TO: NZRL Staff, Districts and Affiliates and Board

FROM: Cushla Dawson

DATE: 17 November 2008

RE: Media Summary Tuesday 11 November to Friday 14 November 2008

Rugby League World Cup leaves a sour taste: It's been labelled a lemon, a joke, a waste of time. We know 's going to win, so why do we bother? It's a valid question. In essence the World Cup could have started tomorrow and been boiled down to two games - versus with the winner to play Australia in the final. The fact that no one seemed to notice that there had been an eight-year gap between World Cups speaks volumes.

Kearney springs the surprises: has belatedly announced his Kiwi team to take on England in the World Cup semi-final in Brisbane on Saturday night with some surprises. Four players not used against England last week will return for the Kiwis' against the same opponent at Suncorp Stadium.

Rugby league in historic move to have two referees control games: The will push forward with a historic decision to have two referees controlling the game in next year's premiership. The switch to two referees will be the biggest change to the game in 100 years. After years of trialling two referees in lower grades, NRL officials believe it is time to make the change full-time.

England launches $5m NRL raid: If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em. While almighty Australia have doomed England's World Cup campaign on the field, salvation awaits off it as Pommy chequebooks gather to launch their most audacious raid on our best players yet. The Cup has attracted an unprecedented influx of rich UK clubs to Australia, all of whom have one eye on the action and the other on a $5 million hitlist of NRL talent. Representatives from no less than nine Super League outfits have met with NRL player agents over the past fortnight to discuss their targets for next season and beyond.

NZ women, police teams feature in World Cup: Two other sides are on course for appearances in World Cup finals in Australia. While the Kiwis take on England on Saturday night for a place in the final, the Kiwi Ferns are also in line for success in the women's World Rugby League Cup, as is the national team in the first World Cup of Police Rugby League. The two tournaments started this week and are part of the Rugby League International Federation's Festival of World Cups.

England unleash mind games: Mystery surrounds the make-up of the England World Cup semi-final team despite coach Tony Smith naming a 19-strong squad. One of the players New Zealand fears most, half Danny McGuire plus form winger Ade Gardner, were surprisingly omitted from the squad while major injury concern was named for Saturday night's clash with the Kiwis at Brisbane. However, an England spokesman said the team were addressing "one or two issues" and did not rule out players not included in the squad running out against New Zealand.

Wolfhounds still in league doghouse: The Irish Wolfhounds' howls appear to have fallen on deaf ears. Rugby League International Federation vice-chairman Richard Lewis still wants World Cup wooden spooners France - not surprise packets Ireland - to play next year's four nations tournament. Ireland coach Andy Kelly claimed his Wolfhounds deserved a place alongside Australia, England and New Zealand in the 2009 tournament after they just missed out on an historic World Cup semi-final berth.

Cash-strapped hit World Cup jackpot: Money may not be the motivation behind Fiji's stunning Rugby League World Cup run - but it certainly weighed heavily on many of the players' minds. Fiji management have revealed most players were trying to save as much of their World Cup daily allowance as possible in order to give the bulk of it to their cash-strapped families at home. Because team management only covered breakfasts, players relied on "all you can eat" buffets during their Cup campaign in order to save cash. But their miserly ways appear over after the Batis reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Injured Matai out of cup semifinal: Kamikaze Kiwi 's World Cup appears over with medical staff opting for caution over his recovery from neck injury. The noises out of the New Zealand camp were positive after Matai was cleared of a fracture but, after consultation with the Manly centre and Sea Eagles medical staff, Kiwis doctor Simon Mayhew said yesterday it was highly unlikely he would take any further part in the tournament.

Fiji completes rugby league World Cup semis picture: Fiji has booked a rugby league World Cup semi- final with a hard fought win over Ireland on the Gold Coast. It will be the first time in eight years the nation of Islands will take on Australia. Touted as 500-1 long shots pre-tournament, Fiji has defied expectations to reach the final four, in the process elevating themselves above more fancied rival local rivals Papua New Guinea, and Samoa.

Manu Vatuvei warned England he wasn't done yet after his 4 haul: Kiwis rugby league wing warned England he wasn't done yet after his World Cup-record four-try haul stunned them in Newcastle last night. The 112kg wrecking ball continued his dream season with four of the Kiwis' seven tries as they stormed home to beat England 36-24. It boosted his record to better than 100 percent in all matches this year, with 22 tries from 21 matches for the Warriors, All Golds and Kiwis.

Wiki announces retirement - Kiwi legend turns down chance to end career in Super League: New Zealand legend has confirmed his retirement from the game, thus ending any speculation of a move to the engage Super League. The 35-year-old had been linked with a number of leading Super League clubs but has instead opted to hang up his boots and pursue community based and promotional opportunities outside the game.

Kearney warns of wrestle-fest in rematch: A selection headache for Kiwis coach Steve Kearney ahead of Saturday's World Cup semifinal against England in Brisbane. He rested a number of key players at the weekend but the new players still helped the Kiwis beat England 36-24 in their final pool match in Newcastle. Kearney says with a wide range of players now in the running for the semifinals he will go through the tape and make a decision on the team as late as possible.

Rugby League World Cup leaves a sour taste It's been labelled a lemon, a joke, a waste of time. We know Australia's going to win, so why do we bother?

It's a valid question. In essence the Rugby League World Cup could have started tomorrow and been boiled down to two games - New Zealand versus England with the winner to play Australia in the final.

The fact that no one seemed to notice that there had been an eight-year gap between World Cups speaks volumes.

The reason for the long wait was because the last effort, in 2000, was a financial disaster, so the clumsily titled Rugby League International Federation licked its wounds and cut this year's participants to 10, eliminating traditional powerhouses Lebanon and Russia and rejigging the structure.

With celebrating its centenary year, tournament director Colin Love boldly proclaimed the start of a new era for the international game.

Is it all hot air?

The organisers have done an admirable job of running a relatively smooth competition and, though the Kangaroos belting New Zealand and England cooled interest, the most exciting games have been among the minor nations.

Fiji and Ireland surprised more fancied Samoa, Tonga and France to top their pools.

Papua New Guinea, whose reward for being the world's fourth-ranked team was being lumped in the group of death with the big three, produced spirited efforts against England and Australia. Their ageless captain, , was in tears after competing manfully against the Kangaroos.

The hope is that countries such as Papua New Guinea are given funding and therefore the chance for more meaningful international competition between World Cups. Australia, England and New Zealand have generously, but rightly, forgone their shares of the broadcasting dollars, with the federation promising to set aside a war-chest to develop the international game.

But nothing concrete has been set up yet.

The prohibitive costs of flying the island nations around for internationals is proving difficult to overcome, though emerging European nations look likely to benefit from their proximity to each other and cheap airfares.

Many theories have been floated to even up the World Cup. One suggests Australia allows rival nations to select first-string players with ties to that country.

Anthony Tupou and could be picked for Tonga, for New Zealand and for Fiji. But that would be a slap in the face for players who have grown up as Australians and gives critics even more ammunition.

There is no solution to curbing Australia's dominance, and nor should there be. The rest of the world needs to keep trying to lift themselves to that level.

New Zealand would have entered the tournament a genuine contender, rather than outside bet, if it wasn't for the non-availability of , , , and .

While Australia's dominance wasn't a surprise, the lack of off-field scandal has been.

Apart from 's alleged dalliance with a Townsville surf shop owner, league's notorious party culture has been suppressed, a positive for the image of the game, if not for the tabloids.

(Source: Sam Worthington, The Dominion Post, 14 November 2008)

Kearney springs the surprises Stephen Kearney has belatedly announced his Kiwi team to take on England in the World Cup semi-final in Brisbane on Saturday night with some surprises.

Four players not used against England last week will return for the Kiwis' against the same opponent at Suncorp Stadium.

Among the Kearney has recalled is back rower , now recovered from the eye injury that kept him out of the pool games against Papua New Guinea and England.

Captain , right winger and interchange prop - all rested for the Newcastle encounter last weekend - return to the squad in their same roles.

Simon Mannering will start in the centres, replacing Manly's Steve Matai, who has been forced out for this match with ongoing neck problems. Mannering moved to the centres after Matai left the field against England last Saturday night.

Retaining his place on the bench after an impressive return to the test arena is Canberra-bound forward . Last week's test was just the second of his career and his first in three years but his peers gave him the players' player of the day accolade.

Warriors utility has been named to start at halfback - he is now one of five Warriors players in the backline - while Wigan's will wear the No 9 jersey this week. Livewire South , , provides back-up from the bench.

With Mannering switched to the centres, Manu comes into the second row where he played in the warm-up test against Tonga and also in the campaign opener against the Kangaroos.

"We've lost Steve (Matai) which is a blow but Simon gives us a great replacement. He's such a reliable player, as we've seen throughout this campaign and again in last week's match against England when he was forced to move to the centres," said Kearney.

"We've had plenty of competition for spots and that makes selection interesting but that's a good place to be in. There were some hard choices to make. "It's great for the group to see a player like Bronson earning his spot. He came in as a late replacement (for ) and here is playing in the semi-finals at the World Cup."

The Kiwis are seeking a second straight win against the Tony Smith-coached side to take them into a World Cup final for the third time.

Winger Manu Vatuvei goes into his 15th test seeking to continue an impressive try-scoring run this year.

With his World Cup record-equalling four tries against England last weekend, the 22-year-old has scored 22 tries in 21 top-level matches this year - 16 in 17 NRL games for the Warriors, four in three tests for the Kiwis and two for the All Golds against New Zealand Maori.

Kiwis:1-, 2-Sam Perrett, 3-, 4-, 5-Manu Vatuvei, 6-, 7-Nathan Fien, 8-Nathan Cayless (C), 9-Thomas Leuluai, 10-, 11-Sika Manu, 12-David Fa'alogo, 13-Jeremy Smith.

Interchange: 14-Issac Luke, 15-, 16-Bronson Harrison, 17-Sam Rapira.

(Source: One Sport, TVNZ, 13 November 2008)

Rugby league in historic move to have two referees control games The National Rugby League will push forward with a historic decision to have two referees controlling the game in next year's premiership.

The switch to two referees will be the biggest change to the game in 100 years.

After years of trialling two referees in lower grades, NRL officials believe it is time to make the change full-time.

Referees boss Robert Finch is driving the change and has the support of leading coaches, as well as NRL chief executive David Gallop.

The two-referee system will be the major topic at today's NRL football conference, where coaches and players will be given the chance to air their opinions.

Provided support is reached, and Finch is confident it will, the change will be discussed again at the chief executives' conference in a fortnight, before going to the NRL board for approval.

Only a strong backlash from clubs and coaches can prevent the rule from being adopted, but that is extremely unlikely.

"It is not only my feeling but it is also the feeling of a majority of coaches," Finch said. "The two referees has a massive impact on (lessening) the physical demands of a referee."

NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley agrees the time is right for the change.

"We have talked about it for 10 years so the time has come," he said.

One referee will control the ruck while the other controls the 10m, swapping at each breakdown.

As well as improving decision-making, the innovation will have a significant impact on grapple tackles and other illegal wrestling holds which have blighted the NRL in recent years.

While the change needs to be ratified by the NRL board before being made official, Finch is pushing for tacit approval so referees can begin preparing when they start pre-season training next week.

"We need to know whether it's yea or nay because we need to start doing some work on it," he said.

"We need to work on the positioning side of things, the verballing and the team work, who is in charge."

(Source: , Courier Mail, 12 November 2008)

England launches $5m NRL raid If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em.

While almighty Australia have doomed England's World Cup campaign on the field, salvation awaits off it as Pommy chequebooks gather to launch their most audacious raid on our best players yet.

The Cup has attracted an unprecedented influx of rich UK Super League clubs to Australia, all of whom have one eye on the action and the other on a $5 million hitlist of NRL talent.

Representatives from no less than nine Super League outfits have met with NRL player agents over the past fortnight to discuss their targets for next season and beyond.

And according to leading managers, the poaching strategy has switched from "quantity to quality" in the wake of overseas quotas dropping to just five imports.

With the same amount of cash to splash and less players available, English CEOs and coaches have set their sights on the very best off-contract talent for 2010.

Premium stars , Karmichael Hunt and are all expected to field huge offers, with the Australian skipper already understood to be in the sights of glamour club Wigan.

Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan and coach Brian Noble have been in Sydney with a host of Super League counterparts including Gary Hetherington (Leeds), Steve O'Connor (Widnes) and Neil Hudgell (Hull).

Player agent David Riolo - who has Aussie Test trio Hunt, and David Williams off-contract this season - confirmed the intentions of the British.

"I've had four or five meetings and they definitely seemed to have turned their attention to quality," Riolo said last night. "The names mentioned to me were top players like Lockyer, Thurston, Prince and Hunt.

"They are looking to go bigger than ever because of the reduced quotas for Australian players.

"If every UK club does that then it's a dangerous thing for the NRL."

Fellow agent Sam Ayoub - who is negotiating for Farah - agreed.

"I'll be meeting a few of the clubs in the next week," he said.

"They aren't here for a holiday - there's even greater demand for elite players this time around."

Speaking during a harbour cruise yesterday, Hetherington said he was on the lookout for a centre and winger to bolster the Leeds roster.

"We've got a track record of getting some very good Australian players - and Greg Eastwood will be with us next year," he said. "It's now about quality rather than quantity - we are definitely on the lookout for outstanding, world-class players."

Suspended Shark Greg Bird also shapes as a wildcard for the UK raiders, with his future at Cronulla uncertain for next season. It is understood the NRL will deregister Bird if he is sacked by the Sharks.

(Source: Josh Massoud, Herald Sun, 13 November 2008)

NZ women, police teams feature in World Cup Two other New Zealand rugby league sides are on course for appearances in World Cup finals in Australia.

While the Kiwis take on England on Saturday night for a place in the Rugby League World Cup final, the Kiwi Ferns are also in line for success in the women's World Rugby League Cup, as is the national team in the first World Cup of Police Rugby League.

The two tournaments started this week and are part of the Rugby League International Federation's Festival of World Cups. The women's World Cup involves New Zealand, Pacific Islands, England, Russia, Tonga, Samoa, France and Australia with matches based on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

The Kiwi Ferns tackle England for the right to meet the winner of the Australia-Pacific Islands semi-final in Saturday night's grand final, in a curtain-raiser to the Kiwis-England match.

The Kiwi Ferns, guided by 2007 New Zealand women's player of the year Rona Peters, have reached the last four by dominating their pool. They started with a 72-0 trouncing of the Pacific Islands and then accounted for Tonga 42-4 and Samoa 26-4.

New Zealand has already clinched a spot in the police tournament's grand final, with the other finalist yet to be decided.

The New Zealand police side, guided by former Kiwis coach , recorded a hard-fought 14-4 victory over Fiji followed by by wins against Papua New Guinea (20-0) and England (40-0).

Among the New Zealand squad are former Warriors Tony Tatupu and Boycie Nelson

(Source: NZPA 12 November 2008)

England unleash mind games Mystery surrounds the make-up of the England World Cup semi-final team despite coach Tony Smith naming a 19-strong squad.

One of the players New Zealand fears most, Leeds half Danny McGuire plus form winger Ade Gardner, were surprisingly omitted from the squad while major injury concern Paul Wellens was named for Saturday night's clash with the Kiwis at Brisbane.

However, an England spokesman said the team were addressing "one or two issues" and did not rule out players not included in the squad running out against New Zealand.

Asked what issues were being addressed, he said: "That's all I can really say at this point in time."

England's cloak and dagger approach appears to be a direct response to New Zealand not naming their team as scheduled.

Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney has refused to reveal anything about his team except to rule out injured centre Steve Matai (shoulder) as expected.

"I can tell you who our five-eighth is," Kearney quipped, referring to last weekend's stand-in skipper Benji Marshall.

A World Cup spokesperson confirmed England were allowed to bring in a player outside the squad.

McGuire was tipped to replace underperforming pivot in the must-win game but was overlooked altogether.

And just days after putting his hand up to mark New Zealand's four-try hero Manu Vatuvei, St Helens winger Gardner was also ignored.

But full-back Wellens (ankle) was named while Pryce, form prop James Graham and danger man all returned after being rested for England's 36-24 weekend pool loss to New Zealand at Newcastle.

McGuire was also rested in the Kiwis' come-from-behind pool victory but was tipped by former Great Britain coach Brian Noble to threaten the disappointing Pryce for the five-eighth nod.

"There is still a conundrum over who will play (at five-eighth) with both Danny McGuire and Leon Pryce sitting out the defeat to New Zealand.

"The kicking strategy will be vital (against New Zealand) but I'm reminded of Leeds' (Super League) grand final win when , (Rob) Burrow and McGuire all kicked really well and that helped them to defeat a fancied St Helens team (featuring Pryce)."

But the jury is out on whether Smith does play McGuire after the England spokesman's curious statement.

New Zealand football manager and former Kiwi skipper nominated McGuire as one of the players his team feared most.

" is a dangerous individual so is McGuire given space to move," he said.

Despite establishing himself as one of English Super League's superstars, Pryce has failed to produce Down Under.

Gardner is also a big name omission after making some big calls this week.

The 2008 Super League leading try scorer said he looked forward to taking on Vatuvei, even though he would be giving away almost 20kg to the powerful Kiwi.

Instead, he will be watching from the grandstand - if Smith remains faithful to his squad.

Lee Smith and Mark Calderwood have been named as England wingers.

Whatever team Smith decides on, Kearney expects a much-improved effort from the underperforming English.

They have only managed an unconvincing win over PNG before being crushed by Australia and letting a 16- point lead slip against the Kiwis.

"They are bringing in a couple of key players who really change the outlook of their side," Kearney said.

"James Graham - he got the Man of Steel (English Player of the Year Award) over there, James Roby is a wonderful player and Pryce makes a difference.

"What we achieved (last weekend) will be doubly hard this week."

(Source: , 12 November 2008)

Wolfhounds still in league doghouse The Irish Wolfhounds' howls appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

Rugby League International Federation vice-chairman Richard Lewis still wants World Cup wooden spooners France - not surprise packets Ireland - to play next year's four nations tournament.

Ireland coach Andy Kelly claimed his Wolfhounds deserved a place alongside Australia, England and New Zealand in the 2009 tournament after they just missed out on an historic World Cup semi-final berth.

Ireland were tipped to replace France at the four nations after turning out to be a major surprise at the World Cup.

They topped their pool before bowing out 30-14 to Fiji in Monday night's semi-final qualifier at the Gold Coast - a match Lewis attended.

In contrast, France were the biggest disappointment, finishing dead-last in the 10-team competition.

Yet Lewis backed France to be the fourth team in next year's northern hemisphere tournament.

"The Four Nations, in my view, should be unchanged. It should be exactly what has been planned," he told reporters.

"France have a more developed infrastructure. It's a bigger sport in France at the moment, and they deserve an opportunity to play in the Four Nations. "They have been playing consistently every year against Australia and New Zealand.

"One of the key issues is that they are capable of staging matches, and that's important for the international game.

"Certainly France have been one of the disappointments in the World Cup - and they are the first to admit that - but it doesn't mean to say they don't deserve a chance in 2009 to play in the Four Nations."

But Lewis did support Kelly's call for an Irish team to contest the lower tier National League UK competition to help lift the sport's profile in the Emerald Isle.

He also hinted at a Scottish National League team.

But Lewis said Irish rugby league had to take baby steps before making the giant leap into the four nations.

He believed Ireland had to cut its teeth in the European Nations Cup first.

"The Irish performed very creditably, but first we need to develop the game in Ireland," Lewis said.

"They have got good development work going on there. The number of clubs and teams is increasing, and we need more of that.

"I hope the Irish government and their equivalent of the sports council will get behind them.

"But I think 2009 would be too early (for Ireland to enter the four nations)."

(Source: One Sport, TVNZ, 12 November 2008)

Cash-strapped Fiji hit World Cup jackpot Money may not be the motivation behind Fiji's stunning Rugby League World Cup run - but it certainly weighed heavily on many of the players' minds.

Fiji management have revealed most players were trying to save as much of their World Cup daily allowance as possible in order to give the bulk of it to their cash-strapped families at home.

Because team management only covered breakfasts, players relied on "all you can eat" buffets during their Cup campaign in order to save cash.

But their miserly ways appear over after the Batis reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Fiji are guaranteed a $300,000 pay cheque for booking Sunday's showdown with unbeaten champions Australia at Sydney - and national coach Joe Dakuitoga confirmed he wanted the money to go to his players.

It would be music to the ears of the likes of their two Fijian village league players - Ilisoni Vonomateiratu and Suguturaga Valekapa - who play for a pittance.

Their squad also boasts 14 park footballers and several NRL fringe players.

Indeed, the team that beat Ireland 30-14 in the semi-final qualifier on the Gold Coast on Sunday night boasted just two players with international experience before the Cup started.

Now one of the game's paupers lines up against the cashed-up superstars.

But Fiji have stressed they have not been thinking about the potential Cup pay cheque in Australia, despite their obvious hardships.

"Money was never an issue," Fijian captain, Newcastle star Wes Naiqama said.

"We all play because we're passionate about the game."

Fiji started the tournament at 500-1 outsiders with bookmakers, odds dramatically shortened to 40-1 by this week. Few expect Fiji to overcome an Australian team that thrashed them 66-8 the last time they met in 2000.

But it has been made clear from the outset to Fiji that their Cup campaign is about much more than simply winning games.

"We are a sport that always has been looked down on (by rugby in Fiji) - I think after this World Cup rugby league will be the No.1 game in Fiji," Dakuitoga said after their 30-14 win.

"Rugby league started in Fiji in 1992 so to be where we are today is a big achievement.

"All of Fiji are watching us."

It's no exaggeration.

Fiji's pay-TV network ran out of satellite dishes before the win over Ireland.

"We came here to lift the profile of rugby league back in Fiji and to unite our country so it isn't pulled in all directions," team manager Ilaitia Naqau said.

"To play Australia will open doors for us back home like we've never seen before.

"It would be crucial for rugby league in Fiji."

Their Cup performance has already made an impact.

The Fijian Times gushed: "Our proud Bati now face the world champion Kangaroos on Sunday, marking the first entry into a semi-final by a major team sport.

(Source: The Age, 11 November 2008)

Injured Matai out of cup semifinal Kamikaze Kiwi Steve Matai's World Cup appears over with medical staff opting for caution over his recovery from neck injury.

The noises out of the New Zealand camp were positive after Matai was cleared of a fracture but, after consultation with the Manly centre and Sea Eagles medical staff, Kiwis doctor Simon Mayhew said yesterday it was highly unlikely he would take any further part in the tournament.

Matai was booked for an MRI scan yesterday but Mayhew said the best outcome of disc swelling would still be enough to keep him away from Saturday’s semifinal against England at Suncorp Stadium.

"‘He knows that this is something that is going to take some days to come right and we’ve just got to be careful," Mayhew said.

"‘There was some very severe symptoms on Saturday.

"So he may well run out of time in terms of this World Cup but, so be it, his long-term health is so important."

Matai, who is still in pain, was disappointed but realistic about taking a long-term view to his recovery. He has had shoulder, neck and wrist problems this year, but missed only a handful of games on the way to an NRL premiership with Manly.

Matai will undergo surgery to remove floating bone chips in a shoulder, a procedure he delayed to play in the World Cup.

Mayhew said Matai’s high pain threshold was phenomenal, but not unique among New Zealand league players.

"‘There’s other guys out there that do it [toughness] in a different way. Look at Ruben Wiki. He’s pretty hard, and someone like Sam Rapira, he’s pretty uncompromising the way he tackles and the way he carries into contact." Manly chief executive Grant Mayer said he was content to leave the decision on whether Matai would play up to New Zealand.

"‘Sure we’re concerned, but we know the Kiwis will be doing all they can for him," Mayer said.

Matai is likely to be replaced by Parramatta’s or the Roosters’ Setaimata Sa.

Inu replaced a suspended Matai for the Papua New Guinea game and looked assured, though Sa, who has been used by Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney as a second rower, could be shifted to accommodate Bronson Harrison or David Faalogo.

Mayhew said Storm second rower Sika Manu was on track to return from eye injury.

"‘Sika is into full training now," he said.

"[Trainer-mentor] Ruben [Wiki] put him through a few punishing sessions at the end of last week so I think he’d rather play than put up with one of those again."

The Kiwis trained at Brisbane’s Langlands Park yesterday afternoon with the dust still settling on Saturday’s come-from-behind 36-24 pool victory over England.

Kearney will talk to tournament referees boss Mick Stone this week to discuss interpretations of the ruck after he felt the Kiwis were hard done by on Saturday.

England coach Tony Smith has hit back at Benji Marshall’s claim that England had treated the haka with disrespect.

They huddled in a circle rather than standing to face the haka. ‘‘I’m not sure you should have to stand there and take it as a victim,’’ Smith said.

"In some cultures, some people may find getting a tongue poked out at them offensive."

Kearney played down England’s snub.

"I don’t think it’s a big issue," he said. "But I know a couple of the players feel a little upset by it, but that’s their right.

"It’s also the English players’ right to do what they did."

England players also accused Kiwis hooker Issac Luke of diving to earn the penalty that gave New Zealand the lead in Newcastle.

"He should be playing soccer," forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan said.

Interchange player Kevin Sinfield said Luke was a great actor.

"He certainly played for it - I think he’d have got an Oscar. It did hurt us but we can’t blame the defeat on that."

(Source: Sam Worthington, Fairfax Media 11 November 2008)

Fiji completes rugby league World Cup semis picture Fiji has booked a rugby league World Cup semi-final with a hard fought win over Ireland on the Gold Coast.

It will be the first time in eight years the nation of Islands will take on Australia.

Touted as 500-1 long shots pre-tournament, Fiji has defied expectations to reach the final four, in the process elevating themselves above more fancied rival local rivals Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa.

Now it prepares to face the might of the unbeaten Australians at Sydney next Sunday, the first international meeting between the two countries since the 2000 World Cup, when the Kangaroos romped home to the tune of 66-8.

While anything other than an Australian victory is clearly a pipe dream, the powerful and flamboyant Fijians have showed enough to suggest a much tighter affair this time around.

NRL stars , and again led the way, but they had plenty of support from the team's lesser lights, with versatile interchange player and forward Sevanaia Koroi turning in whole-hearted displays against the Irish.

It was winger, who stole the show, grabbing two tries and saving two others, with his blistering speed and strength.

When the two teams hit the field it quickly became obvious the thrill-a-minute islanders were the favourites of the 8224 fans at Skilled Park.

Fijian skipper Wes Naiqama opened the scoring with a wonderful solo try in just the second minute of play.

After Bulldogs halfback Groom regathered a chargedown by Irish lock , he managed to find a flying Naiqama in support, who burst through four tackles on his way to the line.

Ireland conjured a quick response courtesy of dashing winger Damien Blanch, who beat the fullback Hayne with an in-and-away move that would have done proud.

Groom narrowly missed completing a sensational charge to the line in the 15th minute after an equally spectacular try-saving tackle from Irish fullback Michael Platt.

After weathering an early onslaught, the Irish looked to be gaining the ascendancy in general play, with Fiji guilty of overplaying its hand on numerous occasions.

Ireland though, failed to capitalise on the bountiful offerings and were made to pay the price for extravagance, as Fijian flyer Akuila Uate powered through the narrowest of gaps from 20m to put his side back in front 10 minutes before the break.

However, just as the tide and the crowd looked to be turning against them, the men from the Emerald Isle showed just how they earned the “Fightin” prefix they carry so proudly, turning on some enterprising rugby league in the dying stages and crossing for a vital four-pointer two minutes before the half-time siren.

Platt pulled off another remarkable trysaver just 90 seconds into the second stanza, curling his body under the ball to deny Storer what looked to be a certain try. Not to be outdone, Uate pulled off a wonderful covering effort of his own just moments later, to shut down a promising Irish attacking raid which had been sparked by a good run from replacement , who's creativity in the middle of the field was troubling the big Fijian forwards.

However, a glut of possession in the early exchanges simply proved too much for Irish to overcome, with a try from former NRL winger Nick Bradley-Qalilawa opening the floodgates.

FIJI 30 (A Uate 2 J Bukuya J Hayne W Naiqama tries W Naiqama 5 goals) IRELAND 14 (D Blanch 2 S Grix tries P Richards goal) at Skilled Park. Referee: A Klein. Crowd: 8,224.

(Source: The Age, 10 November 2008)

Manu Vatuvei warned England he wasn't done yet after his 4 try haul Kiwis rugby league wing Manu Vatuvei warned England he wasn't done yet after his World Cup-record four-try haul stunned them in Newcastle last night.

The 112kg New Zealand Warriors wrecking ball continued his dream season with four of the Kiwis' seven tries as they stormed home to beat England 36-24.

It boosted his record to better than 100 percent in all matches this year, with 22 tries from 21 matches for the Warriors, All Golds and Kiwis.

It also equalled the World Cup record as he joined Australia's Mat Rogers (against Fiji in 2000), Australia's Wendell Sailor (against Russia in 2000) and England's Keith Fielding (against France in 1975) in the four-try club. The previous best Cup haul by a Kiwi was three, both at the 2000 tournament by Robbie Paul against France and against Wales.

Vatuvei couldn't recall scoring four tries in any match and his gold-capped teeth were in full view as he beamed at the achievement with Kiwis fans clamouring for his autograph in the Newcastle darkness.

"Nah, I've never done that before... maybe just playing in the backyard with my friends," Vatuvei said.

"Scoring four tries in a test is a big honour for me and I'll never forget this moment."

Best known before this season for his erratic form, Vatuvei stepped up consistently in 2008 and was determined to back up with another matchwinning performance in Saturday's semifinal, most likely to be against England at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

"For sure. I want to take it on for next week. I can't have a good game tonight and not show up next week.

"It's really exciting for the guys and it builds a bit of confidence. We're just trying to take it on for next week and do the same thing."

Vatuvei, now with 10 tries from 14 tests, expected St Helens wing Ade Gardner would be recalled to mark him next weekend and admitted: "He'll have some things on his mind."

The Kiwis needed Vatuvei's heroics as they trailed 0-12 after eight minutes, before Jerome Ropati broke through and Vatuvei busted the goalline defence to open the Kiwis' account.

His next three tries were a dash to the left-hand corner in the second half after captain Benji Marshall and fullback Lance Hohaia created space and the England defence was caught woefully short.

"I wouldn't have done it without the other boys bringing in players and giving me some space, and Benji and Lance giving me those long balls. I'm pretty lucky I was on the outside."

(Source: NZPA – 10 November 2008)

Wiki announces retirement - Kiwi legend turns down chance to end career in Super League New Zealand legend Ruben Wiki has confirmed his retirement from the game, thus ending any speculation of a move to the engage Super League.

The 35-year-old had been linked with a number of leading Super League clubs but has instead opted to hang up his boots and pursue community based and promotional opportunities outside the game.

Wiki enjoyed a fairytale finish to his glittering career when he scored a 70-metre try in his New Zealand swansong for the All Golds versus New Zealand Maori in New Plymouth on Sunday.

The New Zealander has racked up a world record 55 Tests for the Kiwis and a record 312 NRL games for Canberra and New Zealand Warriors. Wiki admits it was time to move on.

He said: "I've had a great time playing alongside so many players, and it's been a lot of fun being able to say goodbye to all the supporters over the last few weeks."

Wiki concedes that although he did have the option of playing in Super League retirement was an obvious choice to make.

He added: "I could have played on, but to be honest, enjoying the finals run with the Warriors and then playing for the All Golds has been the perfect way to finish. I couldn't have hoped for better."

Wiki now has his sights set on the upcoming World Cup and he joined the Kiwi camp on Monday. The 35-year- old will act as a mentor to the New Zealand players.

(Source: www.skysports.com 10 November 2008)

Kearney warns of wrestle-fest in rematch A selection headache for Kiwis coach Steve Kearney ahead of Saturday's World Cup semifinal against England in Brisbane.

He rested a number of key players at the weekend but the new players still helped the Kiwis beat England 36- 24 in their final pool match in Newcastle.

Kearney says with a wide range of players now in the running for the semifinals he will go through the tape and make a decision on the team as late as possible.

England also have four rested players available for this weekend's rematch.

Kearney will seek a meeting with World Cup referees' boss Mick Stone this week after becoming frustrated at the inconsistency displayed so far by the officials.

The Kiwis believe England was allowed to drastically slow down the play the ball and they are annoyed about the leniency shown by the referee.

Kearney says he will take the issue into his own hands if it continues in the semifinal.

He wants to know if the ruck will be controlled in the same way for Saturday's clash because if that is the standard then he will have his team practicing wrestling all week.

There is good news for centre Steve Matai, who has been cleared of serious neck injury although it is still unknown whether he will be available for the rest of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Australia has warmed up for the knock-out stages of the World Cup with a 46-6 thumping of Papua New Guinea in Townsville to finish top of their group.

David Williams scored a hat-trick on debut while crossed for a double inside the first half.

The Kangaroos led 22-0 at halftime. PNG has finished the tournament without a win.

The Kangaroos will face either Ireland or Fiji in the semifinals next weekend.

Samoa has ended the tournament on a high, recording a 42-10 win over France in Penrith.

(Source: Newstalk ZB, 10 November 2008)