2017 Rugby League World Cup#Group C
{{Short description|15th Rugby League World Cup tournament}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby league international tournament
| year = 2017
| title = Rugby League World Cup
| image = 2017 Rugby League World Cup logo.svg
| imagesize = 159px
| alt =
| finalists = 14
| country = Australia
| country2 = New Zealand
| country3 = Papua New Guinea
| winners = Australia
| count = 11
| matches = 28
| attendance =382080
| points =1264
| tries =230
| topscorer-flag = Australia
| topscorer = Cameron Smith (50)
| top try scorer-flag= Australia
| top try scorer = Valentine Holmes (12)
| tournaments = Rugby League World Cup
| last = 2013
| next = 2021
}}
The 2017 Rugby League World Cup was the fifteenth staging of the Rugby League World Cup tournament and took place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea between 27 October and 2 December 2017.{{cite news
| title = 2017 Rugby League World Cup Overview
| publisher = RUGBY LEAGUE PLANET
| url = http://www.rugbyleagueplanet.com/rlwc
| access-date = 27 September 2015}} The tournament featured the national teams of 14 Rugby League International Federation member countries who qualified through either standing in the previous tournament or a series of qualification play-off matches. In the final, defending champions Australia, playing in their 14th consecutive final, defeated England at Brisbane's Lang Park.
Host selection
{{see also|Rugby League World Cup hosts}}
At the 2010 Rugby League International Federation executive meeting, the New Zealand Rugby League made an early submission to co-host the 2017 tournament with Australia.{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/3979019/NZ-prepares-bid-to-co-host-2017-World-Cup |title=NZ prepares bid to co-host 2017 World Cup |author=Kilgallon, Steve |date=1 August 2010 |work=The Sunday Star-Times |access-date=15 September 2011}} The Rugby League World Cup was last held in Australia in 2008.{{cite news
| title = Australia, NZ to host 2017 World Cup
| publisher = nrl.com
| url = http://www.nrl.com/australia,-nz-to-host-2017-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/76367/default.aspx
| access-date = 27 September 2015}}
Two formal bids were subsequently received by the RLIF before a November 2012 deadline; the co-host bid from Australia and New Zealand and a bid from South Africa.{{cite news
| title = South Africa to face joint bid from Australia and New Zealand to host 2017 Rugby League World Cup
| publisher = insidethegames.biz
| date = 21 October 2012
| url = http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/summer/rugby-sevens/1016580-south-africa-to-face-joint-bid-from-australia-and-new-zealand-to-host-2017-rugby-league-world-cup
| access-date = 27 September 2015}}[http://www.3news.co.nz/Australia-NZ-Rugby-League-World-Cup-bid-progresses/tabid/415/articleID/318035/Default.aspx Australia-NZ Rugby League World Cup bid progresses] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020194139/http://www.3news.co.nz/Australia-NZ-Rugby-League-World-Cup-bid-progresses/tabid/415/articleID/318035/Default.aspx |date=20 October 2013 }} 3News, 21 October 2013{{cite news
| title = South Africa's shock bid to host World Cup
| publisher = dailytelegraph.com.au
| date = 22 October 2013
| url = http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/south-africas-shock-bid-to-host-2017-rugby-league-world-cup/story-fni3fbgz-1226743994701
| access-date = 6 July 2015}} On 19 February 2014, it was announced that the joint bid from Australia and New Zealand had won hosting rights.{{cite news
| title = Australia and New Zealand unite to stage RLWC2017
| publisher = rlif.com
| date = 19 February 2014
| url = http://www.rlif.com/rugby-league-international-news/article/1452/australia-and-new-zealand-unite
| access-date = 27 September 2015}}
Michael Brown, the CEO of several big name Australian sporting franchises and the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, was originally appointed CEO of the World Cup in 2015, but resigned less than a year later due to 'workload' and 'homesickness'.{{cite news
| title = Michael Brown resignation
| publisher = NRL
| date = 22 July 2016
| url = http://www.nrl.com/michael-brown-resignation/tabid/10874/newsid/99462/default.aspx
| access-date = 24 July 2016}} He was replaced by Andrew Hill.{{cite news
| title = Andrew Hill appointed CEO Rugby League World Cup 2017
| publisher = NRL
| date = 10 August 2016
| url = http://www.nrl.com/andrew-hill-appointed-ceo-rugby-league-world-cup-2017/tabid/10874/newsid/100124/default.aspx
| access-date = 12 August 2016}}
Teams
=Qualification=
{{main|2017 Rugby League World Cup qualification}}
It was announced on 3 August 2014 that 7 of the 8 quarter-finalists from the last World Cup would qualify automatically for the 2017 tournament; hosts Australia and New Zealand, plus England, Fiji, France, Samoa and Scotland. The USA, who were also 2013 quarter-finalists, were denied automatic qualification after a long-running internal governance dispute saw their RLIF membership temporarily suspended in 2014; later, once the matter was resolved, they were accepted into the qualification process. Papua New Guinea were initially set to be involved in the qualifying competition but were later granted automatic qualification, due to becoming co-hosts of the tournament. In addition to the eight automatic qualifiers, the remaining six spots will come from four different qualification zones; three from Europe, one from Asia/Pacific, one from Americas and one from Middle East/Africa.{{cite web|url=http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/30809/qualification-details-for-2017-rlwc|title=Qualification details for 2017|date=3 August 2014|work=The RFL|access-date=5 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054645/http://www.therfl.co.uk/news/article/30809/qualification-details-for-2017-rlwc|archive-date=8 August 2014|url-status=dead}}
Tonga were the first team to qualify from the qualification stage after winning the Asian-Pacific play-off. Lebanon were the second team to qualify from the qualification stage, after winning the Middle East-African play-off. The USA were the third team to qualify, winning the Americas qualification group.
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="width:90%;" |
| scope="col"|Team
! scope="col"|Captain ! scope="col"|Coach ! scope="col"|Previous ! scope="col"|Previous best result ! scope="col"|Qualification ! scope="col"|World |
|---|
| {{rl|Australia}}
|{{flagicon|AUS}} Mal Meninga | style="text-align:center;"|14 |Champions ({{tooltip|10 times|1957, 1968, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1988, 1992, 1995, 2000, 2013}}) |Co-hosts | style="text-align:center;"|1 |
| {{rl|England}}
|{{nowrap|Sean O'Loughlin}} |{{flagicon|AUS}} Wayne Bennett | style="text-align:center;"|5 |Runners-up (1975, 1995) |Automatic | style="text-align:center;"|3 |
| {{rl|Fiji}}
|{{flagicon|AUS}} Mick Potter | style="text-align:center;"|4 |Semi-finals (2008, 2013) |Automatic | style="text-align:center;"|7 |
| {{rl|France}}
|{{flagicon|FRA}} Aurélien Cologni | style="text-align:center;"|14 |Runners-up (1954, 1968) |Automatic | style="text-align:center;"|6 |
| {{rl|Ireland}}
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Aston | style="text-align:center;"|3 |Quarter-finals (2000, 2008) |Europe 2 | style="text-align:center;"|8 |
| {{rl|Italy}}
|{{flagicon|ITA}} Cameron Ciraldo | style="text-align:center;"|1 |Group stage (2013) |Europe play-off | style="text-align:center;"|12 |
| {{rl|Lebanon}}
|{{flagicon|AUS}} Brad Fittler | style="text-align:center;"|1 |Group stage (2000) |Middle East-Africa play-off | style="text-align:center;"|18 |
| {{rl|New Zealand}}
|{{flagicon|NZL}} David Kidwell | style="text-align:center;"|14 |Champions (2008) |Co-hosts | style="text-align:center;"|2 |
| {{nowrap|{{rl|Papua New Guinea}}}}
|{{flagicon|PNG}} Michael Marum | style="text-align:center;"|6 |Quarter-finals (2000) |Co-hosts | style="text-align:center;"|16 |
| {{rl|Samoa}}
|{{flagicon|AUS}} Matt Parish | style="text-align:center;"|4 |Quarter-finals (2000, 2013) |Automatic | style="text-align:center;"|5 |
| {{rl|Scotland}}
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Steve McCormack | style="text-align:center;"|3 |Quarter-finals (2013) |Automatic | style="text-align:center;"|4 |
| {{rl|Tonga}}
|{{flagicon|AUS}} Kristian Woolf | style="text-align:center;"|4 |Group stage (1995, 2000, 2008, 2013) |Asia-Pacific play-off | style="text-align:center;"|11 |
| {{rl|USA}}
|{{flagicon|ENG}} Brian McDermott | style="text-align:center;"|1 |Quarter-finals (2013) |Americas play-off | style="text-align:center;"|10 |
| {{rl|Wales}}
|{{flagicon|ENG}} John Kear | style="text-align:center;"|4 |Semi-finals (1995, 2000) |Europe 1 | style="text-align:center;"|9 |
= Draw =
The draw was undertaken at the launch of the event in Auckland on 19 July 2016{{cite news
| title = Venues for 2017 Rugby League World Cup to be announced at official launch on July 19
| publisher = inside the games
| date = 16 June 2016
| url = http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1039665/venues-for-2017-rugby-league-world-cup-to-be-announced-at-official-launch-on-july-19
| access-date = 17 June 2016}} and involved the same four group format as the 2013 tournament.
The first two groups are made up of four teams whilst the other two groups feature three teams each. The top three teams in the first two groups and the winners of the two smaller groups will qualify for the quarter-finals. Group play will involve a round robin in the larger groups, and a round robin in the smaller groups with an additional inter-group game for each team so all teams will play three group games.
| class="wikitable" style="width:98%;" |
| width=25%|Group A
!width=25%|Group B !width=25%|Group C !width=25%|Group D |
|---|
| {{rl|AUS}} {{rl|ENG}} {{rl|FRA}} {{rl|LBN}} | {{rl|NZL}} {{rl|SAM}} {{rl|SCO}} {{rl|TON}} | {{rl|IRE}} {{rl|PNG}} {{rl|WAL}} | {{rl|FIJ}} {{rl|ITA}} {{rl|USA}} |
=Squads=
{{main|2017 Rugby League World Cup squads}}
Each team submitted a squad of twenty-four players for the tournament, the same as the 2013 tournament.
Venues
{{main|Rugby League World Cup venues}}
It was announced in October 2014 that negotiations were being held for Papua New Guinea to host matches.{{cite news
| title = Papua New Guinea may host 2017 rugby league world cup matches
| publisher = The Sydney Morning Herald
| date = 11 October 2014
| url = http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/papua-new-guinea-may-host-2017-rugby-league-world-cup-matches-20141011-114qy9.html
| access-date = 27 September 2015}} The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League presented to the RLIF in September 2015, requesting to host three matches.[http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/png-prime-minister-peter-oneill-keen-to-host-rugby-league-world-cup-matches-20150927-gjvs2q.html PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill keen to host Rugby League World Cup matches] smh.com.au, 27 September 2015 In October 2015 it was confirmed that Papua New Guinea would host three matches in the group stage.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-08/papua-new-guinea-to-co-host-rugby-league-world-cup-2017/6838012 |title=Papua New Guinea to co-host Rugby League World Cup in 2017 |author= |date=8 October 2015 |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |publisher=Australian Associated Press |access-date=8 October 2015}}
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne hosted the opening game between Australia and England included an Aboriginal selection and a New Zealand Mãori side. and while Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane hosted the World Cup final.{{cite news
| title = Rugby League World Cup 2017 draw: Every game, every venue
| publisher = The Courier Mail
| date = 19 June 2016
| url = http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/rugby-league-world-cup-2017-draw-every-game-every-venue/news-story/afb53d3399636c9bc02695072bd8b5a9
| access-date = 19 June 2016}}
=Australia=
| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;text-align:center" |
| Brisbane
! Sydney |
|---|
| Brisbane Stadium |
| Capacity: 52,500
| Capacity: 45,500 | Capacity: 30,050 | Capacity: 26,500 |
| 200px
| 200px | 200px | 200px |
| colspan="4" |
{{location map+ |float=center |Australia |width=400 |caption= |places= {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-19.25 |long=146.81 |label=Townsville |position=left }} {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-27.46 |long=153.03 |label=Brisbane |position=left }} {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-16.9186|long=145.7781|label=Cairns |position=left}} {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-12.4634 |long=130.8456 |label=Darwin |position=right }} {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-33.86 |long=151.12 |label=Sydney |position=left}} {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-35.30 |long=149.12 |label=Canberra |position=left}} {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-37.81 |long=144.96 |label=Melbourne |position=right }} {{location map~ |Australia |lat=-31.95 |long=115.85 |label=Perth |position=right }}}} |
| Canberra
! Perth ! Cairns ! Darwin |
| Canberra Stadium |
| Capacity: 25,011
| Capacity: 20,500 | Capacity: 18,000 | Capacity: 12,000 |
| 200px
| 200px | | 200px |
=New Zealand=
| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;text-align:center" |
| Wellington
! Auckland |
|---|
| Wellington Regional Stadium |
| Capacity: 34,500
| Capacity: 30,000 |
| 200px
| 200px |
| colspan="4"|
{{location map+ |float=center |New Zealand |width=300 |caption= |places= {{location map~ |New Zealand |lat=-41.2865 |long=174.7762 |label=Wellington |position=left }} {{location map~ |New Zealand |lat=-36.8485 |long=174.7633 |label=Auckland |position=left }} {{location map~ |New Zealand |lat=-43.5321 |long=172.6362 |label=Christchurch |position=left }} {{location map~ |New Zealand |lat=-37.7870|long=175.279381|label=Hamilton |position=right}}}} |
| Hamilton |
| Waikato Stadium{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/sport/82240139/Hamilton-to-host-two-games-of-the-2017-Rugby-League-World-Cup|title=Hamilton to make history by hosting first ever rugby league tests in 2017 World Cup|date=19 July 2016|access-date=20 July 2016|work=stuff}} |
| Capacity: 25,800
| Capacity: 18,000 |
| 200px
| 200px |
=Papua New Guinea=
| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;text-align:center" |
| Port Moresby |
|---|
| National Football Stadium |
| Capacity: 14,800 |
| 200px |
| {{location map |float=center |Papua New Guinea |width=400 |caption= |lat=-9.4780|long=147.1507|label=Port Moresby |position=right}} |
Officiating
{{see also|Category:Rugby League World Cup referees}}
The match officials will be headed by Tony Archer and three coaches: Steve Ganson, Russell Smith and Luke Watts.{{cite web|date=9 October 2017|title=RLWC2017 Match Officials Announced|url=http://www.rlwc2017.com/news/rlwc2017-match-officials-announced|publisher=RLWC2017.com|access-date=9 October 2017}}
- {{AUS}}: Grant Atkins, Chris Butler, Matt Cecchin, Steve Chiddy, Ben Cummins, Adam Gee, Ashley Klein, Jared Maxwell, David Munro, Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski, Belinda Sleeman, Jon Stone, Bernard Sutton, Chris Sutton, Gerard Sutton, Michael Wise
- {{ENG}}: Phil Bentham, James Child, Mark Craven, Robert Hicks, Chris Kendall, Scott Mikalauskas, Liam Moore, Tim Roby, Ben Thaler
- {{NZL}}: Chris McMillan, Henry Perenara
Warm-up matches
{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 8 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = {{Rl-rt|Malta}}
| try1 =
| goal1 =
| drop1 =
| score = 24–24
| report =
| team2 = {{rl|ITA}}
| try2 =
| goal2 =
| drop2 =
| stadium = Marconi Stadium, Sydney{{cite web|url=http://www.asiapacificrl.com/2017/09/12/malta-announce-two-sydney-internationals-october/ |title=Malta announce two Sydney internationals this October|publisher=asiapacificrl.com |date=12 September 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017}}
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 13 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = Country U23s
| try1 =
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| score = 26–40
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| team2 = {{Rl|Samoa}}
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| stadium = McDonalds Park, Wagga Wagga
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 13 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = {{Rl-rt|FRA}}
| try1 =
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| drop1 =
| score = 34–2
| report =
| team2 = {{rl|JAM}}
| try2 =
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| stadium = Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan{{cite web|url=http://rlif.com/article/8260/france-to-play-jamaica-in-perpignan |title=France to play Jamaica in Perpignan |publisher=rlif.com |date=28 April 2017 |access-date=28 April 2017}}
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 14 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = {{Rl-rt|FIJ}}
| try1 =
| goal1 =
| drop1 =
| score = 0–10
| report =
| team2 = {{rl|PNG}}
| try2 =
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| stadium = ANZ National Stadium, Suva{{cite web|url=http://www.asiapacificrl.com/2017/05/26/kangaroos-face-fiji-png-suva/ |title=Kangaroos to face Fiji and PNG in Suva |publisher=asiapacificrl.com |date=26 May 2017 |access-date=26 May 2017}}
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 14 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = {{Rl-rt|AUS}}
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| drop1 =
| score = 20–4
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| team2 = {{rl|PNG}}
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| stadium = ANZ National Stadium, Suva
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 14 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = {{Rl-rt|FIJ}}
| try1 =
| goal1 =
| drop1 =
| score = 0–18
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| team2 = {{rl|AUS}}
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| stadium = ANZ National Stadium, Suva
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 14 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = {{Rl-rt|LBN}}
| try1 =
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| drop1 =
| score = 32–16
| report =
| team2 = {{rl|NIU}}
| try2 =
| goal2 =
| drop2 =
| stadium = Leichhardt Oval, Sydney{{cite web|url=http://www.asiapacificrl.com/2017/08/10/lebanon-face-niue-world-cup-warm/ |title=Lebanon to face Niue in World Cup warm up |publisher=asiapacificrl.com |date=10 August 2017 |access-date=11 August 2017}}
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 20 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = Country U23s
| try1 =
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| drop1 =
| score = 50–14
| report =
| team2 = {{Rl|SCO}}
| try2 =
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| stadium = Kingsford Smith Park, Ballina
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 20 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = {{Rl-rt|ITA}}
| try1 =
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| drop1 =
| score = 6–16
| report =
| team2 = {{rl|TON}}
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| stadium = Callendar Park, Innisfail
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{{rugbyleaguebox
| date = 20 October 2017
| time =
| team1 = Combined Affiliated States
| try1 =
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| score = 12–74
| report =
| team2 = {{rl|ENG}}
| try2 =
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| stadium = Perth Oval, Perth{{cite web|url=http://www.asiapacificrl.com/2017/05/15/england-play-nrl-affiliated-states-world-cup-warm/ |title=England to play NRL Affiliated States in World Cup warm up |publisher=asiapacificrl.com |date=15 May 2017 |access-date=26 May 2017}}
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Group stage
The first two groups are made up of four teams whilst the other two groups feature three teams each. The top three teams in the Group A and B, and the winners of Group C and D will qualify for the quarter-finals. Group play will involve a round robin in the larger groups, and a round robin in the smaller groups with an additional inter-group game for each team so all teams will play three group games.
= Group A =
{{Main|2017 Rugby League World Cup Group A}}
{{2017 RLWC Group A}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvENG}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group A|FRAvLBN}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvFRA}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group A|ENGvLBN}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvLBN}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group A|ENGvFRA}}
= Group B =
{{Main|2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B}}
{{2017 RLWC Group B}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B|NZLvSAM}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B|SCOvTON}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B|NZLvSCO}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B|SAMvTON}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B|NZLvTON}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group B|SAMvSCO}}
= Group C =
{{Main|2017 Rugby League World Cup Group C}}
{{2017 RLWC Group C}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group C|PNGvWAL}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group C|PNGvIRE}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group C|WALvIRE}}
= Group D =
{{Main|2017 Rugby League World Cup Group D}}
{{2017 RLWC Group D}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group D|FIJvUSA}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group D|ITAvUSA}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup Group D|FIJvITA}}
= Inter-group matches=
{{main|2017 Rugby League World Cup inter-group matches}}
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup inter-group matches|IREvITA}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup inter-group matches|FIJvWAL}}
----
{{#lst:2017 Rugby League World Cup inter-group matches|PNGvUSA}}
Knockout stage
{{Main|2017 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage}}
Three teams from each of Groups A and B and one team from each of Groups C and D advanced to the quarter-finals. All quarter-finalists automatically qualified for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://rlif.com/article/8247/statement-from-the-rlif-board-meeting---march-th- |title=Statement from the RLIF Board meeting – March 28th 2017 |publisher=Rlif.com |date=2017-11-08 |access-date=2017-11-17}} The quarter-final fixture were finalised at the conclusion of the pool stages, to ensure that Australia played in Darwin on 17 November and New Zealand in Wellington on 18 November.{{cite web|url=http://www.rlwc2017.com/news/rlwc2017-announces-quarter-finals-draw |title=RLWC2017 announces quarter-finals draw | Rugby League World Cup |publisher=Rlwc2017.com |date=2016-10-27 |access-date=2017-11-17}}
{{#section-h:2017 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|Bracket}}
= Quarter-finals =
==Australia vs Samoa==
{{Rugbyleaguebox|attendance=13,473|bg=|date=17 November 2017|manofmatch=Valentine Holmes (Australia)|points1=Tries:
Holmes (9', 17', 51', 57', 74') 5
Morgan (31', 36') 2
Slater (24') 1
Goal:
Smith 7/8
(10', 19', 26', 33', 38', 53', 58')|points2=|referee=Phil Bentham (England)|report=|score=46–0|stadium=Darwin Stadium, Darwin|team1={{rl-rt|AUS}}|team2={{rl|SAM}}|time=19:00 ACST (UTC+9:30)}}
----
==Tonga vs Lebanon==
{{Rugbyleaguebox|attendance=8,309|bg=|date=18 November 2017|manofmatch=Mitchell Moses (Lebanon)|points1=Tries:
Fusitu'a (19', 33') 2
Lolohea (4') 1
Hopoate (23') 1
Goal:
Hingano 4/5
(5', 24', 34', 53' pen)|points2=Tries:
2 (40', 69') Miski
1 (9') Doueihi
1 (30') Elias
Goals:
3/4 Moses
(10', 31', 70')|referee=Gerard Sutton (Australia)|report=|score=24–22|stadium=Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch|team1={{rl-rt|TON}}|team2={{rl|Lebanon}}|time=17:00 NZDT (UTC+13)}}
----
==New Zealand vs Fiji==
{{Rugbyleaguebox|attendance=12,713|bg=|date=18 November 2017|manofmatch=Kevin Naiqama (Fiji)|points1=Goals:
Johnson 1/1
(45' pen)|points2=Goals:
1/1 Koroisau
(15' pen)
1/1 Milne
(62' pen)|referee=Matt Cecchin (Australia)|report=|score=2–4|stadium=Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington|team1={{rl-rt|NZL}}|team2={{rl|FIJ}}|time=19:30 NZDT (UTC+13)}}
----
==England vs Papua New Guinea==
{{Rugbyleaguebox|attendance=10,563|date=19 November 2017|manofmatch=Jermaine McGillvary (England)|points1=Tries:
McGillvary (13', 20') 2
Watkins (68', 72') 2
Walmsley (33') 1
Currie (56') 1
Hall (79') 1
Goals:
Widdop 4/7
(34', 57', 69', 80')|points2=Tries:
1 (60') Lo
Goals:
1/1 Martin
(61')|referee=James Child (England)|report=|score=36–6|stadium=Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne|team1={{rl-rt|ENG}}|team2={{rl|PNG}}|time=16:00 AEDT (UTC+11)}}
----
= Semi-finals =
==Australia vs Fiji==
{{Rugbyleaguebox|attendance=22,073|date=24 November 2017|manofmatch=Cameron Smith (Australia)|points1=Tries:
Holmes (18', 24', 42', 51', 65', 75') 6
Gagai (31', 69') 2
Slater (14', 48') 2
Goals:
Smith 7/10
(15', 19', 33', 43', 49', 53', 67')|points2=Tries:
1 (59') Vunivalu
Goals:
1/2 Koroisau
(7' pen)|referee=Gerard Sutton (Australia)|report=|score=54–6|stadium=Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane|team1={{rl-rt|AUS}}|team2={{rl|FIJ}}|time=19:00 AEST (UTC+10)}}
----
==Tonga vs England==
{{Rugbyleaguebox|attendance=30,003|date=25 November 2017|manofmatch=Gareth Widdop (England)|points1=Tries:
Pangai Junior (73') 1
Havili (76') 1
Lolohea (77') 1
Goals:
Taukeiaho 3/3
(73', 76, 77')|points2=Tries:
1 (11') McGillvary
1 (16') Widdop
1 (68') Bateman
Goals:
4/4 Widdop
(12, 17, 50 pen, 69)|referee=Matt Cecchin (Australia)|report=|score=18–20|stadium=Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland|team1={{rl-rt|TON}}|team2={{rl|ENG}}|time=18:00 NZDT (UTC+13)}}
----
= Final: Australia vs England =
{{Main|2017 Rugby League World Cup final}}
{{Rugbyleaguebox|attendance=40,033|bg=|date= 2 December 2017|manofmatch=Boyd Cordner
(Australia)|points1=Tries:
Cordner (15')
Goals:
Smith 1/1
(16')|points2=|referee=Gerard Sutton (Australia)|report=|score=6–0|stadium=Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane|team1={{rl-rt|AUS}}|team2={{rl|ENG}}|time=19:00 AEST (UTC+10)}}
Statistics
=Top try scorers=
;12 tries
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Valentine Holmes
;9 tries
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Suliasi Vunivalu
;7 tries
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Jermaine McGillvary
;5 tries
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Billy Slater
- {{flagicon|TON}} David Fusitu'a
- {{flagicon|TON}} Michael Jennings
{{div col end}}
;4 tries
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Dane Gagai
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Wade Graham
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Cameron Munster
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Taane Milne
- {{flagicon|PNG}} David Mead
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Justin Olam
{{div col end}}
;3 tries
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Kallum Watkins
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Viliame Kikau
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Kevin Naiqama
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Henry Raiwalui
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Liam Kay
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Nene Macdonald
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Peta Hiku
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Te Maire Martin
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
- {{flagicon|TON}} Tuimoala Lolohea
{{div col end}}
;2 tries
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Boyd Cordner
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Josh Dugan
- {{flagicon|AUS|rugby league}} Michael Morgan
- {{flagicon|ENG}} John Bateman
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Gareth Widdop
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Jarryd Hayne
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Marcelo Montoya
- {{flagicon|FRA}} Bastien Ader
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Oliver Roberts
- {{flagicon|ITA}} James Tedesco
- {{flagicon|ITA}} Joseph Tramontana
- {{flagicon|LBN}} Adam Doueihi
- {{flagicon|LBN}} Abbas Miski
- {{flagicon|LBN}} Travis Robinson
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Shaun Johnson
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Jason Nightingale
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Jordan Rapana
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Watson Boas
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Lachlan Lam
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Garry Lo
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Rhyse Martin
- {{flagicon|TON}} Will Hopoate
- {{flagicon|TON}} Peni Terepo
- {{flagicon|TON}} Daniel Tupou
{{div col end}}
;1 try
{{Div col|colwidth=22em}}
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Tyson Frizell
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Tom Trbojevic
- {{flagicon|AUS}} Matt Gillett
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Tom Burgess
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Ben Currie
- {{flagicon|ENG}} James Graham
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Ryan Hall
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Percival
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Stefan Ratchford
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Alex Walmsley
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Kane Evans
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Salesi Junior Fainga'a
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Joe Lovodua
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Ben Nakubuwai
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Brayden Wiliame
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Akuila Uate
- {{flagicon|FIJ}} Eloni Vunakece
- {{flagicon|FRA}} Damien Cardace
- {{flagicon|FRA}} Benjamin Garcia
- {{flagicon|FRA}} Mark Kheirallah
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Kyle Amor
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Liam Finn
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} George King
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Michael McIlorum
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Michael Morgan
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Api Pewhairangi
- {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} Joe Philbin
- {{flagicon|ITA}} Justin Castellaro
- {{flagicon|ITA}} Mason Cerruto
- {{flagicon|ITA}} Ryan Ghietti
- {{flagicon|ITA}} Josh Mantellato
- {{flagicon|ITA}} Nathan Milone
- {{flagicon|ITA}} Paul Vaughan
- {{flagicon|LBN}} Anthony Layoun
- {{flagicon|LBN}} James Elias
- {{flagicon|LBN}} Nick Kassis
- {{flagicon|LBN}} Mitchell Moses
- {{flagicon|LBN}} Jason Wehbe
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Nelson Asofa-Solomona
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Kenny Bromwich
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Issac Liu
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Kodi Nikorima
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Russell Packer
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Brad Takairangi
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Joseph Tapine
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Elijah Taylor
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
- {{flagicon|NZL}} Dean Whare
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Paul Aiton
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Wellington Albert
- {{flagicon|PNG}} James Segeyaro
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Rod Griffin
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Stargroth Amean
- {{flagicon|PNG}} Kato Ottio
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Tim Lafai
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Ken Maumalo
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Joseph Paulo
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Junior Paulo
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Ben Roberts
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Jazz Tevaga
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Young Tonumaipea
- {{flagicon|SAM}} Matthew Wright
- {{flagicon|SCO}} Danny Addy
- {{flagicon|SCO}} Frankie Mariano
- {{flagicon|SCO}} Oscar Thomas
- {{flagicon|SCO}} Lewis Tierney
- {{flagicon|TON}} Ata Hingano
- {{flagicon|TON}} Manu Ma'u
- {{flagicon|TON}} Sika Manu
- {{flagicon|TON}} Ben Murdoch-Masila
- {{flagicon|TON}} Jason Taumalolo
- {{flagicon|TON}} Tevita Pangai Junior
- {{flagicon|TON}} Siliva Havili
- {{flagicon|USA}} Matt Shipway
- {{flagicon|USA}} Junior Vaivai
- {{flagicon|WAL}} Regan Grace
- {{flagicon|WAL}} Morgan Knowles
- {{flagicon|WAL}} Ben Morris
{{div col end}}
=Top point scorers=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | |||
| rowspan="2" |Player
!rowspan="2" |Team !rowspan="2" |{{Tooltip|App.|Appearances}} !rowspan="2" |Total !colspan="3" |Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| {{tooltip|T|Tries}}
|{{tooltip|G|Goals}} |{{tooltip|FG|Field goals}} | |||
| Cameron Smith
|align=left|{{rl|AUS}} |6 |style="background:#ccc"|50 | 0 | 25 | 0 |
| Valentine Holmes
|align=left|{{rl|AUS}} |6 |style="background:#ccc"|48 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Shaun Johnson
|align=left|{{rl|NZL}} |4 |style="background:#ccc"|44 | 2 | 18 | 0 |
| Gareth Widdop
|align=left|{{rl|ENG}} |6 |style="background:#ccc"|41 | 2 | 16 | 1 |
| Rhyse Martin
|align=left|{{rl|PNG}} |4 |style="background:#ccc"|40 | 2 | 16 | 0 |
| Suliasi Vunivalu
|align=left|{{rl|FIJ}} |5 |style="background:#ccc"|38 | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| Taane Milne
|align=left|{{rl|FIJ}} |5 |style="background:#ccc"|32 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
| Sio Siua Taukeiaho
|align=left|{{rl|TON}} |4 |style="background:#ccc"|32 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| Liam Finn
|align=left|{{rl|IRE}} |3 |style="background:#ccc"|28 | 1 | 12 | 0 |
| Apisai Koroisau
|align=left|{{rl|FIJ}} |5 |style="background:#ccc"|28 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
| Jermaine McGillvary
|align=left|{{rl|ENG}} |6 |style="background:#ccc"|28 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Mantellato
|align=left|{{rl|ITA}} |3 |style="background:#ccc"|28 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
=Final standings=
{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL
|update=30 July 2021 |source=[http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/world-cup-2017/summary.html World Cup 2017]
|status_AUS=H|status_NZL=H|status_PNG=H
|winpoints=2
|drawpoints=1
|for_against_style=points
|team_order=AUS, ENG, FIJ, TON, PNG, NZL, LBN, SAM, IRE, ITA, SCO, FRA, WAL, USA
|win_AUS=6 |draw_AUS=0 |loss_AUS=0 |gf_AUS=210 |ga_AUS=16
|win_ENG=4 |draw_ENG=0 |loss_ENG=2 |gf_ENG=125 |ga_ENG=64
|win_FIJ=4 |draw_FIJ=0 |loss_FIJ=1 |gf_FIJ=178 |ga_FIJ=84
|win_FRA=0 |draw_FRA=0 |loss_FRA=3 |gf_FRA=30 |ga_FRA=117
|win_IRE=2 |draw_IRE=0 |loss_IRE=1 |gf_IRE=76 |ga_IRE=32
|win_ITA=1 |draw_ITA=0 |loss_ITA=2 |gf_ITA=68 |ga_ITA=74
|win_LBN=1 |draw_LBN=0 |loss_LBN=3 |gf_LBN=61 |ga_LBN=105
|win_NZL=2 |draw_NZL=0 |loss_NZL=2 |gf_NZL=136|ga_NZL=46
|win_PNG=3 |draw_PNG=0 |loss_PNG=1 |gf_PNG=134 |ga_PNG=48
|win_SAM=0 |draw_SAM=1 |loss_SAM=3 |gf_SAM=40|ga_SAM=130
|win_SCO=0 |draw_SCO=1 |loss_SCO=2 |gf_SCO=24 |ga_SCO=138
|win_TON=4 |draw_TON=0 |loss_TON=1 |gf_TON=152 |ga_TON=86
|win_USA=0 |draw_USA=0 |loss_USA=3 |gf_USA=12 |ga_USA=168
|win_WAL=0 |draw_WAL=0 |loss_WAL=3 |gf_WAL=18 |ga_WAL=156
|name_AUS={{rl|Australia}}
|name_ENG={{rl|England}}
|name_FIJ={{rl|Fiji}}
|name_FRA={{rl|France}}
|name_IRE={{rl|Ireland}}
|name_ITA={{rl|Italy}}
|name_LBN={{rl|Lebanon}}
|name_NZL={{rl|New Zealand}}
|name_PNG={{rl|Papua New Guinea}}
|name_SAM={{rl|Samoa}}
|name_SCO={{rl|Scotland}}
|name_TON={{rl|Tonga}}
|name_USA={{rl|United States}}
|name_WAL={{rl|Wales}}
|show_groups=T
|group_AUS=A
|group_ENG=A
|group_FIJ=D
|group_FRA=A
|group_IRE=C
|group_ITA=D
|group_LBN=A
|group_NZL=B
|group_PNG=C
|group_SAM=B
|group_SCO=B
|group_TON=B
|group_USA=D
|group_WAL=C
|res_col_header=Final result
|col_1st=#FFD700 |text_1st=Champions
|col_2nd=#C0C0C0 |text_2nd=Runners-up
|text_SF=Eliminated in
semi-finals
|text_QF=Eliminated in
quarter-finals
|text_GS=Eliminated in
group stage
|split2=yes |split4=yes |split8=yes
|result1=1st |result2=2nd |result3=SF |result4=SF |result5=QF |result6=QF |result7=QF |result8=QF |result9=GS |result10=GS |result11=GS |result12=GS |result13=GS |result14=GS |result15=GS |result16=GS
}}
Criticism and controversy
The lack of games in New South Wales, the heartland of rugby league in Australia, drew some criticism. Only one of the 13 confirmed tournament venues was in New South Wales (Sydney Football Stadium) and it is only hosting two group-stage fixtures, both featuring Lebanon. This was due to the refusal of the New South Wales Government to bid for hosting rights. Despite the so-called 'Sydney Cup snub', the RLWC organisers backed their decision and the venues they were using.{{cite news |title = Sydney Snubbed at Rugby League World Cup |publisher = TRIPLE M |date = 19 June 2016 |url = http://www.triplem.com.au/sydney/sport/nrl/news/2016/7/sydney-snubbed-at-rugby-league-world-cup/ |access-date = 20 June 2016}}
In the buildup to the Samoa vs. Tonga game in Hamilton, controversy occurred after fans from both countries were caught having brawls in South Auckland. At least 6 people were arrested from the brawls resulting in a massive security increase for the game. Both teams, celebrities, and police urged fans to calm down.{{cite news |title = Tonga vs Samoa: Security beefed up at rugby league match after street brawls |publisher = nzherald.co.nz |date = 3 November 2017 |url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11940256 |access-date = 3 November 2017}} Following the results of the controversial incident, a Tongan Advisory Council member lashed out at organisers, saying that this tournament is poorly organised compared to the 2011 Rugby Union World Cup, mentioning that Rugby Union World Cup organisers engaged with community groups 18 months beforehand, whereas this tournament was "scrambled around".{{cite news |title = Watch: 'Poorly organised' – Tongan Advisory Council member slams lack of foresight at Rugby League World Cup |publisher = tvnz.co.nz |date = 3 November 2017 |url = https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/watch-poorly-organised-tongan-advisory-council-member-slams-lack-foresight-rugby-league-world-cup | access-date = 3 November 2017}}
After Scotland's 68-point thrashing to New Zealand in Christchurch, captain Danny Brough, Sam Brooks, and Jonathan Walker were sent home for violating code of conduct after being all deemed too 'intoxicated' for their team's flight to Cairns for Scotland's next game against Samoa. Italian players James Tedesco and Shannon Wakeman were under investigation by the World Cup integrity unit for a brawl at a Cairns nightclub.{{cite news |title = RLWC 2017: Three Scotland players including captain Danny Brough sent home from World Cup |publisher = foxsports.com.au |date = 5 November 2017 |url = https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/world-cup/rlwc-2017-three-scotland-players-including-captain-danny-brough-sent-home-from-world-cup/news-story/7f75bfa4ff2ba74fe165a5bea657ffd6 |access-date = 5 November 2017}}
There was criticism on how Samoa and Lebanon qualified for the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup, while Ireland missed out. Samoa played in Pool B where three sides qualify for the finals and only one misses out. Samoa lost to both New Zealand and Tonga, and drew with Scotland. Lebanon was in Pool A which had the same format as Pool B. Lebanon lost to both Australia and England and beat France. Ireland played in Pool C where there are only three teams and the winner is the only team that goes to the finals. Ireland beat both Italy and Wales and only just lost to Papua New Guinea and didn't qualify for the finals. Irish captain Liam Finn, said "I don't know if it's unfair, it probably makes sense, but to me: try and explain that to someone who's not rugby league," , "That's how we judge it. I tell someone 'we didn't go through, we won two games; someone got through by drawing one," and "That's where we should be focused: how do we attract new fans when that's how you're explaining the game to them?" in the press conference after his team's victory over Wales.{{Cite web|last=Mascord|first=Steve|date=2017-11-12|title=Rugby League World Cup: Ireland miss quarters while winless Samoa go through|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/rugby-league-world-cup-ireland-win-a-dead-melting-rubber-against-wales-20171112-gzjuk9.html|access-date=2020-10-09|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}}
Broadcasting
Seven Network was the Australian and worldwide host broadcaster, winning the rights for the event in July 2016, beating the likes of Foxtel and Optus.{{cite web|url=https://mumbrella.com.au/seven-named-broadcaster-2017-rugby-league-world-cup-381376|title=Seven named as broadcaster for 2017 Rugby League World Cup – Mumbrella|date=18 July 2016}}
| class="wikitable" |
| Country or region
!Broadcaster !Broadcasting !{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| {{AUS}}
|All 28 matches live (via Channel 7, 7mate, or streamed from the 7Live app) |
| {{AUT}} {{GER}} {{SUI}} |ProSieben Maxx |6 matches live (ProSieben Maxx) |
| {{GER}}
|Sportdeutschland.TV |All 28 matches live streamed |
| {{FIJ}}
|All 28 matches live |
| {{FRA}}
|All 28 matches live |
| {{Flagicon|Hong Kong}} Hong Kong
|PCCW |All 28 matches live |
| {{IRL}}
|All 28 matches live |
| {{JAP}}
|DAZN |All 28 matches live |
| {{Flagicon|Malaysia}} Malaysia
|All 28 matches live |
| Middle East
|All 28 matches live |
| {{NZL}}
|All 28 matches live |
| {{PNG}}
|All 28 matches live |
| rowspan=2|{{GBR}}
|All England matches live; Ireland, Wales and Scotland matches delayed; highlights from all 28 matches |
| Premier Sports
|27 matches Live (Delayed coverage of NZ vs Tonga due to football match) |
| {{USA}}
|All USA matches and knockout matches live |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.rlwc2017.com/}}
{{Portal|Sports}}
{{Rlwc17}}
{{2017 RLWC venues}}
{{2017 RLWC Team of the Tournament}}
{{Rlwc}}
{{2017 in rugby league}}
{{World championships in 2017}}
Category:2017 in Australian rugby league
Category:2017 in New Zealand rugby league
Category:2017 in Papua New Guinea rugby league
Category:International rugby league competitions hosted by Papua New Guinea
Category:Rugby League World Cups hosted by Australia
Category:Rugby League World Cups hosted by New Zealand
Category:October 2017 sports events in Oceania
Category:November 2017 sports events in Oceania
Category:December 2017 sports events in Oceania
Category:October 2017 sports events in Australia
Category:November 2017 sports events in Australia
Category:December 2017 sports events in Australia
Category:October 2017 sports events in New Zealand