Rugby League World Cup 2013 Thread

[Kenny]

For all things World Cup related post them here .


The Coaches are starting to name their squads with Scotland and Wales naming theirs today


Scotland squad : Gareth Moore (Batley Bulldogs), Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls), Peter Wallace (Brisbane Broncos), Jonathan Walker (Castleford Tigers), Ian Henderson (Catalan Dragons), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), David Scott (Featherstone Rovers), Luke Douglas (Gold Coast Titans), Matthew Russell (Gold Coast Titans), Sam Barlow (Halifax), Dale Ferguson (Huddersfield Giants), Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants), Adam Walker (Hull Kingston Rovers), Ben Fisher (London Broncos), Alex Hurst (London Broncos), Kane Linnett (North Queensland Cowboys), Andrew Henderson (Sheffield Eagles), Mitch Stringer (Sheffield Eagles), Alex Szostak (Sheffield Eagles), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Wildcats), Ben Kavanagh (Widnes Vikings), Brett Carter (Workington Town), Brett Phillips (Workington Town).


Wales squad: Neil Budworth (Moranbah Miners, Australia), Ross Divorty (Halifax), Gil Dudson, Ben Flower, Rhodri Lloyd (Wigan Warriors), Jake Emmitt, Jordan James (Salford Red Devils), Ben Evans, Elliot Kear (Bradford Bulls), Rhys Evans, Rhys Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dan Fleming (Castleford Tigers), James Geurtjens (Norths Devils, Australia), Danny Jones (Keighley Cougars), Craig Kopczak, Larne Patrick (Huddersfield Giants) Peter Lupton (Workington Town), Rob Massam, Christiaan Roets (North Wales Crusaders), Matt Seamark (Wynnum Manly Seagulls, Australia), Anthony Walker (St Helens), Ian Webster (Central Queensland Capras, Australia), Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings).

[Luke]

FRENCH SQUAD-
Jean-Philippe Baile, William Barthau, Thomas Bosc, Remi Casty, Vincent Duport, Olivier Elima, Morgan Escare, Jamal Fakir, Kevin Larroyer, Antoni Maria, Greg Mounis, Mathias Pala, Eloi Pelissier, Michael Simon, Federic Vaccari (all Catalan), Andrew Bentley, Kane Bentley (both Toulouse), Theo Fages (Salford), Tony Gigot(Avignon), Clint Greenshields (North Queensland Cowboys), Younes Khattabi, Clement Soubeyras (Both Carcassonne), Sebastien Raguin (St Esteve-xlll Catalan), Cyril Stacul (Lezignan).

[Kenny]

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).


so No Kirmond , No Ferres and No Crabtree ?

[Kenny]

Cook Islands Squad: Tinirau Arona, Sam Brunton, Geoff Daniela, Daniel Fepuleai, Jonathon Ford, Anthony Gelling, Isaac John, Drury Low, Keith Lulia, Lulia Lulia, Hikule'o Malu, Sam Mataora, Joey Matapuku, Dylan Napa, Dominque Peyroux, Jordan Rapana, Tupou Sopoaga, Zeb Taia, Brad Takairangi, Adam Tangata, Chris Taripo, Zane Tetavano, Tyrone Viiga

[Duty281]

It looks the right mixture of experience and potential, but rather concerning that some not fully-fit players have been selected.

I do think England can go all the way and win it, but they'll have to play out of their skins to get the better of Australia. Certainly worth a punt though, if you're a betting man.

[Luke]

Surprised that Crabtree's out, would rather him than Graham. Also think Goulding should have been in, the biggest worry for me its that it seems that alot of players could be playing out of there club positions, we should have learned by now that this never works.

[Kenny]

USA 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 (Parramatta, capt), Junior Paulo (Parramatta), Craig Priestly (Southampton Dragons), Matt Petersen (Cudgen Hornets), Tui Samoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matt Shipway (Newcastle), Les Soloai, Lelauloto Tagaloa (Hawaii Chiefs).


Bit of news regarding USA their coach Brian Smith has told an Australian journalist that he wont be joining the squad in the UK for the tournament

[Kenny]

Italy Squad: Christophe Calegari (Lezignan), Terry Campese (Canberra), Joel Celerino (North West Roosters), Chris Centrone (North Sydney Bears), Fabrizio Ciaurro (Tirreno Sharks), Cameron Ciraldo (Penrith), Ben Falcone (South's Logan Magpies), Sam Gardel (South's Logan Magpies), Aidan Guerra (Sydney Roosters), Ryan Ghetti (Northern Pride), Craig Gower (Newcastle Knights), Gavin Hiscox (Central Capras), Anthony Laffranchi (St Helens), Vic Mauro (Salford), Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters, cap), Mark Minichiello (Gold Coast Titans), Joshua Mantellato (Newcastle Knights), Dean Parata (Parramatta), Joel Riethmuller (North Queensland), Brenden Santi (Wests Tigers), James Saltonstall (Warrington), James Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Paul Vaughan (Canberra).

[Kenny]

Ireland squad: Dave Allen, Luke Ambler, Bob Beswick, Damien Blanch, Danny Bridge, Ben Currie, Liam Finn, Simon Finnigan, Scott Grix, Simon Grix, Kurt Haggerty, James Hasson, Rory Kostjasyn, Stuart Littler, Tyrone McCarthy, James Mendeika, Anthony Mullally, Eamon O'Carroll, Apirana Pewhairangi, Pat Richards, Colton Roche, Marc Sneyd, Joshua Toole, Brett White.

[The Beast]

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).


so No Kirmond , No Ferres and No Crabtree ?

Personally I think Crabtree is particularly unlucky, George Burgess obviously no international experience has also not played many first grade games! Kirmond or Ferres in place of Hock.

[Kenny]

Former Castleford coach Terry Matterson will take charge of the United States side during the World Cup

[Kenny]

Squads have announced but coaches can change the squad up until 5 days before the tournament starts so there could still be hope for the likes of Kirmond and Ferres

[Kenny]

Australia: Smith (c), Gallen, Bird, Boyd, Cherry-Evans, Cordner, Cronk, Farah, Fifita, Hayne, Inglis, Jennings, Lewis, B Morris, J Morris, Myles, Papalii, Parker, Scott, Slater, Tamou, Tate, Thaiday, Thurston.

[Kenny]

Warrington forward Ben Westwood could miss England's opening World Cup game against Australia after being charged by the RFL with a punching offence.
Westwood appeared to catch Wigan's Blake Green in the Super League Grand Final but it was missed by the referee.
The Grade B charge could result in a two-game ban, meaning he would miss the Italy friendly on 19 October and the opener against Australia on 26 October.
The 32-year-old will have his hearing on 8 October.

[Kenny]

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

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

[Kenny]

ITALY

Terry Campese has withdrawn from the Italy squad

[westisbest]

Not  a fan of league(apart from world cup time).

Liam Finn is captain.

Any hardcore League fans tell me what Ireland squad is like.

Any major stand out players?

In with a chance of getting out of the group? Looks a tough one.

Cheers.

[Kenny]

Not  a fan of league(apart from world cup time).

Liam Finn is captain.

Any hardcore League fans tell me what Ireland squad is like.

Any major stand out players?

In with a chance of getting out of the group? Looks a tough one.

Cheers.

Ireland have some very good players with Superleague experience , Richards is and outstanding goalkicker , Blanch is a good winger , the Grix brothers are very good players but for me the player to watch is Sneyd he has a big future . They also have some NRL experience in Brett White (Canberra Raiders), Rory Kostjasyn (North Queensland Cowboys), James Hasson (Manly Sea Eagles) and Api Pewhairangi (Parramatta Eels) .

However sorry i can't seen them getting out of a group with Fiji , England and Australia

[Kenny]

New Zealand

After originally making himself unavailable for selection Sonny Bill Williams has had a change of heart and has now been included in New Zealands 24 man squad replacing Tohu Harris who has been dropped .



I feel really sorry for Harris who must be devastated to be picked then dumped in the space of 48 hours

[westisbest]

Not  a fan of league(apart from world cup time).

Liam Finn is captain.

Any hardcore League fans tell me what Ireland squad is like.

Any major stand out players?

In with a chance of getting out of the group? Looks a tough one.

Cheers.

Ireland have some very good players with Superleague experience , Richards is and outstanding goalkicker , Blanch is a good winger , the Grix brothers are very good players but for me the player to watch is Sneyd he has a big future . They also have some NRL experience in Brett White (Canberra Raiders), Rory Kostjasyn (North Queensland Cowboys), James Hasson (Manly Sea Eagles) and Api Pewhairangi (Parramatta Eels) .

However sorry i can't seen them getting out of a group with Fiji , England and Australia

Cheers Kenny.
Yeah looks a tough group alright.

[Luke]

I think Ireland can, providing they beat Fiji (which will be a tough game), if you take it that both lose the other 2 games, and with 3 going through from the group (stupid I know). That will basically be a winner takes all game.

[westisbest]

I think Ireland can, providing they beat Fiji (which will be a tough game), if you take it that both lose the other 2 games, and with 3 going through from the group (stupid I know). That will basically be a winner takes all game.

Interesting, did'nt know 3 went through.

Fiji is the game for 3rd spot.(assuming both will lose to England & Australia).

Fiji first up on the 28th. Will try to watch that.

I see we have Australia in Thomond Park.
Be interesting to see what crowd they get.

[Kenny]

I hadn't realised 3 went through either , given that it's Ireland v Fiji first up for them then it really does make it winner takes all you would expect ..........but it also meens whoever loses that game knows they have to win one of their next two to have any chance of proceeding so England and Australia can't take them lightly

[Kenny]

Hull KR forward Rhys Lovegrove has been called into Scotland's World Cup squad.

[Kenny]

Samoa: Roy Asotasi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), David Fa'alogo (Newcastle Knights), Pita Godinet (New Zealand Warriors), Harrison Hansen (Wigan Warriors), Masada Iosefa (Wests Tigers), Faleniu Iosi (Letava Bulldogs), Tim Lafai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Joseph Leilua (Newcastle Knights), Teofilo Lepou (Marist Saints), Reni Maitua (Parramatta Eels), Penani Manumeasili (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Mose Masoe (Penrith Panthers), Suaia Matagi (New Zealand Warriors), Arden McCarthy (Point Chevalier Pirates), Anthony Milford (Canberra Raiders), Junior Moors (Melbourne Storm), Edward Purcell (New Zealand Warriors), Ben Roberts (Parramatta Eels), Iosia Soliola (St Helens), Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers), Mark Taufua (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks), Ionatana Tino (Apia Barracudas), Daniel Vidot (St George Illawarra Dragons), Antonio Winterstein (Brisbane Broncos).

[Kenny]

Wales have called up St George Illawarra forward Tyson Frizell to their World Cup squad.

[Luke]

Group A & B have 3 go through. C &D just the winners. Really don't understand why.

Agree Kenny, trouble is it's more a worry for England as I really can't see the Aussies losing to either, England shouldn't either but you never now. That Samoa squad looks intresting, could be the best of the underdogs, them or Tonga.

West,
Apparently tickets are going well for the Limerick game, anything above 5/600 should be considered good. Given how far RL is behind the other 4 sports in Ireland, and it's the first major RL international there.

[Luke]

Sorry that should have been 5/6000

[westisbest]

Cheers tiger.

That would be a decent crowd.

[Luke]

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Squad

Josiah Abavu (port Moresby wipers), Paul Aiton (Wakefield), Dion Alye (Rabaul Gurias), Wellington Albert (Lae Tigers), Ase Boas (Rabaul Gurias), Joe Bruno (Rabaul Gurias), Jason Chan (Huddersfield), Neville Costigan (Newcastle), Israel Eliab (Port Moresby Vipers), Richard Kambo (Port Moresby Vipers), Roger Laka (Enga Mioks), Enoch Maki (Mendi Muruks), Larsen Marabe (Orange CYMS), Bosam McDonald (Sydney Roosters), David Mead (Gold Coast), Mark Mexico (Lae Tigers), Jessie Joe Nandye (Whitehaven), Sebastien Pandia (Port Moresby Vipers), Francis Paniu (Rabaul Gurias), Jason Tali (Mount Hagen Eagles), Ray Thompson (North Queensland Cowboys), Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks), Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles).

[Luke]

FIJI Squad

Peni Botiki (Sani Dragons), Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla Sharks), Petero Civoniceva (Redcliffe Dolphins), Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters), Aaron Groom (Asquith Magpies), IIisavani Jegesa (Nabua Broncos), Marika Koroibete (West Tigers), Apisai Koroisau (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daryl Millard (Catalan Dragons), Ryan Millard (Burwood United), Kevin Naiqama (Newcastle), Wes Naiqama (Penrith), Alipate Noilea (Collegians Illawarra), Tikiko Noke (Lautoka Crushers", Vitale Junior (Cronulla Sharks), Ashton Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), Korbin Sims (Newcastle), Tariq Sims (North Queensland Cowboys), James Storer (Collegians Illawarra), Kaliova Nauqe (Fassifern Queensland), Akuila Uate (Newcastle), Eloni Vunakece (Wyong Rios), Sisa Ledua (Melbourne), Semi Radradra (Parramatta).

[Kenny]

Scotland

Gareth Moore and Jonathon Walker have both pulled out of the Scotland world cup squad through injury

[Kenny]

Wigan signing Eddy Pettybourne has been called into the United States squad for the World Cup , he has already represented Australia at schoolboy level , New Zealand at the the 2009 4nations (although didn't play) and Samoa as recently as this season

[Kenny]

Samoa will be without Warrington new signing Roy Asotasi who has pulled out of their squad

[The Beast]

I have been staring at the laptop for the last 45 minutes, Kenny, Tiger, George Hotel, anyone PLEASE tell me I dreamt that we have lost to Italy in a warm up game, it CAN'T be real.......can it?

[Kenny]

I listened to it on the radio and we sounded very poor in all areas , i think we took the game far to lightly and just expected to walk all over them .
Should really of put out a stronger side as i really don't think that will be the team that plays the Aussies next week

[Duty281]

Fair to say England took Italy far too lightly yesterday, and humiliation was the end result. I suspect England will be praying that Australia will have a similar off-day next Saturday.

Looking ahead to the world cup, England's aim should be to reach the final. If, and it's a big one, England can shock the world next Saturday and beat Australia, then the route to the final will be a cakewalk. If the expected does happen, and England are defeated, then they will have to beat New Zealand on route.

One big win, and England will make the final. That's the expectation. That's the dream. The hope is something even beyond that.

Come on England!

[Luke]

I actually think that the defeat to Italy could work in our favour. It should mean that we concentrate more during next weeks game, that we tighten up area's of our game, and that we might not take the other games lightly now. Worrying that he started with his prefferd half backs who once again didn't do anything.

True Duty, win next week and it's a slightly easier way through, trouble is I don't think we'll win next werks game. And would rather beat them in the final anyway:D 

[Kenny]

I think we lost on purpose to lull the Aussies into a false sense of security  

[Kenny]

United States second rower Mark Cantoni has been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken arm.

The Australia-born forward suffered the injury in the Tomahawks' shock 22-18 friendly victory over France

[Kenny]

Gareth Hock has been removed from England's Rugby League World Cup squad with immediate effect following a breach of discipline.

The 30-year-old second rower was sent home from England's training camp at Loughborough University on Tuesday.

Huddersfield's Brett Ferres will replace Hock in England's 24-man squad.

"Gareth Hock has been withdrawn from the England Rugby League World Cup squad with immediate effect," an England Rugby League statement read.

"This is as a result of serious breaches of team discipline that have fallen below the strict code of conduct as agreed by team management."

[Guest]

Group A & B have 3 go through. C &D just the winners. Really don't understand why.

Agree Kenny, trouble is it's more a worry for England as I really can't see the Aussies losing to either, England shouldn't either but you never now. That Samoa squad looks intresting, could be the best of the underdogs, them or Tonga.

West,
Apparently tickets are going well for the Limerick game, anything above 5/600 should be considered good. Given how far RL is behind the other 4 sports in Ireland, and it's the first major RL international there.

I don't get the draw at all really. Strange/unfair that if Wales get into the quarters, they play the Australians (I think). Some reward.

[Kenny]

to me the draw is designed to make sure Aus , Eng , NZ , PNG are all virtually guaranteed to go through

[Kenny]

Gareth Hock has told the BBC that he does not think his breach of discipline was serious enough for him to be removed from England's World Cup squad.

The forward, 30, said he and some team-mates went on a night out after England's surprise defeat by Italy.

Hock overslept the next morning, missing a recovery session, and was informed of his dismissal in a phone conversation with coach Steve McNamara.

"For missing a 10-minute swim - I think it's out of order really," said Hock.

"I agree that it was wrong and we shouldn't have had a drink, but there were six or seven of us and we all did the same thing," he told BBC North West Tonight.

England have said they will make no further comment about Hock's removal.

[Kenny]

there is a rumour going around that Hock got into a fight with James Graham , i don't know if thats true but it would explain him being sent home a lot more then sleeping in

[Kenny]

Australia name squad to play England

Billy Slater; Brett Morris, Greg Inglis, Brent Tate, Darius Boyd; Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matthew Scott, Cameron Smith (capt), James Tamou, Greg Bird, Sam Thaiday, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis, Robbie Farah, Corey Parker, Jarryd Hayne, Nate Miles.

[Kenny]

England 19 man squad for Australia game

Carl Ablett, George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Thomas Burgess, Rob Burrow, Josh Charnley, Rangi Chase, Leroy Cudjoe, Liam Farrell, Brett Ferres, Ryan Hall, Chris Hill, Lee Mossop, James Roby, Kevin Sinfield (captain), Sam Tomkins, Kallum Watkins, Ben Westwood, Gareth Widdop.

noticeable absentee James Graham who has been dropped from the squad , does that suggest there is something in the rumour regarding Hock ?

[Guest]

Understand that ref the draw aye.

Interesting rumour about Hock and Graham and it does seem to have a bit of substance now.

I would fancy Australia by a fair margin to be honest.

[Luke]

Understand that ref the draw aye.

Interesting rumour about Hock and Graham and it does seem to have a bit of substance now.

I would fancy Australia by a fair margin to be honest.

McNamara has helped by walking out of the press conference, does seem that something has gone on.

I don't like the way the QF's are decided, I understand why just don't like it.

And I also think Australia will win on sat, will want to set down a marker, plus the winners get an easier route to the final.

Think the best of the other British isles could be Ireland, who could get to the QF, Scotland could also get there, and if they do then they could win (bigger shocks gave happened), Wales I think lack depth.

[Kenny]

I really don't think England handled this situation well at all , if there has been a fight then they should of come out and said so and thrown both players out of the squad .

Imo this should never of happened if we had selected the right players in the first place , i have been told by someone in the know that the squad was selected with players who would ' frighten ' the Aussies ......well i'm sorry but the Aussies would of been more bothered about playing players who were in form rather then who would hit them .

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