*OFFICIAL 2008 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP THREAD*

britishspud · **Posted:** Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:10 pm

that england shirt is £13 ($25) more than the official england replica :lol:

Jeffles · **Posted:** Wed Jul 16, 2008 11:29 pm

The locals will fall for it though. :lol:

There's a dispute on the RLWC forums re; the flag of Ireland. The merchandise designs show the tricolour flag but the RL team wears the Four Provinces Flag. Wonder if it will be changed or if it will create a scene.

beastjim · **Posted:** Thu Jul 17, 2008 4:07 pm

Quote:

Joint Statement:
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
17/07/2008
Queensland to headline '08 RL World Cup celebrations
The ultimate prize in Rugby League - the World Cup - will tour Queensland in November as part of the celebrations marking Queensland's hosting the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

Premier Anna Bligh and Sport Minister Judy Spence today announced that Queenslanders from Cairns to Coolangatta will have the chance to see the trophy in person, meet current and former greats, and take part in a series of World Cup festivities.

AMENDED

Ms Bligh said: "its exciting news that 100 days out from the first game the final in Brisbane is all-but sold out.

"But there are plenty of other opportunities to see some World Cup action and I'm encouraging people to book their tickets.

"We've secured seven games across Queensland, including five pool games, a semi-final and the final to be held at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday 22 November 2008.

"And for those who can't get to a game, the Queensland Government is taking the Rugby League World Cup trophy on a tour through regional Queensland.

"The Cup will be on show on the Gold Coast before being taken on a five-day rail tour of regional centres, starting in Cairns and stopping in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and Bundaberg, before arriving at Roma Street Station in Brisbane.

"At each stop the Queensland Government will be hosting a variety of local celebrations featuring past and present rugby league greats.

"The events will include rugby league coaching clinics, BBQ lunches and educational functions," Ms Bligh said.

Ms Spence said the regional events will culminate in a public celebration in Brisbane's CBD on Wednesday 19 November.

"After the trophy arrives at Roma Street station it will be taken to the Queen Street Mall.

"Then the trophy and players from the two teams in the final will be taken on a motorcade through the Mall finishing at Queen's Park (at the end of the Mall) where the players will cheered on by f ans.

"The Queensland Government Welcome Day in Queen's Park will include entertainment, a free lunch and the chance for children to test their rugby league skills.

"I'm sure many Queenslanders will be eager to get autographs from players and have a photo taken with the trophy.
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Ms Spence said the World Cup will bring millions in economic benefit to Queensland and showcase the State to the world.

"The Suncorp Stadium final alone will have an economic impact estimated at up to $17 million.

"There is no doubt that the games in Townsville, Rockhampton, the Gold Coast and Brisbane will showcase our world-class sporting facilities to fans around the globe," Ms Spence said.

The Sunshine Coast is to host the French team and it is to be the venue for the Police Rugby League World Cup.

Qld Games
Sat, 25 Oct 08 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville Eng v PNG
Sat, 1 Nov 08 Skilled Park, Gold Coast NZ v PNG
Sat, 8 Nov 08 Browne Park, Rockhampton Pool (2-2)v(3-2)
Sun, 9 Nov 08 Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville PNG v Aust
Mon, 10 Nov 08 Skilled Park, Gold Coast Semi Qualifier Pool (1-2)v(1-3)
Sat, 15 Nov 08 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Semi-Final (1)
Sat, 22 Nov 08 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane FINAL

More info at: www.rlwc08.com

Qld Gov RLWC Community Events
Saturday 8 November
Sunshine Coast
• Function for Rugby League identities and Sunshine Coast community and sporting representatives

Wednesday 12 November
Gold Coast
• Queensland Rugby League (QRL) coaching clinic at a local school.
• Function for Rugby League identities and Gold Coast community and sporting representatives
• Rugby League 'Locker Room' public educational forum with guest speakers and the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) trophy on display

Thursday 13 November
Cairns
• QRL coaching clinic at a local school.

Friday 14 November
Cairns
• The RLWC Rail Tour departs Cairns (9:15am) and is farewelled by local representatives.
Townsville
• The RLWC Rail Tour arrives in Townsville (3:30pm).
• QRL coaching clinic at a local school.
• Function for Rugby League identities, the Townsville community and sporting representatives Rugby League 'Locker Room' public educational forum with guest speakers and the RLWC trophy on display

Saturday 15 November
Townsville
• The RLWC Rail Tour departs Townsville (4:35pm) and is farewelled by local representatives.
Mackay
• The RLWC Rail Tour arrives in Mackay (8:30pm).

Sunday 16 November
Mackay
• Public lunch in Mackay city centre with Rugby League identities, community representatives and the RLWC trophy on display.
• The RLWC Rail Tour departs Mackay (8:50pm).

Monday 17 November
Rockhampton
• The RLWC Rail Tour arr ives in Rockhampton (1:25am).
• QRL coaching clinic at a local school.
• Function for Rugby League identities and Rockhampton community and sporting representatives
• Rugby League 'Locker Room' public educational forum with guest speakers and the RLWC trophy on display

Tuesday 18 November
Rockhampton
• The RLWC Rail Tour departs Rockhampton (7:15am).

Bundaberg
• The RLWC Rail Tour arrives in Bundaberg and is welcomed by local representatives (10:10am).
• QRL coaching clinic at a local school.

Wednesday 19 November
Bundaberg
• The RLWC Rail Tour departs Bundaberg (5:15am).

Brisbane
• The RLWC Rail Tour arrives at Roma Street Station (9:40am) in Brisbane and is welcomed by Sport Minister and other guests.
• A motorcade transports RLWC trophy and RLWC Final players through the Queen Street Mall.
• A public celebration at Queen's Park with R LWC final player presentations and interviews, entertainment, activities and a free public lunch.
• Function for Rugby League identities, the Brisbane community and sporting representatives.
• Rugby League 'Locker Room' public educational forum with guest speakers and the RLWC trophy on display.

Media contact: Minister's Office - 3239 6218
http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au

I thought some of you might be interested in that trophy tour schedule as well.

However Her comment on the final basically being a sell out seems a bit premature when you look at the Ticketek website and retrieve this:
a reserve licensed Alloc. Exhausted
b reserve licensed Available
c reserve licensed Available
b reserve unlicensed Single seats only
c reserve unlicensed Alloc. Exhausted
That indicates to me a decent number of seats remain.

britishspud · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:05 pm

right lets kickstart this thread...

australia & new zealand name their world cup squads

Billy Slater (Storm),
Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles)
Israel Folau (Storm),
Justin Hodges (Broncos),
Greg Inglis (Storm),
Joel Monaghan (Raiders),
Brent Tate (Warriors),
David Williams (Sea Eagles)
Terry Campese (Raiders),
Darren Lockyer (Broncos),
Scott Prince (Titans),
Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)
Cameron Smith (Storm)
Michael Crocker (Storm),
Craig Fitzgibbon (Roosters),
Paul Gallen (Sharks),
Anthony Laffranchi (Titans),
Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles),
Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles)
Petero Civoniceva (Panthers),
Brent Kite (Sea Eagles),
Josh Perry (Sea Eagles),
Steve Price (Warriors),
Kurt Gidley (Knights)

NZ

Nathan Cayless (Parramatta, capt),
Adam Blair (Melbourne),
Greg Eastwood (Brisbane),
David Fa'alogo (South Sydney),
Nathan Fien (New Zealand Warriors),
Dene Halatau (Wests Tigers),
Lance Hohaia (NZ Warriors),
Krisnan Inu (Parramatta),
David Kidwell (South Sydney),
Thomas Leuluai (Wigan),
Jeff Lima (Melbourne),
Issac Luke (South Sydney),
Simon Mannering (NZ Warriors),
Sika Manu (Melbourne),
Benji Marshall (Wests Tigers),
Steve Matai (Manly),
Sam Perrett (Sydney Roosters),
Sam Rapira (NZ Warriors),
Jerome Ropati (NZ Warriors),
Setaimata Sa (Sydney Roosters),
Jeremy Smith (Melbourne),
Iosia Soliola (Sydney Roosters),
Manu Vatuvei (NZ Warriors),
Brent Webb (Leeds).

imo that australia squad looks very beatable

Jeffles · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:59 pm

By definition the English squad will be as well. :lol:

I really like the squad. The Aussie selectors have gone with form over reputation by and large. Pleasing to see the Stewarts, Campese, Gallen, Laffranchi, Watmough and Kite there. Thurstons spot must be questioned. His team struggled and he seemed more frustrated on field. At the same time, no one in that list looks like filling his boots in the starting lineup.

NZ's squad is very good given the problems they were expected to have. Eastwood and Mannering need to take on a role beyond their years and Kidwell will need to take a real step up given that he spent a lot of the year in NSW Cup. They have lots of loads of talent in the backline. That will be pleasing.

spud, we should catch up while you are in town. I'll be in Newcastle and Melbourne. I'll also watch the games at the SFS, Parramatta and Penrith.

IanRitchie · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:04 pm

Mannering is the man. Nothing to worry about there.

britishspud · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:25 pm

the england squad

England World Cup squad:
Name Club Age
Rob Burrow Leeds Rhinos 26
Mark Calderwood Wigan Warriors 26
Gareth Ellis Leeds Rhinos 27
Mauire Fa’asavalu St Helens 28
Ade Gardner St Helens 25
Martin Gleeson Warrington Wolves 28
James Graham St Helens 23
Mickey Higham Wigan Warriors 28
Gareth Hock Wigan Warriors 25
Jamie Jones Buchanan Leeds Rhinos 27
Jamie Langley Bradford Bulls 24
Danny McGuire Leeds Rhinos 25
Adrian Morley Warrington Wolves 31
Jamie Peacock Leeds Rhinos 30
Leon Pryce St Helens 26
Rob Purdham Harlequins RL 28
James Roby St Helens 22
Keith Senior Leeds Rhinos 32
Kevin Sinfield Leeds Rhinos 28
Lee Smith Leeds Rhinos 22
Paul Sykes Bradford Bulls 27
Paul Wellens St Helens 28
Ben Westwood Warrington Wolves 27
Jon Wilkin St Helens 24

britishspud · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:28 pm

Jeffles wrote:

spud, we should catch up while you are in town. I'll be in Newcastle and Melbourne. I'll also watch the games at the SFS, Parramatta and Penrith.

defo...i'll be in melbourne from the 28/10 till 4/11 and sydney from the 4/11 till the 13/11 plenty of time for a beer or 10 :lol:

britishspud · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:30 pm

IanRitchie wrote:

Mannering is the man. Nothing to worry about there.

i rate him very highly..i'm surprised leeds did'nt go for him as a replacement for ellis instead of going for eastwood

Jeffles · **Posted:** Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:43 pm

I'm a massive Mannering fan as well.

What do you think of the English squad? I'm not so sure about the threequarters. I'm concerned about Burrow as well. He's never done much v Australia but at the same time, he's a lot better player than 3-4 years ago.

Very excited about James Graham though.

Roy Masters wrote a piece about the RLWC. Typically, he managed a dig at RU and a whinge about RL TV rights.

http://business.smh.com.au/business/box ... -4uda.html

Roy Masters of the Sydney Morning Herald wrote:

Boxtel makes the game go round
Roy Masters
October 6, 2008

The NRL season ended with last night's grand final, but Serbia, Slovenia and Bulgaria continued their interest in the Australian rugby league scene, buying rights to 10 live games of the centenary World Cup that starts in three weeks.

Games involving 10 teams will be beamed to 125 nations from October 25 to November 22, suggesting more countries are interested in watching rugby league than playing it.

And while 10 countries qualified for the World Cup, others such as the US, Japan and Russia failed to make it amid legal threats and political turmoil.

Lebanon reached the final repechage stage, drawing with Ireland, but the Paddies advanced to the top 10 because they had beaten the Russian Bears by more points than the Cedars did.

Georgia was disqualified for breaching "protocol rules" - Russia would not give them visas to enter the country for the return match.

Fifty years ago the idea of Lebanon considering court action against their failure to qualify, or Russia using visas to block Georgia's progress, would have caused any rugby union man to snort in his gin and tonic.

The reality is rugby league's World Cup is the second oldest tournament of this type, with soccer staging the first in Uruguay in 1930.

France hosted the first rugby league World Cup in 1954, and rugby union did not seize on the idea until 1987 when the final was played in Auckland.

The gross commercial income from that first Rugby World Cup was only £3.3 million, and the New Zealand family that backed the promoter suffered a significant loss.

But 12 years later the 1999 Rugby World Cup played in Wales and France yielded £70 million in gross commercial income. (Soccer's 2006 World Cup in Germany yielded $1.9 billion in TV rights.)

TV's voracious appetite for live sport guarantees international exposure and revenue.

Rugby league's month-long tournament in Australia has raised $20 million in TV rights, with Channel Nine and Fox Sports contributing the bulk.

But the tournament director, Colin Love, has insisted on doing separate deals with each of the 125 countries that take live or delayed feeds, or packages, rather than sell the overseas rights to a warehousing network.

International sales are proving to be the fastest growth area of televised sport.

The English Premier League's foreign TV deals now account for a quarter of total revenue, up from 10 per cent six years ago.

The NRL earns $100 million a year from TV, meaning the World Cup rights for a month of games involving countries such as Samoa, Scotland, Fiji, Tonga and the big three - Australia, New Zealand and England - represent a fifth of the revenue from the domestic competition.

In other words, the 18 World Cup games yield 20 per cent of the TV income derived from 26 NRL rounds of 16 teams comprising the best talent in the code, plus three State of Origin games and finals.

As rugby league searches overseas for TV dollars, it cannot have ignored the signs at home.

TV in Australia still makes a net profit of 30 per cent of turnover. But with private equity companies having taken significant ownership of Seven and Nine, much of the profit is poured back into repaying debt.

The AFL's plan to set up teams on the Gold Coast and in western Sydney is motivated by 60 per cent of the national TV advertising spend coming from NSW and Queensland.

In other words there are only two AFL teams (Sydney Swans and Brisbane Bears) represented by that 60 per cent, leaving 14 teams in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia to share the rest.

The AFL is also looking to overseas dollars, with Australia and Ireland playing two hybrid-rules games in Perth and Melbourne this month.

TV revenue from the Rugby League World Cup represents 80 per cent of the income of the $25 million tournament.

International rugby league will finally have some money to develop the game overseas and pay the top players.

League is the reverse of union, in the sense that the leaguies earn their money from their clubs and a fraction from representative games, while the rah-rahs earn a sausage sandwich playing for Randwick and $300,000 from the ARU for tests and Super 14 matches.

Half the money earnt by the Kangaroos from the World Cup will be paid into a retirement fund, forfeited if the player joins rugby union.

In other words, overseas TV rights may stop players like Sonny Bill Williams and Mark Gasnier moving overseas.

britishspud · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:15 am

6 through 17 we'll be fine... we have proper halves now,our pack is awesome and we have a very effective bench..

people knock our backs and when compared to australia allstar backline ours look distinctly pedestrian..but then again so does everyones..

hopefully lee smith will get a crack at fullback instead of paul wellens who is too slow to be a international fullback..

ade gardner will be alright, he's scored nearly 30 tries this season

martin gleeson,when on form looks a world beater...

keith senior, is there on merit,he's had a great season

the left wing spot will either got to lee smith or mark calderwood

as for burrow's he's only played against australia once,for england A in 2003, and he ripped the aussies to pieces and england A very nearly beat them... and as you say he's alot better now than then.....he'll go great guns trust me..

Jeffles · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:34 am

I'm really looking forward to this. I think with the squad Australia has they may take a Test two settle in. The NZ team could really give them a shock at the SFS.

EDIT: The more and more I look at that GB forward pack, the more it looks like a fantastic lineup. They should put on a great show. If you go with Peacock, Graham, Ellis, Gilmour and Purdham with Higham or Roby at hooker, you'll have a tough lot. Morley can come off the bench to concede a few penalties as well. :lol:

britishspud · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:59 pm

lee gilmour is'nt even in the squad..

the pack will be

8. mozza or graham
9. roby
10. captain peacock
11. ellis
12. JJB
13. sinfield

14. mozza or graham
15. fa'asavalu
16. hock
17. mcguire

if the mid season france game is anything to go by what happens is roby will be given a rest,mcguire will come @ 7,burrows will move to dummy half.

or , if we want to bulk up our pack for 15mins

hock,fas or mozza will come on for roby and sinfield will move to dummy half

and when roby comes back on he might not be at hooker, for spell during the france game he came back on at 13 which meant we had roby,burrow,pryce and mcguire on the pitch at the same time and i've gotta say it's the most dangerous looking side of even seen.....seriously

Jeffles · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:37 pm

britishspud wrote:

lee gilmour is'nt even in the squad..

Oops. Fielden is gone as well. Has he been out of form?

I'd put Graham in the starting lineup with Morley to come in off the bench.

It is an impressive pack. November 2 will be the big Test. Wales and PNG should iron out some problems if there are any.

britishspud · **Posted:** Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:44 pm

Jeffles wrote:

britishspud wrote:

lee gilmour is'nt even in the squad..

Oops. Fielden is gone as well. Has he been out of form?
.

willie mason knocked the last bit of form out of him at the SFS 2 years ago

*OFFICIAL 2008 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP THREAD*

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OFFICIAL 2008 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP THREAD