Umm..... the website

Scotland andWales agree rule change



The Scottish and Welsh Rugby Leagues have made an amendment to the rule book to ensure that next *'s World Cup Qualifying decider has the fairest possible outcome if the sides are deadlocked, on aggregate, after 80 minutes next Sunday.

The Scots lead 21-14 after the first leg in Bridgend last year. If the Welsh turn the tables in the return clash in Glasgow by an identical score line, and with the same record of tries, goals and penalties, the overall winners would have been determined by the toss of a coin.

Now, in such an eventuality, for one of the sides to book their place into the Rugby League World Cup 2008, they are going to have to score a ‘golden point’.

The re-written bye-law now states:

“The Referee will coordinate a coin toss, with the winner electing either a preferred choice of end or the right to kick off. The first period of extra time will be 5 minutes maximum after which time the teams will change ends and the receiving team from the first period will kick off the next period. Play will continue until a point or points are scored. The Referee will blow full time immediately any point is scored. If the Golden Point is a try, there will be no conversion attempt.”

Commenting on the agreement, RLWC08 Qualifying Tournament Director (Europe), 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. Obviously, both sides are mindful that, with so much at stake, that in case of this scenario this is the best and most noble way to decide who gets the automatic spot.”

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=35

USA Tomahawks ready to take on Samoa

The American National Rugby League is excited to announce the USA Tomahawks Squad to participate in the final Rugby League World Cup phase in England from November 1 through November 15.

The squad will be coached by Matt Elliott the Penrith Panthers Head Coach from the NRL in Australia, Terry Matterson from Castelford Tigers in Super League Europe, along with long time Tomahawks coaching staff Shane Millard and Ron Artingstall.

Gold Coast Titans star Matty Petersen will Captain the national team and be supported by star players from Super League Europe, Ryan McGoldrick and Shane Millard along with a number of foreign based professionals who will provide an exciting lineup to compliment the best talent from the American National Rugby League competition.

After a great 2007 domsetic season and a number of elite player assemblies, exciting 20 year old Wildcats forward Nick Isbrandtsen, team mate Curtis Cunz, and Bulls forward Bryan Confer will make their international debuts. Tomahawks veterans Marcus Vassilakopoulos, Danny Bull, Ed Woodbridge, will be joined by Will Brazier, Louis Tulio, Greg Stelutti and Ric Dortone to comprise the US based selections.


USA TOMAHAWKS 2007 RLWC QUALIFYING SERIES SQUAD:
Matthew Petersen - Gold Coast Titans (Captain)
Shane Millard - Wigan Warriors
Ryan McGoldrick - Castleford Tigers
Mark O'Hallaran - Penrith Panthers
David Marando - Balmain Tigers
Nathan Debartolo - Sydney Bulls
David Myles - Gold Coast Titans
Mark Cantoni - Easts Tigers
Tyrone Coppedge - Souths Logan
Ashley Lanfranchi - Byron Bay
Eric Dortone - Aston Bulls, PA
Louis Tulio - Philadelphia Fight, PA
Will Brazier - Connectitcut Wildats, CT
Edward Woodbridge - Aston Bulls, PA
Bryan Confer - Aston Bulls, PA
Marcus Vassilakopoulos - Aston Bulls, PA
Greg Stelutti - Aston Bulls, PA
Danny Bull - Connecticut Wildcats, CT
Nicholas Isbrandtsen - Connecticutt Wildcats, CT
Curtis Kunz - Connecticut Wildcats, CT

Wednesday, October 31 - Air Travel to England
Thursday, November 1 - Team Assembly in England
Sunday, November 4 - Warm Up match - USA v Cumbria in Barrow
Friday, November 9 - RLWC Qualifier - USA v Samoa at Widnes - 5.45pm GMT
If result is a loss - Team Departure on Saturday, November 10
If result is a Win -
Wednesday, November 14 - USA v TBD at Wakefield
Thursday, November 15 - Team Departure

http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=14925

Matt has stars (and stripes) in his eyes

TITANS livewire Matt Petersen will captain the United States of America as they attempt to make history and qualify for the rugby league World Cup next month.

The Gold Coast winger will spearhead the Tomahawks campaign against a star-studded Samoa side at Widnes in England on November 9.

Petersen, who was born in Western Australia, qualifies for the USA through the heritage rule.

His grandfather on his mother's side is American.

The USA has never qualified for the World Cup.

"It will be a great privilege (to captain the side)," said Petersen. "I am really looking forward to it."

The Gold Coast crowd favourite, who has been nicknamed Sideshow Bob because of his hairy resemblance to the famous Simpsons cartoon character, has represented the Tomahawks once before.

Petersen played five-eighth for the USA team that nearly toppled world champions Australia in an exhibition match in 2004.

He will be joined in the Tomahawks jumper by recently retired Titans teammate David Myles, Penrith centre Mark O'Halloran, former St George Illawarra hooker Shane Millard and ex-Cronulla back Ryan McGoldrick.

The USA will be coached by Penrith boss Matthew Elliott and former Broncos great and Castleford mentor Terry Matterson.

But Petersen, who leaves for England on Wednesday, is under no illusions of how tough it will be to qualify.

Samoa have been bolstered by Panthers brothers Tony and Frank Puletua, Souths wrecking ball Nigel Vagana former NRL players Ali Lauiti'iti, Willie Talau, Kylie and Phil Leuluai and Hutch Maiava.

"It is not going to be easy," said Petersen.

"They have probably got 10 or 12 blokes that have represented New Zealand in their side.

"It is going to be very tough for us.

"But that is what we thought when we played Australia too (in 2004) and we got close to them.

"Like everyone who watched that game we knew we were just going over there to promote the game in America.

"When we played the (Australian) boys it was a couple of days after they won the Tri-Nations and they were just there to have some fun. But this will be a lot more serious.

"As you can see, Samoa has named the best side they can name so we can't go into it lighthearted.

"Speaking to a few of the boys over in America, they are getting pretty pumped up. We will have a strong side as well."

The USA went close to qualifying for the 2000 event, falling to Lebanon 62-8 at the final hurdle.

If successful against Samoa, the Tomahawks will still have to play Scotland, Wales, Ireland or Lebanon for the last qualifying spot.

Australia, New Zealand, England, France and Papua New Guinea have automatically qualified for the 10-team tournament.

Pacific Cup group winners Tonga and runners-up Fiji have also qualified.

The winners from European Pool One (Ireland, Lebanon and Russia) and the winners from European Pool two (Scotland and Wales) will also both win spots in the World Cup.

The runners-up in Pool One and Pool Two will battle it out for the chance to meet the winner of the USA-Samoa clash on November 14, for the last remaining qualifying position.

Petersen will miss at least the first week of Titans pre-season training but will be home for the birth of his first child on December 27.

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/200 ... itans.html

RLWC Qualifiers live on BigPond TV



With just under a year until the 2008 Rugby League World Cup kicks off the competition to qualify is hotting up.

To ensure you don’t miss any of the action, BigPond brings you live and exclusive online coverage of these final qualifying matches.

The final three places up for grabs will be allocated following the completion of the final five qualifying matches.

Ireland, Samoa, Scotland, Lebanon, USA and Wales are still in the running for a place in the 2008 tournament, to be held in Australia in October and November, that will conclude the centenary of rugby league celebrations..

The final round of European qualifying matches see Ireland and Lebanon (Pool 1) and Scotland and Wales (Pool 2) face off.

At the conclusion of these matches the top team from each pool will have qualified 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.

Watch all the qualifiers on BigPond *'s League TV live and exclusive.

Rugby League World Cup Qualifying Schedule

Match 1 - November 3, 06:00
Ireland v Lebanon (Pool 1)
Dewsbury (England)

Match 2 - November 5, 01:00
Scotland v Wales (Pool 2)
Glasgow Hawks (Scotland)

Match 3 – November 10, 04:45 (Repechage)
Scotland/Wales v Ireland/Lebanon
Widnes (England)
(Euro “A” – Pool 1 Runners-up v Euro “A” – Pool 2 Runners-up)

Match 4 – November 10, 07:00 (Repechage)
USA (Atlantic Cup Winner) v Samoa
Widnes (England)

Match 5 – November 15, 06:30 (Repechage Final)
Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4
Wakefield (England)

Note: Dates and times are AEDT

Watch all the qualifiers on BigPond *'s League TV live and exclusive.

The Qualifying Process So far

The USA defeated Japan 54-18 to win the Atlantic Cup and advance to the repechage playoffs.

In a thrilling finale group winners Tonga collected the Pacific Cup title on for-and-against after finishing tied with Fiji and Samoa.

Tonga and runners-up Fiji qualified directly for the Rugby League World Cup. Third-placed Samoa qualified for the repechage playoffs.

Europe B group winners Russia, and runners-up Georgia, won through to the Europe ‘A’ qualifying phase ahead of Serbia and Holland.

In Europe A qualifying, Ireland and Lebanon are locked at the top of Pool 1 after fighting out an 18-all draw in their last match, with both recording two wins over pointless Russia.

Pool 2 was reduced to two teams after *'s disqualification for a breach of the qualifying protocol by failing to participate in a Europe B match in June.

Of the remaining two teams Scotland hold the advantage having earlier beaten Wales 21-14.

www.nrl.com

World Cup Qualifiers - Live



Rugby League fans in Britain New Zealand and Australia will from this weekend be able to watch the final qualifying stages for next *'s World Cup in Australia.

Big Pond will break new ground in Australia with live webcasts of the final five qualifying matches on *'s League TV at bigpondtv.com/leaguetv including this *'s game between Lebanon and Ireland in Dewsbury and *'s match between Scotland and Wales in Glasgow.

*'s Sky Sports is carrying each game live as are New *'s Sky Sport, and the Middle *'s Showtime.

Just three positions remain to be decided for Rugby League World Cup XIII.

Lebanon would require a win to unseat an impressive Ireland team as the winner of European Group Pool 1, and their form against Russia last Sunday suggests that is not out of the question.

Scotland and Wales are in an even closer battle for supremacy in European Group Pool 2, to the extent that organizers have already declared the right to move to ‘extra time golden point’ should the pool be tied. Wales needs an eight point win to topple the Scots as ‘pool leaders’.

The winners of each pool will fill two of the final three spots in World Cup XIII to play in Australia from October 25 to November 22.

The losers will enter a repechage along with Samoa and the USA to determine the final berth which will be decided at Featherstone on November 14.

Pacific Island broadcasters have already committed to join the existing broadcast partners to televise the repechage semi-final on Friday, November 9 and the repechage final on Wednesday, 14 November.

“The interest in the qualifying games from broadcasters has been unprecedented and it certainly reflects the intense level of interest that is building around the tournament,” Rugby League International Federation Chairman and World Cup Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, said.

“The fact that audiences in England, Australia and New Zealand will be able to see the final qualifiers is a real bonus for the tournament and for Rugby League supporters.

“The inclusion of Big *'s live webcast is another significant step with Big Pond providing an exciting broadcast platform.”
Telstra Big Pond will broadcast the five World Cup qualification matches live on www.bigpondvideo.com/leaguetv

The schedule will be in line be the kick-off of the matches and be transmitted at the same time as the Sky Sports, Samoan, Showtime and Sky Sport (NZ) telecasts.

Source: http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=35

Why doesn't FoxSports put them on?

Probably not enough money in it for them. That's why they only have two SL games delayed cause it costs to much and doesn't have as big a audience as the NRL.

I think they at least take all the games telecast of the ESL though (ie they only get two games on TV a week).

They should air it though I agree.

Fantastic game of footy this morning, with a very deserving Irish team booking their tickets to Australia with a tough 16-16 draw with Lebanon. A lot of fire in this one, the Cedars were chucking high shots in there everwhere and there was a couple of decent punch-ups.

Overall, a great game of footy and I can't wait to watch Wales vs Scotland on Monday morning, it promises to be an absolute cracker.

Oh, and Wayne Kerr was more than impressive this morning, the Raiders should look at signing him

Every eye in Ireland is smiling



Ireland, better known for its bed and breakfast establishments and not for its Rugby League prowess have bounced onto the international sporting stage with a dramatic World Cup qualifier in Dewsbury,England.

Every Irish eye was smiling as the Ireland team fought back to snatch a 16-16 draw against favourites Lebanon.

The draw enables Ireland to grab eighth spot in the top ten for Australia next year as they had a better for and against record than Lebanon.

They will be jigging in the streets of Dublin and Belfast for many a week following the grit and determination of the Ireland team.

This victory rivals any of the country's sporting achievements and coach Andy Kelly was as emotional as any winning World Cup soccer coach.

Ireland 12-4 at half-time but a fumble from a high kick by the last line of defence allowed Lebanon a gift try and a 16-14 lead.

A blatant high tackle led to a penalty for Ireland and the draw was clinched.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=35

This line might be going a bit far, but it makes for a great mental image!

I actually met a couple of Irish lads a while back, and Luke "Chicken Lips" Ricketson seems to be a bit of a household name in Ireland. In fact, they love him over there.

I have to admit I was sleeping, and I wish they would put on a replay.

This BigPond League TV channel is damn good... SOO on this afternoon... they have replays of games going non stop. It is free to BigPond subscribers ie doesn't count to download limits...

I'm just cranky that I didn't know about it earlier. I'm not sure what the coverage was like during the season but I'm assuming they replayed the weekend's games a few days later, which would've been great for the ones I missed. They've also got a lot of good quality features on players and clubs, so I'll be keeping an eye on it.

And GE, if they do replay it make sure you don't miss it. It was a corker.

I didn't know about it either... I thought the only option was video on demand... this is a real rugby league channel 24 hours a day! Why don't they put that on Foxtel?

Ireland into World Cup
Andy Kelly's team win the eighth place in Australia
By Phil Jackson


Ndaira: Scored Lebanon's opener

Ireland secured their place at the 2008 World Cup with a 16-16 draw against Lebanon on Friday night.

The Irish qualify for the showpiece in Australia next year because of their superior points difference in the group, while Lebanon will now go into the repechage stage for another chance to qualify.

Andy Kelly's side got off to a superb start courtesy of Wigan prop forward Eamon O'Carroll's big hit on Ray Moujali, which sent the ball flying free.

From the resulting turnover Dewsbury Rams scrum-half Liam Finn latched on to Paul Handforth's dink kick to break the deadlock. Finn then got up to kick the conversion and put Ireland into a 6-0 lead after just two minutes.

Former St George Illawarra Dragon George Ndaira got Lebanon back in the game on the quarter hour mark though, sidestepping Mick Cassidy and holding off O'Carroll on his way to the line.

Centre Sean Gleeson's quick feet and chip through found full-back Scott Grix for an immediate response though, with Finn's conversion taking Ireland into a 12-4 lead going into the break.

Ill-discipline marred the end of the first-half and despite a warning for both sides from referee Ashley Klein, the dangerous tackling continued after the restart.

Lebanon were the first to capitalise on the increasing number of penalties going their way when Chris Salem's strong run from dummy-half saw him go over for a 48th minute try. Full-back Toufic Nicolas kicked the angled conversion and Lebanon trailed by just two.

Jamie Clark was put on report for a dangerous tackle on the hour mark, and Charlie Nohra was sin-binned moments later for a high tackle on opposite number Cassidy.

Despite being a man down Frank Samia went over for the simplest of converted tries, after Grix failed to deal with a high kick from Anthony Farah.

Captain Hassan Salah conceded a penalty in front of the sticks with minutes to go though, and Chris Bridge promptly kicked his team level at 16-16, and in the end the draw proved just enough for Ireland.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 14,00.html

Looks like they will be replaying the Ireland-Lebanon game at 3pm today on BigPond League TV.

The Scotland/ Wales came was another cracker, with the Scots going down 18-16 but making the Cup finals on aggregate. Not quite as intense as the Ireland/ Lebanon game (no one got their head taken off), but it was a really good standard with a hell of a lot of passion.

I can't wait for the games this weekend - although I fear that the Tomahawks will get absolutely belted

The Ireland/Lebanon game was really very good... I enjoyed it... still not seen the Scotland/Wales game... It is on replay at 5.44pm today on Big Pond League TV.

Lebanon will win the League World Cup, imo.

They have an aggressive forward pack, stability in the halves and paraochial support in the stand which will hold them well.

Beirut will go off. Again.

I've been very impressed by the skill-level shown, I think a lot of players will pick up NRL/ SL contracts after their performances. Anyone who wants to say this Cup means nothing only needs to see the passion displayed by the players in these qualifying games. They've been fantastic, some of the best footy I've seen in a long time.

Scotland the Brave claim ninth spot



Scotland has sacrificed blood and bone to clinch ninth place in the 10-man final for the 2008 World Cup to be held in Australia.

Although beaten 18-16 today by arch rivals Wales in Glasgow, Scotland qualifies for the World Cup with a 37-32 aggregate having beaten Wales 21-14 at Bridgend last year.

In eerie conditions, the lights were on at 2pm at the Old Anniesland Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland owed new skipper Danny Brough a Guinness or two.

It was the golden boot of halfback Brough that allowed Scotland to survive a wild and woolly Wales defence.

Brough landed four goals, thus overcoming the one-try deficit.

However all is not lost for Wales. They now play Lebanon later this week in a semi-final Repechage at Widnes and, if successful, meet either Samoa or the USA in the final of the Repechage to determine the 10th and final spot for the 2008 World Cup.

The repechage final will be played at Featherstone on 14 November.

So now Scotland joins Ireland for the trip “Down Under,” with coach Steve McCormack declaring he has never been as happy.

“We trailed 10-0 at halftime but I stressed to the lads that we were only three points behind on aggregate,” said McCormack with a grin from ear to ear.

Wales made too many unforced errors. There were moments of panic, triggered by the crucial nature of the game.

There was pre-match drama with the Welsh claiming the ground was 10 feet too short. A protest was lodged and the local groundsman immediately re-defined the *'s length.

Wales played with fire and brimstone and got the better of the early exchanges with Luke Dyer crossing after just eight minutes. Harris converted and Wales led 6-0 and only a point behind on aggregate.

Brough, in the 18th minute, landed the first of his four goals after Damian Gibson had been pinged for obstruction.

Then Wales rallied and took a three point lead on aggregate after Adam Hughes momentarily paused before burrowing over for a try that video referee Ben Thaler was summoned to adjudicate.

The second half was dreary due to dropped balls until Ben Fisher darted across and when Brough converted Scotland trailed 10-14 but led 31-28 on aggregate.

With seven minutes remaining, the scores levelled at 14-14 when some magic from Mick Nanyn led to Benn scoring. Brought goaled and a tense finish loomed.

Wales responded when Briers set up Gibson for a third try but time and traditional bravery had won the day for Scotland.

Scotland will meet France in an early round of the World Cup on October 26 next year at Canberra Stadium. Then, Scotland meet Fiji on 5 November at Bluetongue Stadium on the Central Coast of NSW.

Wales 16 (L dyer, A Hughes, D Gibson tries; I Harris goal) d. Scotland 14 (B Fisher, J Benn tries; D Brough 4 goals)

Referee: Phil Bentham.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=39

Ireland clinch eighth spot for 2008



Ireland has created Rugby League history by sealing a place in the final 10 for the 2008 World Cup.

A country better known for its charming bed and breakfast establishments than its Rugby League prowess will be playing against the cream of the game in Australia next October.

Ireland snatched a last gasp 16-16 draw with hot favourites Lebanon in Dewsbury, England to join the game's elite for the World Cup to be played in Australian Rugby League's Centenary Year.

Lebanon will get a second bite at the World Cup cherry when they play off for a place in the repechage final next week. But there are domestic and financial problems besetting the Lebanon players. They may find it difficult to get time off from work. The majority are part-time professionals!

Every eye in Ireland was smiling when substitute Chris Bridge landed the equalising goal from a dubious penalty just four minutes from fulltime.

Lebanon scored three tries to two but flouted the rule book and were their own worst enemy.

Ireland coach Andy Kelly was an emotional wreck after the game.

"I am overwhelmed-this is my greatest moment," he said, jigging as he poured superlatives on his gritty side.

True grit did win for Ireland.

From the very first minute Ireland "had come to play." The dual attack on Lebanon prop Ray Moujalli by Mick Cassidy and Eamon O'Carroll in the first minute led to halfback Liam Finn posting the first try.

Finn took no prisoners throughout a spirited encounter, spiced with rough and tumble defence. Lebanon fired head high salvos at will. More coat hangers than you would find in London dry cleaners.

One of those indiscretions led to Lebanon prop Charlie Nohra being sin-binned at as crucial stage.

A neat try from Lebanon half George Ndaira in the 17th minute gave the war-torn country some hope but Ireland retaliated when five-eighth Paul Handforth scored chasing a kick from centre Sean Gleeson.

Both teams had tries disallowed. Lebanon still fuming long after the game over Hassan Saleh being ruled off-side after crossing.

Lebanon came back into the game when Ireland fullback Scott Grix made a meal of a high kick. Anthony Farrah punted high, Griz dropped his bundle and Frank Samia picked up the crumbs for the try.

Scores were level until Lebanon fullback Toufic Nicholas scored from a penalty but when Salem went high the Irish cashed-in with a successful kick at goal.

Lebanon manager Anthony Elias was not happy and he had an army of supporters echoing his sentiments.

"We scored three tries to two and they were given two soft penalties," Elias said.

"They scored from ricochets and re-bounds.

"Talk about "the luck of the Irish!"

Ireland 16 (Finn, Handforth tries; Finn 2, Bridge 2 goals) d. Lebanon (Ndaira, Salem, Samia tries; Nicholas 2 goals).

Referee: Ashley Klein

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=37[/img]

There should be plenty of room out wide during the finals then

Mikey... I think Lebanon could even struggle to qualify. The Tigers decision not to release their Lebanese players will really cost them. They could have been a force with Farrah in there too.

To the contrary, GE. The Tigers' decision to not release their Lebanese players will effectively force Lebanese selectors to pick a young and enthusiastic squad.

No doubt leading the team will be Ahmed Bajouri - what an exciting and talented winger he is.

You may decide to write them off, but not only will the Lebanese qualify - they will win it. In my opinion of course.

Who is your favourite?

The Poms have certainly shortened their odds after the weekend's mesmerizing performance. They were absolutely brilliant, they can win the Cup.

Australia are of course favourites. But England are building, as shown in the Kiwi Tests... and when the Kiwis get Benji and SBW back... and change the coach... they will be serious contenders. Any of them can win, IMO. You just have to look at the past two Tri Nations. Kiwis won once, and probably should have won twice. France will probably be coming in fourth, given the poor recent performances of PNG.

Also... it is great we will have France V Scotland in the match at Canberra Stadium. Not sure who I'd be going for out of those two countries.

http://bigpondvideo.com/leaguetv

Second half in the Scotland/Wales match just getting underway on the replay. It is good to see the bagpipes playing through the match in Glasgow! It's been an enjoyable game, though there has been a bit of dropped ball.

Just finished watching the second half of Scotland and Wales... honestly... you blokes who have not watched this... you are simply not understanding the passion out there on the field from these sides aiming to qualify.

Wales was incorrectly given their last try, as it was a clear knock on IMO... and it should have gone to the video ref at the very least... but Scotland looked like victors... despite the 2 point deficit... and ultimately they were. The bagpipes were going... and the players singing Flower of Scotland at the end... it was something to see how stoked they are at going to the World Cup.

This is going to be great... I'm looking forward to the Marsellaise and Flower of Scotland out at Canberra Stadium next year... It is going to be brilliant.

Scotland v Wales could be playing marbles and they would sell out a stadium. I think the atmosphere has a lot more to do with history in the United Kingdom than the game itself. But in any event, it's great to see Rugby League on the international stage.

And if Jerome Guisset still plays for France, then we'll have to go for France at Canberra Stadium.

Cup organisers seek lasting impact


Smith - given time to prepare England.

The 2008 World Cup has been designed to leave a lasting legacy for rugby league, it was claimed at Tuesday's United Kingdom launch.

Australia are staging the 13th World Cup next autumn to help celebrate the centenary of the game Down Under. It will be the first time they have acted as hosts for more than 30 years.

"We are dedicated to building a legacy for the future of the game," tournament director Colin Love told a press conference in Leeds.

Tickets for the 18 matches, which will be staged at 12 different venues from Townsville to Melbourne, do not go on sale until tomorrow but Love says he has been "staggered" by the interest shown so far by British fans.

"We are very confident there will be huge numbers attending the event," he said. "We have been staggered by the response so far in the UK."

Richard Lewis, the Rugby Football League's executive chairman who is vice-chairman of the International Federation, said the lessons of the last World Cup, which almost crippled the game in this country, had been learned in the planning for 2008.

"The scar left by the 2000 World Cup is there for all of us," he said.

"World Cups don't automatically make a profit and that hasn't been forgotten.

"There has been a lot of lessons learned from the last World Cup. A lot of the income is guaranteed now.

"It's going to be an important landmark. The international game has the potential to grow significantly over a short space of time.

"The Tri-Nations has taken the international game up to a new level and next year's World Cup will be a giant step.

"I think it will be a success, not just a financial success, but a good platform to showcase the sport at the highest level.

"There are a lot of broadcasters signing up to show the matches live in distant parts of the world, including the Middle East."

Australia will be overwhelming favourites to retain the trophy they have held since 1975 but Kangaroos Test centre Mark Gasnier, who flew in from Sydney for today's launch, said he anticipated stiff competition from England and New Zealand.

"We have been challenged in ways we have not been challenged before," he said.

New Zealand captain Roy Asotasi, whose side were Tri-Nations champions just two years ago after a 24-0 defeat of Australia, insists the Kiwis will pick themselves up from their series defeat by Great Britain and will be competitive next year as they seek their first World Cup triumph.

"The Kiwi side is in a transitional period," he said.

"We are definitely building for the World Cup and it should be a different Kiwi outfit in 12 months' time."

The RFL are bringing forward the end of next year's Super League season in order to give England coach Tony Smith more time to prepare his side for the tournament.

In addition to a mid-season Test against France, Lewis said there were plans for a warm-up game before England leave for Australia.

Both Love and Lewis defended the controversial format of the tournament which gives the big three a clear pathway to the last four.

Three teams will progress from the "super pool" which comprises England, New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea while the other seeded team, France, will battle it out with the five qualifiers for the other semi-final place.

Love admitted the format was designed to avoid the lop-sided scorelines of the past while Lewis added: "It will showcase rugby league at its best by producing close matches with uncertainty over the outcome."

England will kick off the tournament against Papua New Guinea in Townsville on October 25, the day before the opening ceremony in Sydney, and the final will be held in Brisbane on November 22.

Tonga, Fiji, Ireland and Scotland have won through qualifying and the 10th team will be the winner of the repechage involving Wales, Lebanon, Samoa and the United States.

Former New Zealand Test centre Nigel Vagana will lead Samoa in their semi-final against America at Widnes on Friday night, while Lebanon have flown in replacements for their clash with Wales following the enforced departure of a trio of players following their draw with Ireland.

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... tlead.html

RLWC08 announcement



In photo from left to right: Scotland - Danny Brough, New Zealand - Roy Asotasi, France - Eric Anselme, Fiji - Waisale Suka, Australia - Mark Gasnier, England - Jamie Peacock, Tonga - Lopini Paea, Ireland - Eamon O'Carroll, PNG - Keith Peters

As tickets go on sale tomorrow for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, the competing nations have gathered in England for the last time before heading to Australia in October 2008.

The meeting of the nine countries already through to the main draw (and the four still fighting for the final berth) outlined every aspect of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

Rugby League World Cup ’08 officials detailed television agreements that will ensure coverage across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and the Middle East; New Media platforms that will provide access across internet platforms; ticketing programmes across all 18 matches and a tournament draw that will ensure quality games throughout the 29-day event.

Rugby League World Cup ’08 Tournament Director and Rugby League International Federation Chairman, Mr Colin Love AM, outlined a tournament schedule that has already sparked tremendous interest from overseas tourists and which promises exciting matches at every turn.

Official travel agencies for World Cup XIII have been allocated key seating for the event and early registrations of interest suggest that thousands of English fans are preparing to head to Australia in 2008.

First preference for this seating will go to those fans seeking to come to Australia for extended tours with a further allocation of tickets available early next year.

The tournament begins when England takes on PNG on October 25 in Townsville, with the official opening ceremony a day later as host nation Australia plays New Zealand at the Sydney Football Stadium.

The final will be played in front of what promises to be a capacity crowd at one of the *'s great Rugby League venues - *'s Lang Park - November 22.

“The game has made some great strides in rebuilding international competition in recent years,” Mr Love said.

“Australia is finding itself constantly tested by New Zealand and Great Britain, while French Rugby League is re-emerging on the back of some strong performances against the top three nations and after seeing Catalans Dragons reach the Challenge Cup Final.

“We have seen the likes of Tonga and PNG score some surprise results against Australian teams and a look across both the English Super League and the NRL provides a reminder of the number of talented players coming through who are from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.

“In the case of the Pacific Island nations, in particular, I think the World Cup will see some formidable teams begin to emerge.

“A strong World Cup tournament is the key to helping develop emerging countries and in providing future infrastructure for the international game.

“*'s a lot of work ahead but, given the support we have had from Federal and State Governments in Australia, from broadcasters and the stadium operators, I’m confident that we already have a very solid foundation in place.”

Rugby League World Cup XIII will take in 12 different venues, three states and the Australian Capital Territory.

The English itinerary will begin at the gateway to the Barrier Reef, Townsville, and take in Newcastle and Melbourne before the finals.

The encounter between Australia and England not only marks 100 years since a fledgling Australian team headed to the UK for its first official Rugby League Test series, but it also combines the sites of Melbourne with the world famous Spring Racing Carnival, coinciding with the weekend of the Victoria Derby at Flemington Racecourse.

“It is a tournament that has any number of matches that would attract large audiences in their own right,” Mr Love said.

“It is a series of events spread across a wide range of areas to ensure that every fan has a chance to be a part of the 2008 World Cup.”

For media enquiries please call: John Brady +61 (0)2 9339 8524; 0408 881 222

Pat Tsanis +61 (0)2 9237 0747; 0403 262 656

Andy Whitelam +44 (0)1132375049; 07770 993 366

Craig Spence +44 (0)1132375581; 07921 899 106

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=42