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Kiwis battle for award

brad_rugby — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:31:00 GMT

Six players from the World Cup-winning Pirtek Kiwis are vying for the International Player of the Year accolade to be announced at the 2008 New Zealand Rugby League Awards in Auckland on Sunday.

All six along with 16 of their World Cup team-mates and management will be together for the awards event, which will be televised live by Sky Sport from the Otahuhu Rugby League Club (starting at 12 noon).

The finalists are divided evenly between backs and forwards although back rower Simon Mannering – the Vodafone Warriors’ 2008 NRL Player of the Year – was used in the centres when the Pirtek Kiwis stunned Australia 34-20 at Suncorp Stadium on November 22.

Three of Mannering’s club-mates are among the other five finalists – halfback Nathan Fien, fullback Lance Hohaia and winger Manu Vatuvei – along with captain Nathan Cayless (Parramatta) and loose forward Jeremy Smith, now with St George Illawarra after leaving Melbourne.

The judging panel had been challenged to narrow the field down on the basis of performances in the Pirtek Kiwis’ World Cup campaign and principally in the final.

“Voting was quite diverse and the common feedback from the judges was how difficult it was single out their top three choices as requested,” said NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz.

“In the past we have had the greatest difficulty bringing players together for our annual awards function but this time we basically have the entire team on hand. That makes this a very special occasion after an unforgettable year for the game in this country.”

Among other awards announced will be the International Rookie of the Year, the Bartercard Coach of the Year and the NZRL Personality of the Year.

Contesting the rookie award are winger Jason Nightingale (Kiwi No 747), utility Setaimata Sa (No 748), hooker Issac Luke (No 749), second rower Sika Manu (No 750) and prop Evarn Tuimavave (No 751).

Also in attendance will be members of the World Cup-winning Kiwi Ferns, who clinched the women’s title for a third straight time in November.

The NZRL Awards function is one of three feature events during the Pirtek Kiwis’ two-day World Cup celebration in Auckland.

The players and management assemble late tomorrow, being reunited for the first time since New Zealand’s breakthrough World Cup success 54 years after the competition started.

On Sunday the entire squad will be at Henham Park – the Otahuhu Rugby League Club’s home ground at Mt Richmond – to launch the NZRL’s Kids 2 Kiwis programme, an initiative designed to boost registration numbers among children in the 6-12 year old age group. Along with the Kiwi Ferns, the Pirtek Kiwis will be involved in running coaching clinics as well as signing autographs and posing for photographs.

On display throughout will be the Rugby League World Cup trophy, which the public can be photographed with. Due to start at 9.45am, the event will be televised live on Sportbox on Prime TV.

The Pirtek Kiwis will break away from the activities about 11.15am to get changed for the awards function before rejoining the public for a barbecue.

On Monday morning, the World Cup winners will be guests in the Auckland City Council’s chambers before a civic reception at the Louis Vuitton Pacific series village in the Viaduct Harbour precinct. It runs from 11.45am to 12.45pm with some players in line to show their skills on grinding machines. The World Cup will again be on display with the players also involved in a signing session for fans.

While the players based in Australia return on Monday afternoon, coach Stephen Kearney will remain in Auckland to attend the Halberg Awards dinner at the Vector Arena on Tuesday night (along with the seven Vodafone Warriors in the World Cup squad). Kearney is one of four finalists in the Coach of the Year category while the Pirtek Kiwis are among the four finalists for the Team of the Year title.

Kearney said the whole squad welcomed the chance this weekend to thank the public for their support throughout the World Cup campaign.

“Winning the World Cup was hugely satisfying. It’s the biggest thing that has happened for the game in New Zealand and the fans had a lot to do with it,” he said.

“It will be great to see as many of them there as possible for the Kids 2 Kiwis launch and also at the civic reception.”

Kearney has also indicated he will use the get-together to put plans in place for the Pirtek Kiwis’ 2009 programme, especially the Anzac Test in Brisbane in May.

NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden said it was vital rugby league benefited from the World Cup success.

“We need more kids playing rugby league in the 6-12 range,” he said.

Kids 2 Kiwis will see the Rugby League World Cup go on tour to key areas in the country as a focal point of the drive to boost playing numbers.

“To encourage increased participation we will provide incentives for the kids to register in the mini and mod football grades in 2009,” he said.

This will include free posters, Kids 2 Kiwis wrist bands, Kiwi tattoos and promotional mail-outs for those registered in the League Net database (like the Captain Cayless Christmas postcards which were sent out to thousands of registered young players around the country late last year).

“During the February/March registration period, we’ll be sending the Rugby League World Cup trophy on tour to spend time in each district that has mini-mod football,” said Haffenden.

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Kiwis reunite to celebrate RLWC win

brad_rugby — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:39:00 GMT

The Pirtek Kiwis will be back together for the first time since winning the Rugby League World Cup when they assemble in Auckland in two weeks for a two-day public celebration of their historic feat.

New Zealand Rugby League chairman Ray Haffenden today confirmed the players, coaching staff and management will be reunited – and back in possession of the impressive World Cup trophy – to relive their 34-20 win over the Kangaroos at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 22.

He said two public events formed the basis of the team’s programme.

The first will be the launch of the NZRL’s Kids 2 Kiwis initiative at Henham Park in Otahuhu on Sunday, February 1. The Pirtek Kiwis will be heavily involved in this event, which will be televised live by Prime TV.

The following day (Monday, February 2), the world champions will be feted by Auckland Mayor John Banks at a lunchtime civic reception at the Viaduct Harbour.

Also staged on February 1 will be the 2008 NZRL Awards – televised by Sky Sport – with the Pirtek Kiwis all in attendance.

“This has been a huge undertaking for us bringing the team back together, one that couldn’t have been achieved without the help of a lot of people,” said Haffenden.

“We informed the NRL clubs concerned of our plans before Christmas and we’re very thankful for their support. It’s brilliant to have Prime TV and Sky Sport involved as well.

“Everything has only just come together this week but now, with the launch of Kids 2 Kiwis and the civic reception at the Viaduct Harbour, the public will have the chance to celebrate the greatest success in New Zealand rugby league history.

“It’s also a chance for the players to thank the public for their support in helping them reach our game’s pinnacle.

“It’s not just about one World Cup win either. Also involved will be the Kiwi Ferns, who won the women’s Rugby League World Cup for the third straight time the same night the Pirtek Kiwis qualified for their final.

“There is so much to enjoy about what has been achieved and we invite the fans to turn out in big numbers to honour these teams. These are exciting times for all of us.”

The accolades have continued to roll in for the Pirtek Kiwis following New Zealand’s first World Cup win since the competition began in 1954. They’ve been voted one of the four finalists for the Team of the Year at the Halberg Awards and Kearney is also one of the four finalists in the Coach of the Year category. The winners will be announced at the annual Halberg Awards dinner in Auckland on February 3 with a strong contingent of players plus Kearney set to attend.

Kearney was thrilled the victorious squad would be back to together in two weeks and able to mix with the fans.

“Now we will have the chance to thank the public and to all enjoy the World Cup success again,” he said.

“It’s ideal that today’s players, these world champions, can be involved in the launch of Kids 2 Kiwis, which is so vital to the sport’s future in New Zealand. It’s also humbling to know we’ll be given a civic reception.

“At the same time, this weekend will be a good opportunity for us to put some plans in place for 2009 with the NRL season just a few weeks away.

“In May we’re back in Brisbane for the Anzac Test against Australia and there’s also the Four Nations tournament in the northern hemisphere at the end of the season.

“It’s important that we back up the World Cup win.”

Kids 2 Kiwis has been hatched in a bid to increase registrations in the critical 6-12 year old age bracket.

The Pirtek Kiwis and the Kiwi Ferns will both be involved in activity stations as they help to run coaching clinics for both selected club players and the general public at the launch (due to start at 10.00am).

The players will also mingle with the crowd signing autographs and having photos taken while the public will also be able to have photos taken with the World Cup trophy.

Later there will be exhibition games before the players break away to get dressed in their formal gear for the NZRL Awards show which will be staged in the Otahuhu Rugby League Club’s clubrooms. The audience of about 300 people will include the Pirtek Kiwis, the Kiwi Ferns, NZRL directors and officials plus sponsors.

After the awards event, the players will rejoin the public on the field at Henham Park.

“This is all about enjoying the success and trying to use it to give the game a much stronger base at grass roots level,” said Haffenden.

“We need more kids playing rugby league in the 6-12 range.”

To that end he said the Rugby League World Cup will go on tour to key areas in the country as a focal point of the Kids 2 Kiwis drive.

“To encourage increased participation we will provide incentives for the kids to register in the mini and mod football grades in 2009,” he said.

This will include free posters, Kids 2 Kiwis wrist bands, Kiwi tattoos and promotional mail-outs for those registered in the League Net database (like the Captain Cayless Christmas postcards which were sent out to thousands of registered young players around the country late last year).

“During the February/March registration period, we’ll be sending the Rugby League World Cup trophy on tour to spend time in each district that has mini-mod football,” said Haffenden.

The Pirtek Kiwis will attend another dinner with NZRL directors, staff and sponsors on Sunday night.

Monday’s civic reception, due to start at noon, will be held in the area of the Viaduct Harbour (at the end of Halsey Street) which will be the public focal point for the Louis Vuitton Pacific yacht racing series starting in Auckland at the end of the month.

RL Ireland Loses One of Its Greats

brad_rugby — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:18:00 GMT

Rugby League Ireland Executive Director Niall Cantrell sadly lost his battle with cancer last weekend on the day of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Final.

Niall, 59, was instrumental in the preparation and progression of Rugby League Ireland and its path to the World Cup tournament.

Coincidentally he was admitted to hospital two weeks ago on the day of Rugby League Ireland’s proudest moment – their Semi-final Qualifier against Fiji.

Niall co-founded the local league team (Titans) and was their chairman and guide – and “gave the club everything”.

He was born in Limerick city and is survived by his three children – Bevan, Keely and Sarah Jane. His wife Linda died three years ago.

NZRL make plans to celebrate triumph

brad_rugby — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:09:00 GMT

The New Zealand Rugby League is investigating a range of possibilities as it looks to celebrate the Pirtek Kiwis’ historic Rugby League World Cup success against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday night.

The trophy, hoisted by captain Nathan Cayless after beating Australia 34-20, is in New Zealand’s hands for the first time since the competition began in 1954.

It was brought home by squad members Manu Vatuvei, Jerome Ropati and Evarn Tuimavave plus football staff and management on Sunday night.

Team manager Gordon Gibbons handed it to the New Zealand Rugby League Museum’s curator Don Hammond on Monday; the cup will be housed there until the next World Cup tournament in 2013.

NZRL general manager Peter Cordtz said it was important that as many New Zealanders as possible were able to see and enjoy a trophy of such significance.

“This success is so special not just for rugby league in New Zealand but for the whole country. We want everyone to enjoy the achievement and celebrate our win,” he said.

“Ever since the cup landed on New Zealand soil on Sunday night there has been huge interest in the trophy. Everyone who sees it wants to touch it, hold it or have a photo taken with it. It seems to have captured everyone’s interest.”

Cordtz said a street parade involving the entire 2008 Pirtek Kiwis squad was one of the possibilities being looked at.

“We have been involved in on-going discussions about the best ways we can go about marking this watershed moment for New Zealand sport,” he said.

“There has already been lots of comment about a street parade. It’s too soon to say what could be achieved but we are looking closely at the possibility.

“It is, however, a challenging undertaking to put on such an event because of the difficulty in bringing together the players and management at the same time. We hope to have some answers as soon as possible.”

Cordtz said a rugby league initiative aimed at kids could also provide a chance to give the cup more exposure to the game’s key regions.

“We have developed a Kids to Kiwis programme which we are looking to launch in the New Year. It would make a lot of sense to have the World Cup trophy worked into the tiki tour we have planned to introduce Kids to Kiwis.”

While there had already been many requests to have the cup on show at a wide range of events, Cordtz said it wouldn’t be possible to satisfy all approaches.

“We will look at all proposals and we’d like to see the cup paraded as often as possible for worthwhile reasons,” he said.

“It will certainly be available to see regularly at the New Zealand Rugby League Museum and we’re planning to have it on show as part of Auckland’s annual Santa Parade this Sunday (November 30).”

New Zealand win RLWC08

brad_rugby — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:05:00 GMT

A Billy Slater moment of madness and a controversial penalty try have combined to deliver New Zealand their first ever rugby league World Cup with a stunning 34-20 upset win over Australia in Saturday night's final at Suncorp Stadium.

Massive underdogs heading into the match, the Kiwis pulled off the biggest upset in World Cup history as the Kangaroos surrendered their No.1 ranking to their trans-Tasman rivals with their first loss since 2006.

The Aussies were left lamenting a series of blunders and a massive call from video referee Steve Ganson - the Englishman awarding the visitors a penalty try with ten minutes remaining which extended New Zealand's lead to beyond a converted try.

Adam Blair then confirmed the win with a try four minutes from time to revive memories of their memorable 2005 Tri-Nations final triumph.

Ganson ruled Australian winger Joel Monaghan had taken out Lance Hohaia as he chased through a Benji Marshall grubber, Slater's proximity to the incident giving doubt as to whether the Kiwi No.1 would have got to the ball first.

The Australians had just got themselves back into the contest when Darren Lockyer, who scored two tries, sent Greg Inglis over to cut the deficit to 22-20, coming after Slater's season of magic spontaneously combusted with a monumental brain-snap.

Slater, who had a stunning first half in which he set up tries for Lockyer and David Williams, chanced his arm one too many times with his flirtation with the touchline ending in disaster as he flicked the ball infield ten metres from his own line only to watch Marshall pounce and dive over for a 22-16 lead with just 19 minutes remaining.

It set up the sort of grandstand finish tournament officials had been craving after the Australians had romped though the preliminary rounds with massive winning margins over every opponent.

Fears of another landslide Kangaroo win evaporated after a committed first half from both sides.

The scene was set for an epic opening as the Kiwis got within centimetres of their opponents while performing their traditional pre-game haka, the emotion spilling over into several heavy hits early in the contest.

New Zealand were their own worst enemies early on with Marshall blowing an easy chance for an early try when he failed to ground a Nathan Fein grubber.

The Australians were not so charitable with Lockyer crossing for his first after Slater looked like he had butchered the opportunity when he elected to go himself.

Williams then ran away for a 10-0 lead but a denied try to Lockyer turned the contest with Jeremy Smith and then Jerome Ropati - after Marshall had been ruled to have been stripped of the ball - putting the Kiwis up 12-10.

Lockyer completed his double to restore Australia's advantage but it wasn't enough as the Kiwis flew home after the break to become the first side other than Australia to win a World Cup since Great Britain's win in 1972.

Source: AAP

The Prenter Report #42

brad_rugby — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:39:00 GMT

Is it no more than a coincidence or is it something in the Marlborough region wine area sparking a New Zealand revival on the world’s sporting stage?

In the first cricket test at the Gabba in Brisbane it has been “all New Zealand.”

Maybe the success on the Gabba strip will be emulated by the Kiwis in the World Cup final tomorrow night at Suncorp.

New Zealand has an uncanny reputation of inspiring one another, especially in times of conflict.

I am not suggesting for a moment that Australia will be beaten but if ever there was a motivation for the Kiwis the success of their cricketers surely will be it.

Here we have a country of barely four million thumbing their noses at the world’s top cricket eleven.

Stranger things have happened. The Kiwi Rugby League team is capable of staying in the frame for a long time tomorrow night.

One or two favourable decisions and who knows?

Boils down to a case of “anything the cricketers can do, we can do better.”

The scene is set for a boilover.

By Geoff Prenter

RLWC08- In Review

brad_rugby — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:36:00 GMT

The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) has today unveiled the first of the game’s World Cup legacies announcing an expanded international program, and a projected surplus of more than $5million to help develop the international game between now and the next World Cup in 2013.

Chairman of the RLIF and Tournament Director of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, Mr Colin Love AM, said today that the competition had delivered on its key goals even before Saturday night’s final between Australia and New Zealand at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

“The goal of this tournament was to re-establish the World Cup as a viable event in its own right and to raise funds to support the international game,” said Mr Love.

“On the first count we’ve seen exciting and competitive matches throughout the tournament and I congratulate the players and the coaches for the spirit in which they have been played.

“To date the only team that has been able to emerge undefeated has been Australia and it is now beyond dispute that this is one of the greatest Kangaroos teams ever selected.

“The 243,349 fans – an average of over 14,300 per game - who have been to matches to date have enjoyed being a part of the event as have the millions who have watched and listened both here and overseas.

“The Australian Rugby League jumper has become the biggest selling national sporting jersey in the country, English fans have ensured a sea of red and white at each of their matches and supporters of every competing nation have created an unforgettable atmosphere of celebration.

“This tournament was always a starting point for bigger things in the years ahead and the foundations that have been laid give the World Cup the capacity to grow enormously.”

Mr Love said the RLIF had already received significant expressions of interest from parties wishing to be involved in the 2013 tournament in whichever country it is contested.

“In terms of what we need to achieve going forward, the surplus from this World Cup is not a large one and it will be important that we use those funds responsibly in the years ahead,” he said.

“We have today unveiled significant additions to the international calendar and the RLIF will begin consultation with all nations to look at the best ways of investing in the game’s development.

“In short, step one has been to ensure that Rugby League can generate funds for international development and step two will be to ensure that money is spent wisely.

“Already the event has made a significant contribution to that development by not only providing unprecedented exposure for Rugby League among some of the competing nations but through the three years of international competition conducted through both qualifying matches and the tournament in Australia.”

The following is a review of key tournament indicators. While some finals revenue projections are factored in, it is important to note that crowds and ratings data does not include any finals projections and will increase accordingly.

The International Calendar (additional to domestic Test programs and regional tournaments)

2009    – Oct/Nov Four Nations series in the northern hemisphere featuring England, New Zealand, Australia and France.

            - South Pacific Cup staged with the winner gaining entry into the 2010 Four Nations in the southern hemisphere.

2010    - Oct/Nov Four Nations series in southern hemisphere featuring Australia, New Zealand, England and the winner of the 2009 South Pacific Cup.

            - European nations to contest qualifying series to determine who will join the 2011 tournament.

2011    - Oct/Nov Four Nations in northern hemisphere.

            - South Pacific Cup contested but no guarantee of Four Nations berth.

2012    - No major series to be contested.

2013    - World Cup to be staged (venue to be confirmed) and to begin a fixed, four-year cycle from that point.

Benefits to Rugby League Nations

- PNG Government is looking to make major infrastructure investments in Rugby League.

- Profile of the game in nations including Fiji, Ireland (28 radio stations in Ireland carried interview material distributed by the tournament) and Scotland has never been higher.

-Tonga and Samoa rivalry has captured the imagination of Rugby League fans with calls for annual events.

- The RLIF will work with each nation to determine the next steps in developing the game.

Television Ratings

- Matches in Australia have attracted:

- 4,955,723 viewers across Australia’s five capital cities

- 3,022,426 viewers across WIN and NBN regionally

- 971,488 viewers on subscription Fox Sports.

- English Audiences through BSkyB Television and the BBC have enjoyed free to air and Subscription Television coverage.

- BBC peaked at 1.5 million viewers for the England vs New Zealand semi-final highlights (more viewers than the England v Australia Rugby Union highlights on the same day.) To date, only one of BBC’s five weekend highlights shows has failed to reach a peak viewing figure of 1 million.

- BSkyB’s live coverage attracted a peak audience of 420,000 for the England v New Zealand semi-final and a total audience in excess of 2 million across the tournament.

- New Zealand viewership on SKY Sports attracted in excess of 1.2 million viewers throughout the tournament.

- Fiji’s demand for World Cup matches led to the country’s supply of UHF aerials selling out as people tuned into Mai TV. Special ‘live sites’ were arranged in Queen’s Park, Suva, to allow people to see the semi-final, forcing the closure of key streets. Mai TV estimates a cumulative audience of approximately 500,000 viewers.

- PCCW in Hong Kong dedicated Now Sport 6 to run RLWC back-to-back (live / repeats / highlights) throughout the tournament.

Crowds (final not included)

- A total of 243,349 have attended World Cup matches.

- Average crowd per game 14,315.

On-Line

- More than 1.2million visits were recorded on RLWC08 website up until the weekend of the final.

- More than 718,000 of these visitors were unique users.

- They included people from 161 countries.

- October 26 (day one of the tournament) established over a 12-hour peak period, 49,808 unique users. The total average per event day was 32,243.

- More than 272,000 video streaming sessions were conducted through Telstra including live match telecasts and highlights.

Radio

- Coverage has extended throughout Australia and overseas through 2GB, the ABC, BBC, Radio Network New Zealand, National Broadcasting Corporation of New Guinea and Pacific Island broadcasts.

Media coverage

- Of the 725 media accredited, 212 have been from overseas based organizations. They generated significant coverage across all nations and throughout Australia’s eastern sea-board.

Tourism/Hospitality

- 6800 travel packages from official travel program taking in the UK, New Zealand and Australia (this does not include independent travellers who have arrived without pre-purchasing tickets).

- Length of stay from UK visitors ranged from one to four weeks.

- More than 40 official corporate functions have been held around the tournament

- The number of corporate hospitality packages sold at matches is 7500.

Merchandise

- The Australian Rugby League jersey will finish the Centenary Season as the highest selling sports jumper in the country.

- Merchandise sales at venues has more than doubled expectations.

- Overall more than 120,000 pieces of World Cup apparel have been purchased.

Financial Outcomes

- The tournament is expected to return a surplus of more than $5million which will fund future development of the game and future competitions

Festival of World Cups

- Five festival World Cup competitions were conducted during the Centenary celebrations including Universities (8 countries: Australia def England); Police (5 countries: Fiji def New Zealand); Women’s (8 countries: New Zealand def Australia); Defence Forces (5 countries: England def Australia); Wheelchair World Cup (3 countries and a Barbarians team: England def Australia).

- The five Festival competitions have been responsible for bringing 30 teams together. Together with the 10 senior teams in the main competition they took the total number of participants and support staff involved in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup to 1200.

Schedule for RLWC final

brad_rugby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Please see below the run down of events for the Rugby League World Cup final at Suncorp Stadium

5pm- Gates Open

6pm- Team of the Century presentation

6.30pm- Performance by Natalie Bassingthwaighte

7pm local time, 8pm AEDST- Kick-Off

Kiwis want more from Benji

brad_rugby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:27:00 GMT

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney isn't pinning all his World Cup final plans on Benji Marshall but he is hoping the playmaker can turn on more of his magic on Saturday night.

Ever since he emerged as a schoolboy star, Marshall has been capable of conjuring brilliant and breathtaking rugby league moments.

Ricky Stuart's Kangaroos privately fear the five eighth has been working up to something out-of-the-box that could spark the Kiwis to repeat their 2005 Tri Nations series final upset over the Kangaroos in England.

Rank outsiders at $6 to win against Australia's $1.11 and given 18.5 points start by bookmakers, the Kiwis desperately need Marshall to not only provide attacking spark at Suncorp Stadium but also a consistent, low-error performance.

Kearney was downplaying the pressure on Marshall on Wednesday.

But he conceded the 23-year-old was capable of turning it on if his forwards laid a strong platform for Marshall and halfback Nathan Fien to work off.

"He's shown glimpses," said Kearney.

"What we'd like from Benji is for him to string that kind of form together for 80 minutes.

"I'm relying on the 16 other players.

"The forwards know if they can build a platform for the likes of Benji and Fieny to work off the back of, we give ourselves a good chance.

"I hope for Benji's sake he does.

"He's the sort of player who can do something special.

"We're well aware of that and I'm sure so are Australia."

Kearney, who named an unchanged line-up on Wednesday, said his kickers would aim to keep the ball away from Australian fullback Billy Slater, named the International Rugby League's inaugural player of the year on Monday.

"You put the ball anywhere near Billy and he hurts you," said Kearney, who helps to coach Slater at the Melbourne Storm.

"Fien's kicking was a pleasing aspect of last week's performance (against England).

"It's going to be a little more difficult for him this time because they have a couple of guys in (Cameron) Smith and (Steve) Price who put kick pressure on so we need the other kickers we have in the group to take some pressure off him."

Kearney also said a bold start against Australia was "critical".

"It's absolutely crucial given the way Australia has started the last five Test matches they played," he said.

"You go back to the Centenary Test (earlier this year) and ever since them they've jumped out to a very solid start.

"It's always hard when you find yourself under pressure in those situations.

Source: AAP

Lockyer wary of Bennett

brad_rugby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:24:00 GMT

Australian captain Darren Lockyer warns former mentor Wayne Bennett will instil the long-odds Kiwis with real belief they can topple the Kangaroos in Saturday night's World Cup final.

Former Australia and Brisbane coach Bennett has kept a low-profile as Stephen Kearney's assistant and advisor during the Kiwis' campaign.

But Lockyer is wary of his six-time premiership coach Bennett's experience in preparing players for big games going into the decider at Suncorp Stadium.

"He'll have a very big influence," said Lockyer.

"There's an awful lot of guys in the (New Zealand) squad that haven't played in a final, a grand final or a game like this.

"The main thing Wayne will do is instil a belief in the players that they can do it.

"With all his experience, he'll be able to settle their nerves a bit and draw on his experience to prepare those guys."

Lockyer will turn out for his 39th Test, one which could hold a special place after he retires and reflects on his achievements.

"When I think about it, it's a World Cup final, in my home town of Brisbane in rugby league's Centenary year," Lockyer told AAP.

"It's massive part of history and it's a privilege to be a part of it.

"Hopefully it's good memories."

The Australian team has been winning over critics who believe it is one of the best ever.

But Lockyer, part of national sides since 1998, was careful to respect those who went before the current crop of exciting Kangaroos like Billy Slater, Israel Folau and Greg Inglis, all named in the Rugby League International Federation's inaugural team of the year this week.

"What helps is there are probably six captains in our team, there's a lot of leadership and a lot of new guys with great attitudes which comes through on the field.

"It's a great team and I've enjoyed being part of it.

"But before we start reflecting on how great it's been, we need to get the job done.

"Then we can start to talk about how good the team is."

Lockyer however said he had no doubts the 2008 Kangaroos would do well playing in any country in any era.

Coach Ricky Stuart has named injury concerns Brent Tate (hip) and Paul Gallen (though) in an unchanged 17-man grand final squad.

Both players will be expected to run and train on Friday to hold their places in the side with David Williams and possibly Anthony Watmough on stand by to come into the side.

Australia: Billy Slater, Joel Monaghan, Greg Inglis, Israel Folau, Brent Tate, Darren Lockyer (capt), Johnathan Thurston, Petero Civoniceva, Cameron Smith, Steve Price, Glenn Stewart, Anthony Laffranchi, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Karmichael Hunt, Craig Fitzgibbon, Anthony Tupou, Brent Kite.

New Zealand: Lance Hohaia, Sam Perrett, Simon Mannering, Jerome Ropati, Manu Vatuvei, Benji Marshall, Nathan Fien, Nathan Cayless (capt), Thomas Leuluai, Adam Blair, Bronson Harrison, David Fa'alogo, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Issac Luke, Greg Eastwood, Sam Rapira, Sika Manu.

Source: AAP

Grandfather to inspire Harrison

brad_rugby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:19:00 GMT

Bronson Harrison will be a man inspired in the rugby league World Cup final against Australia on Saturday.

Harrison was very close to his influential grandfather Joe Gwynne, who died a month before the backrower forced his way into the Kiwis' World Cup squad with an eye-catching performance for New Zealand Maoris.

Gywnne was a former New Zealand selector and respected coach in Auckland who won premierships and prepared many players for Test duty.

While Harrison has not spoken publicly about his grandfather this week in the lead up to the Suncorp Stadium finale, people close to him know how tough the loss has been form him.

Harrison's second Test was a long time coming after he debuted for New Zealand in the 2005 Tri Nations series against France but he has made his mark at the World Cup.

A surprise starter in last weekend's semi-final against England, he scored a superb try after steaming onto a nice pass at an angle that made him unstoppable.

"He's a young guy who's really grabbed his opportunity," said Kiwis coach Steve Kearney.

"He wants to learn. He's worked very hard on the training paddock and in the gym. When you have a kid so determined to do well, half your job is done."

Harrison is blocking out the final jitters as he prepares to play the game of his life for the Kiwis.

"It's been a great ride for me. I wasn't expecting anything like this and I'm fortunate it's happened," said Harrison, who is headed to the Canberra Raiders next season after an unhappy time with the Wests Tigers.

"I'm trying to keep things off my mind until game time, otherwise I wouldn't get any sleep.

"Of course the nerves will hit me, but hopefully not until game day."

Asked if the Kiwi players were sitting back enjoying everyone talking up the Aussies and saying how good they were, he said: "They are good".

But are they so good they are unbeatable?

"I don't think anyone is unbeatable, but they've got a very strong team and they playing very well, you can't deny them that," he said.

Australia was in a similar position in the 2005 Tri Nations series in England only to be belted 24-0 in the final by the Kiwis.

"We haven't talked about 2005 in camp," said Harrison.

"But reflecting back on it, they hadn't had too many losses back then but they came up with a couple.

"Maybe we can come up with one on the weekend."

Source: AAP

World Cup Final game card

brad_rugby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:44:00 GMT

FINAL

Match	Australia v New Zealand
Venue	Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Date	Saturday 22 November 2008

AUSTRALIA	No	NEW ZEALAND
Billy Slater	1	Lance Hohaia
Joel Monaghan	2	Sam Perrett
Greg Inglis	3	Simon Mannering
Israel Folau	4	Jerome Ropati
Brent Tate	5	Manu Vatuvei
(c) Darren Lockyer	6	Benji Marshall
Johnathan Thurston	7	Nathan Fien
Petero Civoniceva	8	Nathan Cayless (c)
Cameron Smith	9	Thomas Leuluai
Steve Price	10	Adam Blair
Glenn Stewart	11	David Fa’alogo
Anthony Laffranchi	12	Bronson Harrison
Paul Gallen	13	Jeremy Smith
INTERCHANGE		INTERCHANGE
Karmichael Hunt	14	Isaac Luke
Craig Fitzgibbon	15	Greg Eastwood
Anthony Tupou	16	Sam Rapira
Brent Kite	17	Sika Manu

Referee: Ashley Klein Touch Judges: James Childs, Steve Chiddy Video Referee: Steve Ganson

Universities WC- full results

brad_rugby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:09:00 GMT

2008 UNIVERSITIES RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP

Round One
All matches at Griffith University

Pool A
New Zealand 22 defeated France 10
Wales 32 defeated Ireland 12

Pool B
Greece 14 defeated Scotland 0
Australia 24 defeated England 0

Round Two at Griffith University

Pool A
England 22 defeated Greece 20
Australia 58 defeated Scotland 0

Pool B
France 11 defeated Ireland 2
New Zealand 28 defeated Wales 12

Round Three

Pool A at Langlands Park, Brisbane
Australia 54 defeated Greece 0
England 32 defeated Scotland 0

Pool B at Pizzey Park, Burleigh Heads
Wales 42 defeated France 6
New Zealand 32 defeated Ireland 10

Plate Semi Finals at Griffith University
Greece 28 defeated Ireland 10
France 34 defeated Scotland 4

Plate Final at Langlands Park, Brisbane
Greece 14 defeated France 12

7 v 8 Play Off
Ireland 22 defeated Scotland 18

Major Semi Finals
England 30 defeated New Zealand 22
Australia 26 defeated Wales 10

Tournament Final at Langlands Park, Brisbane
Australia 26 defeated England 16

3 v 4 Play Off
New Zealand 24 defeated Wales 18

Defence Forces WC- full results

brad_rugby — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:05:00 GMT

2008 DEFENCE FORCES RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP
Pool Matches

Round 1
Great Britain 36 defeated New Zealand 26
Australia 38 defeated Papua New Guinea 0

Round 2
Australia 38 defeated Cook Islands 14
Great Britain 84 defeated Papua New Guinea 6

Round 3
Australia 18 defeated New Zealand 13
Cook Islands 50 defeated Papua New Guinea 12

Round 4
Great Britain 36 defeated Australia 16
New Zealand 38 defeated Cook Islands 22

Round 5
Great Britain 40 defeated Cook Islands 20
New Zealand 76 defeated Papua New Guinea 4

Play off for third and fourth
New Zealand 32 defeated Cook Islands 10

Tournament Final
Great Britain 26 defeated Australia 16