RLWC08 ticketing announcement



The Kangaroos head home today to a reminder of even bigger challenges ahead with news that tickets for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup will go on sale on November 7 this year.

Fresh from their record 58 – 0 victory over New Zealand, the Kangaroos can enjoy their final off-season break before Rugby League World Cup XIII Opening Ceremony at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday, October 26, next year.

While the release of the ticketing programme today gives fans time to plan their World Cup itineraries before the on-sale date of November 7, *'s a clear sign for the players that the *'s biggest international challenge is just around the corner.

“*'s been something *'s been in the back of *'s mind until this point but now they have a very clear focus on the event,” Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart said today.

“While *'s result is pleasing heading into a World Cup year, it is important that we don’t become complacent and lose focus of our ultimate goal which is retaining our title as Rugby League World Champions.”

The ticketing programme for the Rugby League World Cup takes in 18 matches across 12 different venues in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT.

Rugby League World Cup organisers have ensured that the range of ticket prices and the geographic spread of the venues will give a maximum number of fans the chance to get involved in the World Cup.

“It has been 30 years since Australia hosted a Rugby League World Cup,” RLIF Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, said today.

“We wanted to ensure that as many Rugby League fans as possible and indeed that all sports fans could be a part of this major international event.”

The ticket programme announcement today gives fans the chance to study the match schedule before tickets go on sale at noon on November 7, 2007.

The ticketing programme is currently available at www.rlwc08.com/tickets

Tickets for matches in NSW (including the Opening Ceremony at the SFS on October 26), Queensland (including the final at Lang Park on November 22) and the ACT will be distributed through Ticketek agents from noon on November 7.

Tickets for the historic Australia v England match at *'s Telstra Dome will be available through Ticketmaster from noon on November 7.

Tickets for *'s Browne Park game can be purchased locally through the Pilbeam Theatre box office.

NRL Season Ticket Holders will be advised of their exclusive purchasing windows in coming weeks.

Organisers have also set aside tickets for Accredited RLWC’08 travel agents.

Only these official tournament agents can guarantee overseas fans access to premium tickets to all matches.

The Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Saturday, October 25, 2008 with the final to be played on Saturday, November 22 in Brisbane.

Qualification matches between seven nations are being contested over the next month for the final three spots in the World Cup competition. The three successful teams will join Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, France, Fiji and Tonga in the tournament.

More information about the Rugby League World Cup can be found on this website.

Ticketek 1300 136 494 www.ticketek.com.au
Telstra Dome Ticketmaster 1300 136 122 www.ticketmaster.com.au
Browne Park (Pilbeam Theatre) 07 4927 4111 www.venuesandevents.com.au



The full schedule for the 2008 World Cup is as follows:

Date Venue Match
Sat, 25 Oct 08 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville England v PNG
Sun, 26 Oct 08 Canberra Stadium Euro A - 2 v France
Sun, 26 Oct 08 Sydney Football Stadium Official Opening Ceremony Australia v NZ
Mon, 27 Oct 08 Parramatta Stadium Tonga v Euro A-1
Fri, 31 Oct 08 CUA Stadium, Penrith Repechage Winner v Tonga
Sat, 1 Nov 08 WIN Stadium, Wollongong Fiji v France
Sat, 1 Nov 08 Skilled Park, Gold Coast NZ v PNG
Sun, 2 Nov 08 Telstra Dome, Melbourne Australia v England
Wed, 5 Nov 08 Bluetongue Stadium, Central Coast Euro A - 2 v Fiji
Wed, 5 Nov 08 Parramatta Stadium Euro A - 1 v Repechage Winner
Sat, 8 Nov 08 Browne Park, Rockhampton Pool (2-2) v (2-3)
Sat, 8 Nov 08 Energy Australia Stadium, Newcastle England v NZ
Sun, 9 Nov 08 CUA Stadium, Penrith Pool (3-2) v (3-3)
Sun, 9 Nov 08 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville PNG v Australia
Mon, 10 Nov 08 Skilled Park, Gold Coast Qualifying Final Pool(1-2) v (1-3)
Sat, 15 Nov 08 Lang Park, Brisbane Semi Final (1)
Sun, 16 Nov 08 Sydney Football Stadium Semi Final (2)
Sat, 22 Nov 08 Lang Park, Brisbane FINAL

For further information please call:

John Brady 02 9339 8524; 0408 881 222

Pat Tsanis 02 9237 0747; 0403 262 656

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=29

Tickets



In 2008, the Centenary of Rugby League will be celebrated in Australia, the pinnacle of which will undoubtedly be the hosting of the thirteenth Rugby League World Cup. (RLWC08)

RLWC08 will be contested by ten nations over eighteen matches in twelve different venues along the East Coast.

Seven nations are in a race for the three berths in RLWC08 joinging Austrlia, New Zealand, England, France, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Fiji.

The final round of European qualifying matches will be played on November 4 with Ireland, Lebanon and Russia (Pool 1) and Scotland and Wales (Pool 2) competing. The top team from each of those pools will qualify for the Rugby League World Cup.

The runners-up in each pool will join Samoa and the USA in the repechage playoffs in mid-November to determine the final qualifier for the tournament. Further information regarding the tournament can be obtained through the competition's official website www.rlwc08.com

RLWC08 tickets will go on-sale to the General Public at 12:00 noon on Wednesday 7th of November 2007


WHERE TO BUY TICKETS

Tickets for all NSW and Queensland matches (with the exception of Browne Park) can be purchased through Ticketek

Online
www.ticketek.com.au
Phone
1300 136 494
In Person
Ticketek agencies nationally


Tickets for the Australia v England Match at Telstra Dome in Melbourne can be purchased through Ticketmaster

Online
www.ticketmaster.com.au
Phone
1300 136 122
In Person
Ticketmaster agencies nationally.


Tickets for the pool match to be held at Browne Park in Rockhampton on Saturday 8th November can be purchased through Rockhampton Venues and Events

Online
www.venuesandevents.com.au
Phone
(07) 4927 4111
In Person
The Pilbeam Theatre Box Office on Victoria Parade, Rockhampton.


ON SALE CONDITIONS

This tournament "On-Sale" is only open to Australian residents with Australian addresses, tickets ordered for International addresses may be cancelled and money refunded.

Ticket limits of ten tickets per transaction for pool matches and six tickets for the Final at Lang Park will apply.
PRICE CATEGORIES

Juniors

4-15 years. Children 3 and under are free on the knee unless occupying a seat

Pensioner

(Aged, War, TPI, Invalid & Disability) only.
No seniors Allowed

Family

2 Adults & 2 Juniors or
1 Adult & 3 Juniors

DATE VENUE MATCH
A B C D
Sat, 25 Oct 08 18:55 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville England v PNG
Adult $55.00 $35.00 $23.00 $18.00
Conc. $40.00 $25.00 $17.00 $14.00
Junior $40.00 $25.00 $17.00 $14.00
Family $130.00 $85.00 $55.00 $47.00
Sun, 26 Oct 08 17:25 Canberra Stadium Euro A - 2 v France
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $15.00 $18.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00
Sun, 26 Oct 08 19:55 Sydney Football Stadium Official Opening Ceremony Australia v NZ
Adult $75.00 $45.00 $33.00
Conc. $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Junior $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Family $180.00 $108.00 $80.00
Mon, 27 Oct 08 18:55 Parramatta Stadium Tonga v Euro A-1
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $25.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00
Fri, 31 Oct 08 18:55 CUA Stadium, Penrith Repechage Winner v Tonga
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $15.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00
Sat, 1 Nov 08 17:25 WIN Stadium, Wollongong Fiji v France
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $15.00 $10.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00 $7.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00 $7.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00 $25.00
Sat, 1 Nov 08 18:55 Skilled Stadium, Gold Coast New Zealand v PNG
Adult $45.00 $35.00 $23.00
Conc. $32.00 $25.00 $17.00
Junior $32.00 $25.00 $17.00
Family $106.00 $85.00 $55.00
Sun, 2 Nov 08 19:55 Telstra Dome, Melbourne Australia v England
Adult $75.00 $45.00 $33.00
Conc. $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Junior $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Family $180.00 $108.00 $80.00
Wed, 5 Nov 08 17:25 Bluetongue Stadium, Central Coast Euro A-2 v Fiji
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $15.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00
Wed, 5 Nov 08 19:55 Parramatta Stadium Euro A-1 v Repechage Winner
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $15.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00
Sat, 8 Nov 08 16:55 Browne Park, Rockhampton Pool (2-2) v (2-3)
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $15.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00
Sat, 8 Nov 08 19:55 Energy Australia Stadium, Newcastle England v NZ
Adult $45.00 $35.00 $23.00 $18.00
Conc. $32.00 $25.00 $17.00 $14.00
Junior $32.00 $25.00 $17.00 $14.00
Family $106.00 $85.00 $55.00 $47.00
Sun, 9 Nov 08 17:55 CUA Stadium, Penrith Pool (3-2) v (3-3)
Adult $35.00 $25.00 $15.00
Conc. $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Junior $25.00 $18.00 $12.00
Family $84.00 $60.00 $36.00
Sun, 9 Nov 08 18:55 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville PNG v Australia
Adult $55.00 $35.00 $23.00 $18.00
Conc. $40.00 $25.00 $17.00 $14.00
Junior $40.00 $25.00 $17.00 $14.00
Family $130.00 $85.00 $55.00 $47.00
Mon, 10 Nov 08 18:55 Skilled Park, Gold Coast Semi-final Qualifier Pool (1-2) v (1-3)
Adult $45.00 $35.00 $23.00
Conc. $32.00 $25.00 $17.00
Junior $32.00 $25.00 $17.00
Family $106.00 $85.00 $55.00
Sat, 15 Nov 08 18:55 Lang Park, Brisbane Semi Final (1)
Adult $75.00 $45.00 $33.00
Conc. $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Junior $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Family $180.00 $108.00 $80.00
Sun, 16 Nov 08 19:55 Sydney Football Stadium Semi Final (2)
Adult $75.00 $45.00 $33.00
Conc. $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Junior $56.00 $33.00 $25.00
Family $180.00 $108.00 $80.00
Sat, 22 Nov 08 18:55 Lang Park, Brisbane FINAL
Adult $135.00 $80.00 $50.00
Conc. $100.00 $60.00 $38.00
Junior $100.00 $60.00 $38.00
Family $325.00 $190.00 $120.00


For all ticket email enquiries please email: rlwc08@ticketek.com.au

Please click here for FAQ's
Please click here for Conditions of Sale

http://www.rlwc08.com/tickets/default.asp?pageID=0

World Cup 2008 qualifier
Monday 15 October 2007

The Russians are in the last chance saloon when they face Ireland in Carlow next Saturday, 20th October (kick off 4pm) in a Rugby League 2008 World Cup (Europe) Qualifier. Having already suffered a home defeat by the Irish and lost away against Lebanon, the Russians travel to the Emerald Isle knowing that only a win will do if they are gain automatic qualification for Australia next year or at least make the repechage for tenth spot.

They will arrive in Ireland on Thursday to prepare and their squad is dominated by players from Lokomotiv Moscow who have just won the domestic title after defeating local rivals Vereya; ending the run of Strela Kazan. Although coach Evgeny Klebanov will not select his captain until the squad lands and trains, senior player Viktor Nechaev commented, "This game is very important to us and we have a great spirit among the totally home produced squad. We know how difficult it is going to be over there, they are a good side, but we are still hoping to give then a good game".



RUSSIA SQUAD

1. Evgeny Bozhukov - Lokomotiv Moscow

2. Roman Ovchinnikov - Loko

3. Sergey Matveev - Loko

4. Georgy Vinogradov - Loko

5. Andrey Medvedev - Loko

6. Ruslan Izmaylov - Loko

7. Sergey Sidorov - Loko

8. Artem Grigoryan - Loko

9. Viktor Nechaev - Loko

10. Andrey Zdobnikov -Loko

11. Oleg Logunov - Loko

12. Nikolay Zagoskin - Loko

13. Valentin Baskakov - Loko

14. Sergey Dobrynin - Loko

15. Oleg Smirnov - Vereya Moscow

16. Vladimir Vlasyuk - Vereya

17. Marat Habibullin - Strela Kazan

18. Azat Musin - Strela Kazan

19. Andrey Koltykhov - Loko

20. Aleksander Lysokon - Vereya



The Russian Rugby League Federation sent a three man delegation to England this week, culminating in a visit to Old Trafford to watch and enjoy the engage Super League Grand Final last Saturday. Sasha Dennisov (Russian Rugby Federation), Lubov Yeliseeva (Moscow Schools Education Department) and Alexandr Yegorov (Moscow Sport Committee) are hoping to introduce a pilot programme to deliver rugby league into a number of schools in North Moscow. They attended meetings with senior RFL officials and organizers of schools competition in the UK at the games’ headquarters in Leeds. While at the Grand Final, they met MPs and top Sport England officials to discuss mutually beneficial projects. The trio stayed at the George Hotel in Huddersfield where they supplied some Russia RL memorabilia to be used in the Gillette Heritage Museum situated there.

Meanwhile, in other Euro news, Latvia won their first international at the weekend when they defeated Estonia 52-28 in Tallinn; in a game refereed by London Society official Steve Davis. Both countries have benefited from visits by the GB Student Pioneers and are in the early stages of establishing the code.

Scotland *'s Development Squad went down 48-30 to a Hellenic Rugby League side in Rhodes and in a wheelchair international, France triumphed 29-22 at home to Great Britain, winning in the final minute of a pulsating, all-action Test to maintain their unbeaten record.

GB Head Coach Malcolm Keilty said, “France versus Britain Tests are always close and exciting contests. I am of course a little disappointed with the result but on the other hand playing in this great venue was a perfect setting and a true recognition for our sport. The Paris crowd and the organization were simply fantastic.” Former French rugby union international Thierry Lacroix said he was, “amazed by the pace and physicality of the game. I would love to see it expanding and will personally contribute” he added.

http://www.rlef.eu.com/newsstory.php?id=342

Whoa did someone just post 6 news articles in a row...who wasn't nasty_daddy?

Yeah I needed my fix after being away for a week.

I hate the off season!!!

Ireland eyes off Russia



Ireland overcame an early scare to post an 11-try 58-18 win over Russia in a 2008 World Cup qualifier played in Carlow, Dublin.

The Irish are poised for a place in the Repechage final following a spirited fightback that produced spectacular open football. However, the opening period belonged to Russia.

After just eight minutes Russia led 10-0 and the Ireland coach Andy Kelly was looking to rub a four leaf clover.

He ultimately must have found one because Ireland hit their straps and leveled the scores after 20 minutes.

The Russians, Oleg Logunov and Valentin Baskakov had cut holes in the Irish defence but there was no denying the spit and polish of the Ireland recovery.

Damian Blanch and Sean Gleeson scored tries after wrong-footing a tiring Russian defence but Russia re-gained the lead in the 21st minute when Artem Grigoryan landed a penalty goal.

Gleeson crossed for his second after skirting a flat-footed defence and right on halftime Bob Beswick went over for the first of his brace. Beswick has had a hand in both of Ireland's opening tries.

Russia raised a flutter of hope when Nikolay scored after anticipating a cross-kick from Grigoryan.

Stuart Littler soon put paid to any likely recovery from Russia when he crossed for two tries within six minutes.
Ireland were sharp and decisive and loom as a distinct possibility to claim one of the three remaining places in the final field of 10.

Kelly was full of praise for the Russian effort.

"Credit to Russia, they gave us the fright of our lives in the first 20 minutes," he said.

"It won't be easy for Lebanon against Russia in Russia next weekend".

Ireland 58 ( D Blanch 3, S Littler 3, S Gleeson 2, B Beswick 2, P Handforth tries; L Finn 4, Handforth 3 goals)
Def. Russia 18 (O Lugunov, V Baskakov, N Zagoskin tries; A Grigoryan 2, Z Dobvikov goals)
Referee: Phil Bentham

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=30

Malta overpower Portugal 56 to 12

The nucleus of Maltese Rugby League's future proved their worth tonight when four debutants all crossed the line in Malta's 56 to 12 victory over Portugal at the Western Weekender Stadium in Sydney.

Ian Catania, Luke Vella, Luke Sant and Travis Robinson all crossed for four pointers while seasoned performer Willie Grech played a man of the match role in a strong tussle where according to both nations, "the score did not reflect the true performance of the two teams".

Malta and Portugal were tied at 6-all midway through the first half before a twenty minute spell by Malta proved the difference.

Penrith Panthers whiz kid Jarrod Sammut was a sensation with his kicking in general play as well as nailing conversions from across the park before the Maltese sent skipper Ben Samutt off a winner in his final match on Australian soil.

Portugal captain Gabriel Ramon led the way for the spirited Portuguese as Malta now prepare to welcome nine Maltese based debutants for their international against the British Defence Forces on October 19.

http://www.malteserugbyleague.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1191672082&archive=&start_from=&ucat=

---------------------------------------------------------

Seriously, is there any team I follow in any code that is capable of winning matches?

I think they need someone who is more capable of diving over the line.

They should sign up Christiano Ronaldo.

Isaac De Gois is the captain but I'm not sure he's leading from the front....

Terribly disappointing for the good fellows back in Portugal who will be devestated at this result for centuries to come.

Id say the result has put the game in Portugal back a few years but im not sure if thats possible

So are we any closer to knowing who the second team to play in Canberra is yet?

I think it's most likely to be Ireland or Lebanon.

They'll be crying into their buckets of Oporto chicken over this one...

Its good to see Malta doing well. They just beat a British rep team using ten local Maltese players and also just had their first domestic comp.

As a fellow Portugese man, Im devestated.....What is Luis Fig doing now

Oh, he's just hanging around.

Tonga v. Fiji - Tight!



While most of the Rugby League World Cup attention has been focused in Europe where the final Qualifying matches for the 2008 tournament are getting underway, *'s been a showdown of a different sort in Tonga.

In a reminder of just how close the competition is between some of the nations that have already qualified, Tonga hosted Fiji in an international last weekend with the home side snatching at 14-12 victory in the final moments.

Tonga and Fiji are in different pools for the main draw next year but the rivalry and skill on show over the weekend was enough to suggest that both are looking to force a finals berth in 2008.

Just three positions remain to be decided in the 10-team tournament which kicks off in Australia next year. The official Opening Ceremony will be staged at the Sydney Football Stadium on October 26 and the final at Lang Park on November 22.

On Saturday evening in Dublin, Ireland appeared to have all but ended *'s hopes with a 58-18 victory, which in turn leaves the Irish into a showdown with Lebanon to determine the winner of their qualifying pool.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=31

*'s “Inside” Mail



The United States will be “word-perfect” prepared for their clash with Samoa in a 2008 World Cup qualifying match against Samoa at Widnes on 9 November this year.

USA will now be coached by Penrith NRL coach Matthew Elliott and he will have first hand data on what to expect from a star-studded Samoan line-up.

Penrith forwards Tony and Frank Puletua will strip for Samoa alongside newly appointed captain Nigel Vagana, Ali Lauitiiti, Willie Talau, Kylie and Phil Leuluai.

This is a do-or-die clash for Samoa having lost to Tonga last year, 18-10. If they win, Samoa will play off for the 10th and final spot in the 2008 line-up.

The physically stronger Samoa team must beat the USA to have any chance of claiming the 10th and final spot in the tournament. But the USA won’t be a pushover.

Gold Coast winger Matt Petersen will lead the USA.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=32

A winger leading a national side

Samoa look like a decent side.

I thought that to. Can't think of a winger who was captain.

I can't think of any other wingers who have captained their country. The only winger I can think of that captained any team was Luke Covell for one game this year for the Sharks but that was after half the team was out injured.

What I really found funny was that the article said Mathew Elliott is coach! I thought Terry Matterson was the coach and Elliott was the Co-coach.

I had heard the same thing.

Lebanon romp in league Cup qualifier
October 29, 2007

Lebanon rugby league coach Darren Maroon will favour players currently involved in the Cedars' World Cup campaign over absent stars like Hazem El Masri when it comes time to pick a team for next year's tournament.

Made up mainly of Australia-based players, Lebanon pounded Russia 48-0 in Saturday's World Cup qualifier at Nara Stadium on the outskirts of Moscow.

They need only to beat Ireland at Dewbury on Friday to qualify for next year's 10-team World Cup in Australia, despite the withdrawal of Bulldogs winger El Masri and Wests Tigers' refusal to release Robbie Farah and Jarrod Saffy.

"They're not filling in," Maroon said of their replacements, such as current hooker Jamie Clark.

"If some people don't make themselves available and these guys do, then they've got a head start.

"But (Robbie Farah) is a unique situation."

Sydney Roosters signing George Ndaira captained Lebanon from halfback at the weekend while St George Illawarra centre Frank Samia was one of three Cedars to notch try braces.

The Russians, beaten 58-18 the previous Saturday by Ireland, held Lebanon to 6-0 after 20 minutes but their defence out wide was no match for the speed and precision of the visitors in bitingly cold temperatures.

Former Wests Tigers import Roman Ovchinikov was the Bears best, later saying: "It is disappointing some of the small countries are in the World Cup and we will not be.

"But we are doing the best we can at this time."

Veteran centre Hassan Saleh described the weather as the second-worst conditions Lebanon have ever played in while Maroon commented: "We have improvements to make, big improvements.

"We were rusty, it was our first game together."

www.smh.com.au

Record Defeat In Perpignan For Bravehearts

An under-strength Scotland went down to a record 46-16 defeat in Perpignan tonight, conceding five first-half tries.

A France side packed with Super League players got off to a flier against a far less experienced Scotland side. They thought they had scored on just three minutes when winger Cyril Stacul went over but was adjudged to have been held up and Harlequins hooker Julien Rinaldi suffered the same fate six minutes later. They did make the breakthrough on 10 minutes when France skipper Rinaldi scored from a pass on the run by Catalans’ prop Adel Fellous, converted by Max Gresque. It was 12-0 on 13 minutes when Guisset converted a try in the left corner by Stacul.

Scotland were up against it even more when Scotland sub Iain Marsh was sin-binned for a high forearm and the 6,000 crowd which almost filled the Stade Gilbert Brutus, home of Super *'s Catalans Dragons, could smell an early kill. Indeed it was 18-0 on 20 minutes when Carcassonne stand-off Christophe Moly and Gresque combined to send Toulouse winger Sebastien Planas over, converted by Gresque.

Scotland, wearing white shirts and navy shorts, thankfully got a foothold in the game on 27 minutes when *'s Jamie Benn, playing on the wing, scored, but S4 was unable to convert.

But France took control from the restart, putting Scotland under great pressure before scoring the try of the night. Five metres out the ball passed through several pairs of French hands before former London Broncos and Wakefield centre Sylvain Houles scored in the left corner, converted superbly by Gresque.

It was game over two minutes before the break: the ball moved swiftly from Guisset to full-bacdk Bosc to Rinaldi for Eric Anselme to break away straight down the middle of the field to score. Gresque converted yet again to make it 30-4.

Scotland started the second half well with a fantastic try by Mick Nanyn, the bulky centre running 40 metres down the right centre channel to score after a bustling run by stand-off Lee Paterson. Nanyn himself converted from 10 metres in from touch.
Alex Szostak was held up over the line before, on the hour, debutants Mark Slatter and Lee Paterson combined down the left for Paterson to score a wonderful try in the corner, converted by Nanyn to give Scotland a chance at 30-16 but they had to score next.

Instead, three minutes later Anselme slipped out of Kevin *'s tackle and offloaded 20 metres out for Bosc to score under the posts.

With ten minutes left Wade Liddell made a 40 metre one-man attack after intercepting a pass and charging two tackles only to see Alex Szostak fumble *'s pass and Gresque race 70 metres to the other end to score for France.

James Wynne had a try disallowed for France on 75 minutes for a double movement as the home side turned on the flair and, with two minutes left, Christophe Moly scored the final try for France, converted by Gresque.

Scotland: Wade Liddell (Brisbane Easts Tigers), Jamie Benn (Featherstone Rovers), Kevin Henderson (Wakefield Trinity), Mick Nanyn (Oldham), Andy Todd (Edinburgh Eagles), Lee Paterson (Toulouse Olympique), Richie Hawkyard (Swinton Lions), Duncan MacGillivray (Wakefield Trinity), Ben Fisher (Hull KR), Jack Howieson (Sheffield Eagle), Iain Morrison (Hull KR), David Lynn (Edinburgh Eagles), Richard Fletcher (Whitehaven).
Subs: Mark Slatter (Hillsborough Hawks), Dave McConnell (Leigh Centurions), Alex Szostak (Bradford Bulls), Iain Marsh (Rochdale Hornets).
Tries: Benn 27, Nanyn 44, Paterson 60.
Goal: Nanyn 2.

France: Thomas Bosc (Catalans), Justin Murphy (Catalans), Sebastien Planas (Toulouse), Sylvain Houles (Toulouse), Cyril Stacul (Catalans), Christophe Moly (Carcassonne), Maxime Gresque (Pia), David Ferriol (Catalans), Julien Rinaldi (Harlequins), Adel Fellous (Catalans), Oliveir Elima (Catalans), Eric Anselme (Albi), Laurent Carrasco (Villenueve). Subs: Raguin, Borlin, Sadaoui, Wynne.

Tries: Rinaldi 10, Stacul 13, Planas 20, Houles 34, Anselme 38, Bosc 63, Gresque 70, Moly 78.
Goals: Gresque 7.

http://www.scotlandrugbyleague.org.uk/

Iestyn is ready for action

HEAD coach Martin Hall has said Iestyn Harris will definitely play a part in Wales’ two rugby league internationals over the coming weeks.

Bradford Bulls’ 32-year-old Harris was due to turn out for Wales last year in the first leg of their World Cup qualifier with Scotland at *'s Brewery Field, but failed to turn up because he had not recovered fully from keyhole surgery to his knee.

But the former Cardiff Blues and Wales outside-half has said he will be available for his country this autumn as they bid to reach the World Cup finals in 2008 in Australia.

Wales face Papua New Guinea, who they beat in the 2000 World Cup on the way to the semi-finals, at the Brewery Field on Sunday for a warm-up ahead of the deciding second leg with Scotland on November 4 in Glasgow.

Hall and the north of England-based players in his 29-man squad met up yesterday for a training session and will be linking with the rest of the squad, mostly from the Celtic Crusaders, tomorrow.

But the coach said Harris is certain to have a game in the next two weeks, his first Welsh cap since the last of his 29 union internationals three years ago.

Hall said, "I know Iestyn was injured last year which is why he could not play, but he is fit now and he will definitely play in one of the two matches. I don’t know if he will have a full game against Papua New Guinea because we would want to ensure he does not get injured and save him for the Scotland match."

"But it is great to have somebody of his talent in our squad and he will be forming a half-back combination with Lee Briers."

Scrum-half and Welsh captain Briers, however, could miss the match because of an ankle injury picked up against St Helens when playing for Warrington last month.

Wales will, though, be without St Helens star Keiron Cunningham who has retired from all international rugby.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk

Wales 50-10 Papua New Guinea

Wales warmed up for their crunch World Cup qualifier with Scotland next Sunday by crushing Papua New Guinea in Bridgend today.

The Welsh were led by Bradford Bulls’ Iestyn Harris, who was playing his first match for his country in seven years.

And the hosts were far too organised for a surprisingly poor Papua New Guinea who, themselves, are seeded through to the World Cup finals in Australia next year.

Wales were behind only once in the match after the South Sea Islanders took a 6-0 lead through second row George Moni in the opening minutes.

Once they found their feet, the Welsh took command with loose forward Phil Joseph, wing Dave Halley and replacement Damien Gibson all going over the visitors’ line before half-time.

And they went into overdrive in the second-half with six further tries from Gibson, Robert Roberts, Matt James, Halley again, Sean Penkywicz and Mark Lennon.

Harris booted five conversions as well as doing a lot in defence and attack for his side.

Lennon and Adam Hughes kicked the other two conversions landed and all Papua New Guinea could show for the second 40 minutes was a solitary try from replacement Nixon Kolo.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk

Time for big club in Wales - Iestyn

IESTYN HARRIS believes Wales is ripe for a Super League franchise as he admits his illustrious rugby career in both codes is nearing its end.

The 31-year-old Bradford Bulls ace pulled on a Welsh jersey yesterday for the first time since the heroic 2000 World Cup semi-final defeat to Australia as he inspired his country to crush Papua New Guinea at *'s Brewery Field.

The match was a warm-up for next *'s crucial World Cup qualifier in Glasgow, where Wales must overcome a seven-point deficit from the first leg against Scotland to go through to the tournament in Australia 12 months from now. Harris missed last *'s 21-14 loss to Scotland at the Brewery Field through injury, but showed no signs of any problems yesterday.

And he would not rule out looking at Wales’ only semi-pro rugby league side, the Celtic Crusaders, as a club he could coach in the future. The Crusaders are looking to apply for a Super League franchise and there is optimism that it could happen next year.

Harris said Wales could not miss this chance after they did so over a decade ago, saying, “You go way back to 1995 and we did magnificently well in the World Cup. They missed a fantastic opportunity for a franchise then.

“I know the Crusaders have been working hard behind the scenes and I think it would be good if it happened.

“A Super League team in Wales would get good crowds. As everyone knows, the union side are not doing that well at the moment and it would be great for a Super League team to take it on for Wales.”

Harris, who returned to rugby league in 2004 after his £1.5m move to the union code with Wales and Cardiff Blues ended, said he is looking at his long-term future in the sport now

He said, “I’m 32 at the World Cup and I don’t want to go and play until I’m 36 or 37. I desperately want to go into coaching. If the right opportunity to coach a side came along, I would take it.”

Harris also desperately wants to lead from the front for Wales in the Australia World Cup tournament. He added, “*'s been a long time since I played for Wales and I spoke to Martin Hall, the national coach, last year when he asked me when I retired from playing for Great Britain would I consider playing for Wales.”

Papua New Guinea are actually seeded automatically through to the World Cup, but are in a real “group of death” alongside England, New Zealand and the mighty Aussies.

And, although the team gelled together very well to thrash Papua New Guinea, Harris said, “*'s difficult to know what to take out of that game. I think they caved in in the second half and it was more like a training run for us.”

There is no doubt, though, that Harris and half-back partner Lee Briers ran the show and Wales were a far better team for their presence than last year.

Other than one blip in the first half, the Welsh were in command for most of the match, leading 16-6 at half-time then running in another 34 points after the break. Wing Dave Halley and replacement Damien Gibson both got two of their *'s nine touchdowns, with Phil Joseph, Robert Roberts, Matt James, Sean Penkywicz and Mark Lennon getting the rest.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/

Ireland boosted with new arrivals



Following last weekends 58-18 victory over Russia, Ireland Rugby League Head Coach, Andy Kelly has seen his squad boosted by the arrival of Paul Prescott (Wigan) and Mick Cassidy (Widnes).

Andy Kelly commented, “We have had two training sessions since we played Russia and have had the added benefit of bringing in Mick & Paul who are two very good players. I think we now have a very strong squad to pick our team from. Having no game this weekend means that we can fully concentrate on our game plan and give the squad the best possible lead up to a very important fixture against the Lebanon next weekend”.

Team Manager Mike Callaghan added, “Friday 2nd November is going to be a great night for international rugby league. Dewsbury are really going to town promoting the game, there is a competition for two children to win the opportunity to be a mascot for the game and the admission prices are £10 for an adult, £3 for children or a £20 family ticket (2adults, 4children) which is great value for money”.

If Ireland win the game against the Lebanon they will qualify for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

Friday 2nd November – Lebanon V Ireland - Kick Off 7.30pm

http://www.emeraldrugby.com/news_detail.asp?id=3299

I know this story has already been posted but this is a bit more detailed.

Wolfhounds too good for Russia



Russian Bears snared by Courageous Irish

Carlow RFC
Attendance 986

The scene was set at a beautifully prepared Carlow Rugby Club, as the teams ran out to tremendous local support who had turned out in force to experience their first taste of International Rugby League.

The Russians obviously never read the early script as it was they who started brightest registering the first score after 2 minutes .

The Russians kept up the pressure through the bruising runs by Andrey Medvedev which set the visitors on another phase of attack which culminated in a score when a great set move saw the ball worked with pace from left to right when Victor Nechaev spotted the flat Irish defence and executed a neat chip through which was touched down in the corner by Valentin Baskakov.

Ireland finally found their feet and began to play after the 2nd Russian score when Damian Blanche finished off a great little move to score in the corner, the conversion was unsuccessful by Liam Finn.
A series of neat offloads meant Ireland could keep the ball alive as they began to play through the phases.

Great Irish defence forced Russia to kick away possession, which Ireland returned in tremendous style to find themselves within touching distance of the opposition line. A great jinking run by Bob Beswick set Sean Gleeson free out wide. Gleeson did not need a second invitation and found his way over the line. The conversion by Liam Finn was good.

Despite opening the game with great gusto, Russia began to feel the full force of the Irish defence who were putting the visitors under all sorts of pressure
However a silly error by Ireland saw them penalised for crossing in front of the post, resulting in a Russian penalty which was slotted home by Artem Grigoryan

This physical Russian side were bolstered by the presence of Roman Ovchinnikov who recently returned from a spell in Australia, and was orchestrating a strong Russian attack, though despite the obvious improvement the Russians were defending much more than they would have liked.

The visiting defence began to tire when poor Russian defence then led to Irelands next score with Sean Gleeson managing to power over for a close range try.

Ireland began to find their rhythm and began to string together some interesting phases of play. A few handling errors by the visitors were capitalised on by the Irish who launched a great blind side attack from deep inside their own half.

A dummy left right by Bob Beswick and a chip by Irelands Scot Grix gave possession back to the Russians deep in their own territory. Tight Irish defence forced Russia to kick possession and with 31 minutes gone Ireland found themselves once again rushing the visitors line. This was a tremendous phase for the Irish and culminated when the Ireland skipper Stuart Littler stepped his way through the Russian defence to score just right of the posts. The conversion was successful by Liam Finn

33 minutes gone and Ireland were eaking out a comfortable lead with 20-12, although they knew that patience would be required if they were to close this game down. Clever play saw Ireland kick away possession in favour of playing deep inside the Russian territory.

On 37 minutes Scott Grix made a tremendous break from deep inside Irish territory to slice through the Russian defence. Despite being hauled down he managed to offload to Bob Beswick who scored under the posts to give Ireland a

The introduction of local men Stevie Gibbons and Wayne Kerr was well received by the home crowd who had turned out in force to cheer on the Irish men. And their presence was immediately felt when with just 2 minutes left to the end of the first half, Following good work from the local boys, Damian Blanche received a wide pass from Paul Handforth and scored under the posts. With a successful conversion, Ireland went into the break with a fantastic 32-12 lead.

HT 32-12

The opening of the second half saw Ireland play with a bit more adventure. Several powerful runs by local man Stevie Gibbons and the Irish skipper Stuart Littler kept the visitors hemmed deep in their own territory, and left chasing the game.

And chase it they did, when after looking like going nowhere fast a tremendous crossfield kick by Artem Grigoryan caught Ireland cold, and was picked up by the flying winger Nikolay Zagoskin who breezed with worrying ease past the Irish defence. The conversion by Andrey Zdobvikov was successful throwing the visitors a lifeline with 32-18 on the board.

Ireland responded with power and pace when after pinning the visitors back on their own line Paul Handforth glided through the defence to score between the posts. Handforth converted his own try to put Ireland 38-18 points to the good

The floodgates began to open as the russians started to tire. Irish skipper Stuart Littler scoring another try 17 minutes into the 2nd half was soon followed by Bob Beswick, and then on 63 minutes Littler got his well deserved hat-trick.
For the remainder of the second half Russia struggled to get themselves back into contention and the defence began to leak trys as Ireland kept the pressure on.
At 58-18 and 4 minutes left on the clock Russia launched a final flurry but the Irish defence stood firm. Credit must go to the visitors who played right to the final whistle, but on this occasion the organisation and power of the Irish paid dividends.

Full time Ireland 58-18 Russia

Scoring sequence

2m Russia Oleg Logunov score conversion no 7 0-6
8m Russia Valentin Baskakov score 0-10
10m Ireland Damian Blanche 4-10
16m Sean Gleeson 8-10
17m Liam Finn conversion 10-10
21m Artem Grigoryan pen 10-12
24m Sean Gleeson 14-12
31m Stuart Littler 18-12
33 Liam Finn conv 20-12
37m Bob Beswick t 24-12
38m Liam Finn conv 26-12
39m Damian Blanche t 30-12
40m Paul Hanforth 32-12

HT – 32-12

8m Nikolay Zagoskin 9m Conv 14 32-18
13m Paul Handforth T&C 38-18
17m Stuart Littler T 42-18
18m Paul Handforth C 44-18
20m Bob Beswick 48-18
21 Liam Finn conv 50-18
23m Stuart Littler t 54-18
Conv missed by Liam Finn
31m Damien Blance t 58-18
32 Conv Liam Finn missed

FT 58-18

Referee: Phil Bentham
Man of the Match – *'s Bob Beswick

http://www.emeraldrugby.com/news_detail.asp?id=3288

A Sure Winner



An amendment has been to the rule book for this *'s 2008 World Cup qualifier decider in Glasgow.

Scotland play Wales and the match is tipped to a cliff-hanger.

Scotland beat Wales 21-14 in the first leg in Bridgend last year and if Wales turn the tables by an identical score-line and with the same record of tries, goals and penalties the winner would have been determined by a toss of the coin.

However, the amendment now allows for a “golden point” to determine the outcome immediately any point is scored after the referee blows full-time.

In a stoic comment, the RLWC08 Qualifying (Europe) Tournament Director, Graeme Thompson noted: “There is a huge will between these fierce Celtic rivals that honour should only be fully satisfied on the field of play. This is the best and most noble way to decide who goes to Australia next year.”

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=32

I was interested to see that SkySports in the UK is going to broadcast this weekend's World Cup qualifiers live... seems they are really getting behind the tournament which is good to see.

World Cup Warm-Ups



Three international matches were played over the weekend with results dominated by a rousing Welsh victory.

Wales scored a 50-10 win over Papua New Guinea to prime themselves for their clash with Scotland in the 2008 World Cup qualifier in Glasgow on Sunday, 4 November.

The game was played at Celtic Crusaders Brewery Field where nine of the Welsh team play club football.

Wales 50 (D Halley 2, D Gibson 2, P Joseph, R Roberts, M James, S Penkyicz, M Lennon tries; I Harris 5, M Lennon, A Hughes goals) d. Papua New Guinea 10 (G Moni, N Kolo tries; J Wilshere goals). Referee: Thierry Albert. Man of the Match: Iestyn Harris (Wales).

Great Britain opened their three Test series with a hard fought 20-14 win over New Zealand at Galpharm Stadium.

The Kiwis were sent down under by a superb goal-kicking performance from Ron Burrow, the Leeds halfback.

The four goals from Burrow spelt the difference.

Coach Tony Smith was delighted with the performance by debutantes, Sam Burgess and Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Burgess, the youngest debutant since Andy Farrell in 1993, scored the decisive third try. However, Burgess went high on Fuifui Moimoi and was placed on report.

Great Britain 20 ( Burgess, Raynor, Fa’asavalu tries; Burrow 4 goals) d. New Zealand 14 (Hope 2, Whaturis tries; Hohaia goal).

France continues to impress and are already looming as a dark horse for the 2008 World Cup.

The 46-16 win over Scotland at the Stade Gilbert Brutus ground, home of the crack Catalans Dragons before a near sell-out crowd of 6,000, further confirms the vast improvement in French Rugby League.

France led 18-0 after 20 minutes. Team-work was the feature. France scored eight tries, each by a different player.

The try of the game came early in the second half when French flair took over. The entire backline handled before former London Broncos and Wakefield centre Sylvain Houles scored in the left corner. Max Gresque, a superb goal-kicker, converted.

France 46 (J Rinaldi, C Stacul, S Planas, S Houles, E Anselme, T Bosc, M Gresque, C Moly tries; Gresque 7 goals) d. Scotland 16 (J Benn, M Nanyn, L Paterson tries; Nanyn 2 goals).

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=33

Russia Left in the Red



Lebanon left Russia without much love when they overcame freezing temperatures to post a 48-0 win at the Nara Stadium in Moscow in a 2008 World Cup qualifier.

Russia has bowed out of the World Cup, a defence left penniless and in a state of bankruptcy.

Lebanon raced in nine tries and led 20-0 at halftime. Russia froze under the sustained waves of attack.

This Friday, 2 November, Lebanon plays Ireland to decide the automatic qualifier from Group One for the 2008 World Cup.

Seven of the nine Lebanon tries came from the three-quarter line that oozed pace.

The Russian, as was the case against Ireland a week ago, made a cheeky start and dominated the early exchanges.

But in the 10th minute, Adnan Saleh clutched a stray pass and raced 80 metres for the first try.

Only a minute lapsed before the highly impressive forward, Andrey Medvedev was held up over the Russian line.

A clever switch led to Saleh scoring his second try and then Adham El-Zbaideh sealed a sizzling five-man attack to score the first of his brace.

The Russian, Roman Ovchinnikov went high and this allowed Lebanon fullback Toufic Nicolas to score just before halftime.

Centre Frank Samia cleverly created a gap in the 44th minute and his pace gave Lebanon their fifth try.

Samia crossed for a second time and the Russians were well and truly heading for a respite in the salt mines.

Man-of-the-match prop Ray Moujali (Cronulla Sharks), powered over before a weaving length-of-the-field run from El-Zbaideh scored.

Skipper Anthony Farar claimed the final try after another surging break from Fred Khoussis.

Lebanon coach Darren Maroon wasn’t carried away with the whitewash.

“It was a good win in difficult conditions but we are going to have to lift if we are to beat the Irish,” said Marron.

Rugby League European Federation development Executive Kevin Rudd remarked: “The Russians were honourable and excellent hosts despite missing out on the finals. They displayed a great sporting spirit, even to the extent of giving their visitors a set of shorts after a delivery problem left Lebanon bare from the waist down.

Lebanon needs to beat Ireland by eight points to avoid the repechage. Victory for the Irish lands them in eighth or ninth spot.

Lebanon 48 (A Saleh 2, A El-Zbaideh 2, F Samia 2, T Nicolas, R Moujali tries; T Nicolas 4, G Ndaira 2 goals) d. Russia 0. Referee: Richard Silverwood. Crowd: 1,426.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=34

In case anyone was interested here is Canberra's write up on the RLWC website to promote our city.

Canberra



Stadium Location:
Canberra Stadium
Street: Battye Street
Suburb: Bruce
City: Canberra
Postcode: 2617

Matches:
France v Scotland or Wales
(Sunday, 26 October 2008).
Capacity: Canberra Stadium - Capacity: 25,000

Canberra is *'s capital and is 150kms inland. The name “Canberra” is derived from the Aboriginal word “Kamberra” which means “meeting place.”

Canberra is an artificial city. It developed as a compromise as a result of interstate rivalries between NSW and Victoria. In 1908, after protracted debate, it was deemed that over 2,000 square kilometres of sheep grazing land in NSW would become the site for the capital city.

Today Canberra is a flourishing city of immense aesthetic beauty and the best roadways in Australia. glorious parklands and more tourist attractions than you can poke a stick at.

Like most capital cities, Canberra is a treasure chest of the *'s history.

Accommodation is over-flowing with choices but the grand old Hyatt Hotel remains a favourite for sheer charm and class. Afternoon tea at the Hyatt is a lasting experience.

The major attractions include the Old and New Parliament Houses, the War Memorial, the National Library, the National Gallery, the National Science and Technology Centre, The War Museum, the Australian Institute of Sport, the Royal Australian Mint and the quaint Cockington Green where the smallest child is a giant in this world of fantasy.

*'s cool climate wines are earning international recognition. There are over 30 cellar doors open to the public.

Spring is the ideal time to be in Canberra-2008 World Cup time!

POPULATION 325,000

PROXIMITY
From Sydney, a three hour drive.
From Melbourne, a nine hour drive.
Trains run regularly from Sydney and Melbourne.
Coach tours are numerous and run on a daily basis.

CLIMATE
Maximum temperature between 17c-24c.
Minimum temperature between 3c.-6c.
No rain.
Ideal spring weather.

TRANSPORT
Always cheap flights ($100) from Sydney to Canberra. Approximately flying time is 30 minutes. A wide choice of coach tours from Sydney and Melbourne. Train trip is popular from Sydney as it embraces much of rural NSW. Train trip is approximately three and a half hours.
Commuting at Canberra is by bus but walking is an option due to the flat terrain.

Click here for more information on Canberra

http://www.rlwc08.com/venues/default.asp?item=5

Who says it is an artificial city???!!!