2017 Rugby League World Cup

Sloppy Kiwis warned to improve

The Kiwis threw caution-to-the-wind for much of their opening game at the Rugby League World Cup, resulting in them making 17 errors and completing just 62 per cent of their 42 uses with the ball.

Bennett satisfied with England effort

England only trailed by eight points late in the match, but Josh Dugan's runaway try sealed the Kangaroos' victory with a minute to play.

"I was pretty happy with it overall actually," he said. 

Aussies edge England in Cup opener

The Kangaroos scored three tries to one but England showed they were more than capable of matching their old foe.

While the result didn't go England's way their bigger concern will be the fitness of star forward Sam Burgess, who was sidelined in the first half with a knee injury.

No room for Kangaroos complacency

Smith has been in this position of favouritism many times during his 50 Test matches for Australia, experiencing firsthand the pain of losing not only games, but tournaments when the Kangaroos have been fancied as winners before a whistle has even been blown.  

There is one loss in particular that stings more than others – a 34-20 defeat to the New Zealand Kiwis in 2008 that no one saw coming.  

Nations unite for World Cup launch

Tournament CEO Andrew Hill, chairman Dr George Peponis, OAM, and Queensland Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, were on hand to launch the 28-game series that culminates with the final in Brisbane on Saturday, December 2.

Tonga top Italy in World Cup warm-up

All eyes were on forwards Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita, both playing their first match for Tonga since turning their backs on New Zealand and Australia, but the duo only played the first 20 minutes of the match.

Rugby League World Cup to arrive in country

Chief Executive Officer of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Andrew Hill said PNG will be making history hosting three Rugby League World Cup 2017 matches in October and November of this year.

“Unfortunately, the Paul Barrière Trophy got stuck in Sydney and is on its way to Brisbane where I have been assured it will be on the Air Niugini flight arriving this afternoon.

“Rugby league is incredibly important to PNG, but equally PNG is extremely important to rugby league.

Countdown to the World Cup

RLWC CEO Andrew Hill was on hand to make the announcement on Thursday, with tickets to all group games now available for purchase.

Marum confirmed as Kumuls coach for World Cup

PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) chairman, Sandis Tsaka, said the appointment of Marum was made during the PNGRFL meeting.

He said Marum got the nod after the Kumul’s win over Fiji in the Pacific Test in Sydney in May.

“The win has taken PNG to 11th spot in world rankings from 14th spot and proves he is the right person to start preparing the national team for the World Cup next year,” said Tsaka.

NZ to host seven Rugby League World Cup games

RNZI reports New Zealand are co-hosting the tournament with Australia.

The final will be played in Brisbane, with three pool matches also being played in Papua New Guinea.

Fourteen nations will contest the tournament with New Zealand drawn in pool B where they will play Samoa, Scotland and Tonga.