2021 Qualifiers

[adamkungl]

A comprehensive catch-up of 2021 World Cup Qualifying:

There are 5 places remaining for 2021 - 4 in Europe, 1 for the rest.

Best of the rest qualifiers start on June 21 in Wentworthville, Sydney, where Cook Islands take on South Africa.
The winner flies north to take on the USA in Jacksonville on November 16 for the World Cup spot.

In Europe, 2 groups of 3 face off for the 4 available spots.
Played between October 26 and November 10, each nation will host 1 game each.
Group A features Ireland, Italy and Spain.
Group B features Scotland, Russia and Greece.
Ireland, Scotland go in as obvious favourites after featuring in the last 4 World Cups, and Italy should like their chances after joining the last 2.
Russia hasn't been seen in a big time international since 2000 and Greece or Spain would both be newcomers to the Cup. Greece's heritage connections to Australia and handful of League One players give them early favouritism. In Group B the Russia v Greece game in Moscow will likely decide 1 spot.

In previous qualification tournaments through 2018:
France locked in their spot early with a totally dominant run through the European Championships, and Wales followed with spirited performances v Ireland and Scotland.

Jamaica surprised all by knocking off the USA and Canada to claim their first Cup berth.
Newcomers Chile were brave but easily outclassed.

Early favourites for European B cup Serbia bombed out partially due to a Visa stuff-up in Russia.
In European C, Norway scraped their way to an unlikely playoff berth v Greece but couldn't convert.
Germany, Czechia, Malta and Ukraine all fell at the first hurdle.

A total of 19 nations have participated in the qualification process in addition to the 8 pre-qualified nations, bringing the 2021 World Cup total to 27 nations.
The next round of qualifiers for 2025 will begin in 2021 and is expected to include over 40 nations. In addition to the current 27, we could look forward to seeing some of
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico,
Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Morocco,
Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Niue,
Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand,
Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Turkey

 

[Foreign Legion]

The final qualification spot for Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be decided in Jacksonville, Florida on November 16th when the USA Hawks will take on the winners of the Cook Islands v South Africa game which will be held in Sydney later this month.

The game will be made available LIVESTREAM on the NEW Americas Rugby League VIDEO page.https://www.facebook.com/AmericasRugbyLeague

USARL Chairman, Peter Illfield welcomed the news saying:



“The city of Jacksonville, Florida and the Jacksonville Axemen RL Club have stepped up again to host a critical event in the USA Hawks international agenda, our final attempt to qualify for RLWC2021 and we thank them for that and hope to deliver the victory that we all seek.”



Jacksonville was the host city for the Americas Championship which saw Jamaica qualify win the tournament which eliminated Canada and Chile but allowed the USA to participate in the repechage competition for the final spot in RLWC2021.



Michael Corrigan, President & CEO of Visit Jacksonville, supported the decision to play the game in Jacksonville saying:



“We are so excited to host the Rugby League World Cup Qualifier here in Jacksonville this coming November.



“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with the USA Hawks and to work together to share the Jacksonville sporting brand throughout the world and once again show that Jacksonville is the top city for Rugby League in the United States.”



Peter Illfield commented further on the opportunity presented to USA rugby League saying:



“Head Coach, Sean Rutgerson, Assistant Coach, Brent Richardson, Team Manager, Billy Neilson, their staff and players have worked tirelessly in preparation for this repechage.



“A special thankyou is again extended to those heritage players who, over the past eight years have continually put aside their local commitments to their game and family to support the USA Hawks and enjoy the camaraderie of international Rugby League. Participation on the international stage has been important for the exposure and growth of Rugby League in the USA.



“On behalf of the USARL Inc., its Board of Directors and its members, I wish the Hawks players and staff the very best in this ultimate contest for RLWC2021."

http://www.rlif.com/article/8643/jacksonville-to-host-final-qualifier-for-rlwc

 

[adamkungl]

Brazil have their membership and are now eligible for 2025's qualifying series.

 

[adamkungl]

What's a realistic team Cook Islands can put on the park?
Does anyone know if there are heritage rules in play here?

NZ play Tonga the next day.

Their last team in 2017 contained current first graders:
Nicoll-Klokstad
Marsters
Glenn
Niukore

Takairangi you would think likely in place of Marsters who will probably play for NZ.
Rapana will play for NZ and Napa is likely to be in Origin.
A number of former second graders, fringe first graders, and former first graders in Australia and England are also possible selections.

4 NRL players selected in Cook Islands squad

Tepa Moeroai, Marata Niukore, Brad Takairangi (Parramatta Eels),
Charnze Nicol-Klokstad, Reuben Porter (Canberra Raiders),
Troy Dargan (Brisbane Broncos),
Kayal Iro, Brodie Tamarua (NZ Warriors),
Steven Marsters (St George Dragons),
Sam Mataora (Belconnen),
Eric Newbigging (Blacktown),
Eli Noovao, AaronT eroi (CQ Capras),
John Puna, (Easts Tigers)
Reuben Rennie, Vincent Rennie (Mounties),
Moses Noovao-Mcgreal, Pride Petterson-Robati, Paul Ulberg (Norths Devils)
Josh Minhinnick (Wentworthville)

 

[adamkungl]

Cook Islands looked big, fit and fast in their half-century demolition of South Africa on Saturday.

In November they're likely to be even stronger, with a solid core of 5-6 NRL/SL players and the rest picked from NSW and QLD Cups.

Can anyone see the USA beating them?
Are there any NRL players available for the Hawks?

 

[Hello, I'm The Doctor]

In Europe, 2 groups of 3 face off for the 4 available spots.
Played between October 26 and November 10, each nation will host 1 game each.
Group A features Ireland, Italy and Spain.
Group B features Scotland, Russia and Greece.
Ireland, Scotland go in as obvious favourites after featuring in the last 4 World Cups, and Italy should like their chances after joining the last 2.
Russia hasn't been seen in a big time international since 2000 and Greece or Spain would both be newcomers to the Cup. Greece's heritage connections to Australia and handful of League One players give them early favouritism. In Group B the Russia v Greece game in Moscow will likely decide 1 spot.

Any info on when/where this Game in Spain will be held?

 

[adamkungl]

Spain v Ireland will be held on October 26 at Matias Prats Football Stadium,
in the town of Torredonjimeno, Jaén province, in the Andalucía state.

 

[titoelcolombiano]

What are we thinking if Lebanon are removed from the world cup?

Three way play-off series between 3rd place in the two European Pools and the loser of USA v Cooks?

If Lebanon end up being removed it might be a timely repreive for the USA should they lose to the Cook Islands. Tragic what has happened in Lebanon but good for the game to have the USA there.

 

[adamkungl]

What are we thinking if Lebanon are removed from the world cup?

Three way play-off series between 3rd place in the two European Pools and the loser of USA v Cooks?

If Lebanon end up being removed it might be a timely repreive for the USA should they lose to the Cook Islands. Tragic what has happened in Lebanon but good for the game to have the USA there.

I dont think Lebanon will be stripped of their WC spot. It's important to remember that there has been no real suggestion of this from anyone except the boycotting players.

But lets say they do drop out, there are a few options

The loser of Cook Islands v USA would have a fair claim.
Or the winner of this years Nigerian hosted MEA championship, to keep the same level of world spread.
The 5th placed European finals team might be a stretch considering they will have had multiple chances already.
One more possibility - the highest ranked nation not yet qualified. If Cook Islands beat USA, USA would be the highest ranked. If USA win, Malta is next.

 

[greenBV4]

One more possibility - the highest ranked nation not yet qualified. If Cook Islands beat USA, USA would be the highest ranked. If USA win, Malta is next.

I think that's the fairest option

Can Lebanon even physically field a team without the heritage players they sacked and the claims they don't even have a running local comp? and will new heritage players even want to play for them after what has happened to the the current ones?

 

[Hello, I'm The Doctor]

Spain v Ireland will be held on October 26 at Matias Prats Football Stadium,
in the town of Torredonjimeno, Jaén province, in the Andalucía state.

Thaks man, i think ill try to make the trip....

 

[adamkungl]

Thaks man, i think ill try to make the trip....

Norway v Germany in Norway will probably remain my most obscure Rugby League event for the near future

 

[Foreign Legion]

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/pos...rld-cup-qualifier-against-scotland-in-london/

Due to difficulties staging their 2021 World Cup qualifier in Athens, Greece will play the ‘home’ match against Scotland in London.

The international will take place at London Skolars’ New River Stadium on Friday, November 1.

Greek Rugby League Association official, Terry Liberopoulos, commented: “We are working on getting the governance issues sorted out in Greece with the Hellenic Federation of Modern Pentathlon but, with time running out, the decision was made to take the game to London.


“We’d like to thank Scotland Rugby League for their understanding and patience and I’m sure both nations will do international rugby league proud.”

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Greece qualified for this deciding group of matches, which also includes Russia, after beating Norway 56-26 in the final of European Championship C at the New River Stadium last time out.

GRLA president, George Stilianos, added: “Of course we were hoping to play this match in Greece but since that was not possible, we are very excited to be returning to the New River Stadium.

“It was a great event when we played there in May and we thank the Skolars’ management for helping us once again.

“It will be a great match and I urge all rugby league fans in London to turn up and show their support the international game.”

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Scotland Rugby League chair, Keith Hogg, said: “We are really looking forward to what will be a very competitive and very important game.

“We would have really enjoyed playing the game in Athens but that was not to be.

“This has been a case of everyone involved working together to find the best solution to a very challenging situation.

“It has been great to see Greece, Scotland and the European Federation all pulling in the same direction to get the most sensible outcome, together with the support of everyone London Skolars.”

Last week, Scotland Rugby League confirmed that they had reached a significant agreement with Scottish beer brand McEwan’s, to sponsor their domestic National League from 2020.

 

[Coastbloke]

Serbia to replace Russia in Qualifiers according to Rugby League Planet..

https://www.nospam18.com/2021-rlwc/serbia-replace-russia-in-rugby-league-world-cup-qualifiers

 

[adamkungl]

What!
Great news for Serbia who have taken genuine striders in their development and everyone was sad to see fall out.

Not so good for Russia, but hopefully a case of one step backwards needed to take two steps forward

 

[adamkungl]

Can anyone confirm what the heritage player rules will be for either the final round of Euro Qualifiers or the USA v Cook Islands qualifier?

 

[deluded pom?]

Serbia to replace Russia in Qualifiers according to Rugby League Planet..

https://www.nospam18.com/2021-rlwc/serbia-replace-russia-in-rugby-league-world-cup-qualifiers

Confirmation from the RLEF.

https://www.rlef.eu.com/articles/1746/serbia-replace-russia-in-rugby-league-world-cup-qualifiers

 

[adamkungl]

It did seem kind of odd that Russia was playing at this level without any word for ages about domestic competition, nor have they played any other tests in 2017 or this year. They only seem to play in RLIF tournaments and qualifiers.

They need some neighbouring countries to get up speed to ensure low travel-cost annual matches. Latvia Lithuania Belarus Estonia Finland. I'm not sure what the political situation regarding Ukraine is..

 

[adamkungl]

According to ChasingKangaroosPodcast, the heritage limit is 15 for the upcoming Euros.

 

[adamkungl]

Serbia will need to improve in the next few weeks before qualifiers:

Canada 54 def Serbia-A 6

Serbia will field a stronger team on Saturday in the 2nd game