Huge TV audiences predicted



The 2008 Rugby League World Cup is set to attract the biggest television audiences in the *'s 54-year history with live coverage into the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

It will also break new ground in being the first to be broadcast live on internet platforms after joining with Telstra in the area of New Media.

The interest building in Rugby League World Cup XIII has already been made clear with *'s Sky Sports, New *'s Sky Sport, Showtime in the Middle East and Samoa in the Pacific each electing to show final qualifying matches.

As the Rugby League World Cup heads to Australia for the first time since 1977, Australian free to air rights holder the Nine Network is preparing to telecast all ‘Super Pool’ matches next year, the semi-finals and Final from October 25 and November 22.

Sky Sports will telecast all 18 games live into the UK, taking in telecasts from 12 different venues.

Sky TV New Zealand will also take in all 18 games live as well as next-day replay and highlights programmes.

Showtime has secured the rights to all 18 games for the Middle East as Cup hopefuls Lebanon still battle for a World Cup berth.

Rugby League International Federation Chairman and RLWC ’08 Tournament Director, Mr Colin Love AM, said: “No sport can make you feel part of the action quite like Rugby League and there is no more intense or prestigious arena than the international game.

“The format of the competition means that we will see teams with a real chance of causing an upset in almost every game.

“It is going to provide some great television viewing and the pleasing thing is that we are still receiving considerable interest from further prospective broadcast partners.”

Please click here for more information about the broadcast partners.

For further information 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 993366

Craig Spence +44 (0)1132375581; 07921 899106

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=41

Petersen leads his nation



QUESTION: What do Olympian Carl Lewis, comedienne Roseanne Barr and Gold Coast winger Matt Petersen have in common?

Answer: They've all been accused of singing The Star Spangled Banner very, very badly.

"Oh, my singing of the American national anthem, mate, patchy at best,'' Petersen laughs. "But thankfully I've still got a few days before our big game. And I'll be using as many hours as possible to brush up.''

Petersen, the woolly NRL cult figure from Western Australia, is among more than 50 NRL and English Super League stars still chasing a start with 2008 World Cup minnow nations.

The 27-year-old is the shock choice to skipper the American Tomahawks in their qualifier against Samoa on Friday.

Yep, that's an Aussie in England captaining the Yanks against Polynesians.

Anyone else confused?

"The Titans boys certainly like to have a joke about it,'' smiles Petersen, who qualifies through a Texan grandfather. "But I just keep reminding them that I'm an international captain now.''

It may, however, be the shortest leadership tenure in 100 years of rugby league.

As revealed in our international list, the Samoans boast a team overflowing with international talent - including former New Zealanders Tony Puletua, Nigel Vagana and Willie Talau.

The Tomahawks, meanwhile, are coached by Penrith boss Matt Elliott and boast only a handful of players with NRL experience. The rest hail from clubs such as the bizarre, yet ferociously named, Philadelphia Fight.

"But I've never met blokes who are more passionate about their league,'' Petersen enthuses. "And that's what makes this such an honour. And I'll never play Origin. Never play for my country either. But that doesn't mean you stop aspiring to higher honours.''

Nine teams have qualified for the 2008 World Cup - Australia, England, New Zealand, France, Fiji, PNG, Tonga, Ireland and Scotland - with one to be added.

And with America, Samoa, Lebanon and Wales still in the battle, Tomahawks league boss David Niu is hopeful his new skipper will prove the X-factor.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

My tip for the final team in is Samoa. Would be good in a way for Wales to make it... but some of those players for Samoa look too strong.

Wade lives World Cup dream

BRISBANE Easts centre Wade Liddell paid $3000 to play for Scotland - and earn the honour of a free trip back home for next *'s Rugby League World Cup.

The Scots beat more traditional league country Wales to the second last spot in the 10-team 2008 tournament in Australia, qualifying on a countback despite losing their match 18-16 at Glasgow Hawks RFC yesterday.

The Scots joined England and Ireland in the World Cup field thanks to an aggregate score of 37-32.

Welsh dual international Iestyn Harris stormed from the field after the principality failed to win by the necessary seven or more points, leaving them with games against Lebanon and probably Samoa to qualify for the last spot.

"Paying the money isn’t the big thing ... *'s a dream come true," said Liddell, who was joined in the Scots side by fellow Australians Kevin and Andrew Henderson, Ben Fisher and Duncan McGillivray.

"My *'s there. *'s one of those things not a lot of other people get to do. It will get me out in the limelight for sure."

Wales looked on track for a World Cup berth when they led 14-4 until the 53rd minute, Scotland clawing their way back and grabbing the lead when winger Jamie Benn scored after heady lead-up work from Mick Nanyn and Neil Lowe.

The Welsh - angry at Scottish attempts to narrow the field by two metres on each touchline - scored with three minutes to go but it was not enough to save them from the repecharge.

Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, France, Fiji, Tonga, Ireland and Scotland are through to the World Cup, to be staged on the eastern seaboard next October and November.

Wales, Lebanon, Samoa and the United States will play off for the final berth over the next week and a half in Britain.

http://www.qrl.com.au/display.php?pg_id=3458

Lebanon ride on back of pride



Lebanon go into *'s 2008 World Cup Qualifying Repechage semi-final against Wales looking for the chance to earn a ticket of pride to Australia.

The Lebanese failed to collect an automatic qualification place in next *'s finals in Australia when they were held to a 16-16 draw by Ireland in their last qualifying group at Dewsbury last Friday evening.

A successful Irish penalty just two minutes from time saved Andy Kelly's men from defeat and ensured that Lebanon, went into the repechage on points difference.

Victory against the Welsh would send them into the repechage Final at Featherstone next Wednesday evening (14th November) against the winners from the Samoa v USA semi-final. And the prize for victory at the Chris Moyles Stadium would be taking the remaining tenth qualification spot.

Tough forward Ray Moujalli ,who plays for Aussie team Cronulla Sharks, reckons that both he and his teammates have recovered from the disappointment of failing to beat Ireland and are rolling their sleeves up for the televised semi-final against Wales at the Halton Stadium, Widnes on Friday evening.

“The boys know what we have to do” said Moujalli. “We’re a close knit community back home and this group of players reflect that spirit.

“Now we just want to get out there and give our best performance, and we’re not going to let what happened against Ireland affect us.”

Lebanon has plenty of incentive to make it to the repechage final and qualification because they know they’ll have the support of the massive Lebanese community in Australia next October.

“I can’t even weigh up how massive it would be for us to qualify,” said Moujalli. “It would simply be the biggest thing imaginable for us and our community, we would have so many people supporting us”.

Moujalli also believes that the communities in the Lebanon, which now have their own domestic Rugby League competitions, will be backing their side in their World Cup endeavours. “Our families in Australia hear from their relatives in Lebanon that they are following our progress,” he said.

“We accept that these matches can’t be played in the Lebanon because of the situation in the country at the moment but, you never know, some of them might be able to make it here to support us”.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=44

Wales need a tonic



Wales, who in spite of beating Scotland 18-16 in Glasgow last Sunday failed to gain automatic qualification for the World Cup finals because of an inferior points difference, now face a serious challenge when they play Lebanon in the *'s repechage semi-finals at Halton Stadium, Widnes on Friday.

Mark Rowley, chairman of Wales Rugby League, acknowledges that Welsh head coach Martin Hall and his men face a significant challenge against the Lebanese who drew 16-16 with Ireland at Dewsbury last Friday night and also missed out on an automatic qualification spot on points difference.

“Martin will go straight to work on lifting the *'s spirits,” explained Mark. “We were really down after the game in Scotland on Sunday.

“It was a really weird feeling to have won the match and yet still have to play on in the qualifying competition”.

Wales' biggest headache will undoubtedly be the fitness of *'s goal-kicking stand –off half Lee Briers, who has an ankle problem.

Mark said: “Lee took a fierce blow to the shins and at first we thought that he had broken his leg. But it has turned out to be severe bruising and *'s been receiving treatment in Warrington ever since”.

Their other concerns are hooker Ian Webster and utility back Mark Lennon, who missed the game in Glasgow.

Rowley concedes that, as yet, the Welsh management don’t yet know a great deal about the Lebanese. But they have obtained a video recording of their draw against the Irish and will be spending a great deal of time in the next vital hours studying the Lebanese form.

“But all we can do is concentrate on what our players can do.

“The first job is to get into camp and for Martin to start work on lifting the players’ spirits.

“We suffered a 15-minute flat spot during the game against Scotland and that cost us. Now we shall be impressing on the players that they will have to concentrate and work for the full 80 minutes against Lebanon.

“We’ve got as good a chance as anybody left in the competition to qualify for Australia and a better chance than some others. Our fate is still in our own hands”.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=45

Vagana on a mission



Nigel Vagana, the 32-year-old, who plies his trade for NRL club South Sydney, has returned to his family roots in a bid to help Samoa through to the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Finals in Australia.

He said: “My parents were from Samoa and I’ve been brought up as a Samoan living in New Zealand”.

After playing 37 Tests for New Zealand between 1998 and 2006, Nigel retired from the global game following the 2006 Gillette Tri-Nations Tournament but changed his mind about leaving representative Rugby League opting to play for Samoa in the 2008 World Cup qualifying repechage competition and, hopefully, next *'s Finals.

Samoa, who were edged out of the qualifying places in the Pacific Group by Fiji and Tonga, now have to bid for a place in the Qualifying Final for the Tenth and last spot in next *'s Finals by beating the United States Tomahawks in the repechage semi-finals at Halton Stadium, Widnes on Friday evening.

If they win they win they will face the winners of the other semi-final between Lebanon and Wales at Featherstone.

“Not to be in next *'s World Cup finals would be very disappointing for everybody in Samoa,” said Nigel. “We’re a proud nation and we love our Rugby League.

“*'s why we’re doing as much as we can to prepare to do the best that we can against the Tomahawks.”

Vagana concedes that the Samoans will start as firm favourites against the Americans who lost their warm-up game against Cumbria 70-0 in Barrow last Sunday but he says that the Pacific *'s players are not being influenced by that performance.

“At the end of the day its 80 minutes of Rugby League and 13 guys against 13 guys,” he said, “and the history of Rugby League is littered with examples of shock results.

“The Americans will be going to Widnes all fired up and ready to give it their best shot against us so we’re taking nothing for granted.”

Vagana, the cousin of Bradford Bulls prop forward Joe Vagana, will also be watching the outcome of the other semi-final between the Lebanon and Wales with particular interest.

He was a member of the Samoan squad that was beaten by Wales 22-10 at Swansea in the 1995 World Cup in a match that has been labelled as one of the *'s classic all-time games.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=46

Superpower of Superpuff?



*'s not often that the United States goes into anything as underdogs, but the world superpower knows it has a massive challenge on when its international Rugby League team face tiny Pacific Island nation Samoa in the semi-finals of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Repechage competition at the Halton Stadium, Widnes on Friday evening.

The USA, team known as The Tomahawks, haven’t come to Britain just to make up the numbers. They’ve targeted taking the tenth and last qualifying spot for next *'s World Cup Finals in Australia.

To achieve that goal they have to beat Samoa and then overcome the winners of the other semi-final between Lebanon and Wales in the Qualifying Final at Featherstone next Wednesday.

The Tomahawks qualified to face Samoa when they beat Japan 54-18 in a decider played in the States last month.

American National Rugby League President David Niu, himself a veteran league player, knows what the boys from States will face when they play Samoa who just missed out on automatic qualification.

Niu, a former St George player in Sydney, Australia, said: “We’ve proved our serious intentions by bringing in Matthew Elliott from *'s Penrith Panthers club as our head coach as well as some experienced players from Australia and Britain who have US qualifications.

“We would really have liked to have done this job with all US-born players but we’ve had to be realistic given the size of the task facing us against Samoa.”

Some of the US preparations went pear shaped when they were beaten 70-0 by Cumbria in a warm-up game at Barrow last Sunday but Nui was dismissive of that result.

“Conditions for us were not ideal for us and Matthew didn’t get the chance to run some of the guys in the combinations he wanted,” he said.

“We’ve had the rest of the week to run that game out of our system and focus on playing Samoa. *'s no way we’ve come all the way across the Atlantic and not have hopes of winning, no matter what the odds might be.

“Matthew has one or two things up his sleeve which will be revealed on Friday evening.”

Nui also believes that the Tomahawks have done well to reach this point in the World *'s development.

“Given that we have a cluster of clubs around Philadelphia and one out on a limb at Jacksonville, Florida we’ve done a fantastic job,” he said. “Qualification for the World Cup would be massive for us because of the recognition it would bring for the sport back in the States.

“I’ve worked hard for ten years to get the game this far in America and no matter what happens *'s no going back now.”

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=47

Lebanon hoping for the "L" factor



Lebanon are hoping that the ‘luck of the Irish’ will rub off on them when they face Wales in the Rugby League World Cup Qualifying competition semi-final at the Halton Stadium, Widnes tomorrow.

The Lebanese were forced into the repechage competition after a 16-16 draw with Ireland at Dewsbury last week and their preparation to face the Welsh has been wracked with problems.

Lebanese manager George Elias said: “*'s been tough for us and we’re just hoping a touch of that legendary luck of the Irish might have rubbed off on us at Dewsbury last week because we need it badly”.

Their injury situation was so worrying for them today that their 41-year-old coach Danny Baroun was contemplating making a comeback after being in retirement for eight years or so.

Lebanon s have had to ship in three more players this week to cover the gaps left by three players whose injuries are so serious that they had no hope of recovering in time to play Wales.

And today the Lebanese medical staff were hard at work trying to patch up five players who are fighting to be fit in time to play.

Added Elias: “Things are so bad around here that our coach Danny is thinking he might have to play if some of the guys under treatment are not fit in time. He used to be a prop forward so he knows what to do but *'s not played for between eight and nine years.”

Besides their medical concerns the Lebanese have become embroiled in a dispute about players from NRL clubs, particularly Robbie Farah from West Tigers, not being released for World Cup duties.

“*'s a great pity *'s happened because this is about the development of the game in the Middle East,” he said. “But *'s no point in sulking about that; the injuries we’re dealing with or drawing with Ireland because we’re here to play and we’ll get on with the job”.

Their skipper and centre Hassan Saleh, prop forward Charlie Nohra and last *'s substitute Allen Soultan are the players who have been repatriated while the Cedars have imported Danny Chiha (Windsor), Khaled Deeb (Sydney Bulls) and Phillip Tatchi (Cabramatta) from *'s Jim Beam Cup competition to replace them.

The Welsh were due to start re-grouping at their training headquarters today after losing the automatic qualification spot to Scotland even though they beat the boys in blue in Glasgow last Saturday. They, like Lebanon, fell victim to an inferior points difference.

Wales have been licking their wounds. Virtually certain to be ruled out of the game against Lebanon will be Mark Lennon, who also missed the game against Scotland. Wales are also giving fitness tests to both Lee Briers and Ian Webster after they reported for training.

Briers is a key figure for Wales as he possesses one of the finest tactical kicking games as well as one of the shrewdest football brains in the engage Super League.

Kevin Ellis, the Welsh assistant coach, said: “We’ve just got to pick ourselves up and start all over again.

“We were really disappointed after winning the game last Sunday but not doing enough to qualify automatically: we stayed in our dressing room for a long time after that.

“But we used that time well because we had a chat among ourselves. We said that we had let ourselves down and that we had a chance to put things right.”

The Welsh, who trained in Widnes today, are not likely to name a team until late this evening or possibly first thing in the morning.

Both teams are aware that defeat will put them out of the competition and that the chance of facing the winners of the Samoa v USA semi-final in the Final at Featherstone next Wednesday at least keeps their World Cup Finals hopes alive.

That means that both nations go into this last four encounter keyed up and unwilling to make compromises. That should ensure that the tie will make riveting entertainment.

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It is pretty poor how the Wests Tigers have gone about this; not releasing players to the World Cup. They should realise they have some obligations to help develop the game.

Lebanese chief wants Tigers boycott
By Steve Mascord in Leeds
November 8, 2007

LEBANESE Australians have been urged to boycott Wests Tigers games next season in protest at the club's handling of the Robbie Farah affair.

Moves for the National Rugby League's first racially-based fan protest came after the Rugby League International Federation said it could not force Wests Tigers to allow the star hooker to play in two World Cup qualifiers next week.

Speaking at a World Cup launch, Lebanese Rugby League's George Elias said: "The Australian Lebanese community should be extremely disappointed at the position of Wests Tigers in not allowing Robbie Farah and Jarrod Saffy to compete.

"There should be some sort of sanction, whether through the international rugby league or the NRL or the Australian Lebanese community boycotting their games next year in protest."

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

Wales shocked by Lebanon
Lebanon to face Samoa on Wednesday

Wales have failed to qualify for next year's World Cup after suffering a shock 50-26 defeat to Lebanon.

They were on course to join England, Ireland and Scotland in the main draw in Australia when they led 20-10 early in the second half of their repechage semi-final at Widnes.

But they suffered a dramatic collapse, conceding five tries in 22 minutes to give Lebaanon the chance to qualify if they beat Samoa next Wednesday at Featherstone.

Winger Damian Gibson had earlier scored a hat-trick to puty Wales in charge.

But after reaching the semi-finals in both 1995 and 2000, they will most likely have to wait until 2013 for another chance.

Wales made a dream start with two tries in the first nine minutes, both created by captain Lee Briers, and they totally dominated the first half.

The Warrington scrum-half hoisted a pinpoint kick for Gibson to touch down at the corner and then got his Wolves team-mate Andy Bracek charging over from his accurate pass.

Centre Frank Samia pulled a try back for Lebanon on 19 minutes but it was virtually all Wales, who twice declined penalty kicks at goal in order to pile on the pressure, but they only had one more try to show for all their efforts.

Gibson finished off superbly for his second after Luke Dyer collected Briers' floated pass and Iestyn Harris kicked his second conversion to make it 16-6.

The game was then thrown wide open just before the break when experienced loose forward Chris Salem split the Welsh defence with a clever dummy and crossed for Lebanon's second try.

But after Gibson produced some more clinical finishing three minutes into the second half to complete his hat-trick, Wales seemed to have re-established their hold on the game. Three tries in a 12-minute spell changed all that.

Scrum-half George Ndaira, Lebanon's only full-time player who is moving from St George Illawarra to Sydney Roosters for 2008, sent Salem over for his second try and then sped over for one of his own to level the scores at 20-20.

Toufic Nicholas' conversion put Lebanon in front for the first time and prop Ray Moujali increased the lead on 57 minutes when he forced his way over from close range.

The Welsh defence was reeling by now and opened up again all too easily to allow substitute Ali Kourouche in, before Salem completed his hat-trick.

Wales did hit back through an Anthony Blackwood try which Briers converted.

But it was the surprize package from the middle east who finished the stronger, second rower Chris Saab and winger Adham El-Zbaideh adding further tries and Nicholas taking his goal tally to seven from nine attempts.

Wales (16) 26:
Tries: Gibson 3, Bracek, Blackwood. Goals: Harris 3.

Lebanon (10) 50:
Tries: Samia, Salem 3, Ndaira, Moujali, Kourouche, Saab, El-Zbaideh. Goals: Toufic 7.

www.skysports.uk.co

Samoa keep Cup dream alive
One game away from global showpiece after victory over United States

Samoa recorded a 42-10 success over the United States at the Halton Stadium, Widnes to remain on course for the 10th and final place in next year's World Cup.

The islanders ran in eight tries to ensure they progress to next Wednesday's repechage final against Wales or Lebanon, when the final World Cup spot will be decided.

The result was never in doubt after Samoa captain Nigel Vagana and prop Hutch Maiava both scored tries in the opening five minutes. Second rower Tony Puleta and replacement Chris Leisam also touched down as they opened a 22-0 lead by half-time.

And there were further tries after the break from Smith Samau, full-back Tangi Ropati and two from Wigan loose forward Harrison Hansen, who has switched allegiance from New Zealand.

The United States improved in the second-half with both Ryan McGoldrick and David Myles crossing the whitewash.

"It was a good hit-out for our first game," said Samoa coach John Ackland.

"We only got off the plane on Monday morning so we'll improve on that.

"The Americans were very brave and all credit to them. They did surprise me."

www.skysports.co.uk

Farah seeks loophole



WESTS Tigers' hooker Robbie Farah is considering flying halfway around the world for a game of football that could ruin his dream of playing State of Origin for NSW.

The Tigers yesterday gave Farah permission to play for Lebanon this Wednesday in a World Cup qualifying match against Samoa in England.

Should he play, he will be barred from turning out for Australia and NSW for two years. Farah was yesterday told of the controversial eligibility ruling moments after booking his flight to the UK.

Farah last night said that he would travel to the UK in the hope that an exception can be made.

"I found out yesterday that the Tigers would let me play,'' Farah said. "I messaged a few of the boys and told them I would be on the plane.

"I was pretty happy, but then I was told about this rule. We have until Wednesday to sort something out, but if I'm any chance of playing I have to get on the plane now.

"I am trying to get a ruling which lets me play. But in saying that, I will not jeopardise playing for Australia or NSW.''

With an international fracas brewing, Farah hit out at the eligibility rule, saying it was stupid to penalise emerging nations.

"I'm not getting anything out of going over and playing for Lebanon,'' Farah said.

"I am doing it because I know what it would mean for them to play in a World Cup.

"I just want to go over there and help. It is important for me because I know how proud my parents and the Lebanese community in Australia would be if they got in.

"It's a big deal for them and it would be great for the game. They would attract big crowds and I have no doubt they would be a major drawcard.''

Farah, though, said his loyalty was with Australia.

"My heart is with Australia and I want to make that clear,'' Farah said.

"But it would only lift the profile and credibility of international rugby league if I played. I guess I'll just have to wait on a ruling.''

ARL chief executive Geoff Carr said Farah could play for Lebanon and then apply to have his international eligibility changed.

"It would be a big risk but it is an option,'' Carr said.

"I think Robbie has to decide if he wants to play for Australia or Lebanon.

"He has to make up his mind what he wants to do because it would not be an automatic conclusion that if he plays for Lebanon the international tribunal would accept his appeal to play for Australia.''

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Good on the Wests Tigers for releasing him... but it seems to me the bottom line is now he has to choose if he wants to play for Lebanon or Australia... you can't do both. I can't see why it should rule him ineligible for football at the State level though.

with emerging nations i dont see why we should be penalising them, let him play for lebanon and then if he's good enough next year, play for australia... it would be different if the lebs were a credable league nation but whilst their not, a little helping hand might do a lot of good... if robbie plays for them and they make the cup, it would boost the game in lebanon to no end, and the current squad could all learn a thing or two from farah and maybe bridge the gap between them and the powerhouses ever so slightly

small steps, if we're fair dinkum about league being an international game, and we should be given we've got the best product in world sports. Then we must allow starts who are not good enough for australia, to help out their hertiage country men

I don't think he can expect to play in a World Cup qualifier and then expect to turn around and play for Australia in the World Cup next year though...

He has to choose one or the other...

Farah chasing Roo dream
By Dean Ritchie



WESTS Tigers hooker Robbie Farah was last night forced to abandon his dream of helping Lebanon qualify for the 2008 rugby league World Cup.

Farah told The Daily Telegraph he had been warned that assisting Lebanon would cost him a chance to represent NSW and Australia.

ARL chief executive Geoff Carr has since confirmed this, saying the rules stop players helping one country qualify for the World Cup and then playing for another nation at the tournament.

Lebanon play Samoa next Wednesday in England for the 10th and final World Cup berth in Australia next spring.

"I'm not going. I had to make a choice and I want to play for Australia and NSW," Farah said.

"Those are the rules. It's pretty disappointing - I finally get a clearance from the Wests Tigers and then all of a sudden I'm told about this rule.

"I know they can't change it just for me, but I really wanted to help Lebanon qualify. They have a young side and I have a lot of friends playing for them.

"But my priority is playing for NSW and Australia. It's a dream of mine. It always has been."

Farah said he could understand the rule being there for teams like England and New Zealand.

"You don't want players chopping and changing," he said. "But Lebanon is an emerging nation. I don't think they are going to win the World Cup.

"If I can help them and maybe make the players better players then that would help international rugby league."

Carr admitted it was an awkward situation but stressed Farah simply had to make a choice - Australia or Lebanon.

"I appreciate what Robbie is trying to do," Carr said. "But if he goes over and Lebanon win then they are in the World Cup, who does he play for then?

"Robbie has to decide just as guys like Sonny Bill Williams and Benji Marshall had to do.

"It's Robbie's call in the end."

Wests Tigers chief executive Steve Noyce said Farah was only trying to improve international rugby league.

"We are always trying to promote international football - anything that is counter-productive to that would be going against what we are trying to achieve," Noyce said.

Farah will push for a NSW spot next year but Cameron Smith has a firm grip on the Australian job.

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

England Stake A World Cup Claim



Great Britain 28 New Zealand 22

Great Britain finished the 2007 season in style as a much improved New Zealand could not avert a 3-0 series whitewash. A burst of British scoring either side of half-time wiped out an early 12-point deficit and the World Cup, a year from now, looks a much less daunting prospect than it did a month ago.

Great Britain opened expansively, until they were pulled up for a dubious forward pass. New Zealand took advantage, re-called Ben Roberts throwing a long pass to Clinton Toopi, who gave the 18-year-old debutant Chase Stanley the opportunity to score with his first touch in a Test.

Adrian Morley's pass gave away possession for the second Kiwi try, Paul Whatuira scoring in the corner.

Jeremy Smith, the Melbourne forward kicked a second conversion and Britain were struggling to find their rhythm. Stanley was unable to take a couple of chances created by kicks to his wing, though one was foiled only by David Hodgson tackling him in the air, at the cost of a penalty.

Martin Gleeson should have put Britain on the scoreboard but he knocked on when Danny McGuire had put him into a gap.

The breakthrough came in the seven minutes before half-time, starting with James Graham getting the ball over the line despite three Kiwis clustered around him with his first touch after coming off the bench. Four minutes before the break, man of the match Sean O'Loughlin, the only Wigan player on home soil for this Test, got a late pass out of the tackle for Keith Senior to touch down.

Immediately before the break, Stanley fumbled McGuire's high kick and from the scrum Rob Burrow and Senior put Hodgson over. Burrow, later voted man of the series and awarded the George Smith medal, jinked past four tacklers for a classic score at the start of the second half.

Fifteen minutes into that second period McGuire chased O'Loughlin's kick from the base of scrum on his own thirty, gathered it and beat the half-back Jeremy Smith to score Britain's last try. Stanley got his second for New Zealand but Britain were in no mood to give the Kiwis any consolation. Burrow kicked a penalty and Taniela Tuiaki's try came too late.

Great Britain: Wellens (St Helens) Hodgson (Huddersfield), Gleeson (Warrington), Senior (Leeds), Gardner (St Helens), McGuire (Leeds), Burrow (Leeds), Morley (Warrington), Clarke (Warrington), Peacock (Leeds), Ellis (Leeds), O'Loughlin (Wigan), Wilkin (St Helen). Substitutes used: Graham (St Helens) Jones-Buchanan (Leeds), Robey (St Helens) Yeaman (Hull).

New Zealand: Perrett (Sydney City), Stanley (St George Ilawarra), Toopi (Leeds), Whatuira (Wests Tigers), Tuiaki (Wests Tigers), Roberts (Bulldogs), Smith (Parramatta), Rapira (NZ Warriors), Halatau (Wests Tigers), Asotasi (South Sydney), Anderson (NZ Warriors), Smith (Melbourne), Mannering (Warriors). Substitutes used: Hohaia (Warriors), MoiMoi (Parramatta), Lauaki (Warriors), Lima (Melbourne).

Referee: T Archer (Australia).

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=50

World Cup launch on SLTV



With the 2008 Rugby League World Cup less than a year away, the Rugby League International Federation have unveiled full details of the tournament.

They staged a special event in the UK which brought together the competing nations and allowed members of the media to find out more about what will be a huge festival for the world game.

In a special edition of SL TV we spoke to some of the players who are hoping to be involved in next year's tournament....

http://www.superleague.co.uk/ClientData ... launch.wmv

http://www.therfl.co.uk/~therflc/home/n ... hp?id=9074

France beats PNG
By Steve Mascord at Stade Andre Moga, Begles

FRANCE 22 PAPUA NEW GUINEA 16

COACH Adrian Lam says Papua New Guinea have proven the unfairness of their controversial World Cup draw - by failing to win any of their internationals on a European tour.

The Kumuls crashed controversially 22-16 to France at Begles near Bordeaux yesterday to give the French a clean sweep in the two-Test series. PNG were flogged by Wales to start their trek and won only provincial games.

New Sydney Roosters assistant Lam broke his six-month silence over the Kumuls being grouped with Australia, England and New Zealand at the World Cup, describing it as "a f---ing joke".

"Our board has said: how can we be ranked fourth? In the last World Cup we were in the quarter-finals, we got knocked out by Wales and since then we haven't won a Test!" he told the Daily Telegraph.

"Had everyone gone into a hat and they pulled out Papua New Guinea, I would have gone `yep, fair enough, we were given a chance.'

"The first three teams in our pool go through to the semis? Please! If there was a repecharge would have been happy with that too.

"This draw is a f--king joke and you can quote me on that."

Papua New Guinea could at least have salvaged a draw yesterday except for an in-goal judge ruling lock Sam Wabo knocked on after he collected a kick which richocheted off an upright with four minutes left.

"It was a try, I scored," Wabo said. "If it was just the referee, he would have awarded it. I didn't knock on."

The Kumuls were led by Penrith's Keith Peters from halfback while club-mate Paul Aiton was hooker. Australian-born Justin Murphy had a quiet game on the wing for France.

"We want to pick French players but he is one of the two best wingers we can find," said coach John Monie, whose men face New Zealand in Paris on Saturday.

FRANCE 22 (Maxime Greseque 2, Eric Anselme, Cyril Stacul tries; Greseque 3 goals) bt PAPUA NEW GUINEA 16 (Nigel Hukula, Tu'u Maori, John Wilshere tries; Wilshere 2 goals) at Stade Andrew Mosa, Begles. Referee: Leon Williamson (New Zealand)

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 66,00.html

Wailing Wales



Wales have been left picking up the pieces following their shock elimination from the Rugby League World Cup.

The Welsh Dragons were downed 50-26 by Lebanon in the Qualifying Competition semi-finals at Widnes on Friday evening.

The Welsh had been bidding for a place in next *'s Qualifying Competition Final against Samoa at Featherstone where the tenth and last qualifying place in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Finals in Australia is at stake.

But Wales, who were leading 20-10 just after halftime at the Halton Stadium, were ripped apart in a second half rout that saw the Lebanon score 40 points playing Rugby League with both power and panache.

Welsh team manager John Devereux, who was once a professional Rugby League player at Widnes, summed up the feelings of the Dragon squad when he said: “We’re all devastated.

“We had our chances to qualify. We should have beaten Scotland twice but two poor second half performances against both the Scots and the Lebanese have let us down.

“Playing in the World Cup Finals in Australia had been a target for so many of our players but now *'s all gone.

“We’d been looking forward to playing what amounts to a summer in Australia but now *'s not going to happen.”

He added: “*'s a very sad day for us and some of our players. Because the next World Cup is so far away *'s probably the last time that both Lee Briers and Iestyn Harris will play for Wales. And *'s massive experience that’ll be missing in the future.”

Devereux was philosophical when he considered that Wales were beaten semi-finalists in both the 1995 Centenary World Cup and the 2000 global Tournament.

At *'s post-match press conference he was asked whether Wales should have been afforded automatic qualifications status. He said: “*'s just the way it is but, at the moment, even tomorrow looks a long way off and we’ll just have to take stock of where we stand.”

The former Wales union and Great Britain League international centre conceded that even during Friday *'s semi-final that Wales had had their chance to progress to Featherstone and keep their World Cup dream alive.

“We had some opportunities to score in the first half but just didn’t take any of them. And missing those chances came back to haunt us. We could have killed the game off and it made matters worse when we didn’t perform in the second half.

“The turning point came when we conceded a try at the end of the first half. It was a bad moment for us.

“When the Lebanese came out in the second half they were cocky and we failed to deliver a performance.

“We believe that we were the better side in the first half and we let ourselves down with yet another second half disaster”.

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=51

*'s proud boast



Lebanon go into Wednesday *'s Rugby League World Cup Qualifying Final at Featherstone, England, knowing that victory over Samoa could see them hit the jackpot in Australia.

They qualified for the Final and the right to play Samoa for the tenth and remaining qualification place in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Finals in Australia after an impressive 50-26 semi-final win over Wales at Widnes on Friday night.

Team manager George Elias said: “We have fantastic support not just from the Lebanon but from the sizeable Lebanese community in Australia.

“And if we do beat Samoa we would going into next *'s Finals in Australia confident that we would have the second biggest support in the competition”.

The Lebanese produced a performance of rare quality against the Welsh and left the Dragons shell shocked after a power-packed second half that saw them turn a 16-10 deficit around.

Elias added: “It was our best ever performance with not only the quality of the Rugby League we played in that second half but also from the passion the team generated.

“We had been very disappointed not to gain automatic qualification when we drew with Ireland a week earlier but we’d also had to cope with a serious injury situation and the struggle to put together a team to play Wales”.

And Elias believes that the emergence of the Lebanese team as a significant force is a positive force for Rugby League internationally.

“We’re trying to spread the game of Rugby League globally and our progress must certainly help that ambition”.

Lebanon, who had to draft three new players into their squad during last week to replace players who had been injured or had to return to Australia for business reasons, do not expect to recruit more players before *'s encounter with Samoa, who beat the United States Tomahawks 42-10 in their semi-final.

Elias added: “I’m not aware of anybody going home this time. But we do have several injuries that we’ll have to look at closely in the aftermath of *'s game.

“Not many people may have noticed but we played for most of the semi-finals with just 14 players because we had additional problems during the game”.

Lebanese captain and halfback George Ndaira, who will be joining Sydney Roosters in 2008, was equally delighted with his *'s victory over Wales.

After the game he said: “It was a great backs-to-wall performance when you consider that at one stage during the week we weren’t sure whether we’d be able to put a team out against Wales.

“It was a great team effort. We felt at halftime that we were still in the game and everybody went to work for each other. We just didn’t give in.”

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=52

Samoa - watch this space



Samoa play in *'s Final of the World Cup Qualifying competition against Lebanon at the Christ Moyles Stadium, Featherstone, convinced that their best is still to come.

Coach John Ackland speaking after Friday *'s 42-10 semi-final win over the United States Tomahawks at the Halton Stadium, Widnes said: “I’m sure we can improve upon that”.

“Considering that we only stepped off a plane on Monday night I thought we did well to beat a very brave American team. I must admit the Tomahawks surprised me by how well they played.

“And with the best part of a week to prepare for the Final *'s enough time for us to get even better”.

Ackland, who spent part of his playing career in England and is now assistant coach at New Zealand Warriors, led the Samoan side that played in last *'s Federation Shield, conceded that his team had been reinforced during the intervening year.

Samoa had returned to the southern hemisphere last year without scoring a point in the Federation Shield qualifying rounds, including losing their game against Tonga which ensured they missed out on an automatic qualifying for next *'s World Cup Finals in Australia.

But given that Friday *'s team contained experienced players from *'s elite competition, the National Rugby League, as well as *'s premier competition, the Super League, the Samoans offer far more promise.

And, by reaching the Qualifying Competition Final, they are now within reach of claiming that remaining tenth place in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Finals.

Ackland was happy with the way his team performed against the courageous Americans who improved on their previous outing against Cumbria five days earlier when they were hammered 70-0 at Barrow.

“We went well. Our go forward and defence was in place and we’ll definitely improve on both aspects by the time we come to play in the Final”, he mused.

And Ackland revealed that the finishing touches for Friday *'s victory were put in place in an unusual location.

Their final run through of their game plan was staged on some grassland just outside television studios on Kirkstall Road in Leeds not far from their team hotel.

He added: “We’ll train on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday but we’ll have a very quiet day before the Final”.

The Samoans also expect to further reinforce their team before they take the field against the Lebanese. He said: “Willie Talau of St Helens hasn’t been available to us until now but we’ll be bringing him into the squad for the Final.

He also thinks that their success in reaching in reaching the Final could herald the start of a new era of success for Samoan Rugby League.

“Having players such as Nigel Vagana and Tony Puletua commit themselves to Samoa has been a boost for the nation. They’re quality people and having them aboard certainly helps”, he said.

“The potential for Rugby League in Samoa is enormous.”

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=53

A scent Of 2008 success?



Is there a whiff of resurgence in French Rugby League?

Will the French be more competitive than many cynics believe when they tackle the 2008 World Cup?

The portents are saying an emphatic “yes.”

France yesterday beat Papua New Guinea 22-16 in a “friendly” at Begles, near Bordeaux much to the delight of a crowd over 4,500, that in itself a resurgence!

PNG could have at least salvaged a draw except for an in-goal judge ruling loose forward Sam Wabo knocked on after he gathered a kick that ricocheted off an upright with just four minutes remaining.

The match bristled with excitement, with flashes of former French flair leading to the home side scoring four tries, two to the skipper Maxime Greseque.

Greseque, the impish scrum, half, scored twice within six minutes and he already looms as a crowd magnet for the 2008 World Cup.

His second try came after an intercept and a 95-metre sprint to the line.

France next meets New Zealand, later this week.

France 22 (M Greseque 2, E Anselme. C Stacul tries; Greseque 3 goals) d. Papua New Guinea 16 (N Hukula , Tu’u Maori, J Wilshere tries; Wilshere 2 goals). Referee: Leon Williamson (New Zealand).

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=54

10th spot decided tonight!



The final spot in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup will be decided tonight, November 14 (19.30 GMT).

Lebanon will play Samoa in what will be a close game in Featherstone, United Kingdom.

Both teams qualified through from the Repechage semi-finals in Widnes last week, and face a tough contest with only one qualifying into the tournament main draw, joining the nine already through.

*'s can watch all the action of the Repechage Final at 6.30am AEDST, Thursday November 15, on www.bigpondtv/leaguetv

For further information please call:

John Brady +61 (0)2 9339 8524; 0408 881 222

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

Source: http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=55

Samoa well in front at half time... but Lebanon are leaving nothing in the tank in the second half...

Samoa is the final team in... They look quite strong Samoa and a lot of "names" in the side.

This means Pool A is:

Australia
New Zealand
England
Papua New Guinea

3 finalists to come from the "super pool".

Pool B

France
Fiji
Scotland

Pool C

Tonga
Ireland
Samoa

with the top finishers in those pools to play off to be the fourth finalist.

I reckon Samoa could well be the team that makes it, based on the look of their team.

IMO it should be a top 6 finals format
top 2 from every pool going through

Pool A:
Australia
France
Somoa

Pool B:
New Zealand
Fiji
Tonga

Pool C:
England
Scotland
Ireland

And I thought it wasn't possible to screw PNG any more. But you sir have found a way, kudos

Touche'
PNG would be paired in with the USA and Lebanon for Pool D and create a top 8 formate

Samoa take 10th spot!


Wishful thinking? Samoa captain Nigel Vagana holds the 2008 World Cup after the win over Lebanon.

Samoa has sealed the 10th and final spot for the 2008 World Cup with a crushing 38-16 win over Lebanon in bitterly cold conditions at Featherstone in England.

Too much pace, too much power-it was a classic case of a good big man beating a good little man in the Repechage final.

Samoa led 28-8 at halftime but had to bear the full brunt of several Lebanon “strikes” mid-way through the second half.

Lebanon winger Tom Joseph, better known as a “park” footballer in Sydney, Australia, scored in the 60th minute to revive sagging hopes for a World Cup berth but missed two other try scoring opportunities within two minutes.

And when Chris Salem hung on too long with a try begging the game was as good as over.

Samoa was bruising in all their endeavours. They have a powerful pack of forwards and slick backs, especially when Nigel Vagana cuts loose.

John Ackland, the Samoan coach, described the victory as a “great night for international Rugby League.”

“We won on heart and effort,” said Ackland.

Lebanon unleashed their natural aggression in the opening stages but a dubious penalty to Samoa gave the Pacific Islanders first blood.

Joe Paulo kicked the first of his seven goals and was voted man-of-the-match.

Samoa exploited loopholes close to the rucks and it was not surprising to see hooker Chris Vaefaga score from dummy half.

Then, in just the 12th minute, fullback Tangi Ropati went over after sustained attack featuring Vagana, who was slick close to the edges.

In the 18th minute Lebanon posted their first points from a chip kick that Phil Tackhi latched on to but he did appear to be two metres offside.

Joseph saved a certain Samoan try in the 20th minute with a magnificent ball and all tackle but Samoa continued to dominate territory.

Vagana scored in the 26th minute after a Rugby style scrum push provided him with the room to exploit.

Five minutes from halftime, Lebanon hit back with a try from Adham El-Zbaideh. If it is any consolation this try was by far the most spectacular of the repechage final played before a crowd of 1,323.

Lebanon chanced their arm and threw passes with gay abandon, including one out the back door.

Paulo went to the break having kicked six from six.

Samoa increased their margin in the 47th minute when Bauer scored but Lebanon, never to be denied, scored four minutes later and when Joseph crossed 20 minutes from fulltime there appeared to be a flicker of hope of another Lazarus type comeback.

But, not to be. Missed chances cost Lebanon dearly and when Hutch Maiava crossed Samoa had booked a passage to Australia.

Samoa now joins Australia, England, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, France, Fiji, Tonga, Ireland and Scotland as the top 10 for the 2008 World Cup.

Samoa 38 (C Vaefaga, T Ropati, N Vagana, F Puletua, H Maiava, A Bauer tries; J Paulo 7 goals) d. Lebanon 16 (P Tackhi, A El-Zbaideh, T Joseph, D Chiha tries)

http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?id=55

Here is a copy of the RLWC newsletter they send out. If you want to subscribe you can do so at the website. rlwc08.com.



Official Rugby League World Cup 2008

Samoa are through to the 2008 World Cup after beating Lebanon 38-16 in the final of the repechage series held in the northern English town of Featherstone.

The Samoans were in total control from the start, creating a 14-0 lead after just 11 minutes of play.

Samoa led 32-8 early in the second half before Lebanon hit back with tries from Danny Chiha and Tom Joseph to put some credibility on the scoreboard.

"It is a great result for international Rugby League. Samoa has the potential to be a very competitive side next year. We have plenty of improvement left in us and we will be aiming to reach the semi-finals," said winning Samoan
coach John Ackland.

The 10 nations to compete in the 2008 World Cup will be Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Scotland, Ireland and Samoa.

Samoa will play Tonga at Penrith's CUA Stadium on Friday, October 31, 2008 before meeting Ireland at Parramatta Stadium on Wednesday, November 5, 2008.

Samoa, then known as Western Samoa, made their World Cup debut in 1995 and reached the quarter-finals in 2000, losing 66-10 to eventual winners Australia.

The opening ceremony at the Sydney Football Stadium on 26 October 2008 may be just under a year away but the World Cup is already taking place with tickets on sale since November 11th for eighteen matches across twelve different venues, three States and the Australian Capital Territory.

Rugby League International Federation Chairman Colin Love said at last week's United Kingdom World Cup launch that this is a tournament that everyone should be proud to be a part of.

"It began in France in 1954 and has carried on through a total of twelve World Cups to date. Some of the greatest players to have played the game have competed for this grand trophy, it has embodied triumph and disappointment," said Love.

Since 1998, the work of the Rugby League International Federation has seen the game strengthen considerably on many fronts.

The International scene today is a very different one even from the one that existed when Australia last claimed the trophy in the year 2000. There are more countries playing and more players playing the game at both an amateur and a professional level than ever before.

Rugby League World Cup XIII will be the first staged in Australia in more than thirty years and tickets for all events, including the Opening Ceremony at the Sydney Football Stadium on October 26 and the Final at Brisbane's Lang Park on November 22, are on sale.

Demand for tickets in the UK and New Zealand has already seen large numbers of fans registering with official travel agents to ensure their access to tickets. Tour packages range from one-match visits to full five-week tours which take in some of Australia's greatest tourist attractions and which combine the Rugby League World Cup with other great sporting events such as the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.

Australian fans will have their choice of eighteen matches spread across three states and the Australian Capital Territory.

Ticketek will control sales at Lang Park, the SFS, Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville, the Gold Coast 's Skilled Park, Parramatta Stadium, Penrith's CUA Stadium, EnergyAustralia Stadium in Newcastle and WIN Stadium in Wollongong.

Tickets for the historic Australia v England match at Melbourne's Telstra Dome will be available through Ticketmaster and those for Rockhampton's Browne Park game will be sold locally through the Pilbeam Theatre box office.

The 2008 Rugby League World Cup is set to attract the biggest television audiences in the tournament's 54-year history with live coverage into the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

It will also break new ground in being the first to be broadcast live on internet platforms after joining with Telstra in the area of New Media. The interest building in Rugby League World Cup XIII has already been made clear with Britain's Sky Sports, New Zealand's Sky Sport, Showtime in the Middle East and Samoa in the Pacific each electing to show final qualifying matches.

As the Rugby League World Cup heads to Australia for the first time since 1977, Australian free-to-air rights holder, the Nine Network, is preparing to telecast all 'Super Pool' matches next year, the semi-finals and Final from October 25 through to November 22.

Sky Sports will telecast all 18 games live into the UK, taking in telecasts from 12 different venues.

Sky TV New Zealand will also take in all 18 games live as well as next-day replay and highlights programmes. Showtime has secured the rights to all 18 games for the Middle East.

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HISTORY TO BE MADE IN AUSTRALIA

History will be made when England takes on Papua New Guinea in the opening game of the 2008 World Cup at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville.

Since the World Cup was first staged in 1954, Brisbane and Sydney are the only two Australian cities to host such an event.

Aside from Townsville, the 2008 World Cup will also be held in Canberra, Wollongong, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Central Coast , Rockhampton and Newcastle, thus breaking the monopoly that Brisbane and Sydney has held.

A total of 19 World Cup matches have been held in Australia in the past, with 11 staged in Sydney and eight in Brisbane.

The Sydney Cricket Ground was home to all games played in the New South Wales capital while the Brisbane matches have been held at three different grounds.

The 1957 World Cup, the first to be held in Australia, saw the Brisbane Cricket and Exhibition Grounds host one game-a-piece. Since then, Lang Park (now known as Lang Park) has seen six World Cup matches.

...........................

FRANCE CONFIDENT OF REACHING SEMI-FINALS

France believes they have the potential to win a place in the World Cup semi-finals next season and then hopefully reach the final for the first time since 1968.

With the inclusion of the French-based Catalans Dragons in the English Rugby League, the standard of the international side is expected to increase immensely.

France recently beat the touring the Papua New Guinea outfit in both Tests to give them some much-needed confidence.

The French defeated the Kumuls 38-26 in the opening Test in Avignon after the visitors led 20-10 early in the second half. However, the home side clicked into gear to register five tries in 25 minutes. France won the second encounter 22-16 after coming from 12-10 at the break to score two converted tries.

France opened the tour with a 50-12 loss to Wales before recording wins over France A 38-12 and a French Presidents XIII 20-6. France has been grouped with Fiji and Scotland in the 2008 World Cup. They will open their account at Canberra Stadium on Sunday, October 26 when they tackle Scotland and then play Fiji at Wollongong's WIN Stadium on Saturday, November 1.

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SAMOA AIMING TO HAVE WIKI

Former New Zealand Test captain Ruben Wiki could be pulling on the jersey for Samoa in next year's World Cup tournament in Australia.

Wiki, who played a world record 55 Test matches for the Kiwis, has indicated that he will be involved with the Samoans but has yet to indicate if he will be playing.

Wiki is a veteran of 288 NRL matches, having made his first grade debut in 1993 while playing for the Canberra Raiders. The 34-year-old still has a year to run on his contract with the New Zealand Warriors and is set to become only the 10th player in the history of the game to have played 300 or more top grade games.

South Sydney's Nigel Vagana has been behind the push to get as many quality players to play for Samoa. He was instrumental in getting Willie Talua, George Carmont, Hutch Maivai, Ali Lauitiiti, Tony and Frank Puletua to play for Samoa in the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Samoa will also be looking to add more experience in the 2008 World Cup with targets including Matt Utai (Bulldogs), David Solomona (Bradford), Francis Meli (St Helens), Henry Fa'afili (Warrington), Jeremy Smith (Melbourne) and Joe Vagana (Bradford).

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DID YOU KNOW

The largest crowd to attend a World Cup match, aside from the final, is 62,256 for the opening clash between Australia and Great Britain in 1968.

Played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Johnny Raper-captained Australia proved too good for the visitors by 25-10.

This email was sent by: IMG Media
Level 4, 263 Clarence Street Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia

France near the "Monie"



It was, oh so close…

Only two belated tries saved New Zealand from their first loss in a Test to France in 27 years.

France raced to an 8-0 lead and coach John Monie had a grin from ear to ear. The French resurgence was continuing and by the time of the 2008 World Cup who knows how competitive France will be?

The grin was still beaming at the 69th minute mark when France led 14-10. But the Kiwis lifted and blasted the home defence with a brace of tries.

Centre Paul Whatuira and replacement Thomas Leuluai scored with just seven minutes remaining.

France “flew the gates” when second rower Eric Anselme crossed in the second minute after claiming a ricocheting kick.

Tries to Louis Anderson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall then gave the Kiwis the upper hand but a wayward pass from fullback Sam Perrett on his own line allowed former Kiwi Justin Murphy to counter for France.

France battened down and the Kiwis became frustrated until Leuluai, now with Wigan, entered the fray and spelt out the difference in class.

Not only did he score himself, Leuluai created a try for Whatuira.

But what might have been…

Earlier Anselme had a try disallowed by the video referee that would have extended the French lead to 20-10.

New Zealand prop Sam Rapira came off worse for wear when he suffered severe concussion and was carried off on a stretcher.

New Zealand 22 (Anderson, Kenny-Dowell, Whatiura, Leulai tries; Roberts 3 goals) d. France 14 (Anselme, Stacul tries: Gresque 3 goals).

Source: http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=56

Fiji appoint "new" coach



Fiji has replaced its coach for the 2008 World Cup.

Arthur Kitinas, a former Souths player and coach, has made way for Jo Dakuitoga.

Dakuitoga was a former Fiji player and coach. He had coached Fiji during the World Cup qualifiers and schemed the big win over Samoa. He has a reputation in Fiji for dedication and the Fiji chairman, Peni Musunamasi, has welcomed the appointment.

Source: http://www.rlwc08.com/news/article.asp?item=56