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The RLWC has come a long way since it was first contested between just four teams and 66 players way back in 1954.
Happily, and thanks largely to the current heritage eligibility rules under which players can either represent their country of birth or their country of heritage, we now have 16 teams in the contest, and just under 400 players competing.
The growth in Cup participation stems not only from the change in the eligibility rules, but also from the multi-cultural melting pot that is Australia, and the widespread uptake of rugby league by the children of those who emigrated here over the last thirty-odd years.
The strength of this uptake, and that of the NRL as the world’s premier rugby league competition, means that many players of NRL standard or better who are eligible to represent either Australia or New Zealand, can instead choose to either permanently align themselves with their country of heritage, or do so if not selected by their country of birth. It certainly makes for a stronger international competition.
To illustrate, here are three teams of players who are still eligible to represent Australia who are representing their country of heritage at this year’s World Cup. Players who are playing for another Tier 1 country, or those born overseas, have not been included.
Team One
1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Samoa)
2. Alex Johnson (PNG)
3. Isaac Tago (Samoa)
4. Siosifa Talakai (Tonga)
5. Brian To’o (Samoa)
6. Luke Keary (Ireland)
7. Mitchell Moses (Lebabnon)
8. Josh Papalli’i (Samoa)
9. Apisai Koroisau (Fiji)
10. Tevita Tatola (Tonga)
11. David Fifita (Tonga)
12. Keaon Koloamatangi (Tonga)
13. Nathan Brown (Italy)
That’s a pretty handy side, with a strong spine, a powerful pack of forwards, and some lethal outside backs. Here’s another:
Team Two
1. Joseph Suaalii (Samoa)
2. Tesi Niu (Tonga)
3. Will Penisini (Tonga)
4. Moses Suli (Tonga)
5. Daniel Tupou (Tonga)
6. Adam Doueihi (Lebanon)
7. Jarome Luai (Samoa)
8. Royce Hunt (Samoa)
9. Peter Mamouzelos (Greece)
10. Jaimin Jolliffe (Ireland)
11. Haumole Olakau’atu (Tonga)
12. Felise Kaufusi (Tonga)
13. Billy Magoulias (Greece)
This side has a good sprinkling of youth and experience, with some players of the future in Suaalii, Penisini, Luai and Suli. But wait, there’s more:
Team Three
1. Tolutau Kula (Tonga)
2. Taylan May (Samoa)
3. Will Hopoate (Tonga)
4. Euen Aitken (Scotland)
5. Jacob Kiraz (Lebanon)
6. Talatau Amone (Tonga)
7. Lachlan Ilias (Greece)
8. Korbin Sims (Fiji)
9. Soni Luke (Tonga)
10. Brenden Santi (Italy)
11. Kane Linnett (Scotland)
12. James Roumanos (Lebanon)
13. Rhyse Martin (PNG)
Again, a mixture of veteran players including Hopoate, Sims and Linnett, and some rising stars in Koula, May, Kiraz, Ilias and Luke.
Overall, a great depth of talent. I wonder how many of these players will represent Australia in the future if the opportunity presents itself?
I also wonder how many would have made Australia’s 24-man squad if they made themselves available this time around? The only two who I’d consider certainties are winger Brian To’o in place of Murray Taulagi, and big bopper Josh Papalli’i in place of Lindsay Collins. What do you think?
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