Top Ten to watch at the Rugby League World Cup
Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 22 October 2008 - 12:09
Author: Toby Draper
We are nearly ready to rumble as the Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Saturday down under. After hours of discussion and debate a Sport.co.uk panel decided on these ten trojans as the men to watch at this years spectacle.
1. Darren Lockyer (Australia): The Kangaroos skipper is undoubtedly a world class player and fantastic leader. He should make sure the right decisions are taken. The five-eighth has been in the great Andrew Johns’ shadow but with his retirement, Lockyer should run the show.
2. David Williams (Australia): The “Wolfman” is a young and exciting winger. His cult following may miss his beard but he should prove a crowd pleaser.
3. Thomas Bosc (France)
After finishing the Super League season with 245 points, the Catalans star will be hoping to prove himself at the tournament. He has only been on the international scene for a short while. As second highest point scorer in the league and after a fantastic season for the Catalans Dragons, if he fires France could reach a sem-final.
4. Danny Brough (Scotland)
Brough has a wealth of experience with different clubs. He can play in as many positions as clubs he’s played for. At 22 he starred in the Challenge Cup for Hull FC in the victory over Leeds Rhinos. He has been playing in the lower leagues, now for the Wildcats in Super League. He qualifies for Scotland through Grand-parents.
5. Neville Costigan (Papua New Guinea)
The former Brisbane Broncos man has a reputation as a hard hitting tackler. This is something PNG will really need in their impossibly tough group. Although born in PNG he moved to Australia whilst very young. His success in Queensland was cut short by controversy and his contract was terminated. He also said he didn’t want to play for PNG but he will and should be a star for them.
6. Israel Folau (Australia)
Initially picked as an injury replacement for Melbourne Storm, Folau went on to score the winning try in his first game. He would play every game for the Storm in the 2007 season. He was the youngest player ever to play for them and made the same mark on the national team. He turned out for the Kangaroos at just 18 years 194 days. At 6ft 5in and just over 16 stone in weight, he is a big unit.
7. Krisnan Inu (New Zealand)
Having put his religious mission duties on hold, Inu should be pushing for the Kiwi full back role. The Parramatta youngster showed some great kicking skills in the ANZAC test. He had the likes of Darren Lockyer raining balls down on him and he dealt with them brilliantly.
8. Feleti Mateo (Tonga)
Played a huge part in Tonga’s qualifying campaign. Formerly of the London Broncos he is now back with Parramatta Eels. Another big unit at 6ft 4in and 16 and a half stone, he has played centre, five-eighth and second row. His versatility and extravagant style of play will be good for Tonga and great to watch
9. Tony Puletua (Samoa)
Will switch to St. Helens for the 2009 season, after switching from New Zealand just in time to help Samoa qualify for the world cup. With 10 seasons under his belt, the Samoans will be hoping his experience can help put in a good display during the tournament.
10. James Roby (England)
The Man of Steel 2007 has made a successful change to hooker. He is a cult hero after a comedy video of him miming to Over My Shoulder by Mike and the Mechanics appeared on youtube. Hopefully he’ll be watched for his impact displays at the World Cup.