2008 Rugby League World Cup squads
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup featured the national teams (selected from twenty-four-man squads) of ten nations: Australia, England, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, France, Scotland, Ireland, Samoa, and Tonga.[1][2]
Pool A
Australia
Head coach: Ricky Stuart
Assistant coaches: John Cartwright and Allan Langer[3]
1 Replaced originally selected Brett Stewart and Justin Hodges who withdrew on 16 October.[4]
2 Replaced originally selected Michael Crocker who withdrew due to injury on 9 October.[5]
England
Head coach: Tony Smith
Assistant coach: Steve McNamara
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jamie Peacock (capt) | 4 | 4 | PR | |
Rob Burrow | 4 | 22 | SH | |
Mark Calderwood | 3 | 0 | WG | |
Gareth Ellis | 4 | 0 | SR | |
Maurie Fa'asavalu | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Ade Gardner | 3 | 8 | WG | |
Martin Gleeson | 4 | 12 | CE | |
James Graham | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Mickey Higham | 2 | 4 | HK | |
Gareth Hock | 4 | 0 | SR | |
Jamie Jones-Buchanan | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Jamie Langley | 1 | 0 | LF | |
Danny McGuire | 3 | 8 | FE | |
Adrian Morley | 4 | 0 | PR | |
Leon Pryce | 3 | 0 | SO | |
Rob Purdham | 2 | 0 | LF | |
James Roby | 3 | 4 | HK | |
Keith Senior | 4 | 0 | CE | |
Kevin Sinfield | 3 | 8 | LK | |
Lee Smith | 2 | 12 | WG | |
Paul Sykes | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Paul Wellens | 4 | 0 | FB | |
Ben Westwood | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Jon Wilkin | 3 | 0 | SR |
New Zealand
Head coach: Stephen Kearney
Assistant coach: Wayne Bennett
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nathan Cayless (capt) | 4 | 0 | PR | |
Adam Blair | 5 | 8 | PR | |
Greg Eastwood | 5 | 4 | LK | |
David Fa'alogo | 4 | 4 | SR | |
Nathan Fien | 5 | 4 | UH | |
Dene Halatau | 1 | 0 | HK | |
Bronson Harrison1 | 3 | 4 | SR | |
Lance Hohaia | 5 | 16 | UH | |
Krisnan Inu | 1 | 10 | UB | |
David Kidwell | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Thomas Leuluai | 5 | 0 | HB | |
Issac Luke | 4 | 16 | HK | |
Simon Mannering | 5 | 8 | SR | |
Sika Manu | 4 | 4 | PR | |
Benji Marshall | 5 | 14 | FE | |
Steve Matai | 2 | 2 | CE | |
Jason Nightingale2 | 1 | 4 | WG | |
Sam Perrett | 4 | 12 | UB | |
Sam Rapira | 4 | 0 | PR | |
Jerome Ropati | 5 | 16 | CE | |
Setaimata Sa | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Jeremy Smith | 5 | 12 | SR | |
Evarn Tuimavave2 | 1 | 0 | PR | |
Manu Vatuvei | 5 | 16 | WG |
1 Replaced originally named Iosia Soliola who withdrew due to injury on 21 October.[6]
2 Replaced originally named Brent Webb and Jeff Lima who withdrew due to injury on 7 October.[7]
Papua New Guinea
Head coach: Adrian Lam
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
John Wilshire (capt) | 3 | 10 | UB | |
David Moore | 3 | 0 | WG | |
George Keppa | 2 | 8 | WG | |
Stanley Gene | 3 | 0 | LK | |
Keith Peters | 3 | 0 | HB | |
Charlie Wabo | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Rodney Pora | 1 | 0 | PR | |
George Moni | 2 | 0 | SR | |
Nickson Kolo | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Paul Aiton | 3 | 4 | HK | |
Jessie Joe Parker | 3 | 0 | FE | |
Makali Aizue | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Trevor Exton | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Neville Costigan | 3 | 0 | SR | |
James Nightingale | 3 | 0 | LK | |
Rod Griffin | 3 | 4 | LK | |
Larsen Marabe | 0 | 0 | FB | |
Kevin Prior | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Jay Aston | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Tu'u Maori | 3 | 0 | WG | |
Menzie Yere | 1 | 4 | FE | |
Jason Chan | 3 | 4 | CE | |
Nico Slain | 1 | 0 | HK | |
Anton Kui | 1 | 0 | HB |
Pool B
Fiji
Head coach: Joe Dakuitoga
France
Head coach: John Monie
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jérôme Guisset (capt) | 3 | 12 | PR | |
Éric Anselme | 2 | 0 | CE | |
Jean-Philippe Baile | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Jean-Christophe Borlin | 1 | 0 | FR | |
Thomas Bosc | 3 | 16 | FE | |
Laurent Carrasco | 2 | 0 | LK | |
Rémi Casty | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Olivier Elima | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Jamal Fakir | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Adel Fellous | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Maxime Grésèque | 2 | 0 | HB | |
Mathieu Griffi | 1 | 0 | FR | |
Christophe Moly | 3 | 4 | UH/UB | |
Grégory Mounis | 3 | 0 | LK | |
Justin Murphy | 2 | 0 | WG | |
Dimitri Pelo | 2 | 0 | WG | |
Sébastien Planas | 1 | 4 | WG | |
Sébastien Raguin | 3 | 4 | SR | |
Julien Rinaldi | 1 | 0 | HB | |
Teddy Sadaoui | 3 | 0 | CE | |
Jared Taylor | 3 | 4 | FB | |
John Wilson | 3 | 8 | CE | |
James Wynne | 2 | 0 | HB |
Scotland
Except for Edinburgh Eagles stand-off Paddy Couper, all of the Scottish team's players were selected under the grandparent rule.[10]
Head coach: Steve McCormack
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Danny Brough (capt) | 2 | 12 | HB | |
Chris Armit | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Dean Colton | 1 | 4 | WG | |
Paddy Coupar[11] | 1 | 0 | HB/CE | |
Gavin Cowan | 2 | 0 | CE | |
John Duffy | 3 | 0 | HB | |
Ben Fisher | 2 | 0 | HK | |
Andrew Henderson | 3 | 0 | HK | |
Ian Henderson | 3 | 0 | HK | |
Kevin Henderson | 3 | 0 | CE | |
Jack Howieson | 1 | 0 | PR | |
Paul Jackson | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Wade Liddell | 2 | 0 | FB | |
Scott Logan | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Neil Lowe | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Dave McConnell | 1 | 0 | HK | |
Duncan MacGillivray | 2 | 0 | SR | |
Iain Morrison | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Gareth Morton | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Mick Nanyn | 3 | 0 | CE | |
Lee Paterson | 1 | 0 | FE | |
Michael Robertson | 3 | 4 | WG | |
Jon Steel | 2 | 8 | WG | |
Oliver Wilkes | 3 | 8 | PR |
Pool C
Ireland
Head coach: Andy Kelly
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scott Grix (capt) | 3 | 4 | FB | |
Ross Barbour | 0 | 0 | CE | |
Bob Beswick | 3 | 0 | LK | |
Damien Blanch | 3 | 20 | WG | |
Mick Cassidy | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Ged Corcoran | 1 | 0 | PR | |
Lee Doran | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Liam Finn | 3 | 4 | HB | |
Simon Finnigan | 3 | 4 | SR | |
Karl Fitzpatrick | 3 | 0 | FB | |
Stevie Gibbons | 0 | 0 | WG | |
Sean Gleeson | 3 | 4 | CE | |
Brendan Guilfoyle | 0 | 0 | PR | |
Gareth Haggerty | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Ben Harrison | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Graham Holroyd | 0 | 0 | FE | |
Wayne Kerr | 1 | 0 | PR | |
Stuart Littler | 3 | 0 | CE | |
Michael McIlorum | 3 | 0 | HK | |
Shayne McMenemy | 0 | 0 | SR | |
Eamon O'Carroll | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Michael Platt | 3 | 4 | FB | |
Pat Richards | 3 | 28 | WG | |
Ryan Tandy | 3 | 0 | PR |
- Brett White was originally named but withdrew due to injury on 9 October. He was replaced by Brendan Guilfoyle.[12]
- Shannon McDonnell has also withdrawn due to injury. He was replaced by Shayne McMenemy.[13][14]
Samoa
Head coach: John Ackland
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nigel Vagana (capt) | 2 | 8 | CE | |
George Carmont | 3 | 8 | WG/CE | |
David Faiumu | 0 | 0 | HK | |
Harrison Hansen | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Ali Lauitiiti | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Tuaalagi Lepupa | 0 | 0 | ||
Kylie Leuluai | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Wayne McDade | 2 | 0 | PR | |
Francis Meli | 3 | 8 | WG | |
Joseph Paulo | 3 | 4 | SR/FE | |
Frank Puletua | 3 | 4 | PR | |
Tony Puletua | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Ben Roberts | 3 | 18 | HB/FE | |
Tangi Ropati | 1 | 0 | FB | |
Smith Samau | 3 | 0 | WG | |
Lagi Setu | 2 | 0 | SR | |
Terrence Seu Seu | 3 | 0 | HK | |
David Solomona | 2 | 4 | SR | |
Willie Talau | 2 | 0 | CE | |
Alby Talipeau | 2 | 0 | HB | |
Misi Taulapapa | 2 | 8 | WG | |
Ben Te'o | 1 | 8 | SR | |
Tupu Ulufale | 0 | 0 | ||
Matt Utai | 3 | 8 | WG |
Tonga
Head coach: Jim Dymock
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lopini Paea (capt) | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Andrew Emelio | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Richard Fa'aoso | 2 | 0 | SR | |
Awen Guttenbeil | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Michael Jennings | 3 | 12 | CE | |
Antonio Kaufusi | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Toshio Laiseni | 1 | 0 | FB | |
Stephen Latu | 100 | 3,015 | WG | |
Epalahame Lauaki | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Tevita Leo-Latu | 3 | 4 | HK | |
Willie Manu | 3 | 0 | SR | |
Manase Manuokafoa | 2 | 0 | SR | |
Feleti Mateo | 3 | 4 | SR | |
Sam Moa | 3 | 0 | PR | |
Eddie Paea | 2 | 6 | HB | |
Mickey Paea | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Fetuli Talanoa | 3 | 4 | WG | |
Joel Taufa'ao | 1 | 4 | HB | |
Esikeli Tonga | 2 | 4 | FB | |
Etuate Uaisele | 3 | 8 | WG | |
Kim Uasi | 2 | 0 | HK | |
Cooper Vuna | 3 | 12 | WG | |
Tony Williams | 3 | 24 | WG |
- Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tuiaki were originally named for Tonga but were ruled ineligible by the Rugby League International Federation after both switched from Tonga to New Zealand in 2007. A New South Wales court later ruled that they could join the team after 12 November, making them available if Tonga made the Semi Finals.[15][16]
- Fraser and Louis Anderson both were originally named but withdrew due to injury. They were replaced by Kim Usai and Sam Moa.
- Anthony Tupou was originally named but withdrew on 9 October after being called into the Australian squad.[5]
Welcome to Country
As part of the official opening of the World Cup on 26 October, an exhibition game was played between an Aboriginal selection and a New Zealand Māori side.[17]
Indigenous Dreamtime Team
Head coach: Neil Henry
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rhys Wesser | 1 | 8 | FB | |
Justin Carney | 1 | 4 | WG | |
Maurice Blair | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Jamal Idris | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Ty Williams | 1 | 0 | WG | |
Jamie Soward | 1 | 10 | FE | |
Preston Campbell (capt) | 1 | 0 | HB | |
Carl Webb | 1 | 0 | PR | |
Ian Lacey | 1 | 0 | HK | |
George Rose | 1 | 0 | PR | |
Daine Laurie | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Derrick Watkins | 1 | 0 | SR | |
Dean Widders | 1 | 0 | LK | |
Chris Sandow | 1 | 0 | HB | |
Rod Jensen | 1 | 8 | UB | |
Yileen Gordon | 1 | 4 | CE | |
Peter Jensen | 1 | 0 | UB | |
Denis Moran | 0 | 0 | HB |
New Zealand Māori
Head coach: Luke Goodwin
Player | Games | Points | Position | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bronx Goodwin | 1 | 4 | FB,WG | |
Jordan Rapana | 1 | 4 | WG | |
Chase Stanley | 1 | 6 | CE | |
Karl Johnson | 1 | 0 | CE | |
Shaun Kenny-Dowall | 1 | 4 | WG,CE | |
Arana Taumata | 1 | 4 | FE | |
Rangi Chase | 1 | 0 | HB,FE | |
Weller Hauraki | 1 | 0 | PR | |
Ben Ellis (capt) | 1 | 0 | HK | |
Sam McKendry | 1 | 4 | FR | |
Wairangi Koopu | 1 | 0 | S1 | |
Craig Smith | 1 | 0 | S2 | Unattached |
Lee Te Maari | 1 | 0 | LF,S1 | |
Charlie Herekotukutuku | 1 | 0 | FB,WG,HB | |
Joseph Cahill | 1 | 0 | ||
Chance Bunce | 1 | 0 | ||
James Tamou | 1 | 0 | HK | |
Kevin Proctor | 0 | 0 | SR |
Notes and references
Positions
Northern Hemisphere terms | Southern Hemisphere terms |
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|
|
References
- Two More Vodafone Warriors in World Cup Teams NZ Warriors, 8 October 2008.
- Fiji, Ireland, Samoa, Scotland and Tonga sides Archived 11 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine Official RLWC08 site, 8 October 2008.
- skysports.com (9 November 2008). "Evergreen Gene bows out". Sky Sports. UK: BSkyB. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- Broncos duo join Kangaroos Archived 6 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine NRL Official Site, 16 Oct 2008
- Tupou a Kangaroo again, replaces Crocker Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine NRL Official website, 9 Oct 2008
- Geenty, Mark (22 October 2008). "League: Shattered Soliola out of World Cup". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
- Tuimavave becomes Seventh Vodafone Warrior in Kiwis World Cup Squad NZ Warriors, 9 October 2008.
- PNG will shock big guns, says Costigan Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine NRL Official site, 13 October 2008
- Kumuls get Pidgin lesson Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine NRL Official site, 21 October 2008
- Roberts, Chris (25 October 2008). "Scotland side for Rugby League of Nations has one home-bred Scot". Scottish Daily Record. dailyrecord.co.uk. Retrieved 21 November 2009.
- Paddy Coupar a true Braveheart Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine @ NRL Official Site, 17 Oct 2008
- White withdraws from Ireland WCup squad Archived 14 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine @ NRL Official website, 9 Oct 2008
- Ireland seething over treatment @ NZ Herald, 14 Oct 2008.
- Ireland suffer White injury blow @ BBC, 9 October 2008
- Moimoi, Tuiaki cannot play for Tonga Archived 11 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine @ NRL Official website, 11 Oct 2008
- Tonga welcome court ruling on NRL duo Archived 31 October 2008 at the Wayback Machine @ RLWC Official Website, 28 October 2008
- Indigenous Dreamtime team named Archived 1 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine Official RLWC08 site, 11 October 2008.
- NZ Maori name coaching staff for World Cup curtain raiser @ RL World Cup, 14 June 2008. Accessed 2009-06-24. Archived 2009-07-23.
- Maori side to play Indigenous @ RLWC08 Official Site, 22 October 2008.