With five days to go until the Rugby League World Cup kicks off down under, Sport.co.uk disect each nation and brand the danger men that could light up this years tournament. The last time an English Rugby side ventured into the Wallabies backyard for a major tournament they claimed all the spoils of war. Can England's Rugby League side repeat the feat of Wilkinson and co?
Australia
History and form
The Australian squad would love to cap 100 years of Rugby League in Australia by winning the 2008 World Cup competition. They are the holders of the trophy and go into the new tournament ranked number 1 in the world. They have won 9 of the 12 competitions and are the logical favourites.
Nearly half the squad comes from the two NRL grand final teams, Manly and Melbourne. A 40-0 win for Manly in that game is a double edged sword. Firstly it proves the awesome skill and power that the Australians possess but then it shows that some players may have had enough for this year.
Queensland and New South Wales played out a spectacular state of origin series this year. Queensland winning the series 2-1 without genius playmaker and captain, Darren Lockyer. Their season has had a few months since and the form of the players will either be honed to their best or slightly weary after a long hard season. At least they will not be taking a 24hour flight.
Players to watch
Keep an eye on Terry Campese, Israel Folau and Petero Civoniceva.
The Danger Man
Greg Inglis: At just 21 the multi talented Melbourne Storm star has already become a great of the game. He has scored 16 tries in 16 appearances this season. After turning down some offers from union, the aussie fans will look forward to seeing his awesome pace and handling.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Winners
Squad
Terry Campese (Canberra Raiders), Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos), Darren Lockyer (Brisbane Broncos, capt), Joel Monaghan (Canberra Raiders), Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks), Anthony Laffranchi (Gold Coast Titans), Scott Prince (Gold Coast Titans), Brent Kite, Josh Perry, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, Anthony Watmough, David Williams (all Manly Sea Eagles), MichaelCrocker, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith (all Melbourne Storm), Kurt Gidley (Newcastle Knights), Johnathan Thurston (North QLD Cowboys), Steve Price (NZ Warriors), Brent Tate (NZ Warriors), Petero Civoniceva (Penrith Panthers), Craig Fitzgibbon (Sydney Roosters).
England
History and form
England are back again and hoping to better their performance of 2000. The extraordinary 1975 tournament saw England’s first appearance in a world cup. They lost a hastily arranged final game with Australia, leaving them as runners up in the several months long league based contest.
Again in 1995 England were runners up, losing 16-8 to Australia in the final. This was especially disappointing as they had beaten the Kangaroos 20-16 in the opening game of the tournament.
The poor 2000 showing was capped by a record 49-6 defeat to New Zealand. They should be much better this time around.
New Zealand and Australia will be England’s main rivals and a much tougher test than their recent warm up game against Wales. Despite this, a massive 74-0 score line proves that the defence and attack are ready for the southern hemisphere teams.
The awesome Leeds Rhinos dominate the squad. England are sending a mature squad to Australia. This should mean players are at their peak in skills and knowledge.
Players to Watch
James Graham; Rob Burrow, the smallest man in Super League; Gareth Hock
Danger Man
Leon Pryce
The Blackpool beach loving St Helens man will ride the media storm over his distaste for Bondi beach to show his skills on the field. His huge frame helps his lanky running body push through defences. The inventive nature of his ball handling skills add more strings to his bow. He will hope to remove himself from a few controversial incidents this year, squeezing tries in the corner rather than anything else.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Finalists
Squad
Keith Senior, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Jamie Peacock (captain), Gareth Ellis, Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Lee Smith (all Leeds), Paul Wellens, Ade Gardner, Leon Pryce, James Graham, James Roby, Maurie Fa'asavalu, Jon Wilkin (all St Helens), Rob Purdham (Harlequins), Mark Calderwood, Mickey Higham, Gareth Hock (all Wigan), Martin Gleeson, Adrian Morley, Ben Westwood (all Warrington), Jamie Langley, Paul Sykes (both Bradford).
Ireland
History and Form
Ireland made their debut in 2000, doing well but eventually losing to England in the quarter finals. They will rely on Irish blood in Australians to cheer them on down under. The withdrawal of NRL players will be a massive blow
It is unlikely that they will repeat their achievements of 2000 with good Pacific Island sides in their group.
Players to Watch
Michael Platt; Eamon O'Carroll; Gareth Haggerty
The Danger Man
Pat Richards. Kicking 100 goals and crossing for 17 tries in Super League this season, the Wigan player will be absolutely key for Ireland. His powerful running and defensive skills will be essential to any success.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Group stages
Squad
Ross Barbour (Carlow Crusaders), Bob Beswick (Widnes), Damien Blanch (Wakefield), Mick Cassidy (Barrow), Ged Corcoran (Sheffield), Lee Doran (Leigh), Liam Finn (Dewsbury), Simon Finnigan (Bradford), Karl Fitzpatrick (Salford), Steve Gibbons (London Skolars), Sean Gleeson (Wakefield), Scott Grix (Wakefield), Gareth Haggerty (Harlequins), Ben Harrison (Warrington), Graham Holroyd (Halifax), Wayne Kerr (London Skolars), Stuart Littler (Salford), Shannon McDonnell (Wests Tigers), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Eamon O'Carroll (Wigan), Michael Platt (Bradford), Pat Richards (Wigan), Ryan Tandy (Wests Tigers), Brett White (Melbourne Storm).
Scotland
History and Form
The 2000 tournament was one to forget for the Scots. It was their first tournament and they still have not played one of the three major sides.
Despite the presence of NRL and Super League players, Scotland are the rank outsiders in the group.
Players to Watch
Scott Logan; Ben Fisher; Danny Brough, the captain will be playmaking and goal kicking too.
Danger Man
Michael Robertson:
The Manly winger is Scotlands best bet of scoring any tries. Any man who can score three in a NRL grand final is a serious player.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Group stages
Squad
Chris Armit (Canterbury Bulldogs), Danny Brough (Wakefield Wildcats, captain), Dean Colton (Doncaster), Paddy Coupar (Edinburgh Eagles), Gavin Cowan (Wests Tigers), John Duffy (Widnes Vikings), Ben Fisher (Hull KR), Andrew Henderson (Castleford Tigers), Ian Henderson (Auckland Warriors), Kevin Henderson (Wakefield Wildcats), Jack Howieson (Sheffield Eagles), Paul Jackson (Huddersfield Giants), Wade Liddell (Brisbane Easts), Scott Logan (Canberra Raiders), Neil Lowe (Keighley Cougars), David McConnell (Leigh Centurions), Duncan McGilvery (Wakefield Wildcats), Iain Morrison (Widnes Vikings), Gareth Morton (Widnes Vikings), Mick Nanyn (Oldham), Lee Paterson (Widnes Vikings), Michael Robertson (Manley Sea Eagles), Jon Steel (Hull KR), Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Wildcats).
New Zealand
History and Form
Due to a lack of a World Cup tournament in 2000, the Kiwis were considered world champions until their defeat to Australia in November 2006. They have never actually won the World Cup, reaching the final twice, in 1988 and 2000. Across the Tasman there will be strong hope that team can perform and change that statistic. New Zealand promised a strong squad for the 2008 tournament and they have definitely delivered.
Australian NRL teams provide most players and there are five NZ warriors in the squad. Wigan’s Thomas Leuluai gets the only British team spot. After losing the Test series against Great Britain last year, the Kiwis will be looking to prove they are still contenders for the final. They will face Australia in the opening ceremony match.
Although they look good their recent form is poor. They have lost their only match this year. They lost all but one Test in 2007, the win coming against France, just, at 22-14. The results also include a mauling from both Great Britain and Australia, the Kiwis losing 0-44 and 0-58 respectively.
Players to watch
David Kidwell, just for that massive hit on Willie Mason of Australia; Manu Vatuvei; Dene Halatau
The Danger Man
Benji Marshall:
If his fitness holds up then Marshall will be running the game for the Kiwis. The stand off has a delicate kicking game but a killer eye for the perfect pass. He should provide a huge number of options in attack and watch out for that killer sidestep.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Semi-Final
Squad
Nathan Cayless (Parramatta, captain), 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).
France
History and Form
The enigma team of Rugby League won the first ever World Cup match. They have had little success though since reaching the final 40 years ago in the 1968 tournament.
Catalans Dragons provide most of the players, with a sprinkle of others. There are three Australian born players in the squad. The French could be a dark horse in this tournament with Catalans doing so well in Super League this year.
Players to Watch
Thomas Bosc; Jerome Guisset; Justin Murphy
Danger Man
Dimitri Pelo:
The Catalans dummy half got through a lot of work this season, scoring 9 tries as well. After learning his league skills in Australia he was not offered a NRL contract. He had a go at Super League instead and now it is paying off for the 23 year old.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Semi Final
Squad
Jared Taylor (Lezignan), Justin Murphy (Catalans Dragons), Teddy Sadaoui(Carcassonne), Sebastien Raguin (Catalans Dragons), Sebastien Planas (Toulouse), John Wilson, Dimitri Pelo (both Catalans Dragons), Christophe Moly (Carcassonne), James Wynne (Lezignan), Maxime Greseque (Pia), Thomas Bosc (Catalans Dragons), Laurent Carrasco (Villeneuve), Gregory Mounis (Catalans Dragons), Eric Anselme (Leeds), Jamal Fakir (Catalans Dragons), Jean-Christophe Borlin (Saint-Gaudens), Olivier Elima (Catalans Dragons), Adel Fellous (Lezignan), Jean-Philippe Baile, Jerome Guisset (both Catalans Dragons), Julien Rinaldi (Harlequins), Remi Casty, Matthieu Grifi (both Catalans Dragons).
Samoa
History and Form
Playing just the one tournament, in 2000, which was brought to an abrupt halt by Australia, Samoa will be hoping to reach the last 8 again. They have a seasoned international in the squad in Ali Lauititi, formerly of New Zealand.
The Samoa squad relies heavily on players from the Super League.
As they have to top the group to qualify, the match with Tonga will be the big one. They will hope that the high quality players will perform. They will rely on power and pace.
Players to Watch
Francis Meli; Matt Utai; David Solomona; Ben Roberts
Danger Man
Ali Lauititi:
The former Kiwi player has swapped his allegiances. He is a master at the impossible pass, with off loading skills that are sometimes quite incredible. His experienced will be important for the young Samoan team.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Quarter Finals
Squad
George Carmont (Wigan), Dave Faiumu (Huddersfield), Harrison Hansen (Wigan), Ali Lauitiiti (Leeds), Tuaalagi Lepupa (unattached), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds), Wayne McDade (Auckland Vulcans), Francis Meli (St Helens), Joseph Paulo (Penrith), Frank Puletua, Tony Puletua (both Penrith), Ben Roberts (Canterbury), Tangi Ropati (East Tigers), Smith Samau (Gold Coast), Lagi Setu (St George Illawarra), Terrence Seuseu (Cronulla), David Solomona (Bradford), Willie Talau (St Helens), Alby Talipeau (unattached), Misi Taulapapa (Cronulla), Ben Te'o (Wests Tigers), Tupu Ulufale (unattached), Matt Utai (Canterbury), Nigel Vagana (South Sydney).
Tonga
History and Form
In 1995 Tonga lost to New Zealand by just 1 point. The 2000 tournament finally brought them a victory, 66-18 against South Africa.
Plenty of the Tongan players have NRL experience but their tournament really relies on the crunch match with Samoa. Many expect them to have a good tournament and they will push for the last 4.
Players to Watch
Epalahame Lauaki; Willie Manu; Tony Williams
Danger Man
Antonio Kaufusi: The man mountain “accidentally” got into to league in Australia. Since then he has become the envy of his team-mates, his bench press figures are apparently quite extraordinary. Look out for some massive hits from the big unit as well as pace and power.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Group Stage
Squad
Frser Anderson (Cronulla), Louis Anderson (Warrington), Andrew Emelio (Canterbury), Richard Fa'aoso (Newcastle), Awen Guttenbeil (Castleford), Michael Jennings (Penrith), Antonio Kaufusi (Melbourne), Toshio Laiseni (Newtown), Taniela Lasalo (unattached), Epalahame Lauaki (NZ Warriors), Tevita Leo-Latu (Wakefield), Willie Manu (Hull), Manase Manuokafoa (South Sydney), Feleti Mateo (Parramatta), Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta), Eddie Paea (South Sydney), Lopini Paea (Sydney Roosters), Mickey Paea (Sydney Roosters), Fetuli Talanoa (South Sydney), Joel Tauf'ao (unattached), Esikeli Tonga (Gold Coast), Taniela Tuiaki (unattached), Anthony Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Etuate Uaisele (Newcastle), Cooper Vuna (Newcastle), Tony Williams (Parramatta).
Fiji
Fiji beat fellow minor teams South Africa and Russia in 1995 and 2000 but in both tournaments failed against Australia and England. They will be looking to beat France to the qualifying top spot. They lack the depth of both Samoa and Tonga, including some unattached players in their squad.
Players to Watch
Aaron Groom; Wes Naiqama; Jarryd Hayne, former Australian and Rookie of the year
Danger Man
Semi Tadulula: Scored 17 tries this season for the Bradford Bulls. The wingers pace will help the team hugely and he also has the power. Scores may be hard to come by so he has a weight on his shoulders to get some tries.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Group stages
Squad
Nick Bradley-Qalilawa (Manly Sea Eagles), Jason Bukuya (Cronulla Sharks), Iowane Divavesi (Terrigal Sharks), Aaron Groom (Canterburry Bulldogs), Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels), Sevania Koroi (West Magpies), Josua Koroibulu (Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs), Jone Macilai (Fassifern RLFC QLD), Daryl Millard (Canterburry Bulldogs), Wes Naiqama (Newcastle Knights), Vula Louis Dakuitoga Naqau (Terrigal Sharks), Kaliova Nauqe (Fassifern RLFC QLD), Alipate Noilea (Parkes Spacemen), Josateki Ravueta (Sawtell Panthers), Osea Sadrau (Fassifern RLFC QLD), Ashton Sims (Brisbane Broncos), James Storer (Cronulla Sharks), Waisale Sukanaveita (Terrigal Sharks), Semi Tadulala (Bradford Bulls), Semisi Tora (Parkes Spacemen), Malakai Yalimaiwai Tuiloa (Milton Ulladulla Bulldogs), Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights), Suguturaga Nemani Valekapa (unattached), Ilisoni Vonomateiratu (unattached), Jone Wesele (Darlington Point).
Papua New Guinea
History and Form
They were greeted by 70,000 fans on their return from the 2000 tournament after winning all 3 group games. The loss to Wales in the quarter finals not affecting the fans love. Unfortunately the chances of a repeat performance and another crack at a semi final spot are almost non-existent.
Despite a string of NRL and Super League players, PNG have been stitched up in this tournament. If they can win 1 game it will be massively impressive and pave the way to a semi final.
Players to Watch
John Wilshere; Keith Peters; Nico Slain
Danger Man
Stanley Gene: It seems that no one really knows how old Gene is. He will hope that his Peter Pan status continues. He has become a cult figure in Super League rugby, showing off great skill and a great rugby brain. His indestructible body could take a battering in 3 hard test matches in a row against the 3 best teams on show.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: Group stages
Squad
Paul Aiton (Penrith), Makali Aizue (Hull KR), Jay Aston (Storm NYC), Michael Bani (Manly), Wayne Bond (Redcliffe - QRL), Tom Butterfield (Broncos NYC), Richard Cambo (Wentworthville), Jason Chan (Windsor Wolves), Neville Costigan (Canberra), Trevor Exton (Ipswich), Steve Franciscus (Banyo Bris), Stanley Gene (Hull KR), Rod Griffin (North Pride Cairns), Sam Joe (Melbourne), George Keppa (Brisbane North), Tuu Maori (Sydney), David Moore (Gold Coast), James Nightingale (Windsor), Merv O'Flanagan (Souths/Logan), Kevin Prior (Wentworthville), John Wilshere (Salford). Dion Aiya (Bingtangor Eagles), Dominic Angra (Bingtangor Eagles), Sigfred Gande (Bingtangor Lahanis), Nigel Hukula (Bingtangor Lahanis), Jessie Joe (Masta Mark Rangers), Benjamin John (Masta Mark Rangers), Gimapau Keimelo (Masta Mark Rangers), Geno Kima (Agmark Guiras), Nickson Kolo (Masta Mark Rangers), Anton Kui (Bingtangor Lahanis), Larsen Marabe (Agmark Guiras), Michael Mark (Masta Mark Rangers), Mark Mexico (Toyota Mioks), George Moni (Mabey & Johnson Muruks), Thomas Ninkama (NCD Civpac Vipers), Joseph Omai (M&J Muruks), Charles Onguglo (Masta Mark Rangers), Benny Pamunda (Bingtangor Eagles), Kingston Pisep (LBC Bombers), Rodney Pora (M&J Muruks), Francis Ray (Bingtangor Eagles), Elizah Riyong (NCD Civpac Vipers), Junior Ropra (Bingtangor Lahanis), Niko Ubile (Bingtangor Lahanis), Charlie Wabo (M&J Muruks), Menzie Yere (Agmark Gurias), Simon Young (M&J Muruks).