Rugby League World Cup 2017

Road to the world cup final begins tonight

Men’s quarter-final 1: 17 November

Australia vs Samoa - at Darwin Stadium, Australia, starting at 7pm.

In the first of the quarter-finals, Samoa, who qualified despite not winning a pool match, will go up against the might of the current world champions.

Men’s quarter-final 2: 18 November

Tonga vs Lebanon at Christchurch Stadium, New Zealand, starting at 5pm.

Stylish Irish cruise past Azzurri

Having scored just 14 points at the 2013 World Cup, the Irish matched that tally inside 20 minutes and then kicked on in the second half after the Azzurri had threatened a comeback with tries either side of the interval. 

Injuries wreak havoc in RLWC17 week one

The Kangaroos and Kiwis face the prospect of reaching the final with 23 men following tournament-ending injuries to Jake Trbojevic (pec) and Gerard Beale (ankle) respectively.

Fiji thrash USA in Townsville

Fiji's backline had a happy night, with Kevin Naiquama, Suliasi Vunivalu and Taane Milne all scoring doubles. 

Kumuls leading 26-0 at break

The Kumuls maintained a strong presence in the first half to maintain the lead at the National Football Stadium this afternoon in Port Moresby.

Tries were scored by captain, David Mead, Nene Macdonald, Kato Ottio and Wellington Albert.

Meantime, the second half is currently underway.

 

More to follow

 

NCD ready to host rugby world cup: Governor

This was stated by NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, during a phone event launch on Sunday.

“The city is ready to host the nations coming in to play against the PNG Kumuls.”

A confident Governor Parkop said the PNG Kumuls might possibly make it to the semi-finals if they train and play hard in their matches.

“We are going to deliver a successful event when the matches will be hosted here in the nation’s capital and we look forward to coming here and experiencing rugby matches the PNG way,” he said.

England prepare for World Cup with romp

Coach Wayne Bennett used all but one of his 24-man squad - St Helens fullback Jonny Lomax was the unlucky one to miss out - for a game played in four quarters at nib Stadium.

Kumuls given three days off

“We’re allowing the boys to go away and spend some time with family.

“We’ll all get back into camp on the 19th and start preparing for the first game against Wales,” said coach Michael Marum.

Marum said he will be sticking to a 23-man squad for the World Cup.

“The reason is so that we can allow one more coaching staff to come in. With 23, we can cover the three games.”

Marum said Paul Aiton is expected to fly over from England to join camp this week.

RL World Cup 2017 PNG Trophy Tour comes to an end

The Oil Search sponsored Rugby League World Cup 2017 PNG Trophy Tour came to an end on Thursday.

The Paul Barrière Trophy went on its final road show in the nation’s capital visiting communities at 2 Mile, down to Koki and then Wanigela village.

Enthusiastic locals at Koki market got the chance to see firsthand and touch the ultimate prize in international rugby

It then continued to the new Koki fish market, up Lawes Road, into Konedobu than into the heart of the central business district in down town Port Moresby.

Tkatchenko pleased with world cup preparations

The World Cup tournament will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from October 27-December 2, while PNG will host the Kumuls’ three pool matches in Port Moresby.

Tkatchenko said it is very well organised and he is pleased with the way the professional team and host committee are moving forward.

The host city, through the National Capital District Commission, has given K5m with the Government topping up with another K5m to host the event.