RLWC qualification

[Scooter]

Number 18 dropped off the bench for both Tonga and Cook Islands.

Do you mean Reece Robinson?

Whoops yes I meant Reece Robinson.

[Mattpoet]

Figured as much but I hadn't heard anything official regarding Travis Robinson so it was always possible.

[sallymay]

Rubbann Rennie didn't play for the cookies he was 18th man

[Scooter]

Spain smashed Greece 76 to 4 in the final European Championship C match. That means Spain will join Wales, Ireland, Serbia, Russia and Italy in the final stage of the European RLWC qualifiers at the end of next year.

[Scooter]

First match of MEA qualifiers:
Lebanon 40 defeated South Africa 12
Travis Robinson scored a hat trick.

[Mattpoet]

Lebanon won the second game 50-16.
Travis Robinson got a second hat-trick.

[Scooter]

First match of MEA qualifiers:
Lebanon 40 defeated South Africa 12
Travis Robinson scored a hat trick.

http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000624

25th October 2015 venue: Pretoria
South Africa 12
Tries: Joubert (12), King (56), Raubenheimer (73) Goals: Williams 0/2, Coetzer 0/1

Lebanon 40
Tries: Robinson (3,33,78), Saab (17), Abou Sleiman (21), Mamary (59), El Masri (63) Goals: Boustani 6/7

Full Match Report
2017 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP QUALIFIER MEA

Lebanon are in pole position to contest their first Rugby League World Cup since 2000, after a convincing first leg win over hosts South Africa in Brakpan, near Pretoria.

In the searing heat, the Cedars ran in seven tries, three to experienced winger Travis Robinson, while classy half back James Boustani landed six goals. “We’ve been training together for five weeks and I thought it came together really well,” said Lebanon second rower, man of the match Elias Sukkar “We played a tough opponent but we managed to get through them. Our structure was the difference and our defence was really good. Next week we just have to play our game and not move away from what we do so well and I’m sure we’ll confirm our place in the Rugby League World Cup.”

Robinson posted an ominous warning in the third minute, the Cedars spreading the ball wide direct from a scrum to go over in the corner, Boustani adding the extras from the touchline. Centre Johan Joubert responded, running a terrific line to cut through two defenders to narrow the gap, Bradley Williams wide with the conversion attempt. Lebanon skipper Chris Saab crossed from close in, the Cedars then losing experienced forward Ray Moujalli with a deep gash to his knee which required hospital treatment as Daniel Abou-Sleiman went over to increase the lead, Boustani making it 18-4.

Seven minutes before the break, Melbourne Storm’s Robinson went on a superb weaving solo run to cross in the corner to make it 22-4, too far out for Boustani to goal. The heat and humidity began to take its toll in the second period, the visitors further hampered when Ahmad Ellazwas sin binned in the 52nd minute for a dangerous tackle.

South Africa immediately took advantage, Halvor Harris grubbering through and full back Jason King grounding, Williams again wide with the conversion. Two tries in four minutes, from Mitchell Mamary and Tarek El Masri then took the game away from the hosts as Lebanon made good ground up the middle, Sukkar excelling, Nardus Raubenheimer replying with a score that looked to keep the second leg alive.

But Robinson put a significant gap between the teams with his hat-trick score two minutes from time.

“They dominated really well,” acknowledged South Africa coach Brian Greige. “Our completion rate was really good but we made too many mistakes in key areas, especially in the first half. We had 41 missed tackles which cost us the game, and the first 20 minutes hurt us after which we had to play catch-up football. We have a few things to work on this week but we should be good for the experience and hopefully we’ll turn it around.”

The sides meet again at the same venue on 31st October.

SOUTH AFRICA
Jason King, Gideon Mzembe, Johan Joubert, Jean Coetzer, Shuab Samaai, Theo Rhodes, Bradley Williams, Jaice Terblanche, Marcell Viljoen, Louis Musson, Dwayne Botma, Halvor Harris, Shane Gilham, Nardus Raubenheimer, Rupert Wells, Rudolph Prinsloo, Jean Pierre Nel

LEBANON
Daniel Abou-Sleiman, Adham El Zbaidieh, Tarek El Masri, Chris Saab, Travis Robinson, Mark Daoud, James Boustani, Mitchell Mamary, Ali Allouche, Ray Moujalli, Elias Sukkar, Nick Kassis, Ahmad Ellaz, Richard Coorey, James Elias, Wael Harb, Robin Hachache

[Scooter]

Lebanon won the second game 50-16.
Travis Robinson got a second hat-trick.

31st October 2015
Lebanon 50
Tries: Abou Sleiman (2), Robinson (11,19,44), Daoud (26), Sukkar (32), El Masri (60), Boustani (63), Kassis (74) Goals:
Boustani 7/10

South Africa 16
Tries: Mzembe (36), Wells (54), Viljoen (76) Goals: Williams 2/3

Full Match Report
2017 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP QUALIFIER MEA
Lebanon duly qualified their first World Cup since 2000 with a comprehensive second leg win over South Africa at the Bosman Stadium, Brakpan, Pretoria.

As in the first leg, Cedars winger Travis Robinson was the destroyer in chief with a second successive hat trick against the Rhinos, second rower Elias Sukker again the man of the match after another storming display, which saw Lebanon triumph 90-28 on aggregate.

Lebanon captain Chris Saab commented: “This is the best day of my life. We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and I hope every Lebanese person - as well as past and present players - have something to smile about.”

James Boustani, who kicked seven goals from 10 attempts added: “It’s an amazing feeling; to see what Lebanon has gone through in the last few years, to achieve this for the country is fantastic. I am proud to have played and won for my brothers, my family and my country.”

The players were joined in celebration by Lebanon Rugby League president Mohamad Habbous who said: “It still hasn’t sunk in yet, but we finally did it. This team, from the staff to the players, has been outstanding and worked so hard to achieve this World Cup qualification. I also want to thank the South African RL for being such incredible hosts and we look forward to further collaboration with them.”

Full back Daniel Abou-Sleiman opened the scoring in only the second minute, Robinson following up with two quick tries as the visitors grasped an unassailable hold on the game. They led 28-6 at the break, their speed and organization at the play the ball constantly exploiting the South African defence along with Sukkar’s running. Mark Daoud scored on the left after the ball was spread and, following Marcell Viljoen’s sin binning on the half hour for a grapple tackle, Sukkar claimed a deserved try.

South Africa gained some reward for their effort with try by winger Gideon Mzembe just before half time, Bradley Williams goaling. The home response was short-lived when, four minutes in to the second period, Robinson claimed his sixth try in a week, Rupert Wells replying but the Cedars confirmed the spoils with two tries in three minutes on the hour from Tarek El Masri and the elusive Boustani, who finished with 18 points. Nick Kassis brought up the half century for the visitors with their ninth try, Viljoen having the final say when he crossed for the ultimately out-gunned hosts.

“The boys played to the game plan, a bit of it worked, but some of it we slipped up on,” Viljoen said. “We were out on a mission but some of us were over eager, we went in too hard; they caught us out. We are working on rugby league here, it’s a sport that’s growing in RSA. The boys are keen to play. Beating BARLA was a step up for us but this wasn’t a game we were used to but we feel we are putting the sport on the map here.”

LEBANON
Daniel Abou-Sleiman, Adham El Zbaidieh, Tarek El Masri, Chris Saab, Travis Robinson, Mark Daoud, James Boustani, Mitchell Mamary, Ali Allouche, Ricahrd Coorey, Elias Sukkar, Nick Kassis, Ahmad Ellaz, James Elias, Wael Harb, Robin Hachache, Ead Kassem

SOUTH AFRICA
Jason King, Gideon Mzembe, Johan Joubert, Jean Coetzer, Rupert Wells, Theo Rhodes, Bradley Williams, Jaice Terblanche, Marcell Viljoen, Rudolph Prinsloo, Dwayne Botma, Halvor Harris, Shane Gilham, Shuab Samaai, Louis Musson, Deon Kramer, Christo Louw

[Scooter]

The draw for next year's European RLWC qualifiers was done over night.

2017 Rugby League World Cup - European Qualifying Fixtures

Pool A: Wales, Serbia and Italy
Pool B: Ireland, Russia and Spain

Round 1 – 15 Oct 2016: Pool A - Wales v Serbia; 16 Oct 2016: Pool B - Russia v Spain
Round 2 – 22 Oct 2016: Pool A - Serbia v Italy; 23 Oct 2016: Pool B - Spain v Ireland
Round 3 – 29 Oct 2016: Pool A - Italy v Wales; 30 Oct 2016: Pool B - Ireland v Russia

Top country in each pool qualify as does the winner of the play off.

Play Off – 4 November 2016: 2nd Pool A v 2nd Pool B at Leigh Sports Village, England

[Scooter]

Americas RLWC qualifiers squads

USA 22-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Taylor Alley (Central Florida Warriors), Luke Barron (Mitchelton Panthers), Ryan Burroughs (NOVA Eagles), Sam Carson (Norths Devils QLD Cup), Casey Clark, Jared Frymoyer, Rich Henson, Andrew Kneisly, Roman Lowery, Mike Timpano (Philadelphia Fight), Abe Cohen, CJ Cortalano (New York Knights), Kristian Freed (Mitchelton Panthers), Danny Howard, Steve Howard (Wentworthville Magpies), Taylor Howden (Mid-West Stockyarders), Nick Newlin (Atlanta Rhinos), Mark Offerdahl (London Broncos), Jon Purnell (Jacksonville Axemen), Tui Samoa (Young Cherrypickers), Matt Walsh (Connecticut Wildcats), Kevin Wiggins (Delaware Black Foxes).

CANADA 26-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Trent Bourke (Abbotsford Griffins), Chad Bain (Bradford Dudley Hill RLFC), Billy Gemmell, Christian Miller, Steve Piatek (Brantford Broncos), Denny McCarthy (Burlington Centaurs), Alex Boyd, Austin Karius (Capilano Cougars), Tom Dempsey (Easts Tigers), Steve Bouchard (Jamberoo Superoos), Louis Robinson (London Skolars), Rhys Jacks (South Logan Magpies), Ryley Jacks (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Jamie Kelly (Surrey Beavers), Tom Clancy, Jonathan Cregg, Michael Cregg, Robin Legault, Jamie Lester, Matt Wyles (Toronto Centurions), Eddie Bilborough, Antoine Blanc, Enoch Wamalwa (Toronto City Saints), Daniel Blasco-Morris, Rick Schouten, Adam Timler (Valley Warriors)

JAMAICA 53-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Alex Brown, Wayne Rettie, (Batley Bulldogs), Omari Caro (Bradford Bulls) Joel Farrell (Dewsbury Rams), Romaen Campbell, Stephon Lounds, Khamisi McMain, Jermaine Pinnock, Renaldo Wade (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Ryan Howell, Owen Linton, Abevia McDonald., (Excelsior Community College) Chevaughn Bailey, Kareem Harris, Othniel Holness, Ryan Grant, Adrian McKenzie, Adrian Myers, Percival Rose, (GC Foster College) Ethon Dwyer, Orien Smith, Keschone Stephenson (Jamaica Defence Force), Hamish Barnes, Ross Peltier, Jode Sheriffe, (Keighley Cougars) Mo Agoro, Richie Barnett, (Hunslet Hawks), Antonio Baker, Igzio Bynnes, Fabian Turner, Joel Simmonds (Mico University College) Lamont Bryan (Lescure) Joseph Brown (Newcastle), Demetrius Campbell, Adrian Hall, Rageem McLean, (Liguanea Dragons) Daniel Thomas (Oxford RL), Corey Hanson, (Sheffield Eagles), Roxroy Alcott, Lemor Ellis, Rajiv Haughton, Reinhardo Richards, (Spanish Town Vikings) Nathan Campbell, Marvin Thompson (University Of Technology) , Shannon Harris , Ferron Johnson, (University Of The West Indies) Jahdeek Clarke, Omar Jones, Sandino Hastings, Jade Harrison, Tyronie Rowe, (Vauxhall Rugby Club), Brian Hutchinson, Conan Osbourne (Unattached)

[Scooter]

http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/119 ... ericas-usa

USA Hawks and Jamaica have named their 19-man squads for the opening match in the Firehouse Subs World Cup Qualifiers – Americas, which kicks off tomorrow (4th December) at the Hodges Stadium, University of North Florida, in Jacksonville. The hosts, who are aiming to achieve a second successive qualification - having made it to the quarter finals of the last Rugby League World Cup in 2013 - have enlisted Leeds Rhinos coach Brian McDermott in their quest.

McDermott, who was named ‘Coach of the Year’ at the 2015 UK Coaching Awardsearlier this week, has been happy with his early sessions with the squad. “I’ve been working with them for the last 72 hours,” he said. “It's been really exciting to see a group of very enthusiastic hard-working young men. The one thing that stands out immediately is how committed they all are and how much they're willing to work for each other.

“Everyone understands the size of the task in hand but we are also aware of the rewards should we be successful in the next two games, this is still a relatively new era for USA Rugby League and everyone wants to seize the opportunity as best they can." McDermott added, “We look forward to a really challenging game against a very competitive Jamaica and then we will start our prep for the match against Canada, where the players are really keen to reverse their recent defeat in the Colonial Cup.”

Reggae Warriors coach and JRLA director of rugby, Romeo Monteith, believes his men can cause a shock. “Since arriving on Monday preparation has gone fairly well,” he noted. “We have a mixture of UK-based and Jamaican resident players who are going through the getting-to-know-you process and we’re trying to keep everyone positive and focused on the game. Given the short preparation time available, the main focus has been getting straight into the systems we want to use; we don’t have much time to waste and so everyone has to be on board with what we’re going to try to achieve and we’re focusing on team play. We know the skill is there, we know the explosiveness is there, we know what the players can do but we need to be able to play as a team.”

Monteith acknowledged: “I expect a tough game from the USA. They have our measure: we have never beaten them before. They will be confident and have good forwards and backs. I’m expecting it to be a real fight and hopefully we’ll be in it at the end.”

The match can be livestreamed at - https://www.ginicam.com/rugbyleague/ - 7pm EST / midnight GMT USA v Jamaica

USA 19-MAN SQUAD
Nick Newlin (Atlanta Rhinos), Taylor Alley (Central Florida Warriors), Matt Walsh (Connecticut Wildcats), Jon Purnell (Jacksonville Axemen), Mark Offerdahl (London Broncos), Taylor Howden (Mid-West Stockyarders), Luke Barron, Kristian Freed (Mitchelton Panthers), Abe Cohen (New York Knights), Sam Carson (Norths Devils), Ryan Burroughs (NOVA Eagles), Casey Clark, Rich Henson, Andrew Kneisly, Roman Lowery, Mike Timpano (Philadelphia Fight), Danny Howard, Steve Howard, Corey Makelim (Wentworthville Magpies)

JAMAICA 19-MAN SQUAD
Alex Brown, Wayne Allen Rettie, (Batley Bulldogs), Omari Caro (Bradford Bulls), Joel Farrell (Dewsbury Rams), Jermaine Pinnock, Renaldo Wade (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Ryan Grant (GC Foster College), Hamish Barnes, Ross Peltier, (Keighley Cougars), Daniel Thomas, Mo Agoro, Richard Barnett, (Hunslet Hawks), Antonio Baker, (Mico University College), Lamont Bryan (Lescure), Joseph Brown (Newcastle), Corey Hanson, (Sheffield Eagles), Nathan Campbell, Marvin Thompson (University Of Technology), Tyronie Rowe (Vauxhall Rugby Club)

[Scooter]

Game 1 of Americas RLWC qualifiers:
USA 20 defeated Jamaica 14

[Scooter]

Game 1 of Americas RLWC qualifiers:
USA 20 defeated Jamaica 14

http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000664

4th December 2015
United States 20
Tries: Offerdahl (10), Howden (12), D. Howard (43), Makelim (54) Goals: Freed 2/4

Jamaica 14
Tries: Peltier (30, 78), Farrell (49) Goals: Farrell 1/3

USA
Corey Makelim, Taylor Howden, Taylor Alley, Danny Howard, Mike Timpano, Rich Henson, Matt Walsh, Steve Howard, Kristian Freed, Mark Offerdahl, Abe Cohen, Casey Clark, John Purnell. Subs: Ryan Burroughs, Nick Newlin, Andrew Kneisly, Sam Carson

JAMAICA
Wayne Rettie, Alex Brown, Richie Barnett, Renaldo Wade, Omari Caro, Joel Farrell, Daniel Thomas, Antonio Baker, Marvin Thompson, Ross Peltier, Nathan Campbell, Corey Hanson, Lamont Bryan. Subs: Joe Brown, Tyrone Rowe, Ryan Grant, Mo Agoro

[Scooter]

Game 2 of Americas RLWC qualifiers has just finished, Jamaica led 18-0 but Canada came storming home to secure an 18-all draw. I wonder how much the four day break hurt Jamaica in this game and I wonder how much it will hurt Canada in the 3rd game.

If Jamaica had have held on for a win (depending on the score) all teams could have still qualified. As it stands the equation for qualification for the last game is relatively simple:
- If USA win or it is a draw - USA qualify;
- If Canada win - Canada qualify.

[Scooter]

USA 34 defeated Canada 24 so USA has qualified for RLWC2017.

Sunshine Coast Falcons recruit Ryley Jacks scored three tries for Canada today. He also scored a try v Jamaica earlier in the week. I will post teams and full scorers when I get a chance and when teams and scorers for today's match are published.