The 2013 World Cup Thread

[Gronk]

Congratulations to Pirtek Parramatta Eels winger Semi Radradra, who has been selected into the Fiji Bati 21 man squad to play in this year's Rugby League World Cup!
After making his debut this season, Semi has quickly become a fan favourite with obvious talent, so we wish him all the best!
The side was selected after the "Battle of the Bati" between the Fijian Residents and the Overseas Fijians in Suva last night, won by the Residents 18-14 in a thriller.
The team will be captained by Petero Civoniceva with vice-captain Wes Naiqama - and also features the Sims brothers Korbin, Tariq and Ashton.
Here is the 21 man Fiji Bati squad:


Petero Civoniceva (captain)
Wes Naiqama (V/C)
Sisa Waqa
Kevin Naiqama
Darryl Millard
Marika Koroibete
Semi Radradra
Ilisavani Jegesa
Aaron Groom
Alipate Tani
Apisai Koroisau
James Storer
Kaliova Tani
Tariq Sims
Korbin Sims
Ashton Sims
Kane Evans
Jason Bukuya
Vitale Jr Roqica
Tikiko Noke
Eloni Vunakece


Good luck in the World Cup to the Fiji Bati, and congratulations again to Semi!

http://www.parraeels.com.au/news-di...elected-in-Fiji-Bati-for-2013-World-Cup/84780

 

[Noise]

How are the pool/round games running this year. Last time they add Oz, Kiwis, Poms and PNG in one pool with the top 3 going through. Poor PNG had no chance. I'd like to see the 2nd tier nations such as PNG , Fiji, Samoa and Tonga spread equally through the draw (I know there will be some huge scores but doesn't stop cricket and rugby from doing it)

 

[Springs]

It's not hard to find the damn pools, a simple search on wiki and you will see them, but anyway:

Pool A: Australia, England, Fiji, Ireland
Pool B: New Zealand, France, PNG, Samoa
Pool C: Tonga, Scotland, Italy
Pool D: Wales, Cook Islands, USA

Winner A v Winner D
Winner B v Winner C
2nd A v 3rd B
2nd B v 3rd A

 

[84 Baby]

So Semi & Koroibete starting wingers? That'd make for some hard kick returns

 

[jimmy77au]

Samoa have named an initial train-on squad for Rugby League World Cup 2013 containing an impressive mix of NRL stars.
Head coach Matt Parish has been tasked with leading the islanders beyond the group stage this autumn, and he will add to his squad in the coming weeks as the club seasons in Super League and the NRL draw to a close.
Samoa initial train-on squad:
Canterbury Bulldogs: Tim Lafai, Martin Taupau
Wests Tigers: Ava Seumanafagai, Tim Simona, Masada Iosefa, Sauaso Sue, David Nofoaluma, Eddy Pettybourne
St George Illawarra Dragons: Daniel Vidot, Leeson Ah Mau
New Zealand Warriors: Pita Godinet, Carlos Tuimavave, Suaia Matagi, Mason Lino
Canberra Raiders: Anthony Milford, Sami Sauiluma
North Queensland Cowboys: Antonio Winterstein, Kalifa Faifailoa, Wayne Ulugia
Brisbane Broncos: Dunamis Lui, Lama Tasi
Gold Coast Titans: Mark Ioane
Parramatta Eels: Ben Roberts, Reni Maitua, Ken Sio
Penrith Panthers: Mose Masoe
Samoa kick off their RLWC2013 campaign against New Zealand in Warrington on Sunday October 27.
They then travel to Hull for a clash against Papua New Guinea on Monday November 4 before taking on France in Perpignan in their final group match on Monday November 11.

http://www.rlwc2013.com/rugby-league-world-news/article/1111/samoa-name-strong-train-on-squad

 

[Joshuatheeel]

Surely the Paulo twins have a passport allowing them to play for someone.

 

[Springs]

Joseph Paulo will play for USA

 

[jimmy77au]

Joseph Paulo will play for USA

Both he & Junior Paulo (not the young one playing with the eels currently - the other one)

 

[Joely01]

Pool B looks the most interesting.
France, Samoa and PNG to do battle for the remaining spot for the semi.... (Guessing its the first 2 in that pool)

 

[Springs]

It's the top 3, like I posted above.

 

[Chipmunk]

Pool B looks the most interesting.
France, Samoa and PNG to do battle for the remaining spot for the semi.... (Guessing its the first 2 in that pool)

I cannot see France or the PNG being able to assemble a group of players that will come close to that Samoan side. There is some decent talent in that side plus add the likes of Jeff Lima, Roy Asotasi and Matai in there

As Springs said the top 3 get through anyway, I think PNG and France to fight for the third spot.

 

[Maroubra Eel]

I've learnt something today. I didn't realise all those guys were Samoan.
I thought Ben Roberts was an aboriginee the other month.

 

[Springs]

I cannot see France or the PNG being able to assemble a group of players that will come close to that Samoan side. There is some decent talent in that side plus add the likes of Jeff Lima, Roy Asotasi and Matai in there

As Springs said the top 3 get through anyway, I think PNG and France to fight for the third spot.

Despite Tonga and Samoa constantly having the better of NRL/ESL talent in their squads, they have rarely played to the quality of PNG or Fiji. Samoa had a similar squad last World Cup and lost to Ireland, while they were smashed by Tonga this year.

PNG, while without names like Asotasi and Matai, have always seemed to play better as a team. They are a lot more committed to each other.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I've learnt something today. I didn't realise all those guys were Samoan.
I thought Ben Roberts was an aboriginee the other month.

I thought he was an African American Australian.

 

[Maroubra Eel]

I thought he was an African American Australian.

Yeah f**ked if I know but wasn't he involved with the Eels selling a game to Darwin in some sort of aboriginal roll. Maybe Sandow wasn't available and we just went ah f**k it Roberts looks like an aboriginal, he'll f**king do.

 

[TheParraboy]

Brazil to win

 

[Gordy]

Yeah f**ked if I know but wasn't he involved with the Eels selling a game to Darwin in some sort of aboriginal roll. Maybe Sandow wasn't available and we just went ah f**k it Roberts looks like an aboriginal, he'll f**king do.

You sure it wasn't Luke Kelly ME.... (posted on the off chance that you are being anywhere near remotely serious) :?

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Yeah f**ked if I know but wasn't he involved with the Eels selling a game to Darwin in some sort of aboriginal roll. .

What, like a baguette with a bloke inside?

That's one way to get rid of him.

Or maybe it is like what happens when you get a couple of ex-Canterbury players together in Coffs Harbour, and they feel like a beer at the Planto.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

An 'Aboriginal Roll' is indeed a sex act. It's like a cross between a 'Shanghai Cravat' and a 'Provan Summons Medal'.

 

[Gary Gutful]

An 'Aboriginal Roll' is indeed a sex act. It's like a cross between a 'Shanghai Cravat' and a 'Provan Summons Medal'.

But with slightly more mud...