Match-winner Jamie Soward has called for the Indigenous Dreamtime team to be included in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup after securing an entertaining 34-26 win over the New Zealand Maoris today.
Soward produced the clutch play and conversion in the 71st minute to give Rhys Wesser his second try of the day that secured the win over the Maoris at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The clash was a warm up for tonight’s World Cup blockbuster between Australia and New Zealand but Soward wants the Indigenous team and Maoris added to the next World Cup to increase the competition in international rugby league.
And the St George Illawarra five-eighth believes some of Australia’s best players would support the idea and pick the Indigenous team over the Kangaroos.
“I would like to see us in the World Cup,” said Soward.
“It would be more teams to promote the World Cup and I’m pretty sure we would hold our own.
“If they want to make the tournament stronger why not throw an Aboriginal team in.
“It would be up to them (Aboriginal heritage Test stars) whether they’d want to play for Australia or the Aboriginal team but I’m sure they’d probably take the Aboriginal team.
“It’s been an emotional week for all of us. Talking at the start of the week what it meant to each player was pretty special and something I will never forget.”
While inclusion in a World Cup is highly unlikely, the near 10,000 fans who flocked to the SFS early enough to watch the game would support the prospect of further clashes between the two teams.
The game had everything, with big hits, acrobatic tries from kicks and a near length of the field intercept try.
Former Cowboy Rod Jensen joined Wesser in scoring a double for the Dreamtime team while Justin Carney and Yileen Gordon also crossed.
Chase Stanley (48th minute) and Jordan Rapana (58th) scored the Maoris best tries, Stanley with an 85m intercept off a Preston Campbell pass and Rapana also running 85m after picking up a loose Chris Sandow kick.
Sam McKendry, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Arana Taumata were the other tryscorers for the Maoris.
The Maoris led 26-22 heading into the final 10 minutes before Soward, called into the team only four days ago to replace Beau Champion, came back on to set up Wesser.
It was somewhat redemption for the Dragons star after he was bizarrely left out of his NRL side’s qualifying loss to Manly in favour of midseason recruit Ben Rogers.
“I would rather not talk about it,” he said of his Dragons snub.
“I would rather talk about today and what it means to the Aboriginal people to be out here playing and getting the win.”
oikee
Guest
I watched that War Dance twice, that guy who lead the moari side was unreal, did you see him do that jump with his legs kicking out, reminded me of a kid not getting his own way. Bloody awesome. Bring it on next year.
Westy
Guest
I was very proud to see the indigenous men diong their war cry in response to the haka. As Cook said Manly men. The leaguies got this very very right.
The Link
Guest
oikee, he's got about a foot in height on Utai I reckon, but similar strength and quicker. If David Furner can coach then the Raiders could build nicely next year. If the Frogs put in a good display it'll be good for the 2nd team bid in SL for Toulouse.
oikee
Guest
He reminds me of Matt Utai, hes all power and thighs Link, some good players coming through, how good are the french, they competed well. And that danny broufh for Scotland the half back, hes got the biggest kick i have seen so far. Watched him play some super league so he will be around for awhile. But the french are building, mountains if they get more players involved.?
The Link
Guest
Geez that Justin Carney's the goods. There's something in the water in our nations capital.
oikee
Guest
This game was the game of the series so far, shame its not World cup teams but hope to see it included yearly into the shedule somehow. That war dance was absolutely crazy, like joey said better than billy idol. :)
The Link
Guest
Choc Mundine's tip before the game - 'the brothers will win' First time i've heard the Man hedge his bets.