Think Cleary has an all round better game than Cronk, Mitchell can be awesome and unplayable, and their pack will be impressive too, got depth in the entire squad, as have NZ, with, arguably the best centre in world RL , Joey Manu and the South Sea Islanders will be fearsome too, with some monster packs and outside backs. England, hit by injury, have no chance, unless we pick the NRL based players, that aren't injured!

It's the depth that is scary and that is losing some players to the Pacific nationals, Ok they may have some of the stars they once had, but they have much more depth.

Agree on Clearly, might not be seen as a big as other 7's but for me better than Cronk, maybe if he played for one of more fancied sides like Broncos, Roosters or Storm.

Just seen the Cook islands squad they have some decent players too, ok not enough to get to the semi's but should be able to put out a side to be competitive against most teams

Hope RL fans start to cheer up about this tournament, all I see is moaning on social media when for me it's setup to be the most competitive ever.

The south sea Islands are stacked with talent, France will surely be competent for once given they've had two teams in SL this year.

England aren't as strong but should still make the Semis provided they get past Samoa in the opener.

Ticket sales are also not as bad as some are making over they've sold 350k compared with 458k in 2013, but there's over 2 weeks to go and a lot of tickets get sold just before the game. Also they aren't discounting with promo codes this time so the revenue should be a lot better which is what matters at the end of the day.

Agreed....people moan about the prices, but to actually see some decent rugby league rather than the dross people fork out for at FC every week is worth the slight extra! Kaiser chiefs performing at the opening game too!

https://twitter.com/GLR_Clarke/status/1 ... 9VIGQ&s=19 First Ralph now this....

https://twitter.com/GLR_Clarke/status/1 ... 9VIGQ&s=19 First Ralph now this....

Mitch made the most metres for Fiji tonight, and 2nd highest post contact metres

Appalling Fiji side though. Vulikijapani and Qareqare don't make a full strength Fiji second team. I don't get it?

Fiji have some good players to add yet. Sivo, Kikau and Koroisau will make them better

Mitch over Mcintosh at the start of next season.

Sao called up for the Samoa.

Ligi deserves the call up

Can you buy tickets for the NZ v Jamaica game from the stadium online or collect? Had a look and it doesn't seem so

I bought all my tickets from the RLWC site

Quick check shows over 150 NRL players in the RLWC with probably another 50 plus at junior clubs, just shows the difference between NRL & SL & just how far behind we are.

Personally looking forward to seeing such talent close up, sure there are several unknowns looking to impress - hopefully we are in the market for one or two hidden gems ?

Mitch named in the Fiji squad against the aussies. Bagged the number 5 shirt too

Fewer than 4,500 tickets sold for the New Zealand v Jamaica game at the MKM according to Hull FC Ex Players Association Twitter account.

Might have got a few more in if authorities had organised a big ganja party in West Park prior to kick-off?

That's bad.....

I've skipped that game and can see why people have. Itll be a one sided affair. We originally had a Fiji group game pencilled in for the mkm that I was going to attend.

Going to be QF game though! Dragging some mates along too who don't usually watch rugby

NZ V Fiji in the quarters will be better attended

Can't fault the amount of pre-tournament coverage on the BBC but to be expected from the sole broadcaster I suppose.
I'm intending to watch all 31 games of the men's tournament.
Blowouts or no blowouts.
Bring it on.

England need to win to avoid Tonga in the quarters. I'll go for a tight win

Samoa have been awful

Valiant effort from Vuli trying to chase [iThe Fox[/i down.


Playing against him and Lattrell would be most rugby players worst nightmare.

Agent Radfords game plan worked a treat (for England)

Guess Ligi will come into contention for Samoa with the injuries they picked up

Scotland -12.
Come on.