teams.
"I think some people will be shocked by how good some of these Pacific Islands teams are.
"Talking to the other coaches, it's great to see how far the game has actually come and the strengthening of the squads now compared to even five or six years ago."
Pools are weighted to give every team a genuine chance of reaching the quarter-finals, with groups C and D made up solely of lower-ranked nations.
None of the nations are planning on simply making up the numbers.
"Obviously you want to top your group, that's what we're all aiming for," Italy captain Anthony Minichiello said.
"You want to see the game to be strong and competitive you want to grow the other nations and make sure it's not just the big three that are winning every time."
http://www.nrl.com/small-nations-dream-big-at-rlwc/tabid/10874/newsid/75127/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Full circle for Tonga's Brent Kite
By Andrew Bryan
NRL.com
11:00am Wed 23rd October, 2013
Brent Kite had not even played first grade when he made his debut in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup for Tonga.
At the time he was just looking for an opportunity to crack into the big time and he saw playing for Tonga as a great way to get experience and get his name out there.Ironically, it was his name that got him a call-up to the Tongan team in the first place.
"I was a young kid looking to come to the UK and Tonga was my ticket," Kite explained to NRL.com.
"It was a funny situation where my last name is an English name, Kite, [and there] happens to be a Tonga name spelled the same pronounced 'Kit-eh', so I'm sure I was only picked up for that reason, it was purely coincidental.
"I was lucky enough to get picked, I was just stoked to be in the team and very proud to represent the country. It is very special to play for my mum's country of birth."
Kite's first-grade debut in the NRL at St George Illawarra Dragons didn't come until two years later in 2002.
Since his debut for Tonga in the World Cup, a 66-18 victory over South Africa in Paris, Kite has played in four grand finals and won two – including a Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance for Manly in 2008. He has played 10 games for New South Wales and 14 Tests for Australia, and is closing in on the NRL's exclusive 300-game club.
It is some list of accolades. And it all started when he was given the chance with an emerging nation playing international rugby league halfway around the world as an unknown youngster.
It is why this World Cup means so much. The wheel has turned full circle and now Kite is the eldest statesmen guiding the next bunch of Tongan players through.
"Tonga has a fair representation of players in the NRL and a massive number of players in the under-20s," Kite points out.
"If you go back to Tonga the infrastructure around league isn't great, it is more of a rugby union-supporting country. We'd like to turn that around. I think the quality of players we have coming through in the highest levels of the game should be reflected back in Tonga.
"This World Cup can only serve as a platform to do that. We know how important it is to have a great showing for the profile of rugby league in Tonga.
"Back in Tonga they don't export anything anymore, they don't even export coconuts. Their best export is people. They have great people with big hearts and they certainly have talented sportspeople."
Asked by NRL.com what he was looking forward to most about the World Cup, the answer was simple.
"Lifting the profile of the Tongan team. We have a job to do here and that is to win games. The more games we can win the more we can help Tongan rugby league."
Tonga v Scotland: October 29 (October 30 Australian time)
Tonga v Cook Islands: November 5 (November 6 Australian time)
Tonga v Italy: November 10 (November 11 Australian time)
http://www.nrl.com/full-circle-for-tongas-brent-kite/tabid/10874/newsid/75128/default.aspx
By Liam FitzGibbon
AAP
9:35am Wed 23rd October, 2013
Unprecedented depth in top-level talent has switched talk surrounding rugby league's minnows from inevitable hidings to possible boilovers at this year's World Cup.
The sport's determination to develop the game internationally has come at the expense of some credibility in the past, with the expanded 2000 tournament in the UK in particular blighted by lop-sided affairs.
But a significant increase in Polynesian players in the NRL over the past decade and further development across the lower-ranked nations has paved the way for a rejuvenation of the event.
"I think some people will be shocked by how good some of these Pacific Islands teams are."
Expanded to 14 teams, up from 10 in 2008, many are littered with first grade talent and it is widely expected the 'Big Three' of Australia, New Zealand and England will be tested like never before.
"There's so many of the NRL guys playing that the competition will throw up a boilover here or there," Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said.
"Whether or not it's against the big three will be interesting.
"But there'll be some interesting results among the others."
Fiji, semi-finalists in 2008 and captained by veteran prop Petero Civoniceva, are again expected to be among the most competitive sides outside the top nations.
Both Samoa and Tonga, though, look stronger than ever and will field sides comprised almost exclusively of NRL players.
Some shock results in warm-up matches, including Italy's win over England and the rank outsiders the US upsetting France, has raised hope among the minnows that anything is possible.
"I don't know if anyone's going to beat Australia or anything like that, but you look at some of these teams and I think there's certainly some shocks on the cards," said David Fairleigh, coach of Cook Islands and one of five Australians at the helm of World Cup teams.
"I think some people will be shocked by how good some of these Pacific Islands teams are.
"Talking to the other coaches, it's great to see how far the game has actually come and the strengthening of the squads now compared to even five or six years ago."
Pools are weighted to give every team a genuine chance of reaching the quarter-finals, with groups C and D made up solely of lower-ranked nations.
None of the nations are planning on simply making up the numbers.
"Obviously you want to top your group, that's what we're all aiming for," Italy captain Anthony Minichiello said.
"You want to see the game to be strong and competitive you want to grow the other nations and make sure it's not just the big three that are winning every time."
http://www.nrl.com/small-nations-dream-big-at-rlwc/tabid/10874/newsid/75127/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Full circle for Tonga's Brent Kite
By Andrew Bryan
NRL.com
11:00am Wed 23rd October, 2013
Brent Kite had not even played first grade when he made his debut in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup for Tonga.
At the time he was just looking for an opportunity to crack into the big time and he saw playing for Tonga as a great way to get experience and get his name out there.Ironically, it was his name that got him a call-up to the Tongan team in the first place.
"I was a young kid looking to come to the UK and Tonga was my ticket," Kite explained to NRL.com.
"It was a funny situation where my last name is an English name, Kite, [and there] happens to be a Tonga name spelled the same pronounced 'Kit-eh', so I'm sure I was only picked up for that reason, it was purely coincidental.
"I was lucky enough to get picked, I was just stoked to be in the team and very proud to represent the country. It is very special to play for my mum's country of birth."
Kite's first-grade debut in the NRL at St George Illawarra Dragons didn't come until two years later in 2002.
Since his debut for Tonga in the World Cup, a 66-18 victory over South Africa in Paris, Kite has played in four grand finals and won two – including a Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance for Manly in 2008. He has played 10 games for New South Wales and 14 Tests for Australia, and is closing in on the NRL's exclusive 300-game club.
It is some list of accolades. And it all started when he was given the chance with an emerging nation playing international rugby league halfway around the world as an unknown youngster.
It is why this World Cup means so much. The wheel has turned full circle and now Kite is the eldest statesmen guiding the next bunch of Tongan players through.
"Tonga has a fair representation of players in the NRL and a massive number of players in the under-20s," Kite points out.
"If you go back to Tonga the infrastructure around league isn't great, it is more of a rugby union-supporting country. We'd like to turn that around. I think the quality of players we have coming through in the highest levels of the game should be reflected back in Tonga.
"This World Cup can only serve as a platform to do that. We know how important it is to have a great showing for the profile of rugby league in Tonga.
"Back in Tonga they don't export anything anymore, they don't even export coconuts. Their best export is people. They have great people with big hearts and they certainly have talented sportspeople."
Asked by NRL.com what he was looking forward to most about the World Cup, the answer was simple.
"Lifting the profile of the Tongan team. We have a job to do here and that is to win games. The more games we can win the more we can help Tongan rugby league."
Tonga v Scotland: October 29 (October 30 Australian time)
Tonga v Cook Islands: November 5 (November 6 Australian time)
Tonga v Italy: November 10 (November 11 Australian time)
http://www.nrl.com/full-circle-for-tongas-brent-kite/tabid/10874/newsid/75128/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Italian Rugby League World Cup squad paid just 200 pounds a week to cover expenses
THEY helped inspire the biggest upset win in rugby league history but the superstar Aussies playing for Italy at the World Cup are in it for love - not money.
Roosters grand final heroes Anthony Minichiello and Aidan Guerra, along with Newcastle’s Kade Snowden, are getting paid just 200 English pounds a week to cover living expenses while competing at the World Cup.
But in the wake of their stunning victory over host nation England in a warm-up match last weekend, the Italians now have their sights set on a quarter-final showdown with New Zealand.
They will kick off their World Cup campaign on Saturday night against Wales, with the game to take place after the Australia-England game at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and that will be followed with games against Scotland and Tonga.
After their win over the Poms, the Italians believe anything is possible.
Manly legend Peter Peters is leading the Italian cheer squad on tour and says the fact they are playing for nothing highlights the pride they have in their heritage.
"These guys are playing for nothing. They get their meal allowance and no money to play," Peters said.
"They are playing for the heritage of their parents and grandparents and to them it is a highly emotional and proud moment."They have come away to enjoy this but they are also here to prove a point."
The Italians have some added back-up arriving this weekend with Craig Gower brought in to help mentor Italy’s young halves Tim Maccan, Ben Falcone and Ryan Ghetti before a match that is expected to be played in front of about 50,000 people at the famous Welsh stadium.
"He’s in London to tidy things up from when he was here playing and then he’s coming up to join us in Cardiff and he’ll be with us for the rest of the tour," Peters said.
"It is just a great boost for these young guys who don’t have that top-grade experience behind them."The young blokes really look up to Gowey and he’ll just be real good to have around the place."
Gower was going to be playing for Italy in the tournament until he suffered a neck injury that ended his spirited return to the NRL this year at Newcastle.
The Italians also received another boost during the week when league legend Mal Reilly turned up at training in Leeds to lend his support.
Reilly played with Peters in Manly’s 1973 premiership winning side and also coached Newcastle to their famous grand final win over Manly in 1997."Just his sheer presence means a lot to these guys," Peters added.
"He spoke to the players in the dressing rooms and told them what a great opportunity they have got ahead of them and congratulated them on their win last week."And he also made them aware that this is an opportunity of a lifetime to play alongside Mini.
"We definitely think there is more to come."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...o-cover-expenses/story-fni3fbgz-1226745346364
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 23, 2013 3:13PM
THEY helped inspire the biggest upset win in rugby league history but the superstar Aussies playing for Italy at the World Cup are in it for love - not money.
Roosters grand final heroes Anthony Minichiello and Aidan Guerra, along with Newcastle’s Kade Snowden, are getting paid just 200 English pounds a week to cover living expenses while competing at the World Cup.
But in the wake of their stunning victory over host nation England in a warm-up match last weekend, the Italians now have their sights set on a quarter-final showdown with New Zealand.
They will kick off their World Cup campaign on Saturday night against Wales, with the game to take place after the Australia-England game at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and that will be followed with games against Scotland and Tonga.
After their win over the Poms, the Italians believe anything is possible.
Manly legend Peter Peters is leading the Italian cheer squad on tour and says the fact they are playing for nothing highlights the pride they have in their heritage.
"These guys are playing for nothing. They get their meal allowance and no money to play," Peters said.
"They are playing for the heritage of their parents and grandparents and to them it is a highly emotional and proud moment."They have come away to enjoy this but they are also here to prove a point."
The Italians have some added back-up arriving this weekend with Craig Gower brought in to help mentor Italy’s young halves Tim Maccan, Ben Falcone and Ryan Ghetti before a match that is expected to be played in front of about 50,000 people at the famous Welsh stadium.
"He’s in London to tidy things up from when he was here playing and then he’s coming up to join us in Cardiff and he’ll be with us for the rest of the tour," Peters said.
"It is just a great boost for these young guys who don’t have that top-grade experience behind them."The young blokes really look up to Gowey and he’ll just be real good to have around the place."
Gower was going to be playing for Italy in the tournament until he suffered a neck injury that ended his spirited return to the NRL this year at Newcastle.
The Italians also received another boost during the week when league legend Mal Reilly turned up at training in Leeds to lend his support.
Reilly played with Peters in Manly’s 1973 premiership winning side and also coached Newcastle to their famous grand final win over Manly in 1997."Just his sheer presence means a lot to these guys," Peters added.
"He spoke to the players in the dressing rooms and told them what a great opportunity they have got ahead of them and congratulated them on their win last week."And he also made them aware that this is an opportunity of a lifetime to play alongside Mini.
"We definitely think there is more to come."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...o-cover-expenses/story-fni3fbgz-1226745346364
Last edited:
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Wales confident at rugby league World Cup
By Ian Laybourn
AAP
5:43am Thu 24th October, 2013
Wales captain Craig Kopczak is confident his side have the talent to make an impact on the World Cup and will be looking to his teammates in the pack to lead the way.
With Wigan's double-winning forwards Ben Flower and Gil Dudson firmly part of the Welsh international scene and Kopczak joined this year by his Huddersfield front-row teammate Larne Patrick, coach Iestyn Harris can load his pack with a wealth of Super League experience.
And Harris is also able to call on the NRL expertise of St George Illawarra second-rower Tyson Frizzell, who joined up with the squad this week after proving his fitness and flying in from Sydney.
"We're very talented in that area," the Kopczak said.
"The size around the place is huge, you know what direction we're going to be going in."
Wales failed to qualify for the last tournament in 2008 but have twice been semi-finalists in the past and Kopczak is confident they can make progress through the group stages.
They kick off their campaign against Italy in the second half of Saturday's double-header at the Millennium Stadium before meeting the United States and the Cook Islands.
"Obviously we'd like to win the competition," Kopczak, 26, said.
"Realistically we'd like to get as far as the semis. I know it's a big ask but I think we can cause some upsets.
"We've got so much talent in our team, we are obviously going to do something in this competition."
Wales' biggest test is expected to come on Saturday when they meet an Italian team on a high following their stunning 15-14 win over England in Salford last Saturday.
"I haven't seen the game but I have to say I was shocked," Kopczak added.
Italy coach Carlo Napolitano is expecting even more from his side after their heroics against England and believes they will need to improve against a well-coached Welsh outfit.
"There is room for improvement," Napolitano said.
"That result against England doesn't give us two points and a win in the World Cup but it shows we're here."
http://www.nrl.com/wales-confident-at-rugby-league-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/75130/default.aspx
By Ian Laybourn
AAP
5:43am Thu 24th October, 2013
Wales captain Craig Kopczak is confident his side have the talent to make an impact on the World Cup and will be looking to his teammates in the pack to lead the way.
With Wigan's double-winning forwards Ben Flower and Gil Dudson firmly part of the Welsh international scene and Kopczak joined this year by his Huddersfield front-row teammate Larne Patrick, coach Iestyn Harris can load his pack with a wealth of Super League experience.
And Harris is also able to call on the NRL expertise of St George Illawarra second-rower Tyson Frizzell, who joined up with the squad this week after proving his fitness and flying in from Sydney.
"We're very talented in that area," the Kopczak said.
"The size around the place is huge, you know what direction we're going to be going in."
Wales failed to qualify for the last tournament in 2008 but have twice been semi-finalists in the past and Kopczak is confident they can make progress through the group stages.
They kick off their campaign against Italy in the second half of Saturday's double-header at the Millennium Stadium before meeting the United States and the Cook Islands.
"Obviously we'd like to win the competition," Kopczak, 26, said.
"Realistically we'd like to get as far as the semis. I know it's a big ask but I think we can cause some upsets.
"We've got so much talent in our team, we are obviously going to do something in this competition."
Wales' biggest test is expected to come on Saturday when they meet an Italian team on a high following their stunning 15-14 win over England in Salford last Saturday.
"I haven't seen the game but I have to say I was shocked," Kopczak added.
Italy coach Carlo Napolitano is expecting even more from his side after their heroics against England and believes they will need to improve against a well-coached Welsh outfit.
"There is room for improvement," Napolitano said.
"That result against England doesn't give us two points and a win in the World Cup but it shows we're here."
http://www.nrl.com/wales-confident-at-rugby-league-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/75130/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Minnows to cause Rugby League World Cup heaches
WHILE the Rugby League World Cup has traditionally been a three way contest - top quality talent from the NRL and English Super League have positioned the minnows with the best chance of causing an upset.
With the smaller nations dreaming big, coupled with shock results in the warm ups, the minnows are determined to ensure the competition will not be a lopsided affair.
"I don't know if anyone's going to beat Australia or anything like that, but you look at some of these teams and I think there's certainly some shocks on the cards," said David Fairleigh, coach of Cook Islands and one of five Australians at the helm of World Cup teams.
"I think some people will be shocked by how good some of these Pacific Islands teams are. "Talking to the other coaches, it's great to see how far the game has actually come and the strengthening of the squads now compared to even five or six years ago.
"Pools are weighted to give every team a genuine chance of reaching the quarter-finals, with groups C and D made up solely of lower-ranked nations. None of the nations are planning on simply making up the numbers.
"Obviously you want to top your group, that's what we're all aiming for," Italy captain Anthony Minichiello said.
"You want to see the game to be strong and competitive you want to grow the other nations and make sure it's not just the big three that are winning every time."
Expanded to 14 teams, up from 10 in 2008, many are littered with first grade talent and it is widely expected the 'Big Three' of Australia, New Zealand and England will be tested like never before.
"There's so many of the NRL guys playing that the competition will throw up a boil over here or there," Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said."Whether or not it's against the big three will be interesting."But there'll be some interesting results among the others."
SAMOA
Samoa goes into the World Cup as fourth favourites on the back of a team littered with NRL talent. Anthony Milford will provide the x-factor in attack following what was a breakout debut season for the young Canberra Raider.
Samoa Coach: Matt Parish
Key players: Anthony Milford, Antonio Winterstein, Reni Maitua
Group opponents: New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, France
Odds: $67
TONGA
Fifth favourite thanks to a star-studded side which features imposing Manly winger Jorge Taufua. The Tongan’s have a balance side with experience, from the likes of Brent Kite and youthful exuberance, from the likes of Warriors man-mountain Konrad Hurrell.
Coach: Charles Tonga
Key players: Daniel Tupou, Konrad Hurrell, Brent Kite, Fuifui Moimoi
Group opponents: Scotland, Italy, Cook Islands
Odds: $81
FIJI
Semi-finalists in 2008 and captained by veteran prop Petero Civoniceva, Fiji are again expected to be among the most competitive sides outside the top nations. Their most exciting export, Newcastle flyer Akuila Uate, will provide plenty of spark for the Fijians whether he is starting their set or finishing it.
Coach: Rick Stone
Key players: Akuila Uate, Petero Civoniceva, Ashton Sims
Group opponents: Ireland, Australia, England
Odds: $126
ITALY
Led by a veteran of the game, premiership winning skipper Anthony Minichiello, Italy are sure to ruffle some feathers. The Italians are already turning heads after producing an upset win over England in a warm-up match.
Coach: Carlo Napolitano
Key players: Anthony Minichiello, Kade Snowden, Mark Minichiello
Group opponents: Scotland, Tonga, Wales
Odds: $201
COOK ISLANDS
While the odds are stacked against them, North Sydney Bears great, David Fairleigh will be desperate to prove his men are not in the tournament to just make up the numbers.
Guided by Penrith half Isaac John, the Cook Island also boast Dylan Nappa in their line-up, he is the man who placed an unforgettable big hit on Kangaroos enforcer Paul Gallen while playing for the Roosters during the regular season.
Coach: David Fairleigh
Key players: Zeb Taia, Brad Takairangi, Isaac John
Group opponents: USA, Wales, Tonga
Odds: $251
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
With rugby league their national sport, PNG are dreaming big. "We’re pretty confident of making the semis and we’ll see where we go from there, anything can happen," Veteran Neville Costigan said.
"(Our supporters) all have high expectations of us."
While Costigan provides the punch up front, Penrith livewire James Segeyaro will be looking to continue his career-best form for his native country.
Coach: Adrian Lam
Key Players: David Mead, Ray Thompson, James Segeyaro
Group opponents: France, Samoa, New Zealand
Odds: $251
FRANCE
Catalans Dragons play maker and captain, Thomas Bosc leads the French in what is a heavily Catalan selected side. Cowboys fullback Clint Greenshields is no stranger to the Dragons having spent six seasons with the club before returning to the NRL this year.
Coach: Richard Agar
Key Players: Thomas Bosc, Jason Baitieri, Clint Greenshields
Group opponents: Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Samoa
Odds: $251
WALES
Since making his international debut in 2007, Craig Kopczak captained the Dragons during the Four Nations in 2011 where he was announced Wale’s player of the tournament. The Wales side is full of Super League talent and also features Dragons back rower Tyson Frizzel.
Coach: Iestyn Harris
Key Players: Lloyd White, Gil Dudson, Craig Kopczak
Group opponents: USA, Cook Islands, Italy
Odds: $251
IRELAND
At half or hooker, Ireland skipper Liam Finn is a player to keep an eye out for. With the likes of veteran prop Brett White, Wests Tigers-bound superstar winger Pat Richards North Queensland utility Rory Kostjayn, the Irish will be hoping to prove any wins they get will come as a result of more than just luck.
Coach: Mark Aston
Key Players: Pat Richards, Brett White, Liam Finn Group opponents: Fiji, England, Australia
Odds: $501
SCOTLAND
Former Shark turned Titan Luke Douglas leads Scotland into battle while veteran halfback Peter Peter Wallace and exciting edge man Kane Linnett look to add the polish. It appears England’s loss is Scotland’s game with the Scots boasting 2013 Man of Steel awardee Danny Brough.
Coach: Steve McCormack
Key Players: Danny Brough, Peter Wallace, Kane Linnett
Group opponents: Tonga, Italy, USA
Odds: $501
USA
While the bookmakers give the United States no hope, the yanks did manage to spring an upset win over France in a trial match. USA are sure to surprise some people thanks to the NRL talent in their side which includes Eddy Pettybourne, Joseph Paulo, Clint Newton and Junior Paulo.
Coach: Terry Matterson
Key Players: Joseph Paulo, Clint Newton, Ryan McGoldrick
Group opponents: Cook Islands, Wales, Scotland
Odds: $1001
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/minnows-to-cause-rugby-league-world-cup-heaches/story-fni3fbgz-1226746192413
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 24, 2013 5:26PM
WHILE the Rugby League World Cup has traditionally been a three way contest - top quality talent from the NRL and English Super League have positioned the minnows with the best chance of causing an upset.
With the smaller nations dreaming big, coupled with shock results in the warm ups, the minnows are determined to ensure the competition will not be a lopsided affair.
"I don't know if anyone's going to beat Australia or anything like that, but you look at some of these teams and I think there's certainly some shocks on the cards," said David Fairleigh, coach of Cook Islands and one of five Australians at the helm of World Cup teams.
"I think some people will be shocked by how good some of these Pacific Islands teams are. "Talking to the other coaches, it's great to see how far the game has actually come and the strengthening of the squads now compared to even five or six years ago.
"Pools are weighted to give every team a genuine chance of reaching the quarter-finals, with groups C and D made up solely of lower-ranked nations. None of the nations are planning on simply making up the numbers.
"Obviously you want to top your group, that's what we're all aiming for," Italy captain Anthony Minichiello said.
"You want to see the game to be strong and competitive you want to grow the other nations and make sure it's not just the big three that are winning every time."
Expanded to 14 teams, up from 10 in 2008, many are littered with first grade talent and it is widely expected the 'Big Three' of Australia, New Zealand and England will be tested like never before.
"There's so many of the NRL guys playing that the competition will throw up a boil over here or there," Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens said."Whether or not it's against the big three will be interesting."But there'll be some interesting results among the others."
SAMOA
Samoa goes into the World Cup as fourth favourites on the back of a team littered with NRL talent. Anthony Milford will provide the x-factor in attack following what was a breakout debut season for the young Canberra Raider.
Samoa Coach: Matt Parish
Key players: Anthony Milford, Antonio Winterstein, Reni Maitua
Group opponents: New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, France
Odds: $67
TONGA
Fifth favourite thanks to a star-studded side which features imposing Manly winger Jorge Taufua. The Tongan’s have a balance side with experience, from the likes of Brent Kite and youthful exuberance, from the likes of Warriors man-mountain Konrad Hurrell.
Coach: Charles Tonga
Key players: Daniel Tupou, Konrad Hurrell, Brent Kite, Fuifui Moimoi
Group opponents: Scotland, Italy, Cook Islands
Odds: $81
FIJI
Semi-finalists in 2008 and captained by veteran prop Petero Civoniceva, Fiji are again expected to be among the most competitive sides outside the top nations. Their most exciting export, Newcastle flyer Akuila Uate, will provide plenty of spark for the Fijians whether he is starting their set or finishing it.
Coach: Rick Stone
Key players: Akuila Uate, Petero Civoniceva, Ashton Sims
Group opponents: Ireland, Australia, England
Odds: $126
ITALY
Led by a veteran of the game, premiership winning skipper Anthony Minichiello, Italy are sure to ruffle some feathers. The Italians are already turning heads after producing an upset win over England in a warm-up match.
Coach: Carlo Napolitano
Key players: Anthony Minichiello, Kade Snowden, Mark Minichiello
Group opponents: Scotland, Tonga, Wales
Odds: $201
COOK ISLANDS
While the odds are stacked against them, North Sydney Bears great, David Fairleigh will be desperate to prove his men are not in the tournament to just make up the numbers.
Guided by Penrith half Isaac John, the Cook Island also boast Dylan Nappa in their line-up, he is the man who placed an unforgettable big hit on Kangaroos enforcer Paul Gallen while playing for the Roosters during the regular season.
Coach: David Fairleigh
Key players: Zeb Taia, Brad Takairangi, Isaac John
Group opponents: USA, Wales, Tonga
Odds: $251
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
With rugby league their national sport, PNG are dreaming big. "We’re pretty confident of making the semis and we’ll see where we go from there, anything can happen," Veteran Neville Costigan said.
"(Our supporters) all have high expectations of us."
While Costigan provides the punch up front, Penrith livewire James Segeyaro will be looking to continue his career-best form for his native country.
Coach: Adrian Lam
Key Players: David Mead, Ray Thompson, James Segeyaro
Group opponents: France, Samoa, New Zealand
Odds: $251
FRANCE
Catalans Dragons play maker and captain, Thomas Bosc leads the French in what is a heavily Catalan selected side. Cowboys fullback Clint Greenshields is no stranger to the Dragons having spent six seasons with the club before returning to the NRL this year.
Coach: Richard Agar
Key Players: Thomas Bosc, Jason Baitieri, Clint Greenshields
Group opponents: Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Samoa
Odds: $251
WALES
Since making his international debut in 2007, Craig Kopczak captained the Dragons during the Four Nations in 2011 where he was announced Wale’s player of the tournament. The Wales side is full of Super League talent and also features Dragons back rower Tyson Frizzel.
Coach: Iestyn Harris
Key Players: Lloyd White, Gil Dudson, Craig Kopczak
Group opponents: USA, Cook Islands, Italy
Odds: $251
IRELAND
At half or hooker, Ireland skipper Liam Finn is a player to keep an eye out for. With the likes of veteran prop Brett White, Wests Tigers-bound superstar winger Pat Richards North Queensland utility Rory Kostjayn, the Irish will be hoping to prove any wins they get will come as a result of more than just luck.
Coach: Mark Aston
Key Players: Pat Richards, Brett White, Liam Finn Group opponents: Fiji, England, Australia
Odds: $501
SCOTLAND
Former Shark turned Titan Luke Douglas leads Scotland into battle while veteran halfback Peter Peter Wallace and exciting edge man Kane Linnett look to add the polish. It appears England’s loss is Scotland’s game with the Scots boasting 2013 Man of Steel awardee Danny Brough.
Coach: Steve McCormack
Key Players: Danny Brough, Peter Wallace, Kane Linnett
Group opponents: Tonga, Italy, USA
Odds: $501
USA
While the bookmakers give the United States no hope, the yanks did manage to spring an upset win over France in a trial match. USA are sure to surprise some people thanks to the NRL talent in their side which includes Eddy Pettybourne, Joseph Paulo, Clint Newton and Junior Paulo.
Coach: Terry Matterson
Key Players: Joseph Paulo, Clint Newton, Ryan McGoldrick
Group opponents: Cook Islands, Wales, Scotland
Odds: $1001
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/minnows-to-cause-rugby-league-world-cup-heaches/story-fni3fbgz-1226746192413
Last edited:
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Is the rugby league World Cup a waste of time?
COOPER Cronk was walking through the streets of Manchester the other day with a few Kangaroo teammates when someone stopped him and asked for a photo.
Then the bloke handed Cronk the camera and smiled back at the NRL superstar.It’s fair to say the Aussies haven’t exactly been the focus of everyone’s attention in the countdown to tonight’s World Cup opener against England.
On Monday there were two backpackers blokes, we should point out standing outside team hotel waiting to get some memorabilia signed. But that was a one off.
And flicking through one of the country’s most popular papers during the week there were seven straight pages on football leading the sports section, followed by four on rugby union and the Rugby League World Cup followed cricket.
And the league page wasn’t a full page and it was about the Burgess brothers.The BBC TV news sports break is the same. Football, football, football, rugby, cricket. Not a mention of rugby league.
Sonny Bill’s hardly been sighted.So much for this being, as tournament organisers sold it, the biggest global sporting event of 2013.But is the World Cup a waste of time?
This is the question a lot of people have been asking this week and this is where it gets tricky.
Because while it might not be the biggest event in England this year, to the players and the people who are going to turn up here to support the event, just to be a part of it is something incredibly special.
Take Greg Inglis’ attitude towards it.He could have easily stayed at home and pulled the pin after carrying that knee injury around for the backend of the season.Yet you have never seen Inglis as happy as he has been the last week.
He rooms with Darius Boyd and the two of them are constantly by each other’s side, just enjoying each other’s company, the occasion.
Across the nations there are similar stories everywhere.
There is a bloke playing for the United States named Loto Tagaloa who makes his living in Hawaii fire dancing with knives and climbing coconut trees. True story.
He was telling us about it the other day, how one day the Tomahawks were playing a game in Hawaii against Tonga and the Americans were short a player so they threw him some boots.
Now he’s in the United Kingdom playing at the World Cup.He tells you that this is the greatest experience of his life. Just to be here.He’s never been to the UK before.He grew up in a tiny village in Samoa.
The Americans don’t get paid a cent, or a penny.Neither do the Italians.Anthony Minichiello captained the Sydney Roosters to this year’s NRL premiership over here he gets meal allowance.And he’s loving every minute of it.
Mini was at the official launch the other day smiling the entire time and shaking everyone’s hand like they were his long lost mates. And across all the developing nations it would be a similar story.No money all about the love of the game.This is what makes this tournament so special for traditional league fans.
For once it’s not all about money.Forget about trying to win over the world, the players are just enjoying it for what it is.In fact, the poor Poms appear to be the only nation whinging, which is probably understandable.
Last weekend they lost to Italy in the biggest boilover in rugby league history and ever since they’ve turned on each other.They should be thanking their lucky stars rugby league is not the biggest sport in England.
And it won’t get any better for them tonight when they take on the Kangaroos who really appear to be on a mission.
Speaking of the Aussies, watching from close range the effort that goes into keeping 24 young players happy and out of trouble 24-7 is an event in itself.
Already England had to send Gareth Hock packing for playing up on the drink and another from another nation, we are told, had a punch-up with a member of the team’s management at the airport and then got sent home.
But in the Kangaroos’ camp, it’s clockwork.
They have a touring party of 13 support staff and they all work day and night to make sure no stone is left unturned in this hunt for rugby league’s holy grail. At any one time 10 players can be lining up at the physio’s makeshift office that they set up in all the team hotels waiting to get treatment.
But eight weeks living out of each other’s pockets is going to test anyone’s patience.Some marriages don’t even last that long.
Johnathan Thurston laughed his head off at that little joke during the week.He’s been rooming with Sam Thaiday on tours like this "as long as I can remember".
Do you ever drive each other mad?"Na, never," Thurston giggled."We look after each other. We’ve got each other’s back that’s for sure."He’s the tidy one and I’m the untidy one."
Does that surprise you?
This is Australia’s longest rugby league tour since 2000 but back in the old days they used to have to get the boat to England.Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh was saying in 1994 he played 20 of 22 matches when he was away with the Kangaroos.
This year Australia can only play a maximum of six if they make it all the way to the final on November 30 at Old Trafford.But even with one game a week from here on, eight weeks is still a long time away from home.
Cameron Smith was thinking about it the other day.
The Australian skipper is known for his ice-cool composure at all times but when he got talking about his kids, you could have sworn there was a hint of mist in his eyes. Being captain, at least he gets his own room, and his best friends on this tour are Skype and FaceTime.
"I miss home, I definitely miss home," Smith said."I’ve got three children and it was really hard to say goodbye to them this time."The two oldest are four and five so they sort of know that I’m going to be gone for a long time.
"But my little girl, she is just starting to talk."And when she says ‘bye daddy’, you know, it was really hard to walk away.
"It took me about 15 minutes to walk away."But it’s great to have that technology now where you can say hello and actually see them.
"I don’t know how the guys back in the day did it, pick up the phone and just speak to them."It’s nice to be able to see their face."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/is-the-rugby-league-world-cup-a-waste-of-time/story-fni3fbgz-122674713982
- PAUL CRAWLEY
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- OCTOBER 26, 2013 12:00AM
COOPER Cronk was walking through the streets of Manchester the other day with a few Kangaroo teammates when someone stopped him and asked for a photo.
Then the bloke handed Cronk the camera and smiled back at the NRL superstar.It’s fair to say the Aussies haven’t exactly been the focus of everyone’s attention in the countdown to tonight’s World Cup opener against England.
On Monday there were two backpackers blokes, we should point out standing outside team hotel waiting to get some memorabilia signed. But that was a one off.
And flicking through one of the country’s most popular papers during the week there were seven straight pages on football leading the sports section, followed by four on rugby union and the Rugby League World Cup followed cricket.
And the league page wasn’t a full page and it was about the Burgess brothers.The BBC TV news sports break is the same. Football, football, football, rugby, cricket. Not a mention of rugby league.
Sonny Bill’s hardly been sighted.So much for this being, as tournament organisers sold it, the biggest global sporting event of 2013.But is the World Cup a waste of time?
This is the question a lot of people have been asking this week and this is where it gets tricky.
Because while it might not be the biggest event in England this year, to the players and the people who are going to turn up here to support the event, just to be a part of it is something incredibly special.
Take Greg Inglis’ attitude towards it.He could have easily stayed at home and pulled the pin after carrying that knee injury around for the backend of the season.Yet you have never seen Inglis as happy as he has been the last week.
He rooms with Darius Boyd and the two of them are constantly by each other’s side, just enjoying each other’s company, the occasion.
Across the nations there are similar stories everywhere.
There is a bloke playing for the United States named Loto Tagaloa who makes his living in Hawaii fire dancing with knives and climbing coconut trees. True story.
He was telling us about it the other day, how one day the Tomahawks were playing a game in Hawaii against Tonga and the Americans were short a player so they threw him some boots.
Now he’s in the United Kingdom playing at the World Cup.He tells you that this is the greatest experience of his life. Just to be here.He’s never been to the UK before.He grew up in a tiny village in Samoa.
The Americans don’t get paid a cent, or a penny.Neither do the Italians.Anthony Minichiello captained the Sydney Roosters to this year’s NRL premiership over here he gets meal allowance.And he’s loving every minute of it.
Mini was at the official launch the other day smiling the entire time and shaking everyone’s hand like they were his long lost mates. And across all the developing nations it would be a similar story.No money all about the love of the game.This is what makes this tournament so special for traditional league fans.
For once it’s not all about money.Forget about trying to win over the world, the players are just enjoying it for what it is.In fact, the poor Poms appear to be the only nation whinging, which is probably understandable.
Last weekend they lost to Italy in the biggest boilover in rugby league history and ever since they’ve turned on each other.They should be thanking their lucky stars rugby league is not the biggest sport in England.
And it won’t get any better for them tonight when they take on the Kangaroos who really appear to be on a mission.
Speaking of the Aussies, watching from close range the effort that goes into keeping 24 young players happy and out of trouble 24-7 is an event in itself.
Already England had to send Gareth Hock packing for playing up on the drink and another from another nation, we are told, had a punch-up with a member of the team’s management at the airport and then got sent home.
But in the Kangaroos’ camp, it’s clockwork.
They have a touring party of 13 support staff and they all work day and night to make sure no stone is left unturned in this hunt for rugby league’s holy grail. At any one time 10 players can be lining up at the physio’s makeshift office that they set up in all the team hotels waiting to get treatment.
But eight weeks living out of each other’s pockets is going to test anyone’s patience.Some marriages don’t even last that long.
Johnathan Thurston laughed his head off at that little joke during the week.He’s been rooming with Sam Thaiday on tours like this "as long as I can remember".
Do you ever drive each other mad?"Na, never," Thurston giggled."We look after each other. We’ve got each other’s back that’s for sure."He’s the tidy one and I’m the untidy one."
Does that surprise you?
This is Australia’s longest rugby league tour since 2000 but back in the old days they used to have to get the boat to England.Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh was saying in 1994 he played 20 of 22 matches when he was away with the Kangaroos.
This year Australia can only play a maximum of six if they make it all the way to the final on November 30 at Old Trafford.But even with one game a week from here on, eight weeks is still a long time away from home.
Cameron Smith was thinking about it the other day.
The Australian skipper is known for his ice-cool composure at all times but when he got talking about his kids, you could have sworn there was a hint of mist in his eyes. Being captain, at least he gets his own room, and his best friends on this tour are Skype and FaceTime.
"I miss home, I definitely miss home," Smith said."I’ve got three children and it was really hard to say goodbye to them this time."The two oldest are four and five so they sort of know that I’m going to be gone for a long time.
"But my little girl, she is just starting to talk."And when she says ‘bye daddy’, you know, it was really hard to walk away.
"It took me about 15 minutes to walk away."But it’s great to have that technology now where you can say hello and actually see them.
"I don’t know how the guys back in the day did it, pick up the phone and just speak to them."It’s nice to be able to see their face."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/is-the-rugby-league-world-cup-a-waste-of-time/story-fni3fbgz-122674713982
Last edited:
Joshhh
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
New Zealand have named their squad for the first game:
1. Josh Hoffman
2. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
3. Dean Whare
4. Bryson Goodwin
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Kieran Foran (vc)
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jared Warea-Hargreaves
9. Issac Luke
10. Jesse Bromwich
11. Frank Pritchard
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Simon Mannering (c)
Interchange:
14. Elijah Taylor
15. Sam Kasiano
16. Sam Moa
17. Frank-Paul Nu'uausala
18. Greg Eastwood
19. Ben Matulino
Players left out: Alex Glenn, Krisnan Inu, Thomas Leuluai, Kevin Locke, Jason Nightingale
Good to see them being a little less conservative, a few form players in at the expense of some unexpected casualties.
1. Josh Hoffman
2. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
3. Dean Whare
4. Bryson Goodwin
5. Manu Vatuvei
6. Kieran Foran (vc)
7. Shaun Johnson
8. Jared Warea-Hargreaves
9. Issac Luke
10. Jesse Bromwich
11. Frank Pritchard
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Simon Mannering (c)
Interchange:
14. Elijah Taylor
15. Sam Kasiano
16. Sam Moa
17. Frank-Paul Nu'uausala
18. Greg Eastwood
19. Ben Matulino
Players left out: Alex Glenn, Krisnan Inu, Thomas Leuluai, Kevin Locke, Jason Nightingale
Good to see them being a little less conservative, a few form players in at the expense of some unexpected casualties.
Sonny Bill named to start for Kiwis Cup opener
DAVID LONG
Last updated 05:00 26/10/2013
Sonny Bill Williams
BACK IN BLACK: Sonny Bill Williams will start for the Kiwis against Samoa.
Related Links
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World Cup last piece of puzzle for superstar trio Sonny Bill Williams 'humble and working hard' Hodges eyes No 6 jersey for Brisbane Broncos Liverpool suits Kiwis in lead-up to Cup opener England's Burgess brothers suit up for Australia Smith welcomes chance to face off against Widdop Australasian players dominate World Cup teams Sonny Bill rules out any boxing for three years Kangaroos jersey a 'massive gift': Andrew Fifita Outmuscling Kiwis will not be Samoa's best hope
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Sonny Bill Williams has been named to play his first game for the Kiwis in five years and will start in the second-row in Monday morning's Rugby League World Cup opener against Samoa.
Fellow Roosters star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his debut in the same match after being named on one of the wings, while Sam Moa will earn his first cap coming off the bench in Warrington.
New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney says the team picked for this game wasn't necessarily his best, but that there were two factors involved in selection.
The first was to name a team that could handle the physical challenge Samoa is sure to bring and the other was to give the players from the Roosters, who all sat out last weekend's warm-up game against the Cook Islands in Doncaster, a run.
"The warm-up game served a real purpose but I see this as a real red flag in terms of what Samoa are going to present," Kearney said. "It was important to pick a side that I thought was going to best serve the purpose of this particular match.
"That doesn't mean this is going to be the team that best serves us when we get into the latter part of the tournament, but for this game it's the best team.
"We have been in camp now for over a week and I could see the energy that the Roosters boys have brought to the group and it was important to use that momentum in the selection process and that means there are a couple of new caps in an important game."
Manu Vatuvei is named as the other winger in this team, meaning that the ever reliable Jason Nightingale misses out. However, Kearney was quick to point out that he doesn't necessarily see Nightingale behind Vatuvei and Tuivasa-Sheck in the pecking order.
"I'm mindful of what Jason Nightingale has done for New Zealand before and he's never let the jumper down.
"It's a matter of giving Roger an opportunity. What we have in our favour, previous to the last two times we've travelled to the UK, is that there is a real depth of talent.
"It's not a form issue that's dictated selection, it's what I think is best for the team this week.
"From a talent point of view, the whole 24 will play a role in this tournament. I know that whoever we pick, they're going to do a job for us, but it's a matter of as the tournament ticks over, who's doing it the best, because they're the guys who'll nail down spots."
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But it will be Williams who'll get the most attention on Monday as he plays his eighth test for the Kiwis and is still in search of his first win with them.
Kearney said he's not just looking for those magical offloads from Williams at this World Cup; he believes he has other contributions to make.
"It is quite obvious the talent he has, but he brings more than that," Kearney said. "He brings a sense of confidence to the people around him, but in saying that, he puts his hand up and he delivers. He understands what his role is and what he's got to do and he does that to the best of his ability.
"From a defensive point of view, it's the 1 per cent plays. Everyone wants the razzmatazz from Sonny, but he understands that sometimes it's not about those plays."
KIWIS:
1 Josh Hoffman,
2 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck,
3 Dean Whare,
4 Bryson Goodwin,
5 Manu Vatuvei,
6 Kieran Foran,
7 Shaun Johnson,
8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves,
9 Issac Luke,
10 Jesse Bromwich,
11 Frank Pritchard,
12 Sonny Bill Williams,
13 Simon Mannering.
Interchange
14 Elijah Taylor,
15 Sam Kasiano,
16 Sam Moa,
17 Frank-Paul Nu'uausala,
18 Greg Eastwood,
19 Ben Matulino.
- © Fairfax NZ News
DAVID LONG
Last updated 05:00 26/10/2013
Sonny Bill Williams
BACK IN BLACK: Sonny Bill Williams will start for the Kiwis against Samoa.
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Sonny Bill Williams has been named to play his first game for the Kiwis in five years and will start in the second-row in Monday morning's Rugby League World Cup opener against Samoa.
Fellow Roosters star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his debut in the same match after being named on one of the wings, while Sam Moa will earn his first cap coming off the bench in Warrington.
New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney says the team picked for this game wasn't necessarily his best, but that there were two factors involved in selection.
The first was to name a team that could handle the physical challenge Samoa is sure to bring and the other was to give the players from the Roosters, who all sat out last weekend's warm-up game against the Cook Islands in Doncaster, a run.
"The warm-up game served a real purpose but I see this as a real red flag in terms of what Samoa are going to present," Kearney said. "It was important to pick a side that I thought was going to best serve the purpose of this particular match.
"That doesn't mean this is going to be the team that best serves us when we get into the latter part of the tournament, but for this game it's the best team.
"We have been in camp now for over a week and I could see the energy that the Roosters boys have brought to the group and it was important to use that momentum in the selection process and that means there are a couple of new caps in an important game."
Manu Vatuvei is named as the other winger in this team, meaning that the ever reliable Jason Nightingale misses out. However, Kearney was quick to point out that he doesn't necessarily see Nightingale behind Vatuvei and Tuivasa-Sheck in the pecking order.
"I'm mindful of what Jason Nightingale has done for New Zealand before and he's never let the jumper down.
"It's a matter of giving Roger an opportunity. What we have in our favour, previous to the last two times we've travelled to the UK, is that there is a real depth of talent.
"It's not a form issue that's dictated selection, it's what I think is best for the team this week.
"From a talent point of view, the whole 24 will play a role in this tournament. I know that whoever we pick, they're going to do a job for us, but it's a matter of as the tournament ticks over, who's doing it the best, because they're the guys who'll nail down spots."
Ad Feedback
But it will be Williams who'll get the most attention on Monday as he plays his eighth test for the Kiwis and is still in search of his first win with them.
Kearney said he's not just looking for those magical offloads from Williams at this World Cup; he believes he has other contributions to make.
"It is quite obvious the talent he has, but he brings more than that," Kearney said. "He brings a sense of confidence to the people around him, but in saying that, he puts his hand up and he delivers. He understands what his role is and what he's got to do and he does that to the best of his ability.
"From a defensive point of view, it's the 1 per cent plays. Everyone wants the razzmatazz from Sonny, but he understands that sometimes it's not about those plays."
KIWIS:
1 Josh Hoffman,
2 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck,
3 Dean Whare,
4 Bryson Goodwin,
5 Manu Vatuvei,
6 Kieran Foran,
7 Shaun Johnson,
8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves,
9 Issac Luke,
10 Jesse Bromwich,
11 Frank Pritchard,
12 Sonny Bill Williams,
13 Simon Mannering.
Interchange
14 Elijah Taylor,
15 Sam Kasiano,
16 Sam Moa,
17 Frank-Paul Nu'uausala,
18 Greg Eastwood,
19 Ben Matulino.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Yep I'm very pleased that the kiwi selectors held their bottle and stuck with specialist centers , they would have been so tempted to use Glenn or Mannering out there because they tackle so well laterally.
Having said that i think they could have been a little braver and played Williams in that converted center role , his ball in hand threat and defense is superior.
Still , we may yet see Williams shifted to stand off when the match is safe , to give Foran more time off / rest.
Having said that i think they could have been a little braver and played Williams in that converted center role , his ball in hand threat and defense is superior.
Still , we may yet see Williams shifted to stand off when the match is safe , to give Foran more time off / rest.
Captain Planet
Trent Estatheo
imo italy def on par with fiji maybe ahead of best as the.minnows
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Sonny Bill Williams opens up about WC selection saga and his passion for league
KIWI superstar Sonny Bill Williams has opened up about the controversy which surrounded his inclusion in the New Zealand World Cup squad.
The Roosters backrower says he backflipped on the decision to sit out the tournament after rediscovering his passion for rugby league.
"I couldn't sleep the night I said I was unavailable," he told the UK’s The Guardian.
"The next morning the team was named and I knew I wanted to play."I'd fallen in love with league again. I knew if I didn't play I'd have regrets the rest of my life.
"I honestly didn't think a player would have to be dropped."I didn't want to take anyone's [World Cup] spot."
Melbourne Storm’s Tohu Harris was the player sacrificed for Williams’ chance at World Cup glory.When Williams tried to reach out to Harris in an attempt to counsel the backrower he refused to talk to him.
"I sent a text to Tohu [Harris] - and tried to get hold of him but he was upset," he said.
Rugby league fans still recall that night in 2008 Williams walked out on the game in the dark of night.But Williams reflects on his move to French rugby as one of the most humbling experiences of his life.
"I was young, brash. I get that attitude from my mum's side – if I've been done wrong then I'll make a stance," he said.
"I thought the whole world was against me and I needed to run away from things."But France was such a humbling experience because I finally understood that footy is just a little speck in the scheme of things.
"Who am I to think I'm special because I play sport?
"Williams also revealed he copped criticism from not only fans but from fellow players who view his flip-flopping between codes as traitorous.
"I understand the criticism. The rugby guys and the league guys are both staunch," he said."They believe rugby is the game or league is the game. You're a traitor to leave either."
Williams intends on helping the Kiwis defend their World Cup title - making him the first player to win a World Cup in league and union – and then returning to Sydney to help the Roosters do the same.
His grand ambitions don’t end there.
He also wants to be a main feature in the All Blacks World Cup campaign in 2015.
"It sounds a lot, bro, but that's exactly what I'd love to do," he said.
"There's a lot of hard work and stiff competition ahead."It's good to be honest and put it all out there as to what I want to achieve. It's going to be intense.
"But I'm ready for everything."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ssion-for-league/story-fni3fbgz-1226748915410
- FOX SPORTS
- OCTOBER 29, 2013 12:17PM
KIWI superstar Sonny Bill Williams has opened up about the controversy which surrounded his inclusion in the New Zealand World Cup squad.
The Roosters backrower says he backflipped on the decision to sit out the tournament after rediscovering his passion for rugby league.
"I couldn't sleep the night I said I was unavailable," he told the UK’s The Guardian.
"The next morning the team was named and I knew I wanted to play."I'd fallen in love with league again. I knew if I didn't play I'd have regrets the rest of my life.
"I honestly didn't think a player would have to be dropped."I didn't want to take anyone's [World Cup] spot."
Melbourne Storm’s Tohu Harris was the player sacrificed for Williams’ chance at World Cup glory.When Williams tried to reach out to Harris in an attempt to counsel the backrower he refused to talk to him.
"I sent a text to Tohu [Harris] - and tried to get hold of him but he was upset," he said.
Rugby league fans still recall that night in 2008 Williams walked out on the game in the dark of night.But Williams reflects on his move to French rugby as one of the most humbling experiences of his life.
"I was young, brash. I get that attitude from my mum's side – if I've been done wrong then I'll make a stance," he said.
"I thought the whole world was against me and I needed to run away from things."But France was such a humbling experience because I finally understood that footy is just a little speck in the scheme of things.
"Who am I to think I'm special because I play sport?
"Williams also revealed he copped criticism from not only fans but from fellow players who view his flip-flopping between codes as traitorous.
"I understand the criticism. The rugby guys and the league guys are both staunch," he said."They believe rugby is the game or league is the game. You're a traitor to leave either."
Williams intends on helping the Kiwis defend their World Cup title - making him the first player to win a World Cup in league and union – and then returning to Sydney to help the Roosters do the same.
His grand ambitions don’t end there.
He also wants to be a main feature in the All Blacks World Cup campaign in 2015.
"It sounds a lot, bro, but that's exactly what I'd love to do," he said.
"There's a lot of hard work and stiff competition ahead."It's good to be honest and put it all out there as to what I want to achieve. It's going to be intense.
"But I'm ready for everything."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ssion-for-league/story-fni3fbgz-1226748915410
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Whare calls for Kiwi consistency
By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
3:10pm Tue 29th October, 2013
New Zealand centre Dean Whare warns his team must quickly find the consistency it needs to compete with World Cup heavyweights Australia and England following their rusty victory over Samoa.
The Kiwis opened their tournament with an unconvincing 42-24 win, racing out to a 36-4 lead before watching their lead disintegrate to 12 with just 15 minutes to go.
Luckily for the defending world champions, Toa Samoa were unable to complete the comeback but Whare, who was named Man of the Match, said his team would be foolish not to learn their lesson.
“In the first half there, we were very strong and dominant,” Whare said post-game. “It’s just being more consistent there for the whole 80 minutes. Up to the latter stages, we can’t come 20 minutes in, 20 minutes out.
“When you come up to Australia and England, they’re going to take those opportunities and waltz away if you don’t learn from those mistakes.”
Appearing in just his fourth Test for New Zealand, Whare, 23, made a game-high three line breaks, ran 126m, set up a try and a hand in another.
“You can’t play bad when you’ve got Sonny Bill [Williams] and Shaun Johnson inside you giving you early balls,” Whare said.
“Credit to the team, most of it goes to our forwards. In the first half, they were laying a great platform for us and all we had to do was finish it off on the edges.”
The Kiwis have already arrived in Avignon, France, where they will meet the co-hosts on Saturday morning (AEDT) before their final group game against Papua New Guinea on November 9 (AEDT).
A win against the French, who scored a thrilling 9-8 victory over PNG in their first game, would secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Squad members who didn’t feature in the Samoa win, including Greg Eastwood, Alex Glenn, Krisnan Inu, Thomas Leuluai, Kevin Locke, Ben Matulino and Jason Nightingale, will all come into contention to make their first appearance of the tournament.
http://www.nrl.com/whare-calls-for-kiwi-consistency/tabid/10874/newsid/75187/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
World Cup: 5 things we've learnt
By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
3:15pm Tue 29th October, 2013
1. David Mead is not a goal-kicker
This might be a little harsh on the Titans flyer, but a 25-metre kick in front of the sticks is still a 25-metre kick from right in front of the sticks. They don’t come much easier. Heck, overweight, middle-aged men have pocketed $1000 for booting harder than that on The Footy Show this year!
Granted, there were just 100 seconds left on the clock and his team faced a 9-8 deficit. Whatever – Mead's crucial miss exposed a lack of foresight from coach Adrian Lam and high-performance director Mal Meninga in handing the goal-kicking responsibilities to someone who has rarely kicked a goal in his life.
With games against Samoa and New Zealand coming up, this loss seriously dented PNG’s chances of advancing.
2. Italy is the dark horse
It may be only a two-game sample size, but an upset win over England before the World Cup and then a storming finish over Wales in the tournament opener means someone should officially rip the ‘minnows’ tag from the Azzurri, who had almost 1000 games’ worth of NRL experience on the field against the Welsh.
NRL grand final heroes Anthony Minichiello and Aidan Guerra were outstanding for the World Cup debutants. Just imagine if they had Terry Campese and Craig Gower in the halves instead of the little-known Ben Falcone and Ryan Ghietti?
3. Burgeoning Burgess still causing headaches
Monster prop George Burgess was arguably the best player on the field against the Kangaroos; however it was older brother Sam who stole most of the headlines with a reckless stiff-arm knocking Australian second-rower Sam Thaiday senseless.
While a one-game suspension has been dished out (rather light, we think), this latest indiscretion further highlights (head) Slammin’ Sam’s onfield issues.
Throw in the drama surrounding James Graham’s omission from the England line-up and we bet even coach Steve McNamara’s head is feeling a little sore right now.
4. SBW – he’s only human
It took almost 12 months, but the larger-than-life headline that is Sonny Bill Williams has finally proven that he is, well, made of flesh and bone after all.
For someone who has barely made a blemish in his return to rugby league, his bombed try late in the Kiwis’ win over Samoa showed even the game’s elite are prone to brain snaps of the highest magnitude.
Given his controversial last-minute call-up, it hasn’t exactly been a glowing start to the World Cup for the dual international. One thing’s for sure though: the bloke’s got everyone watching him.
5. Aussies remain a world away
Even a 10-point head start to the host nation wasn’t enough to deter the Kangaroos from getting Operation Revenge off to a solid footing against England, outscoring them 28-10 over the final hour of play.
Naturally, the Kangaroos are favourites to seize back the trophy from current world champions New Zealand and nothing in their first-up effort gave us reason not to think otherwise.
http://www.nrl.com/world-cup-5-things-weve-learnt/tabid/10874/newsid/75180/default.aspx
By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
3:10pm Tue 29th October, 2013
New Zealand centre Dean Whare warns his team must quickly find the consistency it needs to compete with World Cup heavyweights Australia and England following their rusty victory over Samoa.
The Kiwis opened their tournament with an unconvincing 42-24 win, racing out to a 36-4 lead before watching their lead disintegrate to 12 with just 15 minutes to go.
Luckily for the defending world champions, Toa Samoa were unable to complete the comeback but Whare, who was named Man of the Match, said his team would be foolish not to learn their lesson.
“In the first half there, we were very strong and dominant,” Whare said post-game. “It’s just being more consistent there for the whole 80 minutes. Up to the latter stages, we can’t come 20 minutes in, 20 minutes out.
“When you come up to Australia and England, they’re going to take those opportunities and waltz away if you don’t learn from those mistakes.”
Appearing in just his fourth Test for New Zealand, Whare, 23, made a game-high three line breaks, ran 126m, set up a try and a hand in another.
“You can’t play bad when you’ve got Sonny Bill [Williams] and Shaun Johnson inside you giving you early balls,” Whare said.
“Credit to the team, most of it goes to our forwards. In the first half, they were laying a great platform for us and all we had to do was finish it off on the edges.”
The Kiwis have already arrived in Avignon, France, where they will meet the co-hosts on Saturday morning (AEDT) before their final group game against Papua New Guinea on November 9 (AEDT).
A win against the French, who scored a thrilling 9-8 victory over PNG in their first game, would secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Squad members who didn’t feature in the Samoa win, including Greg Eastwood, Alex Glenn, Krisnan Inu, Thomas Leuluai, Kevin Locke, Ben Matulino and Jason Nightingale, will all come into contention to make their first appearance of the tournament.
http://www.nrl.com/whare-calls-for-kiwi-consistency/tabid/10874/newsid/75187/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
World Cup: 5 things we've learnt
By Matt Encarnacion
NRL.com
3:15pm Tue 29th October, 2013
1. David Mead is not a goal-kicker
This might be a little harsh on the Titans flyer, but a 25-metre kick in front of the sticks is still a 25-metre kick from right in front of the sticks. They don’t come much easier. Heck, overweight, middle-aged men have pocketed $1000 for booting harder than that on The Footy Show this year!
Granted, there were just 100 seconds left on the clock and his team faced a 9-8 deficit. Whatever – Mead's crucial miss exposed a lack of foresight from coach Adrian Lam and high-performance director Mal Meninga in handing the goal-kicking responsibilities to someone who has rarely kicked a goal in his life.
With games against Samoa and New Zealand coming up, this loss seriously dented PNG’s chances of advancing.
2. Italy is the dark horse
It may be only a two-game sample size, but an upset win over England before the World Cup and then a storming finish over Wales in the tournament opener means someone should officially rip the ‘minnows’ tag from the Azzurri, who had almost 1000 games’ worth of NRL experience on the field against the Welsh.
NRL grand final heroes Anthony Minichiello and Aidan Guerra were outstanding for the World Cup debutants. Just imagine if they had Terry Campese and Craig Gower in the halves instead of the little-known Ben Falcone and Ryan Ghietti?
3. Burgeoning Burgess still causing headaches
Monster prop George Burgess was arguably the best player on the field against the Kangaroos; however it was older brother Sam who stole most of the headlines with a reckless stiff-arm knocking Australian second-rower Sam Thaiday senseless.
While a one-game suspension has been dished out (rather light, we think), this latest indiscretion further highlights (head) Slammin’ Sam’s onfield issues.
Throw in the drama surrounding James Graham’s omission from the England line-up and we bet even coach Steve McNamara’s head is feeling a little sore right now.
4. SBW – he’s only human
It took almost 12 months, but the larger-than-life headline that is Sonny Bill Williams has finally proven that he is, well, made of flesh and bone after all.
For someone who has barely made a blemish in his return to rugby league, his bombed try late in the Kiwis’ win over Samoa showed even the game’s elite are prone to brain snaps of the highest magnitude.
Given his controversial last-minute call-up, it hasn’t exactly been a glowing start to the World Cup for the dual international. One thing’s for sure though: the bloke’s got everyone watching him.
5. Aussies remain a world away
Even a 10-point head start to the host nation wasn’t enough to deter the Kangaroos from getting Operation Revenge off to a solid footing against England, outscoring them 28-10 over the final hour of play.
Naturally, the Kangaroos are favourites to seize back the trophy from current world champions New Zealand and nothing in their first-up effort gave us reason not to think otherwise.
http://www.nrl.com/world-cup-5-things-weve-learnt/tabid/10874/newsid/75180/default.aspx
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