The Rugby League World Cup. Part 1

By Stephen Gallagher

One of my favourite things about international rugby league is that is bridges the NRL off-season gap, making it feel like even less time until round one starts.

This is the most anticipated Rugby League World Cup yet – and that’s because of the influx of Polynesian players in the NRL who are wanting to represent their country of heritage.

We’ve seen New Zealand decimated by this in the past, but it’s also affected Australia this year more so than the Kiwis.

I love seeing these players taking the international game seriously. It’s the one part of rugby league that struggles, but the resurgence of Tonga in 2017 helped that, and there’s plenty of hype around those Island nations too.

I could easily do a 5000-word deep dive on the whole tournament, but I thought it’d be better to give a highlight for each nation, which players to look out for, and who can win the whole thing.

 

Men’s Group A

England – Obviously on home soil, this is a key tournament for the Poms. They are currently outsiders in their first game against Samoa which raises a few eyebrows.

The pressure is on them to perform. This is their World Cup. They were finalists in 2017, only losing 6-0 against Australia.

Kai Pearce-Paul is 196cms tall, 101 kilos, and is a rangy second-rower with a great off-load. He has the ability to keep the ball alive, which is great for their speedsters following through.

Jack Welsby, famous for the try of the year which saw Saint Helens win the 2020 Superleague final is a serious speedster who can play in multiple backline positions. He will most likely play five-eighth and will do a great job there.

 

France – Not serious contenders, but will more than likely walk away from pool play with a win over Greece. They just don’t have the calibre of players to compete against the top-tier nations.

Samisoni Langi has had a solid season at Catalan Dragons and will add a lot of vigour to the centres of this French outfit. Experience and composure are his two best attributes.

Paul Marcon is a great finisher and has speed to burn. He’s also a tall winger, so no doubt they’ll bomb to his wing.

 

Samoa – They will be targeting the first game against England to set them up for the tournament. There is a big expectation on them to replicate what ‘big brother’ Tonga did in the previous RLWC. This would be their best squad assembled, so yes, they have to live up to those expectations.

Joseph Suaalii gets his first proper chance at fullback, and I know he’s going to take this opportunity and run with it. He’s got unmatched potential. No doubt in my mind he can be the best player in the game within the next five years.

Royce Hunt had a very good season for Cronulla, and seeing him surrounded by higher-quality players I think we’ll see him go to another level for Samoa. He’s hard to tackle and enjoys putting a hit on.

 

Greece – Let’s just start this off by saying up until a few months ago, rugby league was illegal in Greece. Yep. You read that correctly. In one of their RLWC qualifiers, they had to lie about the venue and play it elsewhere. By the time the authorities turned up to the right venue, the game was almost done. They won’t win a game, but it’s great to see them here.

Jordan Meads might be a name you recall. A junior Warrior comp winner when they were in their prime. He’s the captain and halfback, and will be representing his country with pride.

Peter Mamouzelos got a few games for the South Sydney Rabbitohs this year, and looked dangerous at hooker when he did. Hope to see him get his opportunity at international level and turn some heads.

 

Men’s Group B

Australia – I mean, it’s a given that they’re favourites to win the World Cup despite not having played a game of international rugby league in three years.

A stack of debutantes named by Mal Meninga which is awesome to see a new era for these Kangaroos. They will come up against the Kiwis in the semi-finals, which really should be the final. 

Campbell Graham is probably under rated for what he can offer. This was his best season by far. So reliable in attack or defence, and if he gets a chance to play in this World Cup, he could push for a starting spot when we’re at the business end.

Reuben Cotter has had a brilliant rise. From nowhere near ready to Origin and International footballer in 12 months, this shows a lot about his attitude and dedication to his craft. He could literally play anywhere and not let you down.

 

Fiji – I think Fiji are probably the weakest of the Pacific nations, but that doesn’t mean they’re a bad side. They will have trouble against Australia, but are definitely more than capable to beat Italy and Scotland convincingly.

Sunia Turuva is the next cab off the rank in terms of Fijian flair. Made his debut internationally earlier this year and scored two tries and ran for 252 metres. He’s got some toe and loves to score.

Apisai Koroisau is the best hooker in the game right now. So what he can add to this Fijian side is going to be something special. If he can get in and around the ruck and cause some havoc for the defence, Fiji will flourish.

 

Italy – A sprinkling of NRL players in this side, which seems to be the case every time a tournament like this rolls around really boosts their confidence. I think Fiji will be their biggest opportunity to cause an upset. Should beat Scotland too.

Cooper Johns – Has jumped in the deep end for Melbourne a few times this season and has done well. Currently without a club for 2023, this could do his prospects wonders.

Jake Maizen is a Queensland Cup player, but is a pretty good centre. He can find the try line and break a few tackles doing so. Loves the contact. Will be good to have close to the line on attack.

 

Scotland – The mighty Scots will more than likely finish bottom of their pool. A lot of second-tier players in this squad, but a couple of experienced players which will help them out.

Euan Aiken is a weapon. A brilliant season for the Warriors. Whether he’s in the second row or centres, he’ll be a handful.

 The little I’ve seen of Kyle Schneider has impressed me. A young, strong hooker from Mackay Cutters in the Queensland Cup. Very effective tackler.

Tomorrow.  Groups C and D, including the Kiwis

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