2017 Rugby League World Cup

[nontime111]

Widdy for fullback, Field into 5/8 the kids a gun hes got to be tried

 

[Drag Queen]

Did anyone else think that the final pass on our try looked forward...??? Borderline at best.

On replay it does look like forward pass. The beauty of TV shows it in all different angles, yet they can still get it wrong. Go figure. I'm just hoping that James Graham brings his explosive impulses to our team. We need a verbal player. He looked absolutely gutted by games end.

 

[Gareth67]

I'm just hoping that James Graham brings his explosive impulses to our team. We need a verbal player.

Does one have bacon and eggs for breakfast ? Does one put Vegemite on toast ?
Does one shake his leg when a dog is trying to ' hump ' it ? Yes , of course one does ! And so shall Mr. Graham bring his ' fire and brimstone ' with him to the Dragons .

 

[kit66]

Widdy for fullback, Field into 5/8 the kids a gun hes got to be tried

If the Poms had Wids at 6 last night, they could have won. Their 6 had nothing in attack. They could have had anyone at fullback for the same result. If they'd done a couple of those left side sweeping raids that Widdop does for us, their fast backs would have been a lot more threatening and they'd have had the option of a short ball to a rampaging Sam B. I kept waiting for it but it didn't happen. Their backs got no early ball all night either.

 

[Como Connection]

Had to mute the sound.
That bloody Sutton and his constant screaming out instructions.
Is it just me that cannot stand him?
CC

 

[getsmarty]

Rugby League World Cup final England player ratings: Wayne Bennett’s critical call backfires

• December 2, 2017 10:29pm
• Nathan Ryan@nath_ryan
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Garth Widdop of England runs the ball.Source: Getty Images
THERE was only six points in it as England went down to Australia to lose the World Cup final.

With Gareth Widdop earing the No. 1 for the English side, the decision to carry a Johnny Lomax on the bench is one which proved costly for Wayne Bennett as five-eighth Kevin Brown had a night to forget.

Here’s who starred and struggled, in our England player ratings.

1. Gareth Widdop (7)

Tried his heart out at fullback. He was on fire under the high ball until he dropped a Cooper Cronk bomb early in the second half. Still, he was one of their best. Moved into the halves to finish the game and made an immediate difference to the side.

2. Jermaine McGilvary (7)

At 29, the winger is contracted to Huddersfield for another three years but it would be a great shame to not see him try his hand in the NRL. His carries out of danger are strong and has a habit of bobbing up at the right time. Ran for over 200 metres.

3. Kallum Watkins (6)

He made the most tackles of anyone in England’s backline. Plays with plenty of energy and showed a bit of pace. Looked certain to score if not for a Josh Dugan ankle tap midway through the second half.

4. John Bateman (4)

He struggled. A backrower playing in the centres, Bateman had a tough night with his opposing number shooting in and taking away his time.

5. Ryan Hall (5.5)

Dane Gagai of the Kangaroos and Ryan Hall of England compete for the ball.Source: Getty Images
Built like a forward, the winger is tough. Ripped in and did plenty of work. Strong leg drive.

6. Kevin Brown (2)

A missed tackle on Boyd Cordner led to Australia’s first try. He failed to offer any real threat in attack and proved a liability in defence. He came off with 24 minutes left in the game. You have to question why Brown got a start with Johnny Lomax fit.

7. Luke Gale (4)

A dropped ball early in the game in prime real estate and threw a rubbish pass late in the first half which halted England’s moment. He did produce some classy kicks. Looked dangerous the handful of times he ran to the line.

8. Chris Hill (6.5)

Chris Hill of England is tackled by Aaron Woods.Source: Getty Images
Has great footwork for a big man. At 107 kilos, the Warrington forward was solid. He runs hard, bends the line and laid a platform for his team to play. Played 40 minutes and made 131 metres.

9. James Roby (6.5)

Starting in place of the injured Josh Hodgson, the veteran knew his role. His defensive efforts were tireless with a game topping 59 tackles. He also charged down a field-goal attempt by Cooper Cronk to keep it 6-0 at halftime. Didn’t run often enough to keep the markers honest and create spark around the ruck.

10. James Graham (7)

He was split on the very first carry of the game after a clash of heads with Matt Gillet, the prop courageously battled on. You know what you’re going to get from the big man and that’s passion. He showed plenty of ticker. Ran for 110 metres and made 39 tackles.

'You're a cheating c***!'

0:30
16. Ben Currie (5)

Solid without being brilliant. Promoted to the starting side, Currie made 69 metres but finished with 39 tackles.

12. Elliott Whitehead (7)

Tireless. Every team would improve tenfold with a Whitehead in their side. He is dependable and fit. He’d made 33 tackles by halftime. Had the snot belted out of him by Cordner in the second half.

11. Sam Burgess (7)

As stand-in skipper, Burgess led by example. He’s most dangerous with the ball in hand. He got through plenty of work. You can’t question his effort.

14. Alex Walmsley (5)

Alex Walmsley of England drops the ball.Source: Getty Images
Made a vital tackle on Cordner late in the first half to cover for some laziness by Graham. While his minutes were limited, you can see why NRL clubs are showing interest in his services. An awkward man to tackle.

15. Thomas Burgess (4)

Came up with two crucial drop balls inside the final 10 minutes. He also had a handful of missed tackles. His first stint was very good but Wayne Bennett will be wishing he’d left him on the bench for the second half.

17. Chris Heighington (5.5)

The old boy still has it. Turning 35 in January, the forward got stuck in. He often goes unnoticed but made 80 metres in just 21 minutes.

18. Johnny Lomax (3)

He came on for the final 24 minutes to inject some energy. He just didn’t have enough time. Did his best to threaten and support his playmakers with his nine uses of the ball.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/ru...s/news-story/2139ec1436bdc620a273f8bd2b1916dc

 

[getsmarty]

Kangaroos player ratings: Big Three take backseat to barnstorming Australian backrow
Kangaroos

• December 2, 2017 10:21pm
• Ben Glover@glover_benny
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Australia celebrate winning the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.Source: Getty Images
THE Kangaroos have been crowned 2017 World Cup champions.

And it was a future Australian captain who led from the front for the host nation.

Here’s how every Roos player fared in our player ratings.



1. Billy Slater (6)

Copped some heavy treatment from James Graham early as they reignited a battle that ended with a bite to the ear in the 2012 grand final. Organised the defence well and was always in position to defuse England’s attacking raids when boot went to ball but was unable to really influence the game in attack.

2. Dane Gagai (6)

Dropped the ball in contact to put Australia under pressure for the first time midway through the first half but that error aside, he stood tall. Was strong in defence as England probed for weaknesses in his edge during the second half.

The Kangaroos celebrate winning the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.Source: Getty Images
3. Will Chambers (5)

Very strong in defence but didn’t get too many opportunities to cause problems going the other way.

4. Josh Dugan (7)

Threw an intercept pass that could have turned the match but made up for it a minute later with a 30 metre scamper that very nearly set up his side’s second try. Made some huge defensive plays with an ankle tap on Watkins stopping a near-certain try and a massive effort to get out of his in-goal when the pressure was being piled on his side.

5. Valentine Holmes (6.5)

Another big night out for the young winger, but most of his best work was done getting his side out of their own end. Ran for over 150 metres. Loses a mark for some near misses in defence as he and Dugan got out of synch as McGillvary threatened.

6. Michael Morgan (6)

Beautiful short ball to Cordner for the second-rower’s early try but was a bit passive at times in the first half. Started to run the ball more in the second half but was unable to set Dugan and Holmes alight in the same way he had in the last two games.

7. Cooper Cronk (7)

The star halfback’s kicking game was on song early, forcing three drop outs as the Kangaroos got on top. Copped some very heavy treatment as he got boot to ball on more than one occasion but battled on well.

'You're a cheating c***!'

0:30
8. Aaron Woods (6.5)

Caused early headaches with his ability to free his arms and offload and regularly did so in the first half at the end of strong carries. Ran for over 70 metres in his opening 20min stint. His second stint was more about fed fence and he played his part in a huge team effort.

9. Cameron Smith (6)

Not his best game in green and gold but tackled himself to a standstill. England put the clamps on his around the ruck, with their ability to shut him down one of the key reasons they were always in the contest.

10. David Klemmer (7)

Was sternly challenged by England’s middles and was unable to get the kind of go forward we’ve become accustomed to in the first half. Was superb in his second stint, winding up with over 100 running metres to go with his 23 tackles.

11. Boyd Cordner (8)

Strong in contact to score the opener through Gareth Widdop and a jinking run late in the first half very nearly broke England open. A second half head clash may have proven he’s got the hardest scone in the business after he bounced straight up. The standout forward on the paddock.

12. Matt Gillett (7.5)

Got through a mountain of first half defensive work and was right in the thick of the action when tempers overheated. Busted a tackle to make a break that almost ended in points in the second half and always ran with purpose. His best game in green and gold this tournament.

13. Josh McGuire (7)

Loves a fierce physical contest and was right up for it when it was hot early. Came back out into the furnace as England stole the momentum in the second half and was a beast in defence all night.

14. Wade Graham (6)

Huge impact in his 20 minutes on the park. Came on when his teammates were fatigued and he just kept putting his hand up to make tackles and take hit ups.

15. Jordan McLean (6.5)

The Cowboys have got a good one here. Not quite the impact of fellow bench forward RCG but his 77 running metres included some powerful carries that threatened to crack the willing English line.

Jillaroos defend World Cup

2:37
16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard (7)

Another huge contribution from the young prop, with some massive defensive hits in his 19 tackles and over 90 running metres from his 10 runs in less than 40 minutes of playing time.

17. Tyson Frizell (5)

Worked hard defensively but didn’t have much impact when his side had the ball. Watched nervously from the sideline as England came home with a wet sail.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/ka...w/news-story/558a6b4da19ed932687010e5f0af8063

 

[kit66]

Pretty arbitrary these player assessments. On courage alone James Graham and Whitehead get an 8 or 9. The Aussie pack tried to rip Graham's head off in the opening minutes but he fought on and led his pack to a very worthy effort against the more favoured Aussies. Luke Gale might have been a bit overwhelmed but his exceptional long kicking game kept the Aussies at bay for most of the match, continually sending them back to their own 10 - 20 mtr zone and out of striking distance.
Filthy Animal award goes to McGuire who managed to give everyone he tackled a facial, mostly with his head.

 

[Drag Queen]

Does one have bacon and eggs for breakfast ? Does one put Vegemite on toast ?
Does one shake his leg when a dog is trying to ' hump ' it ? Yes , of course one does ! And so shall Mr. Graham bring his ' fire and brimstone ' with him to the Dragons .

I'm confident we'll see a different team this year because of him.

 

[Gareth67]

I'm confident we'll see a different team this year because of him.

Absolutely Drag Queen , his excellent command of the English language will ensure that will be the case .

 

[TruSaint]

Graham brings everything in a leader / prop that we need.
We have talent, we have skill, what we miss is this unfiltered desire to win at all cost.
He delivers this in spades. Love it.

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons RLWC Tournament Wrap
Mon 4th December, 10:00AM
A A



16 nations competing across two tournaments culminated with both the Kangaroos and Jillaroos securing Australia a World Cup double on Saturday at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

The Kangaroos 6-0 win over England and the Jillaroos 23-16 victory over the Kiwi Ferns solidified Australia's rugby league dominance.

Closer to home, 10 current St George Illawarra players and two Dragons ambassadors all played crucial roles in the success of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Dragons Communications and Media Executive Jack Brady has provided a rundown on how each Dragons representative performed over the past six weeks.

Taane Milne, Josh Dugan, Siliva Havili and Russell Packer also began the tournament as Dragons players and we would like to wish them the best with their future endeavours.

Leeson Ah Mau (Samoa)

Ah Mau featured in all four of Samoa's games albeit in an unfamiliar role at lock. Not one to let a positional change hinder him, the Dragons prop still produced solid numbers including 103.8 metres and 28.8 tackles per Test.

Kezie Apps (Jillaroos)

Apps made a successful return to the international stage at the Women's Rugby League World Cup after breaking her leg at February's Auckland Nines. While she featured in all five of the Jillaroos' Tests, she was given limited minutes in pool fixtures against the Cook Islands and Canada. Regardless, Apps still managed to produce 74.8 metres and 19.2 tackles per game and was dominant every time she took the field.

Sam Bremner (Jillaroos)

A broken fibula may have derailed St George Illawarra Ambassador Bremner's World Cup campaign, but her positivity and experience played a paramount role throughout the Jillaroos' squad and eventual tournament win.

Tyson Frizell (Australia)

Frizell featured in all but one of Australia's Tests this World Cup campaign, with most of them seeing him come off the interchange. Averaging 92.4 metres and 21.4 tackles, Frizell also scored a try in the Kangaroos' pool fixture against France.

James Graham (England)

The veteran England international worked tirelessly in all six of his nation's Tests. Not only did Graham finish in the top three for most tackles (32.6 tackles per game), he also averaged 140.5 metres per game in typical workhorse fashion.

Ben Hunt (Australia)

The 2018 St George Illawarra recruit featured once for Australia throughout the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Picked in the squad as backup to Kangaroos skipper Cameron Smith, Hunt's lone Test saw him top the tackle count (30) in a pool fixture against Lebanon. The new Dragon also got married midway through the tournament.

Tim Lafai (Samoa)

Lafai featured in all four of Toa Samoa's Tests and shared his time between the wing and centres throughout. The veteran outside back averaged 113.5 metres per game and took the nation's goal kicking duties on.

Joe Lovodua (Fiji)

The Dragons Under-20s utility backed up his shock selection in the Bati's 24-man squad by featuring in four of Fiji's five Tests. Used predominately off the bench as a backup to hooker Apisai Koroisau, Lovodua still managed to score a long-range try in the Bati's pool fixture against Wales.

Nene Macdonald (Papua New Guinea)

The Kumuls rise to the quarters was one of the highlights of the men's tournament and Dragons winger Nene Macdonald played a big role in that. Macdonald featured in all four of Papua New Guinea's games, scoring three tries in the process.

Jason Nightingale (New Zealand)

The veteran Kiwi international added one Test to his illustrious New Zealand career thanks to a solid showing against Scotland in a pool fixture. Nightingale showed off his valuable experience against the Bravehearts by producing 171 metres and two tries.

Paul Vaughan (Italy)

While Italy failed to make it out of the pool stages, Vaughan's reputation as one of the game's rising props remained unhindered. Vaughan scored a try in a pool match against the United States of America and averaged 132 metres per Test.

Gareth Widdop (England)

The Dragons skipper was arguably the Player of the Tournament thanks to his fantastic showings in all six of England's Tests. Widdop won three Man of the Match awards following his successful move to fullback. Widdop also scored the fourth-most points tournament-wide and was pivotal in England's run to the final.

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/12/04/dragons_rlwc_tournam.html

 

[redandwhite4evr]

Rugby League World Cup final England player ratings: Wayne Bennett’s critical call backfires

• December 2, 2017 10:29pm
• Nathan Ryan@nath_ryan
• Source: FOX SPORTS

Garth Widdop of England runs the ball.Source: Getty Images
THERE was only six points in it as England went down to Australia to lose the World Cup final.

With Gareth Widdop earing the No. 1 for the English side, the decision to carry a Johnny Lomax on the bench is one which proved costly for Wayne Bennett as five-eighth Kevin Brown had a night to forget.

Here’s who starred and struggled, in our England player ratings.

1. Gareth Widdop (7)

Tried his heart out at fullback. He was on fire under the high ball until he dropped a Cooper Cronk bomb early in the second half. Still, he was one of their best. Moved into the halves to finish the game and made an immediate difference to the side.

2. Jermaine McGilvary (7)

At 29, the winger is contracted to Huddersfield for another three years but it would be a great shame to not see him try his hand in the NRL. His carries out of danger are strong and has a habit of bobbing up at the right time. Ran for over 200 metres.

3. Kallum Watkins (6)

He made the most tackles of anyone in England’s backline. Plays with plenty of energy and showed a bit of pace. Looked certain to score if not for a Josh Dugan ankle tap midway through the second half.

4. John Bateman (4)

He struggled. A backrower playing in the centres, Bateman had a tough night with his opposing number shooting in and taking away his time.

5. Ryan Hall (5.5)

Dane Gagai of the Kangaroos and Ryan Hall of England compete for the ball.Source: Getty Images
Built like a forward, the winger is tough. Ripped in and did plenty of work. Strong leg drive.

6. Kevin Brown (2)

A missed tackle on Boyd Cordner led to Australia’s first try. He failed to offer any real threat in attack and proved a liability in defence. He came off with 24 minutes left in the game. You have to question why Brown got a start with Johnny Lomax fit.

7. Luke Gale (4)

A dropped ball early in the game in prime real estate and threw a rubbish pass late in the first half which halted England’s moment. He did produce some classy kicks. Looked dangerous the handful of times he ran to the line.

8. Chris Hill (6.5)

Chris Hill of England is tackled by Aaron Woods.Source: Getty Images
Has great footwork for a big man. At 107 kilos, the Warrington forward was solid. He runs hard, bends the line and laid a platform for his team to play. Played 40 minutes and made 131 metres.

9. James Roby (6.5)

Starting in place of the injured Josh Hodgson, the veteran knew his role. His defensive efforts were tireless with a game topping 59 tackles. He also charged down a field-goal attempt by Cooper Cronk to keep it 6-0 at halftime. Didn’t run often enough to keep the markers honest and create spark around the ruck.

10. James Graham (7)

He was split on the very first carry of the game after a clash of heads with Matt Gillet, the prop courageously battled on. You know what you’re going to get from the big man and that’s passion. He showed plenty of ticker. Ran for 110 metres and made 39 tackles.

'You're a cheating c***!'

0:30
16. Ben Currie (5)

Solid without being brilliant. Promoted to the starting side, Currie made 69 metres but finished with 39 tackles.

12. Elliott Whitehead (7)

Tireless. Every team would improve tenfold with a Whitehead in their side. He is dependable and fit. He’d made 33 tackles by halftime. Had the snot belted out of him by Cordner in the second half.

11. Sam Burgess (7)

As stand-in skipper, Burgess led by example. He’s most dangerous with the ball in hand. He got through plenty of work. You can’t question his effort.

14. Alex Walmsley (5)

Alex Walmsley of England drops the ball.Source: Getty Images
Made a vital tackle on Cordner late in the first half to cover for some laziness by Graham. While his minutes were limited, you can see why NRL clubs are showing interest in his services. An awkward man to tackle.

15. Thomas Burgess (4)

Came up with two crucial drop balls inside the final 10 minutes. He also had a handful of missed tackles. His first stint was very good but Wayne Bennett will be wishing he’d left him on the bench for the second half.

17. Chris Heighington (5.5)

The old boy still has it. Turning 35 in January, the forward got stuck in. He often goes unnoticed but made 80 metres in just 21 minutes.

18. Johnny Lomax (3)

He came on for the final 24 minutes to inject some energy. He just didn’t have enough time. Did his best to threaten and support his playmakers with his nine uses of the ball.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/ru...s/news-story/2139ec1436bdc620a273f8bd2b1916dc

 

[redandwhite4evr]

Went off Walmsley in final-thought Chris Hill was better- big rumour I'm hearing is that ol St Nick is at it again trying to get McGillvary as a Christimas present for the Roosters fans

 

[Eatons Hill Dragon]

Just wanted to wrap Tyson Frizell.

I attended the RLWC Luncheon last Wednesday in Brisbane and managed a quick chat and photo with Tyson.

Absolute Bloody Legend of a bloke and super proud that he is a Dragon.

 

[getsmarty]

Frizell thankful to finish on a high
Fri 8th December, 09:00AM
A A



By Joel Gould - NRL.com Queensland Reporter

After the disappointments of the NSW Origin campaign and the Dragons' failure to reach the finals Tyson Frizell admits he didn’t dare to dream he would be part of a World Cup final win for the Kangaroos.

A valued member of the Australian bench, the 26-year-old former Welsh international now has played 10 Tests for the Kangaroos with a 100 per cent winning strike rate.

While savouring the 6-0 win over England in the sheds Frizell, who conceded it was the toughest game he had played in his life, spoke of the stellar end to his topsy turvy 2017.

"To be able to finish the year on a high like this alongside such great players is something I will remember forever, after what was a bit of a rollercoaster year for me," Frizell said.

"People say you dream of these things, but winning a World Cup final isn’t something I thought I’d ever be a part of.

"Mal [Meninga] showed great faith in me and I was able to get an opportunity in the Four Nations last year.

"I went OK and I was just hoping I’d get another opportunity, but I wasn’t too sure how things would pan out after Origin and the season that we had [at the Dragons].

"So winning a final like this is something you feel like you might watch but that you’d never achieve. It felt like it was too hard to reach, but I am part of it now and it does feel surreal."

Australia’s bench throughout the World Cup, and including the final, was outstanding.

Frizell, Wade Graham, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Jordan McLean all felt a heavy responsibility to continue the work of the starters.

"That is something that Mal has spoken about, making a difference when we come off the bench, and we spoke about it as a collective," Frizell said.

"It is not something that I am used to and it is tough sitting there when you just want to get on and have an impact.

"Reagan and Macca have been outstanding, as has Wade who was playing a different kind of utility role."

Cameron Smith said the final was among the five toughest games of rugby league he had played in his career and Frizell, one of the game’s more imposing physical presences, couldn’t recall anything like it.

"I can’t remember the last time I have been in such a physical and grinding style of a game," he said.

"I didn’t know it was going to be that tough.

"We knew they’d come out swinging and they wouldn’t give up right until the end.

"The last 10 minutes felt like hours, but we hung on.

"We prided ourselves on our defence the whole campaign and keeping them to zero is what got us the win."

Frizell has been one of the Dragons best forwards for several years and had a wonderful Origin debut in a beaten NSW side in 2016. While the teams he has been playing for haven’t fired, Meninga did not forget what he had to offer

"I was part of this team in the Anzac Test and I think that if you can play some decent footy and show Mal you can play well and want to be a part of this team then he will repay you," Frizell said.

"When you get in these kind of rep teams all you need is someone to give you belief. Mal and his staff give us the game plan but Mal is the one who makes us want to work hard for each other. He drives our standards on and off the field."

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/12/08/frizell_thankful_to_.html