2022 Rugby League World Cup

[Blue Suede Schubert]

I heard it on SEN that Australia & NZ cant play each other in the final but by the look of the format if both win their pools then they can play in the final.

I think it would be that assuming both Aus and NZ finish top of their pools that they could meet in the semi-finals.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_R...ague_World_Cup

[Rooster90]

Laurent Frayssinous will be the French Head Coach and Robbo in his Director of French Rugby League role his advisor

All the French Squad are players that play ESL

I assume Robbo maintains his French fluency level

France are in a group alongside Samoa, Greece and hosts England at the World Cup.

Robbo may tip off the French players in how to get Radley agitated

In 2025 they will host the RLWC so this one will be building towards the 2025 one.

MMM Maybe some cap room for another French player perhaps ?

looking at the French squad it is not one of their stronger ones in recent years.... even had to call up former Roosters and Tongan international Samisoni Langi under residential rules

I rate Arthur Mourgue from the little i've seen

[Andrew Walker]

Don’t forget we also have The Womens World Cup Australian squad will be announced soon

[eddie]

I don’t give a shit about international league. It’s not an international game and never will be. I’d prefer our players have a longer off season and relax in preparation for next year.

For those who care, I hope you enjoy it.

Well, it is an international game, unlike aerial ping pong.
It started in England and is played on the other side of the world.

Having said that I agree with you that it is boring.
I only care about the mighty Roosters.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Its too bad rugby league hasn't taken off in South Africa

[Mickie Lane]

Gives us your tips on who you think will be in the final & who will win it.
I think NZ will win it.
Dont know who will be in the final but I hope Australia is.

[Johnny Brass]

Looks like the Aussies and Kiwis would clash in one semi and my prediction would be Samoa v Tonga in the other semi.
I backed the Kiwis at 5s so they are my pick.

[Lydon]

The Keary decision is a strange one to be honest,considering his concussion history..

Surely the Club would chat to him regarding his priorities and minimising risk by staying home and not playing in the World Cup..

Is it really worth it?

[King Salvo]

Gives us your tips on who you think will be in the final & who will win it.
I think NZ will win it.
Dont know who will be in the final but I hope Australia is.

Atlanta Braves - whoops wrong final and sport

Rugby League will be the winner

[King Salvo]

The Keary decision is a strange one to be honest,considering his concussion history..

Surely the Club would chat to him regarding his priorities and minimising risk by staying home and not playing in the World Cup..

Is it really worth it?

All clubs have a duty to the game at both a domestic and international level to make all players available for representative football unless injured. He won't be playing in one again so may as well have a last fling at rep footy whilst he can.

One of my relatives played for Ireland in the 2017 RLWC but not picked this time - 36 though

[worldbe3]

One possibility coming out of this World Cup, Manu absolutely kills it as the Kiwis fullback and is named player of the tournament. I think he’s off contract for the 2025 season and it could be hard to keep him if we literally have the games two best fullbacks in our side. Seems like a loyal bloke though.

[roostermcgregor]

NZ vs Tonga final for me.
Those 2 teams have the best forwards.
Australia seem to be lacking in the forwards.
If its DCE and Munster in the halves , it will make it worse.
Check out the 2019 Tonga vs Australia game (Tonga won 16-12)
Andrew Johns and Fittler torte strips off our halves (DCE & Munster) & said they were directionless.
Lo and behold, they could be the Aussie halves, again.

[Mickie Lane]

The numbering system sucks.

[Paddo Colt 61]

[QUOTE=eddie: Well, it is an international game, unlike aerial ping pong.

The AFL had an opportunity to grow their game and maybe create a small goldmine with competition with Ireland. The possible money might have encouraged the Irish to change the ball shape and a few other things. But the Australian side beat them up and, rightly aggrieved, they've refused ever to return.

The RLWC is taking on a different shape that is exciting. As Mick says any one of five can win it and that creates huge opportunities to grow the game in Pacifika and elsewhere. Herbie Farnsworth turned down MU development to play League.

[King Salvo]

NZ vs Tonga final for me.
Those 2 teams have the best forwards.
Australia seem to be lacking in the forwards.
If its DCE and Munster in the halves , it will make it worse.
Check out the 2019 Tonga vs Australia game (Tonga won 16-12)
Andrew Johns and Fittler torte strips off our halves (DCE & Munster) & said they were directionless.
Lo and behold, they could be the Aussie halves, again.

DCE and Munster do all right as a combo when playing for QLD though

2019 was 3 years ago and 16-12 is not what one would call a thrashing

Tonga won't have the support they get down this way when playing in England and there are questions about their backs and back depth

I would say Australia has the better backline and back depth of the 5 main contenders - NZ 2 - Samoa 3 - Tonga 4 - England 5

Tonga

1. Niu
2. Tupou
3. Suli
4. Talakai
5. Katoa
6. Amone
7. Lolohea

New Zealand

1. Manu
2. Watene-Zelezniak
3. Rapana
4. Hiku
5. Mulitalo
6. Brown
7. Hughes

Australia

1. Tedesco
2. Addo-Carr
3. Graham
4. Mitchell
5. Holmes
6. Munster
7 . DCE/Cleary

England

1. Tomkins
2. Makinson / Young
3. Watkins
4. Farnworth
5. Hall
6. Welsby
7. Williams

Samoa

1. Suaalii
2. Tabuai-Fidow
3. Tago
4. Crichton
5. To'o
6. Luai
7. Milford