2017 Rugby League World Cup

There's no doubting the Kangaroos look a far more formidable football team with Billy Slater in the No.1 jersey. 

They tinkered with the formation of their side last week and handed Holmes the responsibility of playing fullback against Lebanon.

Australia v Samoa

Pacific powerhouses – Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea are confirmed to play, and for the first time, Lebanon will participate.

An additional two teams will be announced shortly, rounding out the three-match festival of rugby league.

Player representatives, Leilani Latu (Tonga) and Sauaso Sue (Samoa) joined NRL Head of Football, Brian Canavan and Campbelltown Mayor, Councillor George Brticevic for the announcement, with the Invitational to take place at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday 23 June. 

England ground their way to a patchy 29-10 win against Lebanon last week, with coach Wayne Bennett saying they "lost their way in the second half", and the Wigan Warriors captain wants more consistency at Perth Stadium.

Tipped by many to run up a cricket score against the tournament minnows, the Aussies struggled for continuity in the first half, establishing a 10-0 lead at the break before they ran away with it in the final 10 minutes. 

Days out from the Kiwis' squad being named for the tournament, Taumalolo made the shock decision to pledge allegiance to Tonga rather than his country of birth, neglecting to inform New Zealand officials along the way, leading to accusations of cowardice from both Kidwell and Kiwis captain Adam Blair.

But following Saturday's historic 28-22 victory over New Zealand, Taumalolo revealed regret at the way the situation played out.

"I definitely could have handled it a lot better to be honest, that was probably the biggest [regret]," Taumalolo said.

Ever since star forward Jason Taumalolo, and later several other players, made the shock decision to play for Tonga rather than the Kiwis, the clash between the two nations at Waikato Stadium has been billed as the must-see match of the Rugby League World Cup group stages.

Having played at Waikato Stadium last Saturday, where they beat Samoa 32-18, Tonga have remained in Hamilton all week as they prepare to play New Zealand at the same venue, allowing for an ideal build up for the match which will decide who tops Pool B.

Hayne in class of his own

Great focus ahead of the game, the Ireland squad is looking forward to facing home side PNG Kumuls tomorrow (Nov 5).

This morning’s captain’s run was Ireland’s way of getting into the momentum following the week’s public outreach with National Capital District residents.

Tomorrow’s clash against the PNG LNG Kumuls will determine who ends up in the quarter finals, making it out of the pool matches and PNG hopes to be that team after they overcome this Ireland outfit.