Australia coach Tim Sheens says Sydney Roosters’ ‘league of nations’ make-up was the main reason for only two members of the NRL premiership winners gaining selection in his World Cup squad.
Uncapped Boyd Cordner and centre Michael Jennings were the only Roosters rewarded with selection in the 24-man squad, while beaten grand finalists Manly provided only Clive Churchill medallist Daly Cherry-Evans.
Sea Eagles trio Anthony Watmough (knee), Glenn Stewart (knee) and Brett Stewart (hamstring) were not considered, having been ruled out by Manly medical officials after the grand final loss.
Cordner joins Andrew Fifita and Josh Papalii as the only uncapped players in the squad, although Sheens admitted Roosters halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney had come under strong consideration.
“You look at how many New Zealanders are in their (Roosters) squad and other guys that will be playing across the World Cup, most of the Roosters squad will feature in some jersey in the World Cup,” Sheens said.
“With Jennings that was an obvious one for us.
“The halves were considered as well, that was a tough call – the three that we’ve used are the incumbent that have played well.
“Particularly with Cherry-Evans being back-up to Cooper (Cronk) and Johnathan (Thurston), that will be an interesting contest for us during the World Cup as well because all three are in great form.”
Sheens admitted Corder’s ability to return from an ankle injury in the Roosters’ 26-18 win over the Sea Eagles merely rubber-stamped his selection.
“For some weeks we’ve been watching where he was up to with his injury,” Sheens said.
“But the fact that he played last night proved his fitness.
“He’d been on our radar most of the year, last night just confirmed his ability.”
The squad contains 13 Queenslanders who took part in this year’s State of Origin series win.
adam
Guest
hes playing for Tonga i thik
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
All countries involved in the RL world cup ,have local domestic competitions and that includes Italy,all of which are growing. The bone of contention one can argue validly,is the bulk of players are made up of players not involved in the local comps.For example there are Fijians who played in that country who now play for NRL clubs or in country NSW,that will probably get a shot.So eligiibility is loose at this early stage..Better to have a competitive comp,than many walkovers. And if you believe the PNGuans are not excited about the RLWC,then I am not here. To suggest having teams in the RLWC on the current selection basis will not grow the game,is not borne out by the facts in countries like Lebanon,Fiji.The amount of coverage the RLWC is getting in Fiji in the Times and Sun is quite astounding,which I found to both my surprise and delight coming back from a holiday on 20th Sept this year. This is further backed up,by the astonishing revelation the SARL want to stage the next RLWC.
League fan
Guest
Most Samoans and Tongans live in NZ or Australia. Who are we to tell them that they cant play for their country of heritage.
In Brief
Guest
So realist says the eligibility rules need fixing, and league fans calls him a muppet 'cause it makes a profit. Two different points entirely. Maybe it would make more of a profit if guys like Pat Richards didn't play for Ireland. The problem is that the quality of the domestic competitions isn't truly strong enough to hold a competive world cup. Hence the ring ins.
In Brief
Guest
I wonder how many of the Samoan and Tongan players have lived and played in the islands, and how many are born and bred in Australia with islander parentage?
In Brief
Guest
The difference is that rugby union teams have to have a genuine domestic competition and certain number of registered players. There are also clear rules regarding eligibiliity. Also there is a proper qualification process to get to the rugby union world cup. Cook Islands narrowly defeated Papua New Guinea in front of a packed house in Port Moresby. They will now go on to play Fiji probably, and have very little chance of winning. But these competitions help grow the great game of rugby around the world. The Genia brothers were on hand to help out PNG and it was a great occasion.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
It already has had influence making rl a growing and well entrenched sport in Lebanon,and further boosting the code in Fijí.that's two off the top of my head. Furthermore having a cup such as this gives further impetus to the European Union In providing funding to countires growing the game there. In addition it is another cog in getting the game in the commonwealth Games,where it has now received a class 3 accepartnce (first stage on the aldder),due to its work in commonwealth countries.The RLWC provides these countrieswith incentives to get there eventually. I am sure the tiny nation of PNG with 7 million league nuts the national code(bigger than NZ),will be laughing at your last line. BTW the NRL is not funding teams for the RLWC,that is the responsibility of the organisers.It is funding the Roos and sponsorship is paying a decent slab. Expansion/competitive big drawing teams/the inclusion of touch under the banner/$1.2bn Tv deal/games like the G/F are there to combat those other codes. And it is a sad fact of life ,not having regular internationals in rl,gives players that want more to look elsewhere.
john badseed
Guest
What time do the Kangaroos have to be back at the nursing home? I want them to win but half this team needed to be out at the GF with Weyman, Cooper and Ross. Oh well, one more lap oughta see them off. Should see a dynamic Oz team in 4 years time.
terry
Guest
Sooooo what: there were none from the 05 Grand final winners!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
If they had omitted players because of ASADA suspicion,the ARLC would be accused of inferring guilt before innocence.And I dare say,those assured of a spot,may seek legal address. Anycase the commission has followed the proper course and not interfered into the ASADA investigation,for that they should be applauded.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Not quite Realist,but do go on,We need a bit of comic fantasy relief here at times. You have obviously had intimate discussions with players who will represent countries of their birth,their parents or grandparents birth and are probably just as proud of their heritage ,as you or I are supposed to be of being an Aussie. Whilst the WC has to evolve over time,eligibility has to be to a degree flexible to ensure its long term success.ie Lebanon has now a very strong domestic comp.
peeeko
Roar Guru
the same story comes out every year, biggest was when the tigers had no one picked
Clark
Guest
+1
Football United
Guest
No we want to play as England, it is our identity. "Britishness", whatever that is, is some confused identity for southerners.
couldofbeen
Guest
I'm looking forward to it, i think NZ will really challenge Aus and I'm hoping that England will make a go of it as well. But, i definitely want Australia to win it back from NZ.
League fan
Guest
Turbodewd you are a muppet. This world cup stands to make a huge profit which will help grow the game around the world. The last world cup made a profit of 5 million and the sport has grown enormously since then. This world cup stands to make atleast 3 times more profit than the last one. Imagine how far the sport will grow in the next 5 years with these funds. Give me one good reason why they should not have a world cup.
troy
Guest
The big issue is should they have named players who have a ASADA question over them, I think not. This is the Australian team not NSW, or a club side. With both the Roosters and Manly finishing so strong NZ will have a team to watch.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
Exactly (unfortunately)
turbodewd
Roar Guru
Muppet 3 who thinks the RLWC is going to grow the game anywhere. The NRL should be concentrating efforts into combating the A-League and AFL. We are off gallivanting across the globe to play muppet teams from tiny nations.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
eagleJack, I am a fan of rugby league, but I believe its going sideways. Meanwhile the Yanks are making serious moves into our turf, i.e the UK. Did u know the NFL plays 2 regular season games per year in London to Wembley sellouts? What has the London Broncos concept done? Sweet FA unfortunately. Sorry, i do get harsh in my criticism but I know fans prefer quality. The RLWC is...not huge on quality.