We profile the eight teams taking part in this yr’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup; hosts England get the tournament beneath manner at Headingley in opposition to debutants Brazil on Tuesday, November 1 (kick-off 2.30pm)
Last Updated: 25/10/22 7:46pm
Can Amy Hardcastle and England deliver residence the Women’s World Cup this yr?
The 2021 Women’s Rugby League World Cup kicks off with a double-header on Tuesday, November 1 and we check out the eight teams taking part in the tournament…
Group A
England
Head coach: Craig Richards
Captain: Emily Rudge
Craig Richards and Emily Rudge are aiming to guide England to World Cup glory
Previous World Cup greatest: Third place/semi-finals x3 (2008, 2013, 2017).
Player to look at: Tara-Jane Stanley. The goal-kicking full-back is the reigning Woman of Steel after a stellar 2022 season in the Betfred Women’s Super League which noticed her assist York attain the Grand Final for the first time and can be aiming to take that type into a house World Cup.
What to count on: Reaching the semi-finals once more can be the naked minimal Craig Richards’ workforce count on of themselves, however the goal is in the end to go on and carry the World Cup for the first time at Old Trafford on November 19. To do this although, they should overcome the two huge weapons of reigning champions Australia in addition to New Zealand.
Papua New Guinea
Head coach: Ben Jeffries
Captain: Elise Albert
Papua New Guinea have been victorious in opposition to England in 2019
Previous World Cup greatest: Group stage (2017).
Player to look at: Elise Albert. The prop is considered one of the largest names in Papua New Guinean women’s rugby league and a star of the NRLW with St George Illawarra Dragons. She led from the entrance as the teams secured an historic worldwide win over England three years in the past and may be anticipated to do the identical at this yr’s international gathering.
What to count on: The Orchids are aiming to construct on their group stage look on their debut at the 2017 World Cup and may have their sights on not less than making the knock-out levels. However, they have been denied doing that by a defeat to Canada 5 years in the past and the match between these two could possibly be essential in deciding which aspect advances.
Brazil
Head coach: Paul Grundy
Captain: TBC
Previous World Cup greatest: First look.
Player to look at: Maria Graf. Graf has tried her hand at a number of sports activities, together with judo and soccer, earlier than discovering rugby. As a Brazilian U18 champion, she’s going to deliver some much-needed expertise to this aspect.
What to count on: The Amazonas are making historical past as the first Latin American workforce to have certified for a Rugby League World Cup and they are going to be oozing with pleasure as they get the Women’s tournament beneath manner in opposition to England. Only Maria Graf and Tatiane Fernandes have pulled on the Brazil jersey earlier than so will probably be a aspect filled with ardour, up and coming stars and one the world can be watching.
Canada
Head coach: Mike Castle
Captain: Gabrielle Hindley
Laura Mariu will symbolize Canada at this yr’s World Cup
Previous World Cup greatest: Semi-finals (2017).
Player to look at: Laura Mariu. The stand-off is an icon of New Zealand women’s rugby league, having represented the Kiwi Ferns in 5 World Cups, however at 41 can be lining up for the Ravens this yr as a result of being eligible by means of her Canadian mom. Mariu’s expertise and talent can be important for the North American aspect.
What to count on: Canada reached the semi-finals on their World Cup debut 5 years in the past and can seemingly be combating it out with Papua New Guinea to hitch hosts England in the final 4 from Group A this time round. A repeat of that may be a high quality achievement for the workforce.
Group B
Australia
Head coach: Brad Donald
Captain: Ali Brigginshaw
Australia are the reigning champions
Previous World Cup greatest: Winners x2 (2013,2017).
Player to look at: Tarryn Aiken. It is tough to choose only one participant out of a star-studded Jillaroos workforce to look at, however the 23-year-old is considered one of the rising stars of the NRLW. Brisbane Broncos stand-off Aiken was nominated for the lady’s Dally M accolade this yr and named in the workforce of the yr and will properly star for her nation too as they search to defend their world title.
What to count on: Australia have gained the previous two women’s World Cup and can be assured of creating it three in a row. Widely anticipated to succeed in the closing at Old Trafford on October 19, the query stays as as to whether trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand or hosts England can forestall them from lifting the trophy.
New Zealand
Head coach: Ricky Henry
Captain: Krystal Rota
Raecene McGregor is considered one of the stars of the New Zealand workforce
Previous World Cup greatest: Winners x3 (2000, 2003, 2008).
Player to look at: Raecene McGregor. As the 2022 NRLW Dally M Medalist, McGregor has been lighting up the NRLW with the Sydney Roosters. With 10 attempt assists to her title, McGregor has turn into an attacking menace to look out for, and at half-back she is definite to trigger some injury.
What to count on: The Kiwi Ferns are bringing an skilled aspect to the World Cup and are closely predicted to go all the strategy to the closing. With NRLW stars equivalent to Annetta-Claudia Nu’uausala, Amber Paris-Hall and Brianna Clark alongside the likes of Shanice Parker, New Zealand have threats all throughout the park and their Group B conflict with Australia on November 10 will definitely be one to look at.
France
Head coach: Vincent Baloup
Captain: Alice Varela
France confronted England in a mid-year worldwide in June
Previous World Cup greatest: Fourth place (2013).
Player to look at: Laureane Biville. Regular watchers of the Betfred Women’s Super League may have seen the centre or second row in motion for Wigan Warriors throughout her spell with them in 2022. Biville has expertise of enjoying in Australia as properly and was named participant of the match in France’s defeat to England in June’s mid-season worldwide.
What to count on: France are in a troublesome Group B at this yr’s women’s tournament and have huge matches in opposition to Australia and New Zealand that might finish their World Cup desires at the group levels. However, they’ve some established stars that can be steadying the ship and this devoted aspect can be doing all they’ll to place in some huge performances.
Cook Islands
Head coach: Rusty Matua
Captain: TBC
Cook Islands missed out on the semi-finals on factors distinction in 2017
Previous World Cup greatest: Group stage (2003, 2017).
Player to look at: Mackenzie Wiki. If the surname sounds acquainted to rugby league followers, then the purpose is as a result of the 21-year-old is the daughter of New Zealand males’s nice Ruben Wiki. Mackenzie is set to forge her personal title is the sport and has ambitions of enjoying in the NRLW and has a chance to impress on the international stage at this tournament.
What to count on: The Cook Islands solely missed out on a spot in the semi-finals in 2017 after ending behind England on factors distinction, though like France they’re up in opposition to in in phrases of reaching the final 4 this yr with the two powerhouse nations of New Zealand and Australia in their group as properly.
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