2025 Rugby League World Cup: Qualifying Paths for Men's, Women's, and Wheelchair Tournaments You Should Know Now

The International Rugby League has announced the qualification process for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup to be held in France. While eight quarter-finalists from the 2021 men's tournament and France as the host nation have automatically qualified, the remaining spots will be determined through regional qualifying tournaments. 

For the first time, the women's and wheelchair tournaments will also have a qualifying process, with up to 19 nations competing for the remaining spots.

Men's Rugby League World Cup Qualification

The 2025 Men's Rugby League World Cup will see 20 nations battling it out for the coveted trophy. 

Apart from the eight quarter-finalists and the host nation, 12 teams will compete in the European Championships A and B, while Brazil, Canada, Jamaica, and the United States will participate in the Americas Championship. 

The winner of the Middle East Africa Cup will enter the inter-regional repechage against the Cook Islands, with the winner of the repechage securing a spot in the World Cup.

Women's Rugby League World Cup Qualification

The women's tournament will feature eight quarter-finalists from the 2021 tournament and the Cook Islands, subject to development guidelines aimed at growing the women's game in their country. 

The remaining spots will be determined through regional qualifying tournaments in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East Africa, and the Americas.

Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Qualification

The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will see an expression of interest and an invitation process to determine the finalists for the tournament.

Exciting Opportunities for International Rugby League

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the international rugby league, but according to the International Rugby League chair, Troy Grant, this has also presented opportunities for growth. 

With qualifying tournaments set to take place across the globe, there will be enormous opportunities to continue the growth of the international rugby league.

The Road Ahead

With the qualification process set, the participating nations will now focus on building their teams and preparing for the tournament. 

Fans will be eagerly waiting for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup to witness the world's best rugby league players compete for the ultimate prize.

Highlights (2025 Rugby League World Cup)

The road to the 2025 Rugby League World Cup in France has been set, and rugby league fans all over the world can start looking forward to the exciting qualifying tournaments that are set to take place over the next few years.

The men's tournament will see 19 nations battle it out for the remaining seven spots, while the women's tournament will also have a qualifying process for the first time ever, with up to 19 nations vying for the eight remaining spots. 

The Wheelchair finalists, on the other hand, will be determined through an expression of interest and invitation process.

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for the growth of the international rugby league, especially after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Rugby League is committed to making sure that every region of the globe is represented at the tournament, and this has been reflected in the qualifying process that has been put in place.

The 2025 Rugby League World Cup promises to be an exciting and highly competitive event, and fans all over the world can look forward to cheering on their favourite teams as they battle it out for the ultimate prize. 

We can't wait to see who will emerge as the champions of the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments.

Rugby League World Cup 2022 - PNG Kumuls vs Wales

The Rugby League World Cup Draw for 2021/2022 has seen PNG pooled against Tonga, Wales Cook Islands. The draw took place at Buckingham Palace and was witnessed by the Rugby Football League patron Prince Harry.

IMAGE: Twitter/@RLWC2021

Papua New Guinea vs. England (5th Saturday, Nov 2022, 2.30pm)

Papua New Guinea will face England in the Rugby League World Cup quarter-finals. 

Many rugby league followers are anticipating a mouthwatering showdown between the Kumuls and England and Tonga and Samoa.

 Papua New Guineas Kumul 2022 October RLWC games 

In the men's pool, the Cook Islands Rugby League team is the underdog in Group D. 

Papua New Guinea Kumul is drawn against Wales and Tonga who are the competitive teams in the international rugby league competitions.

It is not going to be easy for PNG Kumuls in this Pool D. 

Many rugby league commentators are behind the 1995 and 2000 semi-finalists Wales in the PNG pool games. However, Tonga has featured strongly against the rugby league giants Australia and New Zealand in recent games. 

The Pool D games are going to be as tough as it comes.

WATCH THE RLWC GAMES LIVE ON 2021 RLWC APP

RLWC2021 Final

Here are the final games and possible lineup for PNG Kumuls vs Wales in the final pool game.

Semi-Finals

SF 1: Aus/Leb v NZ/Fiji (Fri 11th November)

SF 2: Eng/PNG v Ton/Sam (Sat 12th November)

World Cup Quarter Finals

QF 1: Australia 🇦🇺 v Lebanon 🇱🇧 (Friday 7.30pm BBC 3)

QF 2: England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥 v Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 (Saturday 2.30pm BBC 1)

QF 3: New Zealand 🇳🇿 v Fiji 🇫🇯 (Saturday 7.30pm BBC 2)

QF 4: Tonga 🇹🇴 v Samoa 🇼🇸 (Sunday 2.30pm BBC 2)

RLWC Results Game 3 PNG vs Wales

The PNG Kumuls look set to keep the lineup that beat the Cook Islands last week. 

Apart from the missing stars, Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm) and Edene Gebbie (Townsville Blackhawks), the powerhouse forward  Mckenzie Yei (*Central Queensland Capras) is likely to seat-out due to a 1 match suspension for a high tackle.

Here is the likely lineup - PNG Kumuls Vs Wales

1. 1. Alex Johnston  (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Australia)
2. 19. Jimmy Ngutlik (Western Suburbs Magpies, Australia)
3. 3. Nene Macdonald (Leigh Centurions, UK)
4. 4. Justin Olam (Melbourne Storm, Australia)
5. 20. Rodrick Tai (PNG Hunters, PNG)
6. 6. Kyle Laybutt (Townsville Blackhawks, Australia)
7. 7. Lachlan Lam (Leigh Centurions, UK)
8. 8. Wellington Albert (London Broncos, UK)
9. 9. Edwin Ipape (Leigh Centurions, UK)
10. 10. Sylvester Namo (PNG Hunters, PNG)
11. 11. Nixon Putt (Central Queensland Capras, Australia)
12. 12. Rhyse Martin (Leeds Rhinos, UK)
13. 13. Jacob Allick (Gold Coast Titans, Australia)
14. 16. Mckenzie Yei (*Central Queensland Capras, Australia)
15. 17. Emmanuel Waine  (PNG Hunters, PNG)
16. 22. Jeremiah Simbiken (Redcliffe Dolphins, Australia)
17. 23. Watson Boas (Doncaster, UK)
18. 18. Keven Appo (PNG Hunters PNG)
19. 15. Daniel Russell (Brisbane Tigers, Australia)

RLWC Results Game 2: 25th October PNG vs the Cook Islands

PNG 32 - 16 Cook Islands - The Kumuls kept hopes of reaching the RLWC quarter-finals alive with a six-try win over the Cook Islands. Try scorers  - *Rodrick Tai, Kyle Laybutt, Rhyse Martin, *Rodrick Tai, Lachlan Lam and Justin Olam score.

Here is how to watch the PNG Kumuls games on the RLWC app

RLWC Results Game 1: 18th October 2022 - PNG vs Tonga

Tonga have escaped with a 24-18 win over Papua New Guinea in the most thrilling clash of the World Cup so far. Despite having the much weaker side, PNG fought hard and levelled the scores in the 67th minute only for Tonga to break their hearts with a frantic try with just three minutes left on the clock.

Men's Rugby League World Cup Pools A, B, C & D

• Group A: Samoa, England,  France, Greece
• Group B: Fiji, Australia,  Scotland, Italy
• Group C: Jamaica, New Zealand, Lebanon, Ireland
• Group D: Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Wales, Cook Islands

Women's Rugby League World Cup Pools A & B

• Group A:  Papua New Guinea, England, Canada, Brazil
• Group B: Cook Island, Australia, New Zealand, France

RLWC Draws 2022

Rugby League World Cup 2022 Men’s full fixtures

AEST time

England vs Samoa 15 October 2022

St James’ Park, Newcastle

RLWC Kick off : 2:30 PM

Australia vs Fiji 15 October 2022

Headingley Stadium, Leeds

RLWC Kick off : 7.30 pm

___________

Scotland vs Italy 16 October 2022

Kingston Park (Newcastle)

RLWC Kick off : 2.30pm

Jamaica v Ireland 16 October 2022

Headingley (Leeds)

RLWC Kick off : 5pm

New Zealand v Lebanon 16 October 2022

Halliwell Jones Stadium (Warrington)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

France v Greece 17 October 2022

Keepmoat Stadium (Doncaster)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

Tonga v Papua New Guinea 18 October 2022

Totally Wicked Stadium (St Helens)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm  

 ___________

Wales v Cook Islands 19 October 2022

Leigh Sports Village (Leigh)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

Australia v Scotland 21 October 2022

Ricoh Arena (Coventry)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

Fiji Bati Fiji v Italy 22 October 2022

Kingston Park (Newcastle)

RLWC Kick off : 2:30pm

England v France 22 October 2022

University of Bolton Stadium (Bolton)

RLWC Kick off : 5pm

New Zealand v Jamaica 22 October 2022

MKM Stadium (Hull)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

Lebanon v Ireland 23 October 2022

Leigh Sports Village (Leigh)

RLWC Kick off : 2:30pm

Samoa v Greece 23 October 2022

Keepmoat Stadium (Doncaster)

RLWC Kick off : 5pm

___________

Tonga v Wales 24 October 2022

Totally Wicked Stadium (St Helens)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands 25 October 2022

Halliwell Jones Stadium (Warrington)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

New Zealand v Ireland 28 October 2022

Headingley (Leeds)

RLWC Kick off : 7:30pm

___________

England v Greece 29 October 2022

Bramall Lane (Sheffield)

RLWC Kick off : 2:30pm

Fiji v Scotland 29 October 2022

Kingston Park (Newcastle)

RLWC Kick off 5pm

Australia v Italy 29 October 2022

Totally Wicked Stadium (St Helens)

RLWC Kick off 7:30pm

___________

Lebanon v Jamaica 30 October 2022

Leigh Sports Village (Leigh)

RLWC Kick off 12pm

___________

Tonga v Cook Islands 30 October 2022

Riverside Stadium (Middlesbrough)

RLWC Kick off 2:30pm

Samoa v France 30 October 2022

Halliwell Jones Stadium (Warrington)

RLWC Kick off 5pm

___________

Papua New Guinea v Wales 31 October 2022

Keepmoat Stadium (Doncaster)

RLWC Kick off 7:30pm

___________

• RLWC Quarter Final 4/5/6 November 2022
• RLWC Semi Final 11/12 November 2022

PNG Kumuls vs Toa Samoa Pacific Test

The 2019 Pacific Test is sure to be a ripper between the PNG Kumuls and Toa Samoa at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday June 22.

Papua New Guinea Kumuls is putting together a strong 18 men team for the Pacific Test 2019 composed of players from NRL and Queensland Intrust Cup:

• NRL= 7 players
• Wynnum Manly = 3 player
• PNG Hunters = 5 players
• North Devils = 1 player
• Townsville Blackhawks = 1 player
• Burleigh Bears = 1 player

Recommended reading: samoa vs png 2019 and Lions vs PNG Kumuls Fixtures.

1. Edene Gabbie Wynnum Manly
2. Edwin Epape Wynnum Manly
3. Enock Maki PNG Hunter
4. James Segeyaro Brisbane Broncos
5. Junior Rau PNG Hunters
6. Justin Olam Melbourne Storm
7. Kurt Baptiste North Queensland Cowboys
8. Kyle Laybutt Townsville Blackhawks
9. Lachlan Lam Sydney Roosters
10. Luke Page Burleigh Bears
11. Moses Meninga PNG Hunters
12. Nixon Putt Norths Devils 
13. Rhadley Brawa Wynnum Manly
14. Rhyse Martin Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
15. Stanton Albert PNG Hunters
16. Terry Wapi PNG Hunters
17. Xavier Coates Brisbane Broncos
18. Zev John Melbourne Storm

For the complete Pacific Test samoa vs png 2019 and British Lions vs PNG Kumuls fixtures, see here.

Rugby League World Cup Tours PNG Kumuls and British Lions

THE Papua New Guinea Kumuls will compete in two major Rugby League International Federation-sanctioned challenges this year.

WATCH THE RLWC GAMES LIVE ON 2021 RLWC APP

Southern hemisphere general manager Jeremy Edwards was in the country yesterday to present the RLIF calendar highlighting the inaugural Oceania Cup and the British Lions tour, of which the Kumuls will be part.

Competing in the Oceania Cup are Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, PNG, and co-hosts Australia and New Zealand.

Australia, New Zealand and Tonga make up pool A while Samoa, Fiji and PNG occupy Pool B.

Pool A and Pool B will compete for a trophy and shield respectively.

The last-placed nation in pool A will be demoted to pool B and the first-placed side in pool B will be promoted to pool A.

“The exciting thing about this is to see the nations play for something that is meaningful and will start every mid-year,” Edwards said.

The Kumuls' first Oceania Cup fixture is against Samoa in Sydney on June 22 and the second against Fiji in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Nov 9.

The Kumuls as with similar mid-year Tests is set to feature mostly Australian based talent with players from the Hunters and Q-Cup as well as the NRL to be considered.

Head coach Michael Marum, pictured, as well as the PNGRFL, are yet to confirm whether players from the UK will be considered for the June international.

Meanwhile, the Lions tour will be held in New Zealand and PNG, with the Brits playing Tonga on Oct 26, New Zealand on Nov 2 and Nov 9, and the Kumuls in Port Moresby on Nov 16.

The PNG Orchids (women) will also get an opportunity to play an international test against a Pacific All-Stars side on Nov 16.

In attendance to witness the launch were New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters, PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka, Immigration and Border Security Minister Petrus Thomas and PNG Sports Foundation chief executive Peter Tsiamalili Jr.

Tsaka said more international fixtures would improve PNG’s ranking.

Fixtures – Oceania Cup:

Pool A – New Zealand v Tonga (at Mt Smart on June 22), Australia v New Zealand (in Wollongong on Oct 25), Australia v Tonga (at Eden Park on Nov 2);

Pool B – Samoa v PNG (in Sydney on June 22), Fiji v Samoa (at Eden Park on Nov 2), PNG v Fiji (in Christchurch on Nov 9)

Lions Tour:

Lions v Tonga (in Hamilton on Oct 26), Lions v New Zealand (at Eden Park on Nov 2), Lions v New Zealand (in Christchurch on Nov 9), Lions v PNG (in Port Moresby on Nov 16).

PNG Hunters News Update - Former Players in the UK and Australia

Update: Further to a post on PNG Hunters former players, this post provides an update on where the 2014 Grand Final winning players' club in the UK and Australia. 

Pic: @rmt_1982.Rob Terrace

Many players who had the opportunity to move to play overseas have either stayed with the teams they were contracted with or moved around. So, this is the latest on where the original PNG Hunters are mid-2019.

• Barrow Raiders

Wartovo Puara

Stargroth Amean

Willie Minoga

The club released Willie to travel back to PNG on family reasons. Here is what the Barrow Raiders said on Twitter

'Willie Minoga is about to board a flight for PNG. His pregnant wife has been involved in a serious road accident and the club has given Willie's two weeks compassionate leave so he can be with his family. 

Our thoughts are with you Willie from all at Barrow Raiders' 

• Doncaster RLFC 

Watson Boas (loan)

*Menzie Yere (loan)

Jason Tali

Featherstone Rovers released Watson Boas on loan to Doncaster RLFC. Watson played 11 games and scored 4 tries. He did not feature in the plays in late April 2019 due to availability of other Rovers halves. 

Featherstone CEO Davide Longo said 

'The coaching team at Featherstone Rovers will monitor Watson closely and be very much in regular contact with the Doncaster coaching staff and the player'

The Boas brothers, Watson and Ase, and Thompson Tete joined the second tier club early in 2019. They play several games for the Rovers. 

Thompson Teteh nursed a suspected shoulder injury.

Ase returned home due to family reasons. He is now back with the PNG Hunters 2019.

Watson is now playing for the Doncaster RLFC with two other Papua New Guinean internationals Menzie Yere (on loan from Sheffield Eagles) and Jason Tali.

Related posts and updates

Rahdly Brawa, Edene Gebbie (Wynnum Manly), Nixon Putt (Norths Devils) and Brendon Gotuno (Penrith Panthers) - where are they now?

SP PNG Hunters Players Where are They Now?

The SP PNG Hunters team in the Intrust Super Cup extended for another 5-year term. Many fans and followers will admit that the level of rugby league, players' fitness, humility, fans behaviour and love for rugby league in Papua New Guinea has, in the last 5 years, improved massively. 

Twitter Image

Success stories - PNG Hunters

The SP PNG Hunters concept - getting a PNG team into the Queensland Rugby League - to showcase PNG rugby league talents can be described as a success. 

The next 5 years is going to be a ripper. The home games are going to be a must see. New talents are going to be exposed to the international rugby league scene. 

So, where are the original PNG Hunters players? Let's have a look at some of the success stories. 

Move to the United Kingdom

The former PNG Hunters five-eighth Ase Boas and his halfback brother Watson Boas have both moved to the UK club Featherstone Rovers alongside the outside centre Thompson Teteh.

Featherstone Rovers are a professional rugby league club that plays in the Championship - a second-tier competition. Similar to the QRL level before the NRL in Australia. 

SOURCE: Twitter Featherstone Rovers’ Papua New Guinea internationals Watson Boas, Ase Boas and Thompson Teteh 

Forward Willie Minoga, hooker Wartovo Puara and fullback Stargroth Amean also moved to England to play with Barrow Raiders. 

The Barrow Raiders are a semi-professional rugby league team in the third-tier competition. 

SOURCE: @BurrowRaiders Twitter Raiders line-up for this afternoons game with @YorkKnightsRLFC

In fact, the UK and France have a three-tier rugby league competition. Super League is like the National Rugby League (NRL) competition - the top elite league players play at that level. 

The Championship comp is like the QRL or NSWRL comps. Talented players at Championship Cup would get picked to Super League.

Whereas the third-tier (semi-professional) competition is called the League 1 competition. The competition features clubs from Wales, Canada and France. It is the Rugby Football League's (RFL) third-tier competition, below the Championship.

The rugby pathway is League 1 to Championship to Super League. 

Move to Queensland, Australia

Wynnum Manly is contracting the forward Rahdly Brawa and back Edene Gebbie.

Nixon Putt is marked for the Norths Devils.

Brendon Gotuno moves to the Penrith Panthers.

The PNG Hunters picks

• Gairo Kapana, Epel Kapinias (Rabaul Gurias)
• Shane Haro, Kevin Appo (Pom Vipers)
• Joe Joshua, Junior Rop (Lae Tigers)
• Daniel Tapol, Jerry Teme (Hela Wigmen)
• Brendon Nima, Nick Hasu (Goroka Lahanis)
• Joe Frank (Waghi Tumbe)
• Woods Kawage (Enga Mioks)
• Rex Kaupa (Southern Confederate)
• Justin Yoka, Jordon Pat (Highlands Confederate)
• Bland Abavu (Fassifern Bombers)
• Jack Oii (PRL)

PNG Hunters loses

• Ase Boas, Watson Boas, Thompson Teteh (Featherstone Rovers)
• Stargroth Amean, Wartovo Puara, Willie Minoga (Barrow Raiders)
• Rahdly Brawa, Edene Gebbie (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)
• Brendon Gotuno (Penrith Panthers)
• Adam Korave, Muka Peter Kulu, Junior Bobby, Clyde Name, John Andy, Julius 2Yakopa, Silas Gahuna (Released)
• Nixon Putt (Norths Devils)

So, there you have it.

Related posts

5 UK Rugby League Teams with Links to PNG Kumuls 2018

5 Good Reasons NRL Players Should Be Excluded From Intrust Super Cup Final Games

PNG Hunters Headhunted Opportunity To Earn K70,000

It is Over at Brisbane Broncos: Wayne Bennett Contract Terminated With Immediate Effect

The termination of Wayne Bennett’s contract came after a week of intense scrutiny by the NRL club, Brisbane Broncos. The 68 year old super coach is said to have signed a 4-year deal to coach the South Sydney Rabbitohs starting 2020. 

The South Sydney current coach Anthony Seibold signed to start coaching the Brisbane Broncos in the same year, 2020 and marked to be a swap of some sort. However, the anticipated contracts of both Wayne Bennett and Anthony Seibold to start in 2020 may have to take effect sooner than expected.

It appeared that Bennett’s termination by the Broncos happened abruptly. The club release a statement on its website thanking veteran coach for his 

"contribution to the club and wish him all the best for the future".  Brisbane Broncos website

Meanwhile, the NRL clubs Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney will release the names of the clubs new coaches in the coming weeks, hopefully before the preseason training kicks off. It is highly likely that a swap of coaches will happen. Wayne goes south to Sydney. Anthony heads up the ally to Brisbane. 

Twitter image | Anthony Seibold (inset - Wayne Bennett)

UK Rugby League Teams with Links to PNG Kumuls

The admiration for the UK Super League(UKSL) teams is growing strong in Papua New Guinea. The former players (Stanley Gene, John Okul, Adrian Lam, Neville Costigan, John Wilshere and Marcus Bai) have given PNG fans a reason to follow the clubs like Hull KR, Salford and Wigan Warriors.

Hull RK has over 20 years of links to PNG. Recently, one UK Super League Club has stolen the hearts of PNG rugby league fans - the Widnes Vikings. The club and fans' act of kindness and generosity at the death of Kato Ottio and recruiting of the Albert brothers are forever to be remembered by many in the PNG rugby league circle. 

With the 2018 UK rugby league popularity growing in PNG, here are 5 clubs - with your favourite PNG rugby league players  - to follow:

1. Widnes Vikings - Albert Brothers

The new Vikings ⚫⚪

Four new boys at @WidnesRL - how will they get on in 2018? pic.twitter.com/dZwkSwKnyy

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 28, 2018

2. Castleford Tigers - Garry Lo

33: TRY CAS!! Cas spread the ball after a break from Clare and Lo turns his opposite winger inside out before scoring in the corner pic.twitter.com/3jSTN8tKqY

— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) January 27, 2018

3. Catalans Dragons - David Mead & Paul Aiton

La traditionnelle soirée de Présentation de l’effectif aura lieu le mercredi 31 Janvier à 19h à Port-Barcarès.
+ d'infos ▶ https://t.co/QppVtgihrd pic.twitter.com/WQLDMjaC1P

— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 27, 2018

4. Hull Kingston Rovers - strong PNG link (Stanley Gene, John Okul, Makali Aizue, Neville Costigan, Jason Chan and (Francis Paniu and Enock Maki).

.@MakaliAizue2017 and @scottmurrell85 leading a rendition of Red Red Robin one final time last night! #victorysong #oldtimes #ComeOnRovers pic.twitter.com/Cvxxt8QJmM

— Hull Kingston Rovers (@hullkrofficial) January 27, 2018

5. Sheffield (Championship) Menzie Yere and Mark Mexico

The game also saw Menzie Yere score the most Menzie Yere try you've ever seen, neatly fending Johnny Campbell's head out of the way.. pic.twitter.com/kUaZBsAjD2

— Sheff_Eagles_News (@SheffEaglesNews) September 28, 2017

Follow our boys on Twitter or Facebook and enjoy your Rugby League.

NRL Players Playing in Intrust Super Cup Final Games 2022

The NRL (National Rugby League) players had been called up to play in the Intrust Super Cup (ISC) final games in the past. These players potentially changed the outcomes of games at the ISC level.

The argument of teams taking on the challenge and either win or lose is one thing. But, is it fair?

Here are 5 reasons why the NRL players should not play any ISC final games:

1. The NRL fultime players have not played a single ISC game all season. They are slotted in last minute to just win a game. Fact.

For NRL players to qualify to play, the players must play some ISC games during the 2017 season. Probably 5 or more games. It is not late yet for the Intrust Super Cup management to come up with some control measures if the management does not have one yet. 

2. The NRL players are from eliminated teams - their teams have not made it to NRL finals. That means that they have rested well for several weeks. The players should not be included in ISC final games as it is not fair on players who have been leading the team to this stage.

3. The NRL players have experienced top level games all year. The level of competitions at NRL and ISC is different. Just getting an NRL player into a team to win the final is not fair competition.

Understandably, you want to get your NRL players to win a crucial game for you.  But you also want to give the player who shone in his absence a fair go. When it comes to choosing a player to play in the final games, NRL players are not an option as far as being fair to players is concerned.

4. The NRL players have had their chances to prove their worth in top division. If they had not proven to their coaches and teams that they can bring their teams to the NRL finals, why including those NRL players at ISC level? And would they have played if their teams had been in the NRL finals? 

Let them take their time off and prepare for next year. This is the best thing they must do.

5. The NRL players inclusion is damaging to teams' moral. From past experiences,  these players tend to leave vacuum in their teams when they aren't around. This can lead to the teams led by overlooked players who think they are not good enough.

In retrospect, it is okay to have the NRL players around during the preliminary rounds.  And also have them around in the finals.

What's not right is using an NRL player, in the final games,  who has not even played a single ISC game. An NRL player who had not played a single ISC match must not be allowed to play in the ISC finals.

Intrust Super Cup competition 

The Intrust Super Cup competition should have control over inclusion of NRL players especially in the final games. It is important that this happens to keep the integrity of the competition at the ISC level.

PNG Kumuls likely to play England and New Zealand in the Finals

The Rugby League World Cup, RLWC

• 14 Countries
• 6 weeks
• 28 games (21 pool games, 7 final games)
• 1 Winner

Source: Adapted from Fox Sports (accessed 28/10/2017)

Check out the finalists here.

In the pool games (weeks 1 – 3) six bottom teams will be eliminated. Obviously, eight teams go through to the quarter-finals: three teams from Pool A, three teams from Pool B, one team from Pool C and one team from Pool D.

WATCH THE RLWC GAMES LIVE ON 2021 RLWC APP

PNG Kumuls makes the Quarter Finals (QF)

If the team PNG Kumuls makes the Quarter Finals (QF), the Kumuls will play (the team that comes 2^nd in Pool A) in the 4^th QF in Melbourne, Australia. The second *hot* team in Pool A in England, after Australia. Team PNG Kumuls may, most likely, meet England in the 4^th QF on Sunday, November 19th.

The team that wins the 4^th QF will play the team that wins the 3^rd QF in the 2^nd Semi-Final. A closer look at Pool B teams would reveal that New Zealand is likely to top the pool matches and play in that 3^rd QF and proceed to the 2^nd Semi-Final.

The PNG Kumuls team survives 4 weeks of competition and will see the team go head-to-head with the New Zealand Warriors in the 2^nd Semi-Final match in Auckland, New Zealand.

RLWC FIXTURES

 
Week 1

Friday, October 27

1. Australia (WON) v England at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, 8pm (AEDT)

Saturday, October 28

2. Papua New Guinea (WON) v Wales at Oil Search National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, 4pm (AEDT)

3. New Zealand (WON) v Samoa at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 6.10pm (AEDT)

4. Fiji (WON) v USA at Townsville Stadium, Townsville, 8.40pm (AEDT)

Sunday, October 29

5. Ireland (WON) v Italy at Barlow Park, Cairns, 3pm (AEDT)

6. France v Lebanon (WON) at Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 4pm (AEDT)

7. Scotland v Tonga (WON) at Barlow Park, Cairns, 5.15pm (AEDT)

Week 2

Friday, November 3

1. Australia (WON) v France at Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 8pm (AEDT)

Saturday, November 4

2. New Zealand (WON) v Scotland at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch, 3pm (AEDT)

3. Samoa v Tonga (WON) at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5.30pm (AEDT)

4. England (WON) v Lebanon at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, 8pm (AEDT)

Sunday, November 5

5. Papua New Guinea (WON) v Ireland at Oil Search National Football Stadium, Port Moresby, 5pm (AEDT)

6. Italy (WON) v USA at Townsville Stadium, Townsville, 5pm (AEDT)

7. Fiji (WON) v Wales at Townsville Stadium, Townsville, 7.30pm (AEDT)

Week 3

Friday, November 10

1. Fiji (WON) v Italy at Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 7.40pm (AEDT)

Saturday, November 11

2. New Zealand v Tonga (WON) at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 3pm (AEDT)

3. Samoa (draw Samoa through to QF) v Scotland at Barlow Park, Cairns, 6pm (AEDT)

4. Australia (WON) v Lebanon at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, 8pm (AEDT)

Sunday, November 12

5. Papua New Guinea (WON) v USA at Oil Search National Football Stadium, Port Moresby 4pm (AEDT)

6. Wales v Ireland (WON) at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth, 5.30pm (AEDT)

7. England v France at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth, 8pm (AEDT)

Week 4 Quarter Finals

Friday, November 17

1. First quarter-final at Darwin Stadium, Darwin, 8pm (AEDT)

    1^st Pool A vs 3^rd Pool B

Saturday, November 18

2. Second quarter final at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch, 3pm (AEDT)

     2^nd Pool B vs 1^st Pool D

3. Third quarter final at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, 5.30pm (AEDT)

     1^st Pool B vs 3^rd Pool A

Sunday, November 19

4. Fourth quarter final at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, 4pm (AEDT)

     2^nd Pool A vs 1^st Pool C

QF Finalists

Week 5 RLWC Semi finals

Friday, November 24

1. First semi final at Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, 8pm (AEDT)

     Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 2

Saturday, November 25

2. Second semi final at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, 4pm (AEDT)

           Winner QF 3 vs Winner QF 4

Week 6 RLWC Grand final

Saturday, December 2

Final at Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, 8pm (AEDT)

For more info, check out the Fox Sports website.