2013 Rugby League World Cup Thread

This would be My side for Australia's first game against England...

1. Billy Slater
2. Darius Boyd
3. Michael Jennings
4. Greg Inglis
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Johnathon Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matt Scott
9. Cameron Smith (c)
10. James Tamou
11. Greg Bird
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Paul Gallen (vc)

14. Daly Cherry-Evans
15. Nate Myles
16. Luke Lewis
17. Andrew Fifita
 
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Bird ahead of Thaiday easy. The guy is lucky he has been in the QLD side for the last 5 or so years. He is not upto rep standard these last couple years.

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Thought Friend was unlucky, deserved a spot in the 24 man squad imo. Didn't think Cordner would get a spot because of injury but no doubt deserved it before the injury.
 
Kiwis waiting on Sonny's World Cup call

AAP
3:58pm Mon 07th October, 2013


Kiwis convenor of selectors Tony Iro is awaiting word from the Sonny Bill Williams camp whether the dual international will make himself available for New Zealand in the rugby league World Cup.

He said Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney was seeking clarification about Williams' position and a decision was expected to be announced later on Monday.

"I'm just waiting to hear back from my coaches," Iro told AAP.

Williams' availability has been the major talking point ahead of the defending champions' squad announcement on Tuesday.

The second-rower, who gained his first Kiwis cap in 2004, played seven Tests before his switch to rugby union in 2008, so missed New Zealand's World Cup triumph later that year.

He returned to league this year with the Sydney Roosters and had a significant role in their dramatic 26-18 NRL grand final win over Manly on Sunday.

The 28-year-old said after the match that he would make a decision in the next couple of weeks over his footballing future.

A 19-Test All Black who was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning side, he has been tipped to return to rugby with the Chiefs.

The Kiwis have good depth in their back-row options, but Williams would provide them with the X-factor.

Their back-row stocks include skipper Simon Mannering, who played in the victory over the Kangaroos in the 2008 final.

Others who took part in that 34-20 upset in Brisbane and are expected to be back are the likes of hooker Issac Luke, utility Thomas Leuluai and winger Manu Vatuvei.

Among the uncapped contenders, Dally M winger of the year Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is in line to back up his grand final win with the Roosters with selection in the squad.

While the mercurial Benji Marshall is unavailable as he prepares for a move to rugby with the Blues, young halves Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson provide plenty of playmaking talent.

Kearney and the 24-strong squad will gather in Sydney on Saturday before flying out for Britain.

The Kiwis have a warm-up fixture against the Cook Islands in Liverpool on October 20, before beginning their Cup defence against Samoa in Warrington seven days later.


http://www.nrl.com/kiwis-waiting-on-sonnys-world-cup-call/tabid/10874/newsid/75014/default.aspx
 
That's the exact side I'd have rhugh, maybe swap Bird and Lewis around, Lewis always tears it up coming off the bench. What a team.
 
Cowboys with the most players in the squad, pity Henry doesn't have a clue how to coach. Biggest ''tactical'' myth going around.
 
Daly Cherry-Evans to push Cooper Cronk for halfback spot in Kangaroos World Cup squad



COOPER Cronk’s Dally M Medal is no guarantee he’ll keep Daly Cherry-Evans out of the Australian starting team at the World Cup.

That was the frank assessment from Test coach Tim Sheens on Monday when he named his 24-man Kangaroo squad that included three debutants and only three players from the Grand Final teams.

It is the lowest Grand Final representation since 2005 when only two players were selected.

Cherry-Evans is Manly's only representative while Michael Jennings and Boyd Cordner won selection from the Roosters.

The Roosters halves pairing of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney were overlooked along with hooker Jake Friend.

All were considered outside chances of pushing their way into the squad but Sheens justified the low representation by pointing out that a high number of players from both the Roosters and Manly will be at the World Cup representing rival nations.

On top of that Anthony Watmough and Glenn and Brett Stewart were all ruled out of contention because of injury concerns.

Cordner completed his fairytale comeback from a busted ankle by being named as one of the three debutants along with Canberra’s Josh Papalii and Cronulla’s Andrew Fifita.

But it was Sheens’ thoughts on the potential Cherry-Evans/Cronk halfback showdown that created particular interest on Monday when the Kangaroos coach reflected the thoughts of many good judges who have declared Cherry-Evans is on the brink of challenging the Melbourne superstar for the Australian starting halfback spot.

Asked if Cherry-Evans was a genuine chance to grab the number seven jumper on tour, Sheens said: "I think over a six week tournament Cherry-Evans will certainly throw down the gauntlet for sure."But knowing Cooper and knowing Johnathan they will be ready for the challenge."That is all good for Australia.”

Cronk finished just ahead of Cherry-Evans and Thurston who tied for second in Dally M Medal voting at last week's awards before the four Australian Test selectors voted Cherry-Evans as Clive Churchill Medal winner on Sunday night.

Sheens added: "I don't want to come out and say someone is going to lose their spot. What I do want is form from the players within the group on each other to keep the standard high."There is no doubt the three of them are quality players.

"It is only fair to say Daly's performances are certainly going to keep Johnathan and Cooper on their toes but I'm not going to come out and make a veiled threat that Cooper might lose his spot.

"Cooper is the incumbent and he has worked hard (for his spot) as has Johnathan.

"Daly's job is to work hard to keep the pressure on from there."

Sheens said Jake Friend had come in for consideration but selectors stuck with Robbie Farah's versatility and experience.

The other players not considered because of injury were Justin Hodges and Kurt Gidley.Jennings, Brent Tate and Josh Morris are all in contention to take over from Hodges at right centre.

Sheens also said Souths coach Michael Maguire had allayed any fears Greg Inglis would not be fit to take his part at the World Cup.

"Michael Maguire has indicated to me that his (knee) injury has well and truly recovered," Sheens said."In six weeks we are still going to have to manage some of the players. It has been a long hard season for them.

"We are taking extra people in the medical staff to do that."But he said the opposition would be respected at all times.

"For us it is about winning this World Cup first and foremost," he added.

"We don't hold the title and we are seeded number one so there is plenty of pressure on us but we've still got to win this title back so we can't afford to experiment to any great degree."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-world-cup-squad/story-fni3fbgz-1226734031633
 
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You read the comments on the RLW post of the squad on facebook and wonder about some people's iqs.

Where's Maloney?!
SBW can't play coz you have to have a contract for at least another year in the NRL.

Jeepers ... :lol:
 
Sonny Bill not included in Kiwis Cup squad

By Robert Lowe
AAP
11:20am Tue 08th October, 2013

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney admits he was never totally confident about securing Sonny Bill Williams' services for the rugby league World Cup.

Williams was a notable omission when the Kiwis' 24-man squad was named on Tuesday to defend the title in Europe.

Kearney says the second-rower is unavailable "due to other commitments".

"What they are, at this stage we would all like to know," he said.

"I'm sure we'll all hear about that after the next two to three weeks."

Williams, who has been tipped to return to rugby union with the Chiefs, said after helping the Sydney Roosters to the NRL premiership on Sunday that he would take a couple of weeks to decide his footballing future.

Kearney said he had sensed for some time that Williams would not be available for the World Cup.

"We had planned that Sonny wasn't going to come away," he said.

"That was, I guess, just the general feeling that I had throughout the year."

Kearney said he had been in talks with Williams' manager, Khoder Nasser, for the past six to eight weeks.

He said Nasser had been upfront with him and had told him he didn't know himself what the player would be doing.

Kearney also spoke to Williams on Monday, but declined to reveal the contents of the conversation.

The 24-man New Zealand squad contains two uncapped players in two other Roosters - Dally M winger of the year Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and prop Sam Moa.

Apart from Williams, Kearney said other players out of selection reckoning were Newcastle back-rower Jeremy Smith and Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall.

Smith, who played in 2008 World Cup final win over Australia, is unavailable for family reasons.

Kenny-Dowall is out because of injury after playing most of the grand final with a broken jaw.

Kearney and the squad will gather in Sydney on Saturday before flying out for Britain.

The Kiwis have a warm-up fixture against the Cook Islands in Liverpool on October 21 (AEDT), before beginning their cup defence against Samoa in Warrington seven days later.

New Zealand World Cup Squad:

Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne)
Greg Eastwood (Canterbury)
Kieran Foran (Manly, vice-captain)
Alex Glenn (Brisbane)
Bryson Goodwin (South Sydney)
Tohu Harris (Melbourne)
Joss Hoffman (Brisbane)
Krisnan Inu (Canterbury)
Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
Sam Kasiano (Canterbury)
Thomas Leuluai (Warriors)
Kevin Locke (Warriors)
Issac Luke (South Sydney)
Simon Mannering (Warriors, captain)
Ben Matulino (Warriors)
Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters)
Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra)
Frank-Paul Nu'uausala (Sydney Roosters)
Frank Pritchard (Canterbury)
Elijah Taylor (Warriors)
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Sydney Roosters)
Manu Vatuvei (Warriors)
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Sydney Roosters)
Dean Whare (Penrith).

http://www.nrl.com/sonny-bill-not-included-in-kiwis-cup-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/75019/default.aspx
 
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Kite to lead Tongan rugby league squad

AAP
12:29pm Tue 08th October, 2013

NRL grand final rivals Brent Kite and Daniel Tupou headline a Tongan World Cup squad boasting plenty of muscle as they target a quarter-final clash with New Zealand.

Manly's Penrith-bound prop Kite will captain the side, which includes 11 NRL regulars - with Sea Eagles winger Jorge Taufua, Parramatta front-rower Fuifui Moimoi and Penrith back-rower Sika Manu also in the 24-man group.

Moimoi, Manu and Kite will form a powerful pack which will also contain North Queensland's Jason Taumalolo - while Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell is sure to be a handful out wide.

Young Sydney Roosters playmaker Samisoni Langi and Penrith's NYC-winning captain Daniel Foster are set to form an inexperienced halves partnership.

The Tongans are expected to emerge as winners from group C - which also includes Scotland and Italy.

Should they top their group, the Tonga would likely face defending champions New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

As strong as they are, Tonga could have been a genuine semi-final contender had they been at full strength.

Injury and unavailability due to players opting to play for other countries has hurt the squad.

Canterbury's Tony Williams, Cronulla's Anthony Tupou, Manly prop Richie Fa'aoso and Parramatta centre Willie Tonga are all injured, while Roosters front-rower Sam Moa was called up to play for New Zealand.

"We are fortunate to have many young guys willing to represent the nation," coach Charles Tonga said.

"We are doing this for our people, to give back to our country."

Tonga World Cup Squad:

Brent Kite (Manly, capt)
Sosaia Feki (Cronulla)
Nesiasi Mataitonga (Cronulla)
Pat Politoni (Cronulla)
Jorge Taufua (Manly)
Mahe Fonua (Melbourne Storm)
Siosaia Vave (Melbourne Storm)
Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle)
Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland)
Fuifui Moimoi (Parrramatta)
Peni Terepo (Parramatta)
Sika Manu (Penrith Panthers)
Daniel Foster (Penrith Panthers)
Samisoni Langi (Sydney Roosters)
Nafe Seluini (Sydney Roosters)
Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
Glen Fisiiahi (NZ Warriors)
Siliva Havili (NZ Warriors)
Konrad Hurrell (NZ Warriors)
Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers)
Ukuma Ta'ai (Huddersfield)
Mickey Paea (Hull KR)
Willie Manu (St Helens)
Sydney Havea (Liahona Old Boys).

http://www.nrl.com/kite-to-lead-tongan-rugby-league-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/75022/default.aspx


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Roosters recruit in French World Cup squad

AAP
12:52pm Tue 08th October, 2013

Sydney Roosters recruit Remi Casty will headline a French squad facing a tough ask to progress past the group stages of the rugby league World Cup.

Casty, a utility forward who will join the Roosters in 2014 having played under premiership-winning coach Trent Robinson at Le Catalans, will be keen to make an early impression against many players he will soon be going up against on a weekly basis.

France have been drawn in the same group as defending champions New Zealand, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

The top three nations from the pool will progress to the quarter-finals, with France likely to battle it out with PNG for third place behind the Kiwis and Samoa.

North Queensland fullback Clint Greenshields was also named in the squad, having qualified for France via residency rules when playing for Catalans ahead of the 2009 Four Nations tournament.

In all there are 16 Catalans players in the squad.

France World Cup Squad:

Jean-Philippe Baile
William Barthau
Thomas Bosc
Damien Cardace
Remi Casty
Vincent Duport
Olivier Elima
Morgan Escare
Jamal Fakir
Benjamin Garcia
Kevin Larroyer
Antoni Maria
Gregory Mounis
Eloi Pelissier
Mickael Simon
Frederic Vaccari
Andrew Bentley
Kane Bentley
Younes Khattabi
Cyril Stacul
Sebastien Raguin
Tony Gigot
Clint Greenshields
Theo Fages.


http://www.nrl.com/roosters-recruit-in-french-world-cup-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/75018/default.aspx
 
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Tate aims to right wrongs of '08 World Cup

By Laine Clark
AAP
2:37pm Tue 08th October, 2013

As comeback stories go, Brent Tate's remarkable return to the Kangaroos squad is hard to beat.

But Tate is keen to add another compelling chapter as he looks to "right the wrongs" of Australia's shock 2008 World Cup final loss to New Zealand.

Five years ago Tate feared he would never play in another World Cup as he tried to comprehend the Kiwis' 34-20 boilover in the decider.

And three years ago, an inconsolable Tate believed his representative days were over when struck down by the third serious knee injury of his career in the Four Nations final.

But after capping a stirring return by being named in the Kangaroos' 24-strong World Cup squad, the North Queensland centre reckons he still has some unfinished business.

"I am happy I get a chance to right the wrongs of 2008," Tate said.

"It took a really long time to get over 2008. I remember four or five months later it was still pretty raw."

The 2008 World Cup loss may have stung for months but it did not prepare him for the devastation of the 2010 Four Nations.

TV cameras in the dressing room showed a distraught Tate crying uncontrollably while being comforted by Kangaroos support staff as he contemplated a career-threatening third knee reconstruction.

These days it is hard to wipe the smile off Tate's face.

"After the last World Cup in 2008 I just didn't think I would still be playing in another one," Tate said.

"And after 2010 I personally didn't think I would get back to playing Origin again or Tests.

"For me to be able to do that it really is the icing on the cake.

"Everything is a bonus at this stage.

"The next challenge is make that team."

And Tate believes his chances of making the starting 13 were "as good as anyone's" after helping spark Queensland's past two State of Origin series wins and chiming into three straight NRL finals campaigns for the Cowboys.

"Greg Inglis will be left centre so we will all be putting our hand up to get the other one," Tate said.

"Hopefully I get the inside running as the only specialist right centre in the squad.

"But I am looking forward to getting into the Test environment again.

"You never take these things for granted."

http://www.nrl.com/tate-aims-to-right-wrongs-of-08-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/75025/default.aspx


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Kiwis further ahead than in 2008: Kearney

By Robert Lowe
AAP
2:39pm Tue 08th October, 2013

They won't start favourites for the rugby league World Cup, but New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney claims the current crop is more advanced than the group which claimed the 2008 title.

The Kiwis were rank outsiders before toppling Australia 34-20 in the final in Brisbane five years ago to lift the trophy for the first time.

"No one gave us a hope in hell in 2008 and I'm hoping they do the same thing this year," Kearney said.

"The group we've picked is, I think, a lot further ahead than the group we had in 2008."

The Kiwis' 24-man squad for their title defence in Europe features one notable absentee in cross-code star Sonny Bill Williams, who has been tipped for a return to rugby union with the Chiefs.

The dual international and part-time boxer said after helping the Sydney Roosters to the NRL premiership on Sunday that he would take a couple of weeks to decide his footballing future.

Kearney, who spoke to Williams on Monday, said the second-rower was unavailable "due to other commitments".

"What they are, at this stage we would all like to know," he said.

"I'm sure we'll all hear about that after the next two to three weeks."

While Williams' ball-playing ability would have been a big asset to the Kiwis, he was also absent from the 2008 tournament, having quit Canterbury earlier that year to switch to rugby in France.

Newcastle back-rower Jeremy Smith and Roosters centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall were two other players not considered for selection.

Smith, who played in the 2008 final, was unavailable for family reasons, while Kenny-Dowall is to undergo surgery after playing most of the grand final with a broken jaw.

Kearney described Smith's form during the NRL playoffs, when the Knights reached the preliminary final, as outstanding.

"It's hard to replace someone like that," he said.

"But with the guys we've got in this group, I think he won't be missed as much as he would have two years ago."

The squad contains two uncapped players, both from the Roosters - 20-year-old Dally M winger of the year Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and prop Sam Moa.

There are seven survivors from the 2008 cup campaign, including five who played in the final - present skipper Simon Mannering, back-rower Greg Eastwood, winger Manu Vatuvei and hookers Thomas Leuluai and Issac Luke.

The two others are outside backs Krisnan Inu and Jason Nightingale.

The Kiwis will gather in Sydney on Saturday before flying out for Britain.

They have a warm-up fixture against the Cook Islands in Liverpool on October 21 (AEDT), before beginning their cup defence against Samoa in Warrington seven days later.

http://www.nrl.com/kiwis-further-ahead-than-in-2008-kearney/tabid/10874/newsid/75026/default.aspx


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Meninga to boost PNG rugby league team

By Laine Clark
AAP
2:54pm Tue 08th October, 2013

Not content with resurrecting Queensland's State of Origin team, Mal Meninga wants to also help boost Papua New Guinea rugby league by assisting their mooted entry in next year's second-tier Queensland Cup.

Meninga started a five-year deal as PNGRL high performance manager this year but confirmed he also wanted to assist their Queensland Cup entry - a small step toward their ultimate dream of earning an NRL licence.

Queensland Cup general manager Jamie O'Connor confirmed an in-principle agreement had been given to the PNG group, headed by their NRL bid group CEO Brad Tassell, for a start next year.

The PNG government have reportedly moved to address security fears sparked by the recent brutal attack on trekkers by covering the costs of private security teams to accompany Queensland-based players into their team's home Port Moresby.

Asked if he would assist the PNG Queensland Cup side, Meninga said: "A consultancy, advisory, mentoring role would be good".

"I think they will do very well in the competition."

Having inspired eight straight Origin series wins for Queensland, PNG will be hoping Meninga's Midas touch has not worn off ahead of this year's World Cup.

He has worked alongside PNG coach Adrian Lam in the countdown to the tournament.

"The game has receded there a little bit in recent times," Meninga said of PNG.

"I am trying to implement some development programs that is going to help them.

"We hope they get into the Queensland Cup next year which will aid their development.

"They are a rugby league mad country.

"They have so much talent up there any program or competition they get their hands on they will quickly develop.

"They will be a force in the future no doubt."

The Kumuls have been drawn alongside Samoa, France and defending champions New Zealand in group B of the 14-team World Cup tournament to be held in the United Kingdom and France.


http://www.nrl.com/meninga-to-boost-png-rugby-league-team/tabid/10874/newsid/75027/default.aspx
 
Marshall the real loss for NZ in World Cup

By Ben Horne
AAP
4:02pm Tue 08th October, 2013

All the focus may be on Sonny Bill Williams' absence, but it's the loss of former skipper Benji Marshall that will be hardest for New Zealand to overcome in the World Cup.

New Zealand have had six years without SBW, even winning the 2008 tournament without him.

And while he would have been a massive addition, in reality the dual international never gave any indication he was keen on a Kiwi return.

But Marshall is a different story.

He's been a mainstay for the Kiwis since his Test debut in 2005, and his switch to Super Rugby means the defending world champions must now officially begin life without Benji.

The 28-year-old's final season in the NRL wasn't his best, and Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson are two of the best young halves in the game.

But losing the face of New Zealand rugby league before a major tournament is a loss that can't be underestimated.

Marshall was the spearhead of New Zealand's landmark upset over Australia in the `08 final and since then played 22 straight internationals before missing this year's May Test with injury.

Kiwi winger Jason Nightingale admitted it was strange to be named in a national side without Marshall, and described the five-eighth as "the team's heart and soul".

"It will be different without Benji, he was heart and soul of our team for a number of years and was out captain for a long time as well," said Nightingale.

"It'll be different without him but it's a credit to the depth we have.

"Usually in past years New Zealand loses a Benji Marshall or a Sonny Bill Williams and they're being replaced by people who are capable but not outstanding.

"Where as we've got Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran and Tommy Leuluai who can fill in those roles."

Nightingale was a squad member in `08, but didn't play in the historic 34-20 win in the final at Suncorp Stadium - in which Marshall scored the crucial go-ahead try.

The experienced St George Illawarra try-scoring flyer says New Zealand will enter camp confident of defending their crown.

Nightingale said Manly premiership-winner Foran would take control of the Kiwi halves.

"Kieran will be a mainstay of the team ... I'm not sure exactly what their plans are with the halves," he said.

"We'll probably play a warm-up game (against Cook Islands) without Kieran I'd say. Give him a rest and then see how we go.

"We've got a great squad, the depth in New Zealand rugby league has developed out of sight in the past few years. But there's still a lot of challenges ahead. England have a fair squad as well and the last two times we've been over to the Uk they've been the ones who have knocked us out of the competition."

http://www.nrl.com/marshall-the-real-loss-for-nz-in-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/75028/default.aspx
 
Sonny Bill Williams set to backflip and make himself available for New Zealand in the World Cup



SONNY Bill Williams is understood to be contemplating a shock return to the New Zealand national rugby league team for this year’s World Cup.

Williams was not selected in the Kiwis’ 24-man squad on Tuesday, prompting speculation he was on the verge of signing with Super Rugby club the Waikato Chiefs.

But sources close to Williams tonight have said that the multi-sport superstar wants to play for the Kiwis at the Rugby League World Cup before pursuing a lucrative heavyweight fight in New Zealand.

That move would come as a major surprise to many within league, including New Zealand’s coach Stephen Kearney.

Kearney told media on Tuesday that Williams was unavailable for selection "due to other commitments" but was unable to specify what those commitments were."I'm sure we'll all hear about that after the next two to three weeks," Kearney said. "We had planned that Sonny wasn't going to come away.

"That was, I guess, just the general feeling that I had throughout the year."

Williams was selected in New Zealand’s initial squad for the 2008 rugby league World Cup after he had already defected from the Bulldogs to join French rugby club Toulon.Williams played no part in the tournament, which the Kiwis would go on to win in dramatic fashion.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...in-the-world-cup/story-fni3fbgz-1226734998847
 
SBW has been looking into playing for Samoa.
If they can get together a competitive side he wants to be a part of it.
 
Will the NZ team look something like this? Massive forward pack, don't know about the rest. Hoffman and Locke both aren't up to it, it would be good to see RTS at fullback instead. I have no idea about the centres, they don't have much quality to choose from.

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Jason Nightingale 3. Simon Mannering 4. Krisnan Inu 5. Manu Vatuvei 6. Kieren Foran 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Sam Moa 9. Isaac Luke 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 11. Frank Pritchard 12. Sonny Bill Williams 13. Alex Glenn 14. Thomas Leuluai 15. Ben Matulino 16. Sam Kasiano 17. Jesse Bromwich
 
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