2013 Rugby League World Cup Thread

Peter Wallace wins Scotland call-up

AAP
9:06pm Mon 30th September, 2013

NRL players Peter Wallace, Luke Douglas and Kane Linnett have been included in Scotland's 23-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup starting next month.

Soon-to-be Penrith halfback Wallace, Gold Coast prop Douglas and North Queensland centre Linnett were among six uncapped players named by coach Steve McCormack on Monday.

Wests Tigers prop Keith Galloway and Newcastle winger James McManus, however, weren't considered due to injury.

Fullback Matthew Russell, who was born in the Scottish town of Irvine and spent this season at the Gold Coast Titans, Bradford utility player Danny Addy and Widnes prop Ben Kavanagh are the other new faces.

Former Brisbane Broncos No.7 Wallace is set to be partnered in the halves by captain

Danny Brough, who is one of 10 Super League players in the squad including twin brothers Adam and Jonathan Walker.

Huddersfield centre Joe Wardle ruled himself out to undergo shoulder surgery.

Scotland will go into camp on October 13 to prepare for a warm-up game against Papua New Guinea ahead of their opening World Cup clash with Tonga in the English town of Workington on October 29.

Scotland squad:

Danny Addy (Bradford)
Sam Barlow (Halifax)
Danny Brough (Huddersfield, capt)
Brett Carter (Workington)
Luke Douglas (Gold Coast)
Dale Ferguson (Huddersfield)
Ben Fisher (London)
Ian Henderson (Catalan Dragons)
Ben Hellewell (Featherstone)
Andrew Henderson (Sheffield)
Alex Hurst (London)
Ben Kavanagh (Widnes)
Kane Linnett (North Queensland)
Gareth Moore (Batley)
Brett Phillips (Workington)
Matt Russell (Gold Coast)
David Scott (Featherstone)
Mitchell Stringer (Sheffield)
Alex Szostak (Sheffield)
Adam Walker (Hull KR)
Jonathan Walker (Castleford)
Peter Wallace (Penrith)
Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield).


http://www.nrl.com/peter-wallace-wins-scotland-call-up/tabid/10874/newsid/74909/default.aspx
 
Scotland actually have some good players in their squad, but I can't see them troubling Italy and Tonga too much. Shame McManus couldn't play, it's the second World Cup he's set to miss now, might not get another chance.
 
be good to see petro go around again and see if he can still mix it with the top players in the game, the QLD cup would of kept him on his toes with all the up nd comers
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24346719

''England squad: Carl Ablett (Leeds), Tom Briscoe (Hull), George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess (all South Sydney), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Castleford), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Liam Farrell (Wigan), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Zak Hardaker (Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Gareth Hock (Widnes), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds, capt), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne). ''

That is a bloody strong squad. $8 odds are very juicy indeed.
 
1. Sam Tomkins 2. Josh Charnley 3. Leroy Cudjoe 4. Tom Briscoe 5. Ryan Hall 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Rangi Chase 8. James Graham 9. James Roby 10. Jamie Peacock 11. Sean O'Loughlin 12. Sam Burgess 13. Kevin Sinfield 14. Rob Burrow 15. George Burgess 16. Tom Burgess 17. Ben Westwood/Eorl Crabtree

I think if their team ends up looking something like this they'll be a massive chance to make the final. Plenty of experience, a skillful quick backline, massive, tough forward pack, they'll be a huge danger no doubt especially playing at home. Shame Ellis isn't in the squad.
 
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My backline would be slightly different to what Junior11 has posted.

1. Tomkins
2. Charnley
3. Cudjoe
4. Watkins
5. Hall
6. Widdop
7. Chase
8. Graham
9. Roby
10. Peacock
11. Hock
12. S Burgess
13. Sinfield

14. Burrow
15. G Burgess
16. Mossop/T Burgess
17. O'Loughlin

Unluckiest guy would be Briscoe but I think he is a better winger then centre and sadly imo both Hall and Charnley are better wingers. Besides both centres are guns and should test them out here in the NRL. A side like the Sharks would benefit most with either one of those guys in their side.

This side is looking the goods. Will definitely be throwing some money on them taking it out.
 
Yeah I think Briscoe is a better winger as well but I don't think he'll be overlooked completely, England have put so much effort into him over the years and his form in both the ESL and for England doesn't justify him missing out for mine. He's England's second best winger imo behind Hall so if it came down to it I'd prefer him over Charnley even though Charnley deserves to be there. Westwood is a must for me and I only named Crabtree because no doubt he'll play but I really don't see why he's so rated, he's massive but he'd get destroyed in the NRL.

I could also see Sinfield playing hooker with Roby and Burrow missing out and either O'Loughlin or Burgess at lock, he could also play 5/8 but that'd mean Widdop plays halfback and Rangi is a more natural half. They no doubt have the squad to go all the way, just depends how McNamara uses them.
 
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Crabtree isn't in the top 24 man squad. He is on standby as a couple of players named have niggling injuries. So atm he can't be picked in their 17.

There is no way in the world Sinfield will play hooker ahead of Roby. He is by far the best hooker in the ESL and not far behind the likes of Smith, Luke and Farrah. Sinfield is either playing 5/8th or lock.
 
Three more added to Kiwis World Cup squad

AAP
9:43am Wed 02nd October, 2013

Experienced forwards Jeremy Smith and Issac Luke and winger Bryson Goodwin have been called into the New Zealand train-on squad for the rugby league World Cup after their clubs were eliminated in the NRL semi-finals.

The inclusion of South Sydney Rabbitohs pair Luke and Goodwin and Newcastle Knights forward Smith stretches the size of the Kiwis squad to 30.

Goodwin played the last of his four Tests in 2009 while hooker Luke and lock Smith are experienced internationals who have both earned 24 Test caps.

A number of World Cup contenders are also involved in the NRL grand final between the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters on Sunday.

A Kiwis squad of 24 for the tournament will be named next Tuesday.

Kiwis training squad:

Alex Glenn
Josh Hoffman
Greg Eastwood
Krisnan Inu
Sam Kasiano
Sam Perrett
Frank Pritchard
Jesse Bromwich
Tohu Harris
Kevin Proctor
Jeremy Smith
Jason Taumalolo
Antonio Winterstein
Bryson Goodwin
Issac Luke
Bronson Harrison
Jason Nightingale
Lewis Brown
Sam McKendry
Dean Whare
Shaun Johnson
Thomas Leuluai
Kevin Locke
Simon Mannering
Ben Matulino
Sam Rapira
Elijah Taylor
Manu Vatuvei

http://www.nrl.com/three-more-added-to-kiwis-world-cup-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/74934/default.aspx
 
I'm surprised they didn't select him when he somehow won prop of the year over there lol

Roby gets overrated a bit I reckon, I'm not saying I think Sinfield will play hooker but he's done it before so I wouldn't rule it out. He'll most likely play 5/8 or lock though yes.
 
Burgess mum upset by Luke's England snub

AAP
9:37pm Wed 02nd October, 2013

England rugby league coach Steve McNamara may have unleashed the anger of perhaps the most dangerous of the Burgess clan - mother Julie.

Julie Burgess, who accompanied her four sons to the Dally M awards on Tuesday night, has spoken out about the selection of only three of her sons in England's squad for the World Cup to begin later this month.

South Sydney's Sam Burgess and his younger twin brothers and teammates Tom and George were all included by McNamara in a 24-man squad.

But their elder broker Luke, who also plays for the Rabbitohs, wasn't included, and Julie Burgess said on Wednesday she didn't understand why.

"As a mum you think you think you would be really excited that three of your sons have been selected," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I'm really am delighted for Thomas and George. It's their debut for full internationals and it's so exciting and a great achievement and it's amazing that Sam's coming back but it's just so disappointing that Luke's not in there.

"That's the heartbreak really and I just don't understand it," she added.

"It's a huge disappointment to see his brothers all go back to England and for him to not be a part of that. It's hard as a mum to know what to say."

All four brothers played for South Sydney against Wests Tigers in the NRL in August, a feat last accomplished 103 years ago.

McNamara admitted on Tuesday it had been difficult to leave Luke out.

"It's very tough, I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your three brothers in a World Cup squad and you're not part of it," he said.

"But it's part and parcel of the game and I'm sure Luke understands that.

"It would have been a marketing dream to have had all four but it was based on what I feel is best for performance.

"There are a number of players who are unfortunate not the make the squad. It's been a difficult selection."

England, then competing as Great Britain, haven't won the World Cup since 1972 but Julie Burgess believes the current side can end that barren run.

"With the England squad they have got they are definitely in with a chance," she said.

"I sadly won't be over there to watch as I will be in Australia but I'm pretty sure we have a really strong chance of competing against the top sides."

http://www.nrl.com/burgess-mum-upset-by-lukes-england-snub/tabid/10874/newsid/74941/default.aspx
 
Smith quits Tomohawks coaching job

By Ian Laybourn
AAP
9:32pm Thu 03rd October, 2013

The United States squad is in disarray only weeks out from the start of the rugby league World Cup after head coach Brian Smith reportedly quit.

Fairfax Media is reporting on Thursday night that former NRL coach Smith has resigned due to a family matter.

He is the second coach to withdraw from the job after current Warriors coach Matthew Elliott left in August.

"There's just been something come up that I really couldn't miss, unfortunately," Smith said.

Despite the coaching drama, United States selectors named their 24-man World Cup squad on Thursday.

Former Hull KR favourite Clint Newton and ex-Castleford half-back Ryan McGoldrick, who was on Thursday released by Salford, are among those named in the squad, which contains 10 players born in America.

Newton, who was born in South Carolina while his golfing father Jack was competing in the 1981 US Open, spent four seasons with Hull KR before returning to his Australian club Penrith for 2012.

Captain Joseph Paulo, 25, and older brother Junior are among the NRL-based players.

The Tomahawks are due to play a warm-up match against France in Toulouse on October 18 before opening their campaign against Cook Islands at the Memorial Stadium, Bristol, on October 30. They also play Wales and Scotland in their first World Cup.

Squad:

Mark Cantoni (Dalby)
Andrew Durutalo (USA Eagles)
Bureta Faraimo (Mackay Cutters)
Gabriel Farley (Southampton Dragons)
Kristian Freed (Connecticut Wildcats)
Mike Garvey (Ipswich Jets)
Roman Hifo (Mangere East Hawks, New Zealand)
Danny Howard (Wentworthville)
Stephen Howard (Tuggeranong Vikings)
Luke Hume (New York Knights)
Judah Lavulo (Cabramatta)
Joel Luani (Wests Tigers)
David Marando (Belrose)
Ryan McGoldrick (Salford)
Clint Newton (Penrith)
Mark Offerdahl (Connecticut Wildcats)
Joseph Paulo (Penrith, capt)
Junior Paulo (Parramatta)
Craig Priestly (Southampton Dragons)
Matt Petersen (Cudgen Hornets)
Tui Samoa (Redcliffe Dolphins
Matt Shipway (Newcastle)
Les Soloai (Hawaii Chiefs)
Lelauloto Tagaloa (Hawaii Chiefs)

http://www.nrl.com/smith-quits-tomohawks-coaching-job/tabid/10874/newsid/74959/default.aspx

- - - Updated - - -

Brett White picked for Ireland at World Cup

By Ian Laybourn
AAP
10:26pm Thu 03rd October, 2013

Former Test prop Brett White heads the five Australian-based players picked in Ireland's 24-man squad for the rugby league World Cup.

White, who also played eight times for New South Wales in State of Origin, was named in Ireland's squad for the last World Cup in 2008 but pulled out in order to
have foot surgery.

The squad also includes Manly Sea Eagles second rower James Hasson, who is still waiting to hear if he will play in Sunday's NRL grand final against the Sydney Roosters.

Hasson, who was born in England, joined the Sea Eagles at the start of this season after failing to secure a new deal with Cronulla and has so far made 12 appearances off the bench. He has been included in Manly's 19-man squad following the loss of broken-neck victim Richard Fa'aoso.

Ireland's other NRL-based players are New Zealand-born stand-off Apirana Pewhairangi, who joined Parramatta at the start of this year and made his debut against
Brisbane in May, and North Queensland hooker Rory Kostjasyn, 26, who made his debut for Melbourne in the 2010 World Club Challenge against Leeds.

Also in the squad is centre Joshua Toole, who made his debut for Ireland in last year's matches against Scotland and England Knights and is currently playing for Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup.

The big names from Super League include Pat Richards, who is returning to the Wests Tigers next season, Catalan Dragons winger Damien Blanch and the Grix brothers, Scott and Simon, who return to the squad for the first time since 2010, while Warrington second rower Ben Currie has opted for Ireland ahead of England.

The team will be captained by Featherstone half-back Liam Finn, who is one of nine survivors from the side that went within 80 minutes of reaching the semi-finals in 2008.

Ireland squad:

Dave Allen (Widnes)
Luke Ambler (Halifax)
Bob Beswick (Leigh)
Damien Blanch (Catalan Dragons)
Danny Bridge (Warrington)
Ben Currie (Warrington)
Liam Finn (Featherstone, capt)
Simon Finnigan (Leigh)
Scott Grix (Huddersfield)
Simon Grix (Warrington)
Kurt Haggerty (Barrow)
James Hasson (Manly)
Rory Kostjasyn (North Queensland)
Stuart Littler (Leigh)
Tyrone McCarthy (Warrington)
James Mendeika (Swinton)
Anthony Mullally (Huddersfield)
Eamon O'Carroll (Widnes)
Apirana Pewhairangi (Parramatta)
Pat Richards (Wigan)
Colton Roche (Sheffield)
Marc Sneyd (Salford)
Josh Toole (St George Illawarra)
Brett White (Canberra)

http://www.nrl.com/brett-white-picked-for-ireland-at-wcup/tabid/10874/newsid/74960/default.aspx
 
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Keep an eye out for Bureta Faraimo for USA. He is known as the Manu Vatuvei of the Q-Cup. An absolute beast out on the wing. Apparently has a couple of Sydney clubs looking to sign him.
 
Cordner deserves World Cup shot: Fittler

By Steve Jancetic and Roje Adaimy
AAP
2:11pm Fri 04th October, 2013

Former Test captain Brad Fittler suggests "one or two players" could force their way into Australia's World Cup squad with a big grand final performance - but nominates Sydney Roosters backrower Boyd Cordner a tour certainty whether he plays or not.

Cordner is desperate to prove his fitness ahead of Sunday's NRL decider against Manly, having been sidelined for seven weeks following ankle surgery.

His selection would take to six the number of genuine Kangaroos candidates on display - that list not including one man who would be an obvious selection in Manly skipper Jamie Lyon - who long ago declared himself unavailable for representative footy.

His reluctance to pull on the green and gold opens the door for the man he will mark on Sunday, Michael Jennings, who along with Josh Morris and Brent Tate will be eyeing the centre spot left open by the season-ending Achilles injury to Brisbane centre Justin Hodges.

Cordner's elevation to the 24-man touring squad would cap a breakthrough 2013 season - which has already seen him collect a first NSW Origin jumper and Dally M second-rower of the year award - beating out high-profile teammate Sonny Bill Williams to the honour.

Fittler claimed Cordner should be there regardless of what happens on Sunday.

"Regardless of whether he plays or not, one thing he shows is every game he's the same," Fittler said of Cordner.

"He doesn't have a bad game. He doesn't know how to have a bad game.

"The coach (Tim Sheens) will know that.

"He'll be there for sure I'd say."

Two of the men battling Cordner for a start will be on the opposite side, with Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart lining up for the Sea Eagles in what shapes as a mouth-watering match-up with Cordner and Williams.

Watmough would be considered a certainty to be on the plane to the UK and Ireland provided his injured knee allows, while Stewart, along with brother Brett, would both need stand-out performances to push their case.

Brett Stewart's chances of selection may be out of his control.

Billy Slater will be the first choice-fullback, while the selections of regular club fullbacks Darius Boyd and Greg Inglis in the squad as a winger and centre respectively could mean Sheens does not take a specialist back-up fullback.

"Week to week he's (Stewart) basically the best fullback, but then there's virtually two or three in front of him," Fittler said.

"It's quite an amazing scenario.

Asked about the impact of a strong display on Sunday, Fittler said:"One or two players always have a big result in the grand final, it just shows you can play in a big game.

"A real big game in a grand final for one or two of them makes a big difference."

Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans seems assured to be the back-up to first-choice halves Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk, with Mitchell Pearce's fine late season-form not enough to give him the nod.

http://www.nrl.com/cordner-deserves-world-cup-shot-fittler/tabid/10874/newsid/74975/default.aspx


- - - Updated - - -

Matterson to coach US at World Cup

AAP
7:28pm Fri 04th October, 2013

North Queensland assistant coach Terry Matterson will be in charge of the United States' rugby league World Cup campaign.

The 46-year-old Australian, who is a premiership winner with the Brisbane Broncos, has stepped into the breach following the decision of Brian Smith to step down from the role due to a pressing family engagement.

Matterson, a former captain of London Broncos who was in charge of Castleford for six seasons between 2006 and 2011, is the Tomahawks' third head coach in two months after Matthew Elliott stepped down in August to concentrate on his duties with New Zealand Warriors.

"This is a really good opportunity and I know how good the experience was for Matt Elliott," said Matterson, who was assistant coach to Brian McClennan for the Exiles' win over England in the inaugural international origin match in 2011.

"This will be a fantastic chance for myself and the players in helping to spread the gospel of rugby league and perhaps even shock a few people.

"I'm thrilled to accept the job."

The Tomahawks are due to play a warm-up match against France in Toulouse on October 18, before opening their first World Cup campaign against Cook Islands on October 30. They also play group matches against Wales and Scotland.

http://www.nrl.com/matterson-to-coach-us-at-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/74980/default.aspx


- - - Updated - - -

Mitchell Pearce can surge into World Cup frame with dominant grand final display



TEST selector Bob McCarthy says Mitchell Pearce is on Australia's selection radar and can clinch a World Cup berth by outpointing Daly Cherry-Evans in the NRL grand final.

The Kangaroos’ 24-man squad is named Monday and McCarthy confirmed Manly schemer Cherry-Evans will be a certain selection after a breakthrough Origin campaign this season.

But with the national panel weighing up the prospect of taking a fourth playmaker to Europe, Pearce can advance his own Test claims by leading the Roosters to premiership glory.

Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cherry-Evans are locked in as Australia's playmaking triumvirate.But with Cherry-Evans capable of handling several positions, including hooker and lock, Kangaroos hierarchy could feasibly blood Pearce in Australia's pool games against minnows Fiji and Ireland.

The 24-year-old has been in red-hot form in the run to the decider and McCarthy paid tribute to Pearce’s mental toughness after being pilloried for NSW’s loss in this year’s Origin decider.

"Mitchell played Origin this year so he’s definitely one guy we are looking at," the long serving Australia selector said."Cherry-Evans will definitely go away, but Pearce the last two weeks has produced the best football I've seen him play."He’s playing sensational football.

"Mitchell is playing as good as Cherry-Evans but Daly will be going away first and foremost because he will be the 14th man for the Test."We'll have to play two games against Ireland and Fiji without our stars so we might need more playmakers, which would bring Mitchell Pearce into the mix."

Pearce is a veteran of six NSW Origin campaigns but has yet to wear the Kangaroos jumper, going close by clinching Prime Minister’s XIII selection two years ago.McCarthy, a former NSW selector who blooded Pearce at Origin level, believes the Roosters No.7 has been unfairly targeted by critics.

"We only got beaten by a few points once again and yet everyone was kicking Mitchell up the bum," he said."He was lambasted right across the game. OK, he didn't have the greatest game (in Origin III) but he wasn't solely to blame.

"His response is a credit to his attitude. His last month or so has been sensational and the other selectors will be closely watching the way he goes in the grand final."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...nd-final-display/story-fni3gn3s-1226733179574
 
Selectors set to blood biggest Test bolter in decades with Brenton Lawrence in contention for World Cup spot



AUSTRALIAN selectors are set to blood the biggest Test bolter in more than 20 years by picking resurgent Manly prop Brenton Lawrence for the World Cup.

It can be revealed Lawrence - who nearly retired a year ago to join the Air Force - will be added to the Kangaroos' squad if the 28-year-old dominates the Roosters tonight in the NRL grand final.

Australia's 24-man World Cup squad is named tomorrow and Lawrence's name has been discussed by selectors following his barnstorming effort against Souths last Friday week.

The South Australian junior propelled Manly into the decider with 37 tackles and 142 metres from 13 hit-ups. He is vying for a fourth front-rower's berth with Ben Hannant, David Shillington and Nate Myles.

The selection of Lawrence, who made his NRL debut aged 26, would be Australia's most left-field World Cup selection since Knights fullback Brad Godden was chosen in 1992.

Utility back Michael Buettner played a solitary Test against Papua New Guinea in 1996, while former Eels prop Michael Vella was a bolter for Australia's 1999 Tri-Nations campaign.

But Lawrence, the late-bloomer from Mackay who later moved to Adelaide, could represent the biggest selection bombshell of them all.Just 12 months ago, the well-built 102kg bookend was set to walk away from rugby league to join the Air Force after the Titans baulked at offering him a new deal.

The Sea Eagles issued a lifeline and Lawrence has responded with the best form of his topsy-turvy career, playing 26 games in Manly's surge to the decider.Prior to this season, Lawrence had been an unfulfilled talent.

In 2002, he drove 2400km from Adelaide for a one-day trial at Canberra, but it took him nine years to make his top-grade debut for the Titans in 2011.Lawrence has compiled almost 3000 metres this season, averaging 108.5m and 28.5 tackles per game, prompting former Test prop Mark Carroll to call for his World Cup selection.

"I'd love to see him get an Australian jumper," said Carroll, the ex-Manly enforcer."I actually started the pre-season at Manly by training the boys for six weeks. I did some 'Spudd' Smash-Up sessions, I had the squad doing a full circuit, it was pretty intense.

"In that six weeks, Brenton was the most impressive and I said to a mate of mine he will have a great season."They traditionally pick a bolter from the grand-final winning team so I hope this year it's Brenton."

Given his Adonis-like physique, Lawrence's struggle to consistently crack the top grade is a mystery. But he has been hailed as the NRL's buy of the season and Carroll says Lawrence is entering his prime years in the engine room."Props get better with age," he said.

"I didn't play my best footy until I was 28. It takes you time to learn the game and Brenton is that age now, so his best years are still ahead of him.

"He just has a will to learn. When you speak to him, his eyes are like buttons, he wants to learn stuff."He stood out by a long way during my training sessions and I said to him then mate you should be impressed with yourself because you have killed it.

"He's built like a tank, he has the work ethic as well and is very quick for a front-rower."Hopefully he has a big game because he deserves a rep jumper."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...r-world-cup-spot/story-fni3gnk1-1226733630600
 
Australia's 24 man squad is announced tomorrow morning, I'll be horrified if Friend/Cordner/Pearce/Stewart are in there.
 
Jamie Lyon urged to consider making himself available for World Cup selection



AUSTRALIA'S hierarchy has left the door ajar for Jamie Lyon to play in the World Cup, appealing for the Manly skipper to consider one final outing in the green and gold jumper.

The stance came as Australia's 1992 World Cup hero Steve Renouf recalled his Wembley heroics and why Lyon would cherish representing his country in the showpiece event.

Even Noel Cleal, the Manly legend who signed Lyon as a teenager, recalls telling the Sea Eagles centre he may one day regret turning his back on NSW and Australian jumpers.

Despite being one of the code's classiest centres, Lyon last played Origin and Test football in 2010 due to his long-standing reluctance to play representative football.

The 31-year-old prefers to put family above football, but he has not forgotten the stinging criticism he copped for his Test performances in England in 2007.

Lyon believes he was unfairly crucified by Australian fans following his first season back in the NRL after a stint at St Helens and vowed never to play for his state or country again.

But on the eve of tonight's NRL grand final at ANZ Stadium, Test selector Bob McCarthy is keen to include Lyon in Australia's 24-man squad.The Kangaroos need a right-side centre to cover for the injured Justin Hodges and Lyon is the perfect fit, but McCarthy admits he won't be holding his breath.

"If Jamie Lyon knocked on our door, we wouldn't turn him away," he said."To be honest, we'd love him to knock on the door but I suspect we know what he is going to say."If he is interested in playing rep footy again, we will certainly have a think about it.

"We still have Brent Tate and Josh Morris as centre options but if Jamie wanted to put his hand up, we wouldn't overlook him."

Renouf says Lyon may live to regret not playing in a World Cup.The Broncos centre great will never forget charging onto a Kevin Walters pass to score the try that clinched the '92 Cup as Australia prevailed 10-6 before 73,631 fans at Wembley.

"I admire Jamie's decision to support his family but the World Cup would be a great experience for him," Renouf said."I have wonderful memories of the 1992 World Cup and I think the selectors should consider picking him."They don't have 'Hodgo' at right centre so Jamie Lyon would be the ideal replacement.

"Maybe the Australian Rugby League should go all out and pay for his family to go over as well ... we need him."

Cleal would love to see Lyon in green and gold later this month but admits the kid from Wee Waa would rather play golf and catch pigs."Being a family man, Jamie is not big on going into camps," he said.

"He was criticised at one stage by people in high places and that had a bearing on him. It really soured him and he was happy to play his club footy after that."I often say to Jamie you will regret it when you are 50 years old but I don't think he will.

"Even at Origin level this year he could have been the difference for NSW, but Jamie is past all that ... he is too busy playing golf and being a father."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ld-cup-selection/story-fni3fbgz-1226733657136
 
Junior11 said:
Australia's 24 man squad is announced tomorrow morning, I'll be horrified if Friend/Cordner/Pearce/Stewart are in there.
Click to expand...

Would be nothing wrong with Friend's selection. Been just as good if not better then Smith this season especially the 2nd half of the year. Would be a very good backup to Smith.

Cordner was also hitting very good form before his injury.
 
Jennings hopeful of Test spot

By Ian McCullough
AAP
11:16pm Sun 06th October, 2013

Michael Jennings says a recall to the Australia squad for the Rugby League World Cup on Monday would cap off a perfect year for the star centre.

Jennings scored one of the great NRL grand final tries to seal a 26-18 win for the Sydney Roosters over Manly at ANZ Stadium Stadium to almost certainly book his spot on the flight to the UK later this month.

The NSW star last played for the Kangaroos in 2009 and scored a hat-trick in his one appearance at international level against France and said a return to the green and gold is one of the reasons he joined the Roosters this year from Penrith.

"I haven't thought too much about playing for Australia again to be honest," Jennings told AAP.

"But I would love to go to a World Cup. I think playing for a team that has won a comp has put me in a good position to do so - all I can do now is hope."

Jennings injured his back on an advertising board as he got his fingertips to James Maloney's grubber-kick to score, and said he was in some discomfort from the blow.

"It did really hurt, but a few beers should ease the pain!" he said.

"I will see how I pull up in the morning, but at the moment I just want to enjoy this moment - it's been a great day."

Unlike the rest of the stadium, Jennings said he'd yet to appreciate the brilliance of his match-winning try.

"I haven't seen it yet, but I'm told it's pretty good," he said.

"I just saw the ball bounce and went for it. It really hurt, but you can wear that when you win a GF."

Clive Churchill Medal winner Daly Cherry-Evans is also likely to be in Tim Sheens' squad, which will be named on Monday morning.

The Manly halfback became only the third player to win the prize having finished on the losing side.

"I'd love to represent Australia again," said Cherry-Evans, who made his debut against Wales in 2011.

"It's something that every kid dreams of, to play for Australia and I'd love to be able to do that again."

http://www.nrl.com/jennings-hopeful-of-test-spot/tabid/10874/newsid/74998/default.aspx
 
Kangaroos name 24-man World Cup Squad

By Andrew Bryan
NRL.com
10:32am Mon 07th October, 2013

Cameron Smith will lead the Holden Kangaroos to the 2013 Rugby League World Cup with the Australian Rugby League Commission today announcing a 24-man tour squad that features three debutants and three members of the NRL Grand Final teams.

Holden Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens today joined ARLC Chairman, Mr John Grant, at Rugby League Central to announce a squad including players from 14 NRL clubs.

Sydney Roosters Premiership-winning back-rower Boyd Cordner, Sharks Dally M Prop of the Year Andrew Fifita and Canberra Raiders back-rower Josh Papalii are the uncapped players in the squad, which also features Cordner’s Premiership-winning team-mate Michael Jennings and Manly’s Clive Churchill Medal winner Daly Cherry-Evans.

The squad contains 14 players from the side that beat New Zealand 32-12 in the 2013 mid-year test at Bruce Stadium, with injury ruling out Justin Hodges, Kurt Gidley and Anthony Watmough.

Robbie Farah edged out Roosters hooker Jake Friend for the back-up hooker role.

The Kangaroos side squad has five players remaining from the team that lost the 2008 World Cup Final 34-20 to New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium; Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Johnathan Thurston, Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen, while Brent Tate was also part of the 2008 squad.

Clubs represented:

Cowboys: 4 players.

Storm and Sharks: 3 players each.

Titans, Broncos and Roosters: 2 players each.

Sea Eagles, Wests Tigers, Knights, Eels, Rabbitohs, Dragons, Bulldogs, Raiders: 1 player each.


The squad is:


[TABLE="width: 679"]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Player

​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
NRL Club​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Cameron Smith (C)​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Melbourne Storm​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]
​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Paul Gallen (VC)[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Greg Bird[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Gold Coast Titans[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Darius Boyd[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Newcastle Knights[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Daly Cherry-Evans[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Manly Warringah Sea Eagles[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Boyd Cordner[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Sydney Roosters[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Cooper Cronk[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Melbourne Storm[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Robbie Farah[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Wests Tigers[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Andrew Fifita[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Jarryd Hayne[/TD]
[TD="width: 274, align: left"]Parramatta Eels[/TD]
[TD="width: 237, align: left"][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Greg Inglis​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
South Sydney Rabbitohs​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Michael Jennings​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Sydney Roosters​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Luke Lewis​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Brett Morris​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
St George Illawarra Dragons​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Josh Morris​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Nate Myles​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Gold Coast Titans​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Josh Papalii​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Canberra Raiders​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Corey Parker​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Brisbane Broncos​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Matthew Scott​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
North Queensland Cowboys​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Billy Slater​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Melbourne Storm​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
James Tamou​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
North Queensland Cowboys​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Brent Tate​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
North Queensland Cowboys​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167"]
Sam Thaiday​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
Brisbane Broncos​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 167, align: left"]Johnathan Thurston[/TD]
[TD="width: 274"]
North Queensland Cowboys​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 237"]

​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
​


The Holden Kangaroos will assemble for a half-day camp in Sydney on Thursday, October 10, which will feature a luncheon with members of the 1963 Kangaroos.

The players will return to Sydney on Sunday, October 13, and hold an open training session at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, starting at 1pm ahead of the Junior Kangaroos-Junior Kiwis match at 2.30pm.

The Holden Kangaroos will depart for the United Kingdom on Monday, October 14, and will open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against England at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Saturday, October 26, followed by pool matches against Fiji at Langtree Park, St Helens, on November 2 and Ireland at Thomond Park, Limerick, on November 9.

http://www.nrl.com/kangaroos-name-24-man-world-cup-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/75008/default.aspx
 
Last edited:
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