RLWC qualification
http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000665
8th December 2015 venue: Spec Martin Stadium, DeLand
Canada 18
Tries: Ryley Jacks (63), Legault (76,79) Goals: Piatek 3/3 Drop Goals: Piatek 0/1
Jamaica 18
Tries:
Bryan (21), Brown (26), Rettie (57)
Goals:
Farrell (3/5)
Canada staged a remarkable comeback to set up a winner-takes -all match against USA on Saturday, scoring 18 points in the final 17 minutes to eliminate Jamaica from the Firehouse Subs World Cup Qualifiers – Americas, at the Spec Martin Stadium, DeLand, Central Florida.
Jamaica, narrowly beaten by the USA four days before, looked to have pulled off a famous win, Wayne Rettie’s try in the 53rd minute seeming to put the Reggae Warriors back in the qualification mix, but the Wolverines hit back spectacularly, full back Robin Legault crossing for two tries in three minutes in an astonishing climax.
There was more drama at the last, when Canadian scrum half and co-captain, Steve Piatek – who had landed an equalising conversion from the touchline to Legault’s second try, missed with a final second drop goal attempt.
“I’m proud of the performance from the team,” said shattered Jamaica head coach Romeo Monteith. “There’s no shame in losing to the world number 10 by six points and drawing with the world number 12 in these qualifiers. We tried our best and I wish we could have held on at the end but it wasn’t to be and we have to move on.
“Canada had more urgency towards the end. They had one particularly dangerous play, turning the ball inside from the play the ball to the full back that kept opening up our middle. We needed more discipline there; we were calling for the team to be tighter around that area but we weren’t.”
Monteith brought Hamish Barnes into the starting line up and his side made the perfect start despite backing up, catching the Canadians cold in dewy conditions that led to frequent dropped ball, although some of the defence was spectacular.
Lamont Bryan opened the scoring in the 21st minute, barrelling over from close in, Joel Farrell converting and, five minutes later, the Jamaican lead was doubled, crisp passing seeing Corey Hanson and Richie Barnett combining to send in winger Alex Brown for a lovely score, Farrell wide with the conversion.
Farrell landed a penalty that extended the lead to 12 points and, into the second half, his cross-field kick was snapped up by Rettie who went over, Farrell with the extras.
Jamaica substitute Tyrone Rowe was sinbinned just after the hour and that was the catalyst for the Canadian comeback, tricky Ryley Jacks crossing on the next set and Piatek on target with the boot.
Farrell missed another penalty and that gave the Wolverines a second life line, Legault’s raids from the back making the most of the opportunity, his second score coming on the end of a sweeping move that saw him go over in the corner, Piatek holding his nerve with the conversion.
Aaron Zimmerle, in his first game in charge of Canada, said: “Calling our performance mixed would be a good description. There were a couple of sets where we were as professional as it’s possible to be – our first of the game saw us go 92 metres, finish with a kick to the corner and it looked like we were in for a good day, but then there were others where we knocked on cold off a scrum.
“A lot of that comes with continuity and through fatigue. It was Jamaica’s second game and they played a lot better than they did against the USA. They completed more, they seemed to play to their strengths, using their speed and agility, whether coming out of dummy half or shifting to the edges, but the character the players showed to come back from 18-0 and to almost conjure a drop goal in the last minute is a great credit to the boys.”
Sin bin: Rowe (63).
CANADA
Robin Legault, Billy Gemmell, Jonathan Cregg, Rick Schouten, Adam Timler, Ryley Jacks, Steve Piatek, Louis Robinson, Rhys Jacks, Tom Dempsey, Christian Miller, Steve Bouchard, James Kelly. Subs: Matt Wyles, Enoch Wamalwa, Antoine Blanc, Alex Boyd
JAMAICA
Wayne Rettie, Alex Brown, Richie Barnett, Hamish Barnes, Omari Caro, Joel Farrell, Corey Hanson, Nathan Campbell, Marvin Thompson, Ross Peltier, Jermaine Pinnock, Mo Agoro, Lamont Bryan. Subs: Joe Brown, Tyrone Rowe, Renaldo Wade, Brian Hutchinson
http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000666
12th December 2015 venue: Hodges Field, Univ North Florida
United States 34
Tries: Alley (2, 53), Howden (9, 44), Howard (36, 58, 79), Burroughs (63) Goals: Kristian Freed 0/2, Taylor Howden 1/4, Matt Walsh 0/1, Mark Offerdahl 0/1
Canada 24
Tries: Jamie Kelly (19), Ryley Jacks (32, 40, 66) Goals: Steve Piatek 4/4
Three tries from Danny Howard and another superb performance by skipper Mark Offerdahl saw the USA become the eleventh nation to qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, after they beat Canada 34-24 in a wonderful winner-takes-all clash against Canada at the Hodges Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida.
The Hawks qualify for their second successive World Cup, after making the quarter finals in 2013, new head coach for the qualifying series, Brian McDermott, ending a sensational season with a further triumph, having taken Leeds Rhinos to a domestic treble.
McDermott switched Los Angeles-born Danny Howard to the second row from centre, where he had played in the narrow win over Jamaica in game one, to team up with brother Steve and it proved to be a masterstroke, as did moving Ryan Burroughs to full back when Corey Makelim was sent off for dissent just after the half hour. Burrough’s superb linking runs from the back continually pushed Canada back after they threatened to create history by reaching the World Cup for the first time, the Wolverines leading 18-14 at the break, although eventually beaten by eight tries to four.
Hooker Ryley Jacks, who persisted despite injury and also crossed for three tries, and his brother stand off Rhys - along with ‘the Sheriff’ Jamie Kelly - were superb for the visitors, who were looking for their fourth successive win over the Hawks. But, late on, when chasing the win they needed after drawing with Jamaica, Canada were undone when forcing passes that didn’t go to hand.
“The performance was right up there in terms of courage and determination,” said McDermott. “It wasn’t the flashest performance ever, there were one or two things we needed to be better at, but after having a man sent off at the back end of the first half to then get over a very competitive Canada just shows how much determination and desire the players had. I’m immensely proud, we qualified for the World Cup which was the first objective but it’s been a really enjoyable camp for the last two weeks and the players have given absolutely everything.
“Canada are a good team and we were worried at 18-all. They’ve already beaten America twice this year and we were under no illusions how good they were going to be. The whole second half was a real worrying time and they deserve a lot of credit as well.”
In 25 degree temperatures, the first half followed the pattern of the first two qualifiers, with plenty of endeavour on defence, some spilled ball due to over-eagerness and penalties given away at the play-the-ball.
As they had against Jamaica, USA started strongly to take an early lead; Taylor Alley stepping over at the end of the first set of the game, a repeat one, and Taylor Howden – who posed a threat throughout – crossing on the left inside the opening nine minutes, both conversion attempts missed.
Canada hit back well, Rhys Jacks and Steve Piatek combing to put Kelly over, Piatek goaling and the same combination looked to have worked again soon after but the final pass was ruled forward.
The Wolverines did take the lead in controversial fashion in the 32nd minute, Ryley Jacks burrowing over from close in despite Makelim’s protestations that he had got under the ball which resulted in him being marched from the field by official Robert Hicks. Piatek goaled and the visitors led, but only briefly, Burroughs making a surging run from the back and Danny Howard ploughing over, Howden – one of four kickers used by the Hawks – with the only successful home conversion to make it 14-12.
There was still a sting in the tail to end the half, on the final play, a beautiful chip over by Rhys Jacks bamboozled the home defence, Ryley running on to it to step Burroughs and go over by the posts, Piatek with the extras.
Again the USA began a half strongly when the teams re-emerged, Howden powering over in the corner on a last tackle powerplay after the ball had been switched expertly from left to right, to level. Steve Howard was held up and Rhys Jacks broke clear in response but his pass only found touch, Kristian Freed then kicking a 40-20 from which Central Florida Warrior Alley bustled his was over for his second score. Offerdahl made a clearing run but the Canadian defence held but they couldn’t halt Burroughs on a 50 metre charge which set the position for Howard’s second try out wide.
As Canada seemed to tire, Burroughs crossed in the 63rd minute but again the goal was missed that would have given the Hawks a three score lead. The Wolverines regathered their own short kick off and Ryley Jacks again made them pay from close in, Piatek’s goal from in front making it 30-24.Alex Boyd was held up as the Canadians looked to level and Roman Lowery diffused a Rhys Jacks kick to the corner as the 12-man Hawks were stretched.
Canada tried a chip over but Rich Henson cleaned up and Burroughs dropped a high kick on the last, but again the USA defence held when the final pass out wide went into touch. With the last minute approaching, Danny Howard went on a run up the left hand side and forced his way over for the celebrations to begin. Offerdahl took the final conversion attempt from touch, but the ball drifted wide.
“That was the toughest game I’ve ever played,” he said. “To play 50 minutes with 12 men, it was a ridiculous effort from the boys. If we could kick goals it might have been a little bit easier for us! I’m so proud of them, I’ve never been involved in anything like that and now we’ve got 2017 to plan for.
London Bronco Offerdahl added: “I put the victory down to the work we’ve done in the week and the game-plan we had. At times we went away from it and that’s when we started to concede points but when we went back to it everything worked out. We had to dig in - there were forwards playing more minutes than they are used to and wingers having 20 or so scoots for the game.”
Understandably, with what was at stake, there were tears from both sides when the hooter went.
Canada coach Aaron Zimmerle commented: “There were periods in the game where it was our opportunity to take control of the match but credit to America they really stood up. “Some of their go-to players were able to pull out the big plays when needed, they capitalized well late when we were trying to force the issue and made an error. But, as this whole tournament has showed, every time we're down and out, we find a way to claw back into the game.”
Canada co-captain Piatek noted: “I would like to congratulate the USA for their victory. We worked very hard and to even be involved in the World Cup qualifiers themselves was a sign of how far we have come. We have four years now to take the sport in Canada to new levels and we’ll be ready to try to qualify again.”
USA
Corey Makelim, Taylor Howden, Taylor Alley, Ryan Burroughs, Roman Lowrey, Rich Henson, Matt Walsh, Nick Newlin, Kristian Freed, Mark Offerdahl, Danny Howard, Casey Clark, Steve Howard, John Purnell, Andrew Kneisly, Sam Carson, Luke Barron
CANADA
Robin Legault, Billy Gemmell, Jonathan Cregg, Rick Schouten, Adam Timler, Ryley Jacks, Steve Piatek, Louis Robinson, Rhys Jacks, Tom Dempsey, Christian Miller, Steve Bouchard, James Kelly , Matt Wyles, Enoch Wamalwa, Daniel Blasco-Morris, Alex Boyd
RLWC Qualifiers Initial Squads
IRELAND 41-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Onisi Burekama, Gareth Gill, Paddy James, Connor Phillips (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Adam Boyce, Sam Boyd, Chris Hall, Matt McKelvey (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), Haydn Peacock (Carcassonne), Rob Armstrong (Cork Bulls), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Colton Roche (Featherstone Rovers), Conor Mackey, Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Scott Grix, Gene Ormsby, Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Matthew Cahoon, Jordan Hyltan (Ireland Students), Bob Beswick, Greg McNally (Leigh Centurions), Casey Dunne, Wayne Kerr (Longhorns RL), Will Hope, Michael Ward (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Adam Docherty (Portadown Pumas), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), Gareth O’Brien (Salford Red Devils), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Stuart Littler (Swinton Lions), Liam Finn (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven), Jack Higginson (Wigan Warriors)
ITALY 65-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Simone Boscolo, Matthew Sands (Ariete Este), Christian Bate (Asquith), Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Matthew Tedesco (Camden Rams), Paul Vaughan (Canberra Raiders), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Remi Fontana (Carpentras XIII), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Ben Falcone (Hills Bulls), Terry Campese, Josh Mentallato, (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Pierangelo Ceretti, Guiseppe Pagani, Luca Rossetti (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Luke Poselli (Manly Sea Eagles), Alex Mamonne, Marco Muscatello, Jospeh Napoletano, Angelo Piccone (Mounties), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Jordan Biondi-Odi, Justin Castellaro, Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie (Northern Pride), Ty Carucci, Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Santino Decaro (Oxford RL), Daniel Alvaro, Mason Cerruto (Parramatta Eels), Andy Saunders (Penrith Panthers), Nathan Brown (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Chris Vitalini (South Wales Ironmen), Igor Giammario, Salvatore Catania, Edoardo Pezzano, Matteo Mazzoleni, Asaf Hliwa (Spartans Catania), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Ryan King (Sydney Roosters), Tom Humble, Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Blake Cavellarro, Andrew Critiano, Ethan Natoli, Riccardo Parata (Western Suburbs Magpies), Rhys Sciglitano (Wests Tigers), Dario Esposito (Wests Warriors), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Diego Antl, Mirko Benelli, Lorenzo Luccardi, Emanuele Passera, Raffaele Della Ragione (XIII del Ducato), Francesco Di Trapani, Davide Spinnato (XIII Lovers Palermo), Mirko Bergamesco, Jonathan Marcinczak, Matt Parata (unattached)
SERBIA 56-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Stevan Dobric (Belrose Eagles), David Andjelic (Blacktown Workers), Tom Opacic (Brisbane Broncos), Nikola Strbac (Bristol Sonics), Joshua Blenkinsop (Burleigh Bears), Ilija Cotric (Bush Rangers), Reece Grkenic (Cabramatta), Nikola Cotric (Canberra Raiders), Danilo Delic, Nebojsa Zivanovic, Zoran Pesic (Carpentras), Daniel Burke (Collegians), Jason Muranka (Dewsbury Rams), Aleksa Radic, Andrej Mora, Dalibor Samardzic, Dalibor Vukanovic, Radovan Tajsic, Relja Petrovic, Stefan Nedeljkovic, Stevan Stevanovic (Dorcol), George Vujanovic (East Tigers), Djordje Stosic, Filip Stosic (Falcon VR), Milan Radojevic (Fassifern), Adam Nedic (Gunghalin Bulls), Austen Novakovic (Huddersfield Underbank Rangers), Joshua Marjanovic (Kawana Dolphins), Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Moravas Cheetahs), Dario Abidinovic, Dragan Jankovic, Dzavid Jasari, Nikola Srbljanin, Pavle Vojinovic, Vlado Kusic (Partisan), Marko Milenkovic (Radnicki Nis), Pero Madzarevic, Zarko Kovacevic (Radnicki NP), Milos Calic, Milos Zogovic, Miodrag Tomic, Petar Milanovic, Slobodan Manak, Vladislav Dedic, Vojislav Dedic (Red Star), Chad Grant, Michael Stig (St Clair Comets), Djordje Gak, Stefan Nikolic (Tasmajdan Tigers), Vladica Nikolic (Villeneuve XIII Leopards), James Mircevski (Western Suburbs Magpies), Jordan Grant (Wests Tigers), Dejan Lukenic, Ilija Radan (unaffiliated)
SPAIN 40-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Chris Lopez (Army Rugby League), Antonio Puerta, Daniel Moreno, Hugo Fernandez, Isaac Pulgar, Pedro Andujar (Custodians Madrid), Richie Perrello, Ivan Ordaz (Irreductibles), Joel Laynez (Hull FC), Aurelien Cologni, Benjamin Tort, Jordan Boudebza (Lezignan Xlll), Clement Laguerre (Los Gossos), Matias Hubert-Garcia (Nantes XV), Alex Doutres, Cedric Bringuier, Leandre Torres, Nicolas Munoz (Palau Xlll), Kevin Aparicio (Paris XV), Matt Dulley (Paterna Dragons), Miguel Charters-Blanco (Seaton Rangers), Juan Guasch, Mathieu Griffi, Pierre Negre (St Esteve), Gonzalo Morro (Tonneins), Aitor Davila, Aitor Romero, Daniel Morales, Juan Pablo Rango, Raul Simo, Ruben Romero, Vicent Cubes (Torrent Tigres), Remy Bueno (Toulouse Broncos), Adria Alonso, Andrew Pilkington, Antonio Tolmos, Hadriel Mehamed, Luis Thorp (Valencia Warriors), Laurent Carrasco (Villeneuve Xlll), Daniel Garcia (Woolston Rovers)
RUSSIA 29-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Viktor Ariutkin, Andrey Kuznetsov, Eremin Viacheslav (Dynamo), Kirill Kosharin (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Troitskiy (Ivanovo White Sharks), Vadim Buryak, Leonid Kalinin, Maxim Tsinkovich (Lokomotiv Moscow), Petr Botnarash, Mikhail Burlutskii, Sergey Gaponov, Anatoly Grigorev, Sergei Konstantinov, Aleksandr Lysokon, Maksim Suchkov, Denis Tiulenev, Vladimir Vlasyuk, Nikolay Zagoskin (Nara), Anton Iunisov, Iustin Petrushka (Moscow Fili), Dmitry Bratko, Denis Chuprin, Igor Chuprin, Vadim Fedchuk, Ruslan Khumarov, Sergei Stakhanov, Nikolai Zaitsev (Moscow Storm), Nikita Dagaev, Alexander Trofimchuk (Moscow Zelenograd)
IRELAND 41-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Onisi Burekama, Gareth Gill, Paddy James, Connor Phillips (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Adam Boyce, Sam Boyd, Chris Hall, Matt McKelvey (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), Haydn Peacock (Carcassonne), Rob Armstrong (Cork Bulls), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Colton Roche (Featherstone Rovers), Conor Mackey, Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Scott Grix, Gene Ormsby, Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Matthew Cahoon, Jordan Hyltan (Ireland Students), Bob Beswick, Greg McNally (Leigh Centurions), Casey Dunne, Wayne Kerr (Longhorns RL), Will Hope, Michael Ward (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Adam Docherty (Portadown Pumas), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), Gareth O’Brien (Salford Red Devils), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Stuart Littler (Swinton Lions), Liam Finn (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven), Jack Higginson (Wigan Warriors)
ITALY 65-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Simone Boscolo, Matthew Sands (Ariete Este), Christian Bate (Asquith), Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Matthew Tedesco (Camden Rams), Paul Vaughan (Canberra Raiders), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Remi Fontana (Carpentras XIII), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Ben Falcone (Hills Bulls), Terry Campese, Josh Mentallato, (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Pierangelo Ceretti, Guiseppe Pagani, Luca Rossetti (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Luke Poselli (Manly Sea Eagles), Alex Mamonne, Marco Muscatello, Jospeh Napoletano, Angelo Piccone (Mounties), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Jordan Biondi-Odi, Justin Castellaro, Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie (Northern Pride), Ty Carucci, Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Santino Decaro (Oxford RL), Daniel Alvaro, Mason Cerruto (Parramatta Eels), Andy Saunders (Penrith Panthers), Nathan Brown (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Chris Vitalini (South Wales Ironmen), Igor Giammario, Salvatore Catania, Edoardo Pezzano, Matteo Mazzoleni, Asaf Hliwa (Spartans Catania), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Ryan King (Sydney Roosters), Tom Humble, Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Blake Cavellarro, Andrew Critiano, Ethan Natoli, Riccardo Parata (Western Suburbs Magpies), Rhys Sciglitano (Wests Tigers), Dario Esposito (Wests Warriors), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Diego Antl, Mirko Benelli, Lorenzo Luccardi, Emanuele Passera, Raffaele Della Ragione (XIII del Ducato), Francesco Di Trapani, Davide Spinnato (XIII Lovers Palermo), Mirko Bergamesco, Jonathan Marcinczak, Matt Parata (unattached)
SERBIA 56-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Stevan Dobric (Belrose Eagles), David Andjelic (Blacktown Workers), Tom Opacic (Brisbane Broncos), Nikola Strbac (Bristol Sonics), Joshua Blenkinsop (Burleigh Bears), Ilija Cotric (Bush Rangers), Reece Grkenic (Cabramatta), Nikola Cotric (Canberra Raiders), Danilo Delic, Nebojsa Zivanovic, Zoran Pesic (Carpentras), Daniel Burke (Collegians), Jason Muranka (Dewsbury Rams), Aleksa Radic, Andrej Mora, Dalibor Samardzic, Dalibor Vukanovic, Radovan Tajsic, Relja Petrovic, Stefan Nedeljkovic, Stevan Stevanovic (Dorcol), George Vujanovic (East Tigers), Djordje Stosic, Filip Stosic (Falcon VR), Milan Radojevic (Fassifern), Adam Nedic (Gunghalin Bulls), Austen Novakovic (Huddersfield Underbank Rangers), Joshua Marjanovic (Kawana Dolphins), Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Moravas Cheetahs), Dario Abidinovic, Dragan Jankovic, Dzavid Jasari, Nikola Srbljanin, Pavle Vojinovic, Vlado Kusic (Partisan), Marko Milenkovic (Radnicki Nis), Pero Madzarevic, Zarko Kovacevic (Radnicki NP), Milos Calic, Milos Zogovic, Miodrag Tomic, Petar Milanovic, Slobodan Manak, Vladislav Dedic, Vojislav Dedic (Red Star), Chad Grant, Michael Stig (St Clair Comets), Djordje Gak, Stefan Nikolic (Tasmajdan Tigers), Vladica Nikolic (Villeneuve XIII Leopards), James Mircevski (Western Suburbs Magpies), Jordan Grant (Wests Tigers), Dejan Lukenic, Ilija Radan (unaffiliated)
SPAIN 40-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Chris Lopez (Army Rugby League), Antonio Puerta, Daniel Moreno, Hugo Fernandez, Isaac Pulgar, Pedro Andujar (Custodians Madrid), Richie Perrello, Ivan Ordaz (Irreductibles), Joel Laynez (Hull FC), Aurelien Cologni, Benjamin Tort, Jordan Boudebza (Lezignan Xlll), Clement Laguerre (Los Gossos), Matias Hubert-Garcia (Nantes XV), Alex Doutres, Cedric Bringuier, Leandre Torres, Nicolas Munoz (Palau Xlll), Kevin Aparicio (Paris XV), Matt Dulley (Paterna Dragons), Miguel Charters-Blanco (Seaton Rangers), Juan Guasch, Mathieu Griffi, Pierre Negre (St Esteve), Gonzalo Morro (Tonneins), Aitor Davila, Aitor Romero, Daniel Morales, Juan Pablo Rango, Raul Simo, Ruben Romero, Vicent Cubes (Torrent Tigres), Remy Bueno (Toulouse Broncos), Adria Alonso, Andrew Pilkington, Antonio Tolmos, Hadriel Mehamed, Luis Thorp (Valencia Warriors), Laurent Carrasco (Villeneuve Xlll), Daniel Garcia (Woolston Rovers)
RUSSIA 29-MAN TRAIN-ON SQUAD
Viktor Ariutkin, Andrey Kuznetsov, Eremin Viacheslav (Dynamo), Kirill Kosharin (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Troitskiy (Ivanovo White Sharks), Vadim Buryak, Leonid Kalinin, Maxim Tsinkovich (Lokomotiv Moscow), Petr Botnarash, Mikhail Burlutskii, Sergey Gaponov, Anatoly Grigorev, Sergei Konstantinov, Aleksandr Lysokon, Maksim Suchkov, Denis Tiulenev, Vladimir Vlasyuk, Nikolay Zagoskin (Nara), Anton Iunisov, Iustin Petrushka (Moscow Fili), Dmitry Bratko, Denis Chuprin, Igor Chuprin, Vadim Fedchuk, Ruslan Khumarov, Sergei Stakhanov, Nikolai Zaitsev (Moscow Storm), Nikita Dagaev, Alexander Trofimchuk (Moscow Zelenograd)
http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/132 ... fier-wales
2017 RLWC EUROPEAN QUALIFIER: WALES V SERBIA - PREVIEW
14th October 2016
POOL A - MATCH 1
The Serbian rugby league squad has arrived in Wales ahead of the biggest match in their history. Reformed 16 years ago after the sport was originally introduced in the former Yugoslavia in the 1960s before being banned, the visitors are looking to qualify for their first World Cup.
In contrast, Wales coach John Kear is aiming to become the first to take three different national sides to the peak of international competition, having previously led England and France. Widnes Vikings pair Gil Dudson and Lloyd White return to bolster the current European Champions, although Ben Flower and Rhys Evans - after playing in last weekend’s Super League Grand Final - are not available for the match at Parc Stebonheath, Llanelli tomorrow (Saturday), which will be featured live on S4C (kick off 3pm).
“We will be challenged physically by Serbia, especially upfront, but we’ve got to be live to that,” said Kear from the Wales training camp, the squad having got together a fortnight ago in preparation. At the end of a long season there’s bound to be bumps and bruises to some players but I’m really pleased with the group we’ve got here for this campaign and the quality.”
Kear added: “In 2014, we played with mainly lower league players who were improving all the time. Last year, we had the likes of Phil Joseph and Craig Kopczak back in, which made such a difference. We’re lucky to have Gil Dudson and Lloyd White in the squad this time around and you can just tell there’s that air of composure and confidence within the group with these guys involved. The camp has been hugely positive and, hopefully, we can develop as a team.”
Wales will wear the logo of the NSPCC on their jerseys to commemorate 30 years of Childline being set up in the country. Calvin Wellington has pulled out fo the squad with a hamstring injury and has been replaced with South Wales wing Dai Evans.
This will be the second time the nations have met, the previous occasion in 2009 when Wales won 88-8 in Smederevo in the European Cup, Christiaan Roets with a hat-trick and Rhys Williams scoring two of their tries that day with both in-line to play in the return, as will Elliott Kear.
Serbian star centre Stevan Stevanović, one of four Dorćol players in the current squad, was also on duty, whilst the visitors are looking forward to young Wests Tigers prop Jordan Grant, voted their NSW Cup player of the year in 2016, making his debut.
“We are very satisfied with our training camp this past week,” said Serbian head coach Ljubomir Bukvic. “Apart from injured Vladica Nikolic we have full squad available and the players are really motivated to represent their country. We are aware what a quality side Wales are but this is an historic opportunity for us and we will try to make most of it.”
Experienced Serbian captain Dalibor Vukanović added: “We are very excited for the game against such a great opponent. Some of the Wales players we watch regularly in Super League, so to be able to play them will feel a bit surreal.”
WALES 19-MAN SQUAD
Phil Joseph (vice captain, Bradford Bulls) Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams (London Broncos), Andrew Gay (Mackay Cutters), Joe Burke (Oldham), Craig Kopczak (captain, Salford Red Devils), Matty Fozard (Sheffield Eagles), Oliver Olds (South Logan Magpies), Courtney Davies, Morgan Evans, Steve Parry, Lewis Reece, Christiaan Roets (South Wales Ironmen), Regan Grace (St Helens), Jake Emmitt, Rhodri Lloyd (Swinton Lions), Anthony Walker (Wakefield Wildcats) Gil Dudson, Lloyd White (Widnes Vikings).
SERBIA 19-MAN SQUAD
David Andjelić (Blacktown St Patrick's), Reece Grkinić (Cabramatta), Daniel Burke (Collegians), Jason Muranka (Dewsbury Rams), Dalibor Vukanović, Stefan Nedeljković, Dalibor Samardzic, Stevan Stevanović (Dorćol), Joshua Marjanović (Kawana Dolphins), Džavid Jašari (Partizan), Pero Madžarević (Radnički Nova Pazova), Miloš Ćalić, Miloš Zogović, Vladislav Dedić, Vojislav Dedić (Red Star Belgrade), Chad Grant (St Clair Comets), James Mirceski (Western Suburbs Magpies), Jordan Grant (Wests Tigers), Ilija Radan (unaffiliated)
http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/132 ... -qualifier
2017 RLWC EUROPEAN QUALIFIER: RUSSIA v SPAIN - PREVIEW
13th October 2016
POOL B - MATCH 1
The 2017 Rugby League World Cup European qualifying competition kicks off on Saturday in Moscow, when outsiders Spain take on Russia in Pool B. With seeded Ireland the favourites to win the group, the winner of this match could well have one foot in the final eliminator at Leigh on 4 November.
“The team has put a lot of effort into preparing for the qualifiers,” says giant Russian forward Kirill Kosharin from their base in Fili. “Each and every player had fire in their eyes in training, because for many it is their last chance to get to the World Cup. We will not underestimate Spain but we believe in ourselves.”
Former international Denis Korolev took over as Russia coach from Igor Ovchinnikov for the final match of European Championship B last year, defeating Italy to steer Russia to a second-placed finish which confirmed their participation in these qualifiers. He has been putting his squad through an exacting build-up. “We are at the final stage of preparations for the match against Spain. There are a lot of new players in the team who have fitted in perfectly,” he notes from the camp. “All the players have been totally dedicated to the training programme. I would like to wish Spain the best of luck and may the best team win.”
Spain, who began their march towards the World Cup last May, have defeated Latvia, Malta and Greece to get this far, but now the opposition will be the stiffest they have yet faced. Coach Darren Fisher has responded by drafting in fresh players from the French championship to mix with his tried and tested core, although the withdrawal through injury earlier in the week of experienced front rower Mathieu Griffi is a blow.
“The squad has been in camp this week and we’re looking forward to getting out there now and putting things together,” says Fisher. “I have selected a squad with a good mix. We know the challenge is going to be very difficult for us physically and we have prepared mentally for that, and the players are in good shape to be able to compete. We're excited now for the game and hopefully it will be a great clash.”
Chris Lopez, one of nine overseas-based players in the 19-man squad, is certain Spain won’t be phased by the daunting trip to the two-time World Cup participants and 2012-13 European Championship B winners. “There has been plenty of effort among the boys,” he confirms. “The morale is high at the minute and it's up to us to keep it there. Training has been challenging for this one and we have put everything into our preparation.”
Rugby League International Federation chairman Nigel Wood will attend the game, which kicks off at 3pm in Fili Stadium, Moscow.
RUSSIA 19-MAN SQUAD
Viacheslav Eremin, Andrey Kuznetsov, (Dynamo), Kirill Kosharin (CSKA Moscow), Ivan Troitskii (Ivanovo White Sharks), Vadim Buryak, Leonid Kalinin, Maxim Tsinkovich (Lokomotiv Moscow), Petr Botnarash, Mikhail Burlutskii, Sergey Gaponov, Sergei Konstantinov, Aleksandr Lysokon, Maksim Suchkov, Denis Tiulenev, Vladimir Vlasyuk, Nikolai Zagoskin (Nara), Dmitry Bratko, Igor Chuprin, Vadim Fedchuk (Moscow Storm)
SPAIN 19-MAN SQUAD
Chris Lopez (Army Rugby League), Antonio Puerta, Daniel Moreno (Custodians Madrid), Ivan Ordaz (Irreductibles), Clement Laguerre (Los Gossos), Alex Doutres, Cedric Bringuier, Leandre Torres, Pierre Negre (Palau Xlll), Kevin Aparicio (Paris XV), Matt Dulley (Paterna Dragons), Miguel Charters-Blanco (Seaton Rangers), Gonzalo Morro (Tonneins), Aitor Davila, Juan Pablo Rango (Torrent Tigres), Adria Alonso, Andrew Pilkington, Luis Thorp (Valencia Warriors), Daniel Garcia (Woolston Rovers)
IRELAND 22-MAN SQUAD for RLWC Qualifiers
Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Chris Hall (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Matthew Cahoon (Ireland Students), Greg McNally (Leigh Centurions), Casey Dunne (Longhorns RL), Will Hope (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Liam Finn, Scott Grix (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven)
Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs), Chris Hall (Belfast Met Scholars), Joe Keyes (Bradford Bulls), James Kelly, Mikey Russell (Dublin City Exiles), Alan McMahon (Galway Tribesmen), Luke Ambler (Halifax), Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield Giants), Matthew Cahoon (Ireland Students), Greg McNally (Leigh Centurions), Casey Dunne (Longhorns RL), Will Hope (Oldham Roughyeds), James Hasson (Parramatta Eels), Danny Bridge (Redcliffe Dolphins), Matty Hadden (Rochdale Hornets), Shannon McDonnell (St Helens), Liam Finn, Scott Grix (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin (Warrington Wolves), Dave Allen (Whitehaven)
ITALY 22-MAN SQUAD for RLWC Qualifiers
Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Terry Campese, Josh Mantellato (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Guiseppe Pagani (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie, Justin Castellaro (Northern Pride), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Chris Vitalani (South Wales Ironmen), Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Mirco Bergamasco (unattached)
Dean Parata (Blacktown), Patrik Ziliotti (Brianza Tigers), Joel Reithmuller (Cairns Brothers), Joe Tramontana (Canterbury Bulldogs), Jayden Walker (Cronulla Sharks), Terry Campese, Josh Mantellato (Hull KR), Christophe Calegari (Lezignan Corbieres), Guiseppe Pagani (Lions Brescia), Gavin Hiscox (Mackay Cutters), Gioele Celerino (Newcastle Thunder), Kieran Quabba (North Queensland Cowboys), Ryan Ghietti, Col Wilkie, Justin Castellaro (Northern Pride), Richard Lepori (Oldham Roughyeds), Shannon Wakeman (St George-Illawarra), Chris Vitalani (South Wales Ironmen), Brenden Santi (Townsville Blackhawks), Ryan Tramonte (Windsor Wolves), Chris Centrone (Wyong Roos), Mirco Bergamasco (unattached)
Full match report at link.http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000694
15th October 2016
Wales 50
Tries: Williams (12, 19), Grace (28, 56), Olds (33, 69), Davies (46), Gay (52), Dudson (76)
Goals: White 4/6, Davies 3/3
Serbia 0
WALES
Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams, Andrew Gay, Christiaan Roets, Regan Grace, Courtney Davies, Ollie Olds, Gil Dudson, Lloyd White, Craig Kopczak, Rhodri Lloyd, Joe Burke, Phil Joseph, Steve Parry, Jake Emmitt, Ant Walker, Matty Fozzard
SERBIA
Vladislav Dedic, Joshua Marjanovic, Miloš Calic, Stevan Stevanovic, Pero Madzarevic, Daniel Burke, Dalibor Vukanovic, David Andjelic, Vojislav Dedic, Jordan Grant, Chad Grant, Jason Muranka, Stefan Nedeljkovic, Ilija Radan, James Mirceski, Reece Grkinic, Džavid Jasari
Full match report a link.http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000697
15th October 2016 venue: Fily Stadium, Moscow
Russia 40
Tries: Burlutskii (12), Zagoskin (14), Kosharin (33), Lysokon (44), Bratko (54), Chuprin (76), Buryak (79)
Goals: Lysokon 4/5, Bratko 1/1, Burlutskii 1/1
Spain 6
Tries: Rango (69)
Goals: Daniel Garcia 1/1
RUSSIA
Nikolai Zagoskin, Vadim Buryak, Kirill Kosharin, Leonid Kalinin, Dmitry Bratko, Aleksandr Lysokon, Denis Tiulenev, Sergei Konstantinov (c), Petr Botnarash, Ivan Troitskii, Mikhail Burlutskii, Andrey Kuznetsov, Viacheslav Eremin. Subs: Igor Chuprin, Maksim Suchkov, Vladimir Vlasyuk, Sergey Gaponov
SPAIN
Daniel Garcia, Clement Laguerre, Antonio Puerta, Alex Doutres, Chris Lopez, Ivan Ordaz, Miguel Charters-Blanco, Luis Thorp, Gonzalo Morro, Adrian Alonso, Cedric Bringuier, Matt Dulley, Aitor Davila. Subs: Andrew Pilkington, Leandre Torres, Kevin Aparicio, Juan Pablo Rango
Both RLWC qualifiers this weekend will be streamed live.
Spain v Ireland 10pm Saturday nigh AEDT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4DNY3Q9dNs
Serbia v Italy midnight Saturday night / Sunday morning AEDT
http://www.sportuzivo.tv/v2/stream/inde ... portuzivo1
Spain v Ireland 10pm Saturday nigh AEDT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4DNY3Q9dNs
Serbia v Italy midnight Saturday night / Sunday morning AEDT
http://www.sportuzivo.tv/v2/stream/inde ... portuzivo1
Full match report at link.http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000698
22nd October 2016 at Valencia
Spain 6
Tries: Blanco-Charters (62) Goals: Garcia 1/1
Ireland 46
Tries: Roberts (2), Dunne (5, 52), Littler (29, 74), Hasson (39), Peacock (56), King (66), Grix (77)
Goals: Finn 5/9
SPAIN
Daniel Garcia, Clement Laguerre, Antonio Puerta, Alex Doutres, Chris Lopez, Ivan Ordaz, Miguel Blanco-Charters, Luis Thorp, Nicolas Munoz, Joel Laynez, Leandre Torres, Cedric Bringuier, Kevin Aparicio, Andrew Pilkington, Aitor Davila, Matt Dulley, Adria Alonso
IRELAND
Shannon McDonnell, Casey Dunne, Stuart Littler, Oliver Roberts, Alan McMahon, Scott Grix, Liam Finn, James Hasson, Joe Keyes, Luke Ambler, Dave Allen, Will Hope, George King, Haydn Peacock, Matty Hadden, James Kelly, Gareth Gill
Full match report at link.http://www.rlef.eu.com/wcq/report?RLE00000695
22nd October 2016 venue: Makis Stadium, Belgrade
Serbia 14
Tries: Marjanović (68, 79), Burke (73)
Goals: Burke 0/1, Dedić 1/2
Italy 62
Tries: Lepori (4, 10, 12, 46), Cerruto (17, 35, 49, 71), Wakeman (22), Santi (45), Campese (58), Calegari (62)
Goals: Bergamasco 7/11, Campese 0/1
SERBIA
Vojislav Dedić, Miloš Zogović, Miloš Ćalilć, Stevan Stevanović, Joshua Marjanović, Daniel Burke, Dalibor Vukanović, Ilija Radan, Reece Grkinić, Jordan Grant, James Mirčeski, Jason Muranka, Chad Grant, David Anđelić, Miodrag Tomić, Vlado Kušić, Vladislav Dedić.
ITALY
Mason Cerruto, Christopher Centrone, Justin Castellaro, Mirco Bergamasco, Richard Lepori, Terry Campese, Ryan Ghietti, Shannon Wakeman, Dean Parata, Gavin Hiscox, Jayden Walker, Brenden Santi, Joel Reithmuller, Colin Wilkie, Christopher Calegari, Kieran Quabba, Gioele Celerino
In overnight matches:
Wales 20 defeated Italy 14
Ireland 70 defeated Russia 12
This means Wales and Ireland have both qualified. Italy and Russia now play at Leigh for the last chance. So you would expect Italy to win that match.
Wales 20 defeated Italy 14
Ireland 70 defeated Russia 12
This means Wales and Ireland have both qualified. Italy and Russia now play at Leigh for the last chance. So you would expect Italy to win that match.