RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP thread

[Berkeley_Eagle]

http://www.rlwc08.com/default.aspx
OFFICIAL WEBSITE



Schedule


POOL 1
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
ENGLAND
PNG



POOL 2
FRANCE
FIJI
SCOTLAND




POOL 3
TONGA
IRELAND
SAMOA

GAME DATE KICKOFF VENUE
MATCH
1 Sat, 25 Oct 08 18:55 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville England v PNG

2 Sun, 26 Oct 08 17:25 Canberra Stadium Scotland v France

3 Sun, 26 Oct 08 19:55 Sydney Football Stadium Official Opening Ceremony Australia v NZ

4 Mon, 27 Oct 08 18:55 Parramatta Stadium Tonga v Ireland

5 Fri, 31 Oct 08 18:55 CUA Stadium, Penrith Samoa v Tonga

6 Sat, 1 Nov 08 17:25 WIN Stadium, Wollongong Fiji v France

7 Sat, 1 Nov 08 18:55 Skilled Park, Gold Coast New Zealand v PNG

8 Sun, 2 Nov 08 19:55 Telstra Dome, Melbourne Australia v England

9 Wed, 5 Nov 08 20:00 Bluetongue Stadium, Central Coast Scotland v Fiji

10 Wed, 5 Nov 08 18:00 Parramatta Stadium Ireland v Samoa

11 Sat, 8 Nov 08 16:00 Browne Park, Rockhampton Pool (2-2) v (3-2)

12 Sat, 8 Nov 08 19:55 Energy Australia Stadium, Newcastle England v NZ

13 Sun, 9 Nov 08 17:25 CUA Stadium, Penrith Pool (2-3) v (3-3)

14 Sun, 9 Nov 08 18:55 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville PNG v Australia

15 Mon, 10 Nov 08 18:55 Skilled Stadium, Gold Coast Semi-final Qualifier Pool (1-2) v (1-3)

16 Sat, 15 Nov 08 18:55 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Semi Final (1)

17 Sun, 16 Nov 08 19:55 Sydney Football Stadium Semi Final (2)

18 Sat, 22 Nov 08 18:55 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane FINAL

All times listed are local time

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Crocker in doubt for World Cup

October 08, 2008
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...-23214,00.html

AUSTRALIA enforcer Michael Crocker's World Cup campaign is being threatened by a broken rib.
While the Melbourne Storm backrower has not been ruled out of World Cup duty, his painful injury, suffered in the Storm's record 40-0 grand final loss to Manly has cast serious doubts about his involvement in the 10-team international tournament which kicks off in 17 days.

"We initially thought it was rib cartilage damage but x-rays have revealed a cracked lower rib," said Storm physiotherapist Mary Toomey.

"You wouldn't think he would be able to do too much for a few weeks."

The ARL's medical staff and coach Ricky Stuart were notified of the extent of Crocker's injury but Stuart couldn't be reached for comment.

But it's understood the UK-bound 28-year-old could be given more time before his injury is re-assessed.

It could be that Stuart is prepared to let Crocker miss Australia's World Cup opener against New Zealand at the Sydney Football Stadium on October 26 and have him back for the clash with Great Britain at Melbourne's Telstra Dome on November 2.

If Crocker was ruled out, Brisbane's Sam Thaiday or Roosters hardman Nate Myles could score a call up.

AAP

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

World Cup squads

October 8, 2008 - 2:30PM

Collated squads competing in the Rugby League World Cup to be held in Australia from October 25-November 22:
Pool 1

AUSTRALIA
Terry Campese, Petero Civoniceva, Michael Crocker, Craig Fitzgibbon, Israel Folau, Paul Gallen, Kurt Gidley, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis, Brent Kite, Anthony Laffranchi, Darren Lockyer (capt), Joel Monaghan, Josh Perry, Steve Price, Scott Prince, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, Brent Tate, Johnathan Thurston, Anthony Watmough, David Williams.

ENGLAND
Rob Burrow, Mark Calderwood, Gareth Ellis, Mauire Faasavalu, Ade Gardner, Martin Gleeson, James Graham, Mickey Higham, Gareth Hock, Jamie Jones Buchanan, Jamie Langley, Danny McGuire, Adrian Morley, Jamie Peacock (capt), Leon Pryce, Rob Purdham, James Roby, Keith Senior, Kevin Sinfield, Lee Smith, Paul Sykes, Paul Wellens, Ben Westwood, Jon Wilkin.

NEW ZEALAND
Nathan Cayless (capt), Adam Blair, Greg Eastwood, David Fa'alogo, Nathan Fien, Dene Halatau, Lance Hohaia, Krisnan Inu, David Kidwell, Thomas Leuluai, Jeff Lima, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Sika Manu, Benji Marshall, Steve Matai, Sam Perrett, Sam Rapira, Jerome Ropati, Setaimata Sa, Jeremy Smith, Iosia Soliola, Manu Vatuvei, Brent Webb.

PNG - To be announced
Pool 2

FIJI
Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, Jason Bukuya, Iowane Divavesi, Aaron Groom, Jarryd Hayne, Sevania Koroi, Josua Koroibulu, Jone Macilai, Daryl Millard, Wes Naiqama, Vula Louis Dakuitoga Naqau, Kaliova Nauqe, Alipate Noilea, Josateki Ravueta, Osea Sadrau, Ashton Sims, James Storer, Waisale Sukanaveita, Semi Tadulala, Semisi Tora, Malakai Yalimaiwai Tuiloa, Akuila Uate, Suguturaga Nemani Valekapa, Ilisoni Vonomateiratu, Jone Wesele.

FRANCE
Eric Anselme, Jean-Philippe Baile, J. Christophe Borlin, Thomas Bosc, Laurent Carrasco, Remi Casty, Olivier Elima, Jamal Fakir, Adel Fellous, Maxime Greseque, Mathieu Griffi, Jerome Guisset, Christophe Moly, Gregory Mounis, Justin Murphy, Dimitri Pelo, Sebastien Planas, Sebastien Raguin, Julien Rinaldi, Teddy Sadaoui, Jared Taylor, John Wilson, James Wynne.

SCOTLAND
Chris Armit, Danny Brough, Dean Colton, Paddy Coupar, Gavin Cowan, John Duffy, Ben Fisher, Andrew Henderson, Ian Henderson, Kevin Henderson, Jack Howieson, Paul Jackson, Wade Liddell, Scott Logan, Neil Lowe, David McConnell, Duncan MacGillivray, Iain Morrison, Gareth Morton, Mick Nanyn, Lee Paterson, Michael Robertson, Jonathan Steel, Oliver Wilkes.
Pool 3

IRELAND
Ross Barbour, Bob Beswick, Damien Blanch, Mick Cassidy, Ged Corcoran, Lee Doran, Liam Finn, Simon Finnigan, Karl Fitzpatrick, Stevie Gibbons, Sean Gleeson, Scott Grix, Gareth Haggerty, Ben Harrison, Graham Holroyd, Wayne Kerr, Stuart Littler, Shannon McDonnell, Michael McIllorum, Eamon O'Carroll, Michael Platt, Pat Richards, Ryan Tandy, Brett White

SAMOA
Carmont George, Dave Faiumu, Harrison Hansen, Ali Lauititi, Tuaalagi Lepupa, Kylie Leulua'i, Wayne McDade, Francis Meli, Joseph Paulo, Frank Puletua, Tony Puletua, Ben Roberts, Tangi Ropati, Smith Samau, Lagi Setu, Terrence Seuseu, Dave Solomona, Willie Talau, Alby Talipeau, Misi Taulapapa, Ben Te'o, Tupu Ulufale, Matt Utai, Nigel Vagana.

TONGA
Fraser Anderson, Louis Anderson, Andrew Emelio, Richard Fa'aoso, Awen Guttenbeil, Michael Jennings, Antonio Kaufusi, Toshio Laiseni, Taniela Lasalo, Epalahame Lauaki, Tevita Leo-Latau, Willie Manu, Manase Manuokafoa, Feleti Mateo, Fuifui Moimoi, Eddie Paea, Lopini Paea, Mickey Paea, Fetuli Talanoa, Joel Taufa'ao, Esikeli Tonga, Taniela Tuiaki, Anthony Tupou, Etuate Uaisele, Cooper Vuna, Tony Williams.

- subject to RLIF clearance

AAP

 

[Zep]

Lame having Aus, NZ and Eng in the one group, ruins the chances for the 4th team... pathetic

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

true
I still think we may some good games
hell it will make the off season shorter 

*hey zep your banner need updating 

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Crocker out of World Cup

    From staff reporters
    October 09, 2008


http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24470829-23214,00.html

AUSTRALIA'S Michael Crocker's was this afternoon ruled out of the World Cup because of a broken rib.

Melbourne backrower Crocker sustained the injury in his side's 40-0 thrashing by Manly in the NRL grand final last Sunday.

Sydney Roosters forward Anthony Tupou will take Crocker's place in the Australia squad.

Tupou has played six Tests for Australia but was already named in a Tongan squad brimming with NRL talent.

He would have required a clearance from the Rugby League International Federation to have switched allegiance to the country of his heritage.

The 25-year-old Cronulla-bound second-rower will join the Kangaroos when they enter their World Cup camp on Saturday, a week ahead of their first match of the tournament against New Zealand on October 26.

 

[Kiwi Eagle]

Love your work Beaver

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

No stopping the Stewart express

By Christian Nicolussi and Steve Mascord | October 10, 2008

Glenn Stewart Brett Stewart Kangaroos

Life's pretty good...Manly's premiership-winning brothers Glenn (left) and Brett Stewart at the Kangaroo medical. Picture: Mark Evans. / The Daily Telegraph
FOUR days after their record-breaking grand final triumph, the Stewart brothers' excellent adventure showed no signs of petering out yesterday.

But the emotional experience of donning the green and gold together - knowing they will become the 21st set of brothers to play rugby league for Australia - had a sobering effect on the pair who have been front and centre of the biggest party out Manly way in 12 years.

Wollongong-raised Brett and Glenn Stewart will become the first brothers to play for the Kangaroos since Jason and Darren Smith in 1999. But so hard have the Sea Eagles been partying, the Stewart brothers had to be chauffeured across the Harbour Bridge for the Australian World Cup squad's first medical.

Winger David Williams needed his mother Pauline to drop him off from the family home in the Hills district.
"Playing in the NRL is unreal in itself, but to be playing alongside your brother and to be going that extra step further and playing for Australia, that's awesome," said Glenn Stewart.

"We've come a long way since backyard and knee footy. Everything's a bonus at the moment."

"Sunday (grand final night) hasn't really sunk in yet, and to wear the green and gold is surreal."

With the countdown on to the World Cup kickoff on October 25 and Australia's opening game against New Zealand at the SFS a day later:

 ANTHONY Tupou was called in to the Australian side for the injured Michael Crocker, despite training with the Tongan squad at Henson Park first thing yesterday;

 NEW Zealand were forced to recruit Jason Nightingale and Evarn Tuimavave for Brent Webb, who has been sidelined for six months with a spinal injury, and Storm prop Jeff Lima (knee); and

 MELBOURNE were put under official scrutiny from World Cup organisers after Brett White (feet) and Lima (knee) were withdrawn from the Ireland and New Zealand squads respectively.

RLWC general manager David Nissen said clubs had agreed that players should delay surgery until after the tournament unless they were in danger of missing the start of next season.

A Storm media release yesterday said: "Lima is expected to be back in full training by mid-February, while Brett White is expected to be back in full training by mid-January."

Now World Cup medical "cop" Ron Muratore has been put on the case with tournament director Colin Love explaining: "We've called for medical certificates and there will be further discussion."

Kurt Gidley, who attended the Australian medical, said he would grill his older brother Matt about the England squad when he returned from the English Super League next week. And debutant Terry Campese revealed his famous Wallaby uncle David Campese had been in touch and wished him the best of luck.

 

[eggson]

Not a fan of the VB logo on the jersey. 

And this is just me, but the whole thing with Tupou is annoying.  Now that he's back in for Aus people are saying 'he never applied to play for Tonga so he's fine' although he was named and trained with them.  So if Crocker was still playing then would Two-poo be able to play with Tonga even though he never made a request to change allegiances? 

Confusing i know, but the news report was right - people are going to have a field day tearing this one apart.

Still excited for the WC though - more footy is never a bad thing!

 

[DSM5]

Lame arsed footie comp.  In the heat players are open to injuries.  Too-poo's selection stinks of Stuart.  Why weaken an oceanic  team and maybe some interest when there's plenty of capable Aussies lying around.  Australia, England and NZ in the one group?  wtf.  Who thought that one up?  I just hope and pray that no Manly players get injured.  Matai pleeese drop out and get yourself fit for 09.     

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

well done to George Rose


Campbell to captain Indigenous side
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/campbell-to-captain-indigenous-side/2008/10/10/1223145606269.html

Gold Coast's Preston Campbell will captain the Indigenous Dreamtime team against New Zealand Maori when the two sides meet as part of the Rugby League World Cup's opening ceremony.

The Indigenous and Maori will clash in the Welcome to Country match at the Sydney Football Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the Australia-New Zealand Test on October 26.

Campbell, who will return to halfback for the game, said his appointment was the equal of any of his achievements in the game, including a premiership with Penrith in 2003.

"Winning a premiership is every player's dream, but to represent your people is an honour that all the boys are proud of," the Titans player of the year said.

"To be named as captain is something I will cherish for the rest of my life."

Dally M coach of the year Neil Henry has been handed a formidable side by selectors Arthur Beetson, Larry Corowa and Ricky Walford.

Campbell will reunite with his Panthers premiership-winning partner Rhys Wesser, while exciting South Sydney halfback Chris Sandow, Queensland State of Origin star Sam Thaiday and Wests Tigers giant Daine Laurie are also in the 17.

North Queensland enforcer Carl Webb will lead the forwards as vice-captain.

Cowboys-bound Henry said his role was to encourage the side to play their natural game.

"These guys are not just great athletes, they play a distinct brand of football that all fans love to watch," Henry said.

"To call it an intuitive style does not do justice to the ball-runners who search for the weakest link in the defence and then attack."

Former Parramatta player and Widnes half Denis Moran won automatic selection as 18th man after being named man of the series at the recent Australian Rugby League-endorsed Aboriginal Knockout.


Squad: Rhys Wesser (South Sydney), Ty Williams (North Queensland), Beau Champion (South Sydney), Jamal Idris (Bulldogs), Justin Carney (Canberra), Maurice Blair (Penrith), Preston Campbell (Gold Coast, capt), Carl Webb (North Queensland), Ian Lacey (Ipswich), George Rose (Manly), Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Sam Thaiday, (Brisbane), Joel Thompson (Canberra), Dean Widders (South Sydney), Chris Sandow (South Sydney), Yileen Gordon (Bulldogs), Peter Jensen (CRL), Denis Moran (Narwan Eels)

Final medical clearance required.

 

[eagle_predator]

Lame arsed footie comp.  In the heat players are open to injuries.  Too-poo's selection stinks of Stuart.  Why weaken an oceanic  team and maybe some interest when there's plenty of capable Aussies lying around.  Australia, England and NZ in the one group?  wtf.  Who thought that one up?  I just hope and pray that no Manly players get injured.  Matai pleeese drop out and get yourself fit for 09.     

Agree DSM5 while it's great we have added to international tally I just hope we get no injuries. I would like to see Matai get right before the start of the 09 season also.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

Hodges out, Cooper in doubt, but Kangaroos rule out another Tongan raid

Brad Walter | October 15, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/justin-hodges-ruled-out-of-world-cup/2008/10/14/1223750025569.html

PLANS by Australian selectors to avoid further conflict with Tonga by overlooking Penrith's Michael Jennings as a replacement for injured centre Justin Hodges are set to be tested following revelations that Dragons centre Matt Cooper faces groin surgery.

With Hodges yesterday ruled out of the coming World Cup after being advised he required shoulder surgery, tournament officials confirmed Jennings remained eligible to play for the Kangaroos - along with Scotland's Manly winger Michael Robertson, who scored three tries in the grand final.

But after last week being accused of making a farce of World Cup qualification rules by drafting in Anthony Tupou after he had trained with Tonga to take the spot of injured back-rower Michael Crocker, the defending champions are wary of attracting further criticism and will look to players not already named by other countries as their first option.

"The Australian selectors don't want to interfere with the preparations of other teams," ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said. "It is up to them who they pick but there's so many quality players that haven't been chosen by any country that I think you'll find it won't be an issue."

Such a decision would be welcomed by Tongan officials, who are still considering legal action against the Rugby League International Federation after Parramatta prop Fuifui Moimoi and Wests Tigers winger Taniela Tuiaki were last week refused permission to represent the Pacific nation they helped qualify for the World Cup after last year playing for New Zealand.

Under international rules, players eligible for more than one country can elect to swap allegiances between Cups but cannot change again until after the tournament.

As a result, Australian selectors are prevented from recalling Parramatta back Jarryd Hayne from the Fiji squad after he last week applied for and was granted permission to switch countries for the World Cup.

"If Australia try to do that it would be the stupidest thing they have ever done," a Bati official told the Herald after Hayne and the six other NRL players in their squad arrived in Fiji yesterday for a training camp. "Here we are trying to develop the game in Fiji and they have lots of players to choose from so why would they do that."

It is believed Cooper, who has represented Australia and NSW, was under consideration to replace Hodges, but last night he told the Herald he was due to undergo scans and might require groin surgery that would rule him out of contention.

Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt is another option.

Meanwhile, Australian players will learn whether they are to receive more than $10,000 payment for the tournament after a meeting tomorrow between Carr and players' union representatives that is expected to announce a bonus for winning the final.

World Cup organisers yesterday announced more than $2 million in prizemoney would be on offer for the 10 nations in the tournament, with the winner to receive $650,000.

In other news, former Melbourne centre John Wilshere was yesterday named captain of a Papua New Guinea side that includes St George Illawarra recruit Neville Costigan and Panthers pair Paul Aiton and Keith Peters, and former Kiwis skipper Ruben Wiki has confirmed his retirement.

 

[Canteen Worker]

Pick Killer - he would do the job for Australia in the Centre!!

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

World Cup sweat for Sea Eagle

Brad Walter | October 16, 2008
http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/world-cup-sweat-for-brett/2008/10/15/1223750131252.html

MANLY fullback Brett Stewart may be the latest withdrawal from Australia's World Cup squad after yesterday having a cortisone injection for a shoulder injury.

The treatment is an attempt by Stewart to overcome the problem before the Kangaroos go into camp on Saturday but Australian team doctor Hugh Hazard last night admitted the Sea Eagles star was in doubt for the tournament.

The news is a further setback to the host nation, who are yet to name a replacement for injured Brisbane centre Justin Hodges but have ruled out drafting in Penrith's Michael Jennings from the Tonga side. He is in Auckland preparing for Saturday's warm-up match against New Zealand.

As revealed in yesterday's Herald, Dragons centre Matt Cooper has a chronic groin problem and may require surgery.

The Kangaroos are in better shape than Tonga, who yesterday lost brothers Louis and Fraser Anderson to injury.

Tonga director William Edwards told the Herald the Pacific nation would still field a formidable side but was pushing ahead with legal action after the Rugby League International Federation refused to allow Parramatta prop Fuifui Moimoi and Wests Tigers winger Taniela Tuiaki to play because they had switched allegiances to New Zealand last year.

"I have briefed legal counsel, and the only real issue was related to costs, but we have spoken to some of our sponsors and they have agreed to help us out," Edwards said. "We are doing this as a matter of principle and because we believe the decision is unjust. Fuifui was born in Tonga, and the only time he spent in New Zealand was three years after going there on an under-18s rugby tour. He has spent more time in Australia than New Zealand."

The Jim Dymock-coached side has also lost Anthony Tupou after he was called into the Australian side last week to replace Michael Crocker. Edwards said he hoped the same thing wouldn't happen with Jennings.

"They know he's been training with us for five weeks, and he's happy to play for his country of heritage. He hasn't said anything about it us but I'm sure he wouldn't want to go," he said.

 

[Berkeley_Eagle]

World Cup call-up likely for Jamie Lyon

By Dean Ritchie | October 16, 2008
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,24501553-5006066,00.html

WITH three top-line centres now unavailable, Australian selectors may yet consider choosing Manly's Grand Final star Jamie Lyon.

The latest three-quarter to be ruled out of the Kangaroos World Cup squad was St George Illawarra's Matt Cooper, who has a groin injury.

Cooper was ready to replace injured Bronco Justin Hodges, who withdrew on Tuesday. Mark Gasnier is playing French rugby union.

Selectors will not consider Manly's Steve Bell, who is off to Super League in England, while Penrith's Michael Jennings has pledged his allegiance to Tonga and Jarryd Hayne to Fiji.

Lyon made himself unavailable for NSW in this year's State of Origin series - a decision which disappointed Blues selectors. Selectors may refuse to consider Lyon after the Origin drama but he is still very much available, according to ARL chief executive Geoff Carr.

"Jamie Lyon has never become unavailable,'' Carr said. "Jamie has never made an application (to be exempt). He made it clear through Origin, but through the media.

"For a player to get exemption, he has to apply before the first representative match of a season and give his reasons for the ARL to consider.  Jamie has not done that.''

Lyon could not be contacted yesterday afternoon. Selectors are due to announce Hodges' replacement today.

To retain their squad's balance, selectors are ready to replace a centre with another centre - making Karmichael Hunt's bid all the more difficult. But Hunt, overlooked for the original squad, has been mentioned despite his alleged involvement in a sexual assault in Brisbane last month.
Australian selector Bob McCarthy said our depth was being tested.

"With Mark Gasnier gone to rugby union, the loss of Justin Hodges leave a big hole,'' McCarthy said. "In my opinion, Hodges is the best centre in the game. To lose a player of his ability really hurts you. We have lost both centres from that Cententary Test.

"We have depth but it is starting to erode. Michael Crocker has gone, Willie Mason, Greg Bird ... there's five or six gone from that team. Ricky (Stuart, coach) now needs to start working on new combinations. That is why we chose so many Manly players.''

Australia, the overwhelming World Cup favourites, will go into camp in Coogee on Saturday.

 

[eggson]

Picking Crocker who's buggering off to ESL has made this all a joke. 

And McCarthy says the reason 6 Manly players were selected was cos of depth issues?  Nothing about us being the best team of the season?  If they want existing combos then pick Ox.  Ah who cares, this World Cup means nothing to me anyways, i got the trophy i wanted (thru the Sea Eagles of course!)

 

[the EAGLE ROCK]

IRELAND
Ross Barbour, Bob Beswick, Damien Blanch, Mick Cassidy, Ged Corcoran, Lee Doran, Liam Finn, Simon Finnigan, Karl Fitzpatrick, Stevie Gibbons, Sean Gleeson, Scott Grix, Gareth Haggerty, Ben Harrison, Graham Holroyd, Wayne Kerr, Stuart Littler, Shannon McDonnell, Michael McIllorum, Eamon O'Carroll, Michael Platt, Pat Richards, Ryan Tandy, Brett White



hahaha...This guy is gunna cop a hammering from supporters downunder i reckon!

 

[eggson]

Brett Stewart out of Rugby League World Cup

from daily tele

MANLY Grand Final star Brett Stewart has withdrawn from the Australian World Cup squad.

Stewart has a shoulder injury and pulled out just after 10am today.

Friends claim Stewart is "shattered" at missing the chance to play for Australia alongside brother Glenn. No replacement has been named.

Selectors are expected to announce a new fullback today along with a replacement centre for injured Justin Hodges.

 

[CliffyIsGod]

I guess KHunt is in now.