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ROCHDALE – Kangaroos halfback Nathan Cleary will realise a childhood dream next week when he runs out at the home of soccer favourites Manchester United.
Cleary is a huge soccer fan had has attended United games since being in Manchester for the tournament, and told media after Australia’s semi-final win over New Zealand that it was the realisation of two dreams: one to appear for the Kangaroos at the pinnacle of rugby league and another to play at Old Trafford.
“It is mad,” he said. I am so excited. I’m obviously a United fan … even going there to watch a game you get goosebumps. To actually play there is pretty cool. It is a dream to be in a World Cup final at the stadium I have always dreamed of.
“I’ve been United from day one, I promise. My nan bought me this little glass globe thing of Man United when I was three or four.
“I think we are getting the away sheds, so I might sneak in there after the game.”
Junior Paulo might have lead his nation to their first-ever World Cup Final, defeating England 27-26 after a dramatic Golden Point field goal win, but he will face a week of sleepless nights after another disciplinary incident.
Paulo was sent to the sin bin in the first half for a tip tackle on England prop Tom Burgess and was put on report for the incident. It is his second report in as many weeks, having initially been suspended for striking David Fifita in Samoa’s quarter-final win over Tonga but reprieved on appeal.
Jaydn Su’A, who was also involved in the tackle, might also find himself in trouble as both players had their hands between Burgess’ legs and it was less than clear at the time who was in control of the tackle.
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Jesse Bromwich has described the World Cup organisers’ decision to book their return travel ahead of their semi-final clash with Australia as ‘disrespectful’.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, the Kiwi captain was questioned on the move, and, while he was conscious of potential ramifications, he made himself clear.
“I don’t want to talk about that too much,” said Bromwich, clearly aggrieved. “It’s pretty disrespectful.”
The Storm star cut a despondent figure in the presser and was clearly devastated to have come so close to Australia and still lost.
“We came over here with the intention of winning the tournament and to fall short like this is pretty heartbreaking,” he said.
“We’ve really bridged that gap. We beat them (Australia) in 2018, tonight we were really close and we could have won again. We have a really good group of boys and they are all at a really good age where they could be competitive for a very long time.
“2017 was a dark place for New Zealand rugby league but Madge has turned the place around. He has brought passionate coaching and we’re playing in the style we want to play.”