View source for 2008 Rugby League World Cup

{{Short description|13th Rugby League World Cup tournament}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox rugby league international tournament
| year = 2008
| title = Rugby League World Cup
| image = 2008_rugby.png
| imagesize =  160px
| alt = 2008 World Cup logo
| finalists = 10
| country = Australia
| winners = New Zealand
| count = 1
| matches = 18
| attendance = 293442
| points = 890
| tries = 156
| topscorer-flag = AUS
| topscorer = [[Johnathan Thurston]]
| top try scorer-flag = AUS
| top try scorer = [[Billy Slater]] (7 tries)
| tournaments = Rugby League World Cup
| last = [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000]]
| next = [[2013 Rugby League World Cup|2013]]
}}

The '''2008 Rugby League World Cup''' was the thirteenth [[Rugby League World Cup|World Cup]] for men’s rugby league national teams. It was held between 26 October and 22 November and was won by [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]], who defeated Australia 34–20 in the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup final|final]] in one of the greatest upsets in the sports history.

Originally there was a plan to hold a World Cup in Australia in 2004,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/world_cup_2000/1034927.stm |title=McDonald defends World Cup |publisher=BBC |access-date=12 November 2008| date=22 November 2000| location=London}}</ref> however the lack of competitiveness at the 2000 World Cup and rise of the [[Rugby League Tri-Nations|Tri-Nations]] between Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain meant that plans for another World Cup were shelved.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2370497/Lewis-backs-Australia-for-World-Cup.html |title=Lewis backs Australia for World Cup – Telegraph |work=The Daily Telegraph |author=John Whalley<!--Last Updated: 6:37PM GMT 31 December 2003-->|date= 1 January 2004|access-date=12 November 2008| location=London}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

For the World Cup to regain some credibility, the number of teams was reduced to ten with Australia, England, France, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand automatically qualifying and a qualifying tournament to determine the other five teams. The tournament ended a year of celebrations commemorating the [[Centenary of Rugby League|centenary]] of the game in the [[Southern Hemisphere]] and was part of the [[Festival of World Cups]].

== Format ==

=== Qualification ===
{{main|2008 Rugby League World Cup qualifying}}

The hosts, Australia, were given automatic entry into the World Cup, along with New Zealand, England, France and Papua New Guinea. The five remaining places in the World Cup were determined by qualification rounds. Two European rounds and Pacific, Atlantic and Repêchage rounds were scheduled.

[[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]] and [[Fiji national rugby league team|Fiji]] became the first two nations to qualify after Tonga defeated [[Samoa national rugby league team|Samoa]] 18–10 in [[Leeds]] on 22 October, forcing Samoa to enter the repêchage. In the European Group Two, [[Ireland national rugby league team|Ireland]] drew 16–16 with [[Lebanon national rugby league team|Lebanon]] to ensure qualification, while Lebanon were forced to enter the repêchage. The final automatic place went to [[Scotland national rugby league team|Scotland]], who defeated [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]] 37–32 on aggregate after two legs. Wales then faced Lebanon in the repêchage semi-final, where they lost in a surprise 50–26 defeat, to knock them out of World Cup Qualifying. Lebanon then faced Samoa, who beat [[United States national rugby league team|USA]] 42–10 in the first semi-final, on 14 November for the final qualifying position. The game was won by Samoa, 38–16, and so they booked the tenth and final place.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,22762994-5003409,00.html | title=Samoa beats Lebanon to be last team in league world cup | date=14 November 2007| agency=Australian Associated Press| access-date=11 December 2009}}</ref> Many qualification matches were broadcast live by Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, whilst BigPondTV broadcast matches online for other fans around the world.<ref>[http://www.rugbyleague.com.au/arl/news/article.php?id=1131 ARL – Tickets On Sale] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325012015/http://www.rugbyleague.com.au/arl/news/article.php?id=1131 |date=25 March 2008 }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:80%;"
|-
!Team
!Nickname
!Coach
!Captain
!RLIF Rank
|-
| {{rl|Australia}}
|The Kangaroos
|[[Ricky Stuart]]
|[[Darren Lockyer]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 1
|-
|{{rl|England}}
|The Lions
|[[Tony Smith (rugby league b. 1967)|Tony Smith]]
|[[Jamie Peacock]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 3
|-
|{{rl|Fiji}}
|The Bati
|[[Joe Dakuitoga]]
|[[Wes Naiqama]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 6
|-
|{{rl|France}}
|Les Chanticleers
|[[John Monie]]
|[[Jerome Guisset]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 5
|-
|{{rl|Ireland}}
|The Wolfhounds
|[[Andy Kelly (rugby league)|Andy Kelly]]
|[[Scott Grix]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 9
|-
|{{rl|NZ}}
|The Kiwis
|[[Stephen Kearney]]
|[[Nathan Cayless]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 2
|-
|{{rl|Papua New Guinea}}
|The Kumuls
|[[Adrian Lam]]
|[[John Wilshere]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 7
|-
|{{rl|Samoa}}
|Toa Samoa
|[[John Ackland (rugby league)|John Ackland]]
|[[Nigel Vagana]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 12
|-
|{{rl|Scotland}}
|The Bravehearts
|[[Steve McCormack]]
|[[Danny Brough]]
| style="text-align: center;"| 11
|-
|{{rl|Tonga}}
|Mate Ma'a Tonga
|[[Jim Dymock]]
|[[Lopini Paea]]
| style="text-align: center;"|4
|}

=== Draw ===
The draw, after being confirmed by the RLIF on 19 April 2007, involved three groups. The first group was made up of four teams; Australia, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Whilst the other two groups involved three teams each. The semi finals were made up of the first three teams in the first group and the winner of a playoff between the winners of the second and third groups.

The draw was put into doubt after the Papua New Guinea team claimed that it was unfair to them and threatened to boycott the tournament should it not be changed. [[Marcus Bai]], former Papua New Guinean winger and captain, said:<ref>[https://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21639234-23214,00.html Papua New Guinea Threaten Boycott]</ref>

{{blockquote|text=They have to change it and if they don't, we won't come. We will ring up the other island nations and teams elsewhere who don't qualify and we can have our own competition. They have shown no respect for our country or for our efforts to promote the game up there.}}

Fortunately for the tournament, this separate island competition did not eventuate. Papua New Guinea still remained upset with the draw, seeing it as a huge challenge but one which would have seen them be rewarded if they had won. The draw was finalised on 4 October 2007.<ref>{{cite web| work=NRL| title=RLWC08 – Schedule Finalised| url=http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/7314/Default.aspx| date=4 October 2007| access-date=4 October 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214132438/http://www.nrl.com/News/Latest/NewsArticle/tabid/76/NewsId/7314/Default.aspx| archive-date=14 February 2008| url-status=dead| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The first match took place in [[Townsville]] between [[England national rugby league team|England]] and [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]], although the official opening ceremony of the competition occurred before the [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]] and [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]] match the following day in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rlwc08.com/schedule/ |title=Rugby League World Cup 2008 |publisher=Rlwc08.com |access-date=12 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202033803/http://www.rlwc08.com/schedule/ |archive-date=2 December 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The final took place at [[Lang Park]] (Suncorp Stadium) in [[Brisbane]].

Teams received 2 points for a win, and 1-point for a draw. This meant that, unlike in the Australasian [[National Rugby League]], there was no "golden point" rule enforced. In group stages, if two teams had the same number of points then positions were determined on points difference, the number of points scored minus the number of points conceded.

After group matches were completed, a match featuring the second placed teams in Group B and Group C took place with the winner receiving 7th place. Similarly the third placed teams in Group B and Group C played off for 9th place. It was believed that these results were to be taken into account in the 2009 [[RLIF World Rankings]].{{citation needed|date=November 2008}}

===Squads===
{{See also|2008 Rugby League World Cup squads}}
Each nation competing in the tournament named 24-man squads in the weeks prior to the group stage commencing.<ref>[http://warriors.sitesuite.ws/plugins/newsfeed.cgi?rm=content&plugin_data_id=25165 Two More Vodafone Warriors in World Cup Teams]{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''NZ Warriors'', 8 October 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/08/fiji-ireland-samoa-scotland-and-tonga-sides.aspx Fiji, Ireland, Samoa, Scotland and Tonga sides] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011103133/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/08/fiji-ireland-samoa-scotland-and-tonga-sides.aspx |date=11 October 2008 }} ''Official RLWC08 site'', 8 October 2008.</ref>

== Venues ==
Due to Rugby League World Cup rules prohibiting the use of commercial venue names, all venues were known by their non-commercial names, e.g. Suncorp Stadium was known as Lang Park during the tournament. Lang Park would also host the World Cup final.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! [[Brisbane]]
! [[Melbourne]]
! [[Sydney]]
! [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]
|-
| '''[[Lang Park]]'''
| [[Docklands Stadium]]
| [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
| [[Robina Stadium]]
|-
| Capacity: '''52,500'''
| Capacity: '''56,347'''
| Capacity: '''42,500'''
| Capacity: '''27,400'''
|-
| [[File:Suncorp Stadium Brisbane Australia 01.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:England Australia Cook Cup Telstra Dome.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Aussie Stadium.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Western Grandstand of Robina Stadium.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Townsville]]
! [[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]
! [[Canberra]]
! [[Wollongong]]
|-
| [[Willows Sports Complex]]
| [[Newcastle International Sports Centre]]
| [[Canberra Stadium]]
| [[Wollongong Showground]]
|-
| Capacity: '''26,500'''
| Capacity: '''26,126'''
| Capacity: '''25,011'''
| Capacity: '''23,000'''
|-
| [[File:14-05-2005-dairy farmers at dusk.JPG|200px]]
| [[File:Ausgrid Stadium.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:BruceStadium19032005.JPG|200px]]
| [[File:WIN Stadium2.jpg|200px]]
|-
! [[Sydney]]
! [[Sydney]]
! [[Gosford]]
! [[Rockhampton]]
|-
| [[Penrith Stadium]]
| [[Parramatta Stadium]]
| [[Central Coast Stadium]]
| [[Browne Park]]
|-
| Capacity: '''22,500'''
| Capacity: '''21,500'''
| Capacity: '''20,059'''
| Capacity: '''8,000'''
|-
| [[File:Centrebet Stadium, Penrith.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Parramatta Stadium New Scoreboard.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:Bluetongue CC Stadium.jpg|200px]]
| [[File:EelsKnights40a.jpg|200px]]
|-
|colspan="2" |
{{location map+ |float=center |Australia |width=400 |caption= |places=
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-19.25 |long=146.81 |label='''[[Townsville]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-26.46 |long=153.03 |label='''[[Brisbane]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-37.81 |long=144.96 |label='''[[Melbourne]]''' |position=right }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-23.375  |long=150.511667 |label='''[[Rockhampton]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-28.016667 |long=153.4 |label='''[[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]''' |position=below}}}}
|colspan="2" |
{{location map+ |float=center |New South Wales|width=400 |caption= |places=
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-29.40 |long=146.50 |label='''[[Sydney]]''' |position=left}}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-35.30 |long=139.50 |label='''[[Canberra]]''' |position=left}}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-27 |long=148 |label='''[[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]''' |position=left }}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-32 |long=145 |label='''[[Wollongong]]''' |position=left}}
{{location map~ |Australia |lat=-28.5 |long=147 |label='''[[Gosford, New South Wales|Gosford]]''' |position=right}}}}
|}

== Officiating ==
Six referees from four countries controlled matches in the tournament. These four nations also provided touch judges while England and Australia provided the video referees.<ref name=referees>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24530732-10389,00.html |title=England Cup side not afraid of the grapple tackle |date=21 October 2008 |access-date=23 October 2008 |publisher=news.com.au |first=Steve |last=Ricketts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081023150730/http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0%2C23739%2C24530732-10389%2C00.html |archive-date=23 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=touchjudges>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportfocus.com/newspub/story.cfm?ID=30623 |title=RFL trio head to the Rugby League World Cup |date=8 October 2008|access-date=23 October 2008|publisher=sportfocus.com }}</ref> In support of the [[National Breast Cancer Foundation (Australia)|Australian National Breast Cancer Foundation]], the referees wore pastel pink shirts while officiating matches to raise awareness. The shirts, which carried the NBCF logo on the collar, were signed by the team captains at each World Cup game and were later auctioned off with the proceeds going to the NBCF.<ref name=charity1>{{cite web| url= http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/07/18/referees-in-pink-for-charity.aspx| title= Referees in pink for charity| date= 18 July 2008| access-date= 28 October 2008| publisher= Rugby League International Federation| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081201173402/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/07/18/referees-in-pink-for-charity.aspx| archive-date= 1 December 2008| url-status= dead| df= dmy-all}}</ref>

{{col-float-begin}}
;Referees
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Thierry Alibert]] <small>([[French Rugby League Federation|France]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Tony Archer (referee)|Tony Archer]] <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Steve Ganson]] <small>([[Rugby Football League|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Shayne Hayne]] <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ashley Klein]] <small>([[Rugby Football League|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Leon Williamson]] <small>([[New Zealand Rugby League|New Zealand]])</small>

;Video referees
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Steve Clark (referee)|Steve Clark]] <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Phil Cooley]] <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Steve Ganson]] <small>([[Rugby Football League|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ashley Klein]] <small>([[Rugby Football League|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Paul Simpkins]] <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>

{{col-float-break}}
;Touch judges
* {{flagicon|NZL}} Adam Burns <small>([[New Zealand Rugby League|New Zealand]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Steve Chiddy <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[James Child]] <small>([[Rugby Football League|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Tony De Las Hera <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Paul Holland <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|FRA}} Jose Perrara <small>([[French Rugby League Federation|France]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Bernard Sutton <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Gerard Sutton (rugby league)|Gerard Sutton]] <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} Russell Turner <small>([[Australian Rugby League|Australia]])</small>
{{Col-float-end}}

== Opening ceremony ==
[[File:2008 Rugby League World Cup opening ceremony (26 October 2008).jpg|right|thumb|The 2008 World Cup's opening ceremony]]On Sunday night, 26 October, the [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]] hosted the Opening Ceremony of the World Cup. It started with [[Greg Inglis]] reciting a speech about "Playing Fair". Following Inglis' speech there was an Aboriginal [[Smoking ceremony]] to welcome all the athletes and participants. This included a rather large sized [[Rainbow Serpent]] which represented the [[Aboriginal Dreamtime]]. The last part of the ceremony involved a performance of the Rugby League World Cup anthem "Hero" by [[Natalie Bassingthwaighte]]. A curtain raiser to the Australia vs. New Zealand match included an [[Australian Aboriginal rugby league team|Indigenous Australian]] squad playing against [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team|New Zealand Māori]] which featured several prominent NRL players and rising stars, including [[Chris Sandow]], [[Wairangi Koopu]], [[Preston Campbell]], [[Sam Thaiday]], [[Shaun Kenny-Dowall]] and [[Carl Webb]].

As part of the official opening of the World Cup on 26 October, an exhibition game was played between an [[Australian Aboriginal rugby league team|Aboriginal selection]] and a [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team|New Zealand Māori side]].<ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/09/indigenous-dreamtime-team-named.aspx Indigenous Dreamtime team named] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101120935/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/10/09/indigenous-dreamtime-team-named.aspx |date=1 January 2010 }} @ '''Official RLWC08 site''', 11 October 2008.</ref>

{{rugbyleaguebox
|event      = Welcome to Country Match
|date       = 26 October 2008
|team1      = [[Indigenous All Stars (rugby league)|Indigenous Dreamtime]] [[File:Australian Aboriginal Flag.svg|23px]]
|score      = 34 &ndash; 26
|report     = [https://leagueunlimited.com/news/aboriginal-side-too-good-for-maori/#vEOty8wOe5TqBKph.97 Report]<br>1st: 16 - 8<br/>2nd: 18 - 18
|team2      = {{flagicon|New Zealand Māori}} [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team|New Zealand Māori]]
|points1    = '''Tries:'''<br>[[Rod Jensen]] (33', 53') '''2'''<br>[[Rhys Wesser]] (22', 71') '''2'''<br>[[Justin Carney]] (18') '''1'''<br>[[Yileen Gordon]] (80') '''1'''<br/>'''Goals:'''<br>[[Jamie Soward]] '''4/5'''<br/>(20', 34', 54', 72')<br/>[[Derrick Watkins]] '''1/1'''<br/>(80')<br/>'''Field Goals:'''<br>Jamie Soward '''0/1'''
|points2    = '''Tries:'''<br>[[Sam McKendry]] (2') '''1'''<br>[[Shaun Kenny-Dowall]] (25') '''1'''<br>[[Chase Stanley]] (48') '''1'''<br>[[Jordan Rapana]] (58') '''1'''<br>[[Arana Taumata]] (67') '''1'''<br/>'''Goals:'''<br>[[Bronx Goodwin]] '''2/4'''<br/>(49', 69')<br/>Chase Stanley '''1/1'''<br/>(59')
|stadium    = [[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
|referee    = Tony Archer
|attendance = 
}}

{| width="100%"
|+ class="nowrap" | '''Team lists:'''
| valign="top" width="50%" |
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: 90%"
! width="25" |
! width="25" |
|
|-
|FB
|'''1'''
| [[Rhys Wesser]]
|-
|WG
|'''2'''
| [[Justin Carney]]
|-
|CE
|'''3'''
| [[Maurice Blair]]
|-
|CE
|'''4'''
| [[Jamal Idris]]
|-
|WG
|'''5'''
| [[Ty Williams]]
|-
|FE
|'''6'''
| [[Jamie Soward]]
|-
|HB
|'''7'''
| [[Preston Campbell]] (c)
|-
|PR
|'''8'''
| [[Carl Webb]]
|-
|HK
|'''9'''
|[[Ian Lacey]]
|-
|PR
|'''17'''
| Peter Jensen
|-
|SR
|'''11'''
| [[Daine Laurie (rugby league, born 1984)|Daine Laurie]]
|-
|SR
|'''12'''
| [[Derrick Watkins]]
|-
|LK
|'''13'''
| [[Dean Widders]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Interchange:'''
|-
|IC
|'''14'''
| [[Chris Sandow]]
|-
|IC
|'''15'''
| [[Rod Jensen]]
|-
|IC
|'''16'''
| [[Yileen Gordon]]
|-
|IC
|'''10'''
| [[George Rose (rugby league)|George Rose]]
|-
|IC
|'''18'''
| [[Dennis Moran (rugby league)|Dennis Moran]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Coach:'''
|-
| colspan="4" | [[Neil Henry]]
|}
| valign="top" width="50%" |
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" style="font-size: 90%"
! width="25" |
! width="25" |
|
|-
|FB
|'''1'''
| [[Bronx Goodwin]]
|-
|WG
|'''2'''
| [[Jordan Rapana]]
|-
|CE
|'''3'''
| [[Chase Stanley]]
|-
|CE
|'''4'''
| Karl Johnson
|-
|WG
|'''5'''
| [[Shaun Kenny-Dowall]]
|-
|FE
|'''14'''
| Charlie Herekotukutuku
|-
|HB
|'''7'''
| [[Rangi Chase]]
|-
|PR
|'''8'''
| [[Weller Hauraki]]
|-
|HK
|'''9'''
| [[Ben Ellis (rugby league)|Ben Ellis]] (c)
|-
|PR
|'''10'''
| [[Sam McKendry]]
|-
|SR
|'''11'''
| [[Craig Smith (rugby league, born 1971)|Craig Smith]]
|-
|SR
|'''12'''
| [[Wairangi Koopu]]
|-
|LK
|'''13'''
| [[Lee Te Maari]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Interchange:'''
|-
|IC
|'''6'''
| [[Arana Taumata]]
|-
|IC
|'''15'''
| [[Hep Cahill]]
|-
|IC
|'''16'''
| Chance Bunce
|-
|IC
|'''17'''
| [[James Tamou]]
|-
|IC
|'''18'''
| [[Kevin Proctor]]
|-
| colspan="3" |'''Coach:'''
|-
| colspan="4" |[[Luke Goodwin]]
|}
|}

== Group stage ==
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup's eighteen matches were played during October and November in various locations throughout the [[east coast of Australia]]. The tournament's teams were divided into three pool groups. The teams finishing highest amongst those groups progressed to the play-offs.

All teams from group A (shaded in green) with the exception of the bottom qualifying team progressed to the semi-finals, the other two groups the top finisher progressed to a playoff match, in which the winner would qualify to the semi-finals.

=== Group A ===
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|Standings}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|ENGvPNG}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvNZL}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|NZLvPNG}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvENG}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|ENGvNZL}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|AUSvPNG}}

=== Group B ===
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|Standings}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|FRAvSCO}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|FIJvFRA}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group B|SCOvFIJ}}

=== Group C ===
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|Standings}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|TONvIRE}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|SAMvTON}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup Group C|IREvSAM}}

== Knockout stage ==
{{Main|2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage}}
The top three teams from pool A advanced to the semi-finals, while the top teams from pools B and C played off in the qualifying final to decide the fourth spot in the semi-finals.

{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|Bracket}}

===7th place play-off===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|SCOvTON}}

===9th place play-off===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|FRAvSAM}}

===Quarter-final===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|FIJvIRE}}

=== Semi-finals ===
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|NZLvENG}}
----
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup knockout stage|AUSvFIJ}}

=== Final: Australia vs New Zealand ===
{{main|2008 Rugby League World Cup final}}
{{#lst:2008 Rugby League World Cup final|Final}}

==Statistics==
=== Try scorers ===
;7 tries
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Billy Slater]]

;6 tries
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Greg Inglis]]

;5 tries
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Akuila Uate]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Damien Blanch]]

;4 tries
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Joel Monaghan]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[David Williams (rugby league)|David Williams]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Lance Hohaia]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Jerome Ropati]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Manu Vatuvei]]
{{div col end}}

;3 tries
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Scott Prince]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Johnathan Thurston]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Martin Gleeson (rugby league)|Martin Gleeson]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lee Smith (rugby league)|Lee Smith]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Jarryd Hayne]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jérôme Guisset]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Pat Richards]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Sam Perrett]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Michael Jennings (rugby league)|Michael Jennings]]
{{div col end}}

;2 tries
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Israel Folau]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Anthony Laffranchi]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Darren Lockyer]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Brent Tate]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Rob Burrow]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Ade Gardner]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Danny McGuire]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Jayson Bukuya]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Semi Tadulala]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[John Wilson (Australian rugby league)|John Wilson]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Adam Blair]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Simon Mannering]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Benji Marshall]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[George Keppa]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[George Carmont]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Francis Meli]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Misi Taulapapa]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Ben Te'o]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Matt Utai]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Nigel Vagana]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Jon Steel]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Oliver Wilkes]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Etuate Uaisele]]
{{div col end}}

;1 try
{{div col|colwidth=13em}}
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Paul Gallen]]
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Anthony Tupou]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Jamie Peacock]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Mickey Higham]]
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[James Roby]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Christophe Moly]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Planas]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Sébastien Raguin]]
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jared Taylor (rugby league)|Jared Taylor]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Iowane Divavesi]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Semisi Tora]]
* {{flagicon|FIJ}} [[Wes Naiqama]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Liam Finn (rugby league)|Liam Finn]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Simon Finnigan]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Sean Gleeson (rugby league)|Sean Gleeson]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Scott Grix]]
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} [[Michael Platt (rugby league)|Michael Platt]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Greg Eastwood]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[David Fa'alogo]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Nathan Fien]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Bronson Harrison]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Issac Luke]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Sika Manu]]
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Jason Nightingale]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Paul Aiton]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Jason Chan (rugby league)|Jason Chan]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Rod Griffin]]
* {{flagicon|PNG}} [[Menzie Yere]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Joseph Paulo]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Frank Puletua]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[Ben Roberts (rugby league)|Ben Roberts]]
* {{flagicon|SAM}} [[David Solomona]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Paddy Coupar]]
* {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Michael Robertson (rugby league)|Michael Robertson]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Tevita Leo-Latu]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Feleti Mateo]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Eddie Paea]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Fetuli Talanoa]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Esikeli Tonga]]
* {{flagicon|TON}} [[Tony Williams (rugby league)|Tony Williams]]
{{div col end}}

=== Attendances ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%"
! width="150" |Date
! colspan="2" width="375" |Match
! width="200" |Venue
! width="140" |Location
! width="100" |Attendance
|-
|25 October 2008
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|{{Rl|PNG}}
|[[Willows Sports Complex]]
|[[Townsville]]
|10,780
|-
|26 October 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|[[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|34,157
|-
|26 October 2008
|{{Rl|FRA}}
|{{Rl|SCO}}
|[[Canberra Stadium]]
|[[Canberra]]
|9,287
|-
|27 October 2008
|{{Rl|TON}}
|{{Rl|IRE}}
|[[Parramatta Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|6,165
|-
|31 October 2008
|{{Rl|SAM}}
|{{Rl|TON}}
|[[Penrith Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|11,787
|-
|1 November 2008
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|{{Rl|FRA}}
|[[Wollongong Showground]]
|[[Wollongong]]
|9,213
|-
|1 November 2008
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|{{Rl|PNG}}
|[[Robina Stadium]]
|[[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]
|11,278
|-
|2 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|[[Docklands Stadium]]
|[[Melbourne]]
|36,297
|-
|5 November 2008
|{{Rl|IRE}}
|{{Rl|SAM}}
|[[Parramatta Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|8,067
|-
|5 November 2008
|{{Rl|SCO}}
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|[[Central Coast Stadium]]
|[[Gosford]]
|9,720
|-
|8 November 2008
|{{Rl|SCO}}
|{{Rl|TON}}
|[[Browne Park]]
|[[Rockhampton]]
|5,942
|-
|8 November 2008
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|[[Newcastle International Sports Centre]]
|[[Newcastle, New South Wales|Newcastle]]
|15,145
|-
|9 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|PNG}}
|[[Willows Sports Complex]]
|[[Townsville]]
|16,239
|-
|9 November 2008
|{{Rl|FRA}}
|{{Rl|SAM}}
|[[Penrith Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|8,028
|-
|10 November 2008
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|{{Rl|IRE}}
|[[Robina Stadium]]
|[[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]]
|8,224
|-
|15 November 2008
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|{{Rl|ENG}}
|[[Lang Park]]
|[[Brisbane]]
|26,659
|-
|16 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|FIJ}}
|[[Sydney Football Stadium (1988)|Sydney Football Stadium]]
|[[Sydney]]
|15,855
|-
|22 November 2008
|{{Rl|AUS}}
|{{Rl|NZL}}
|[[Lang Park]]
|[[Brisbane]]
|50,599
|}

== Critical reception ==
[[File:Kiwis Team Photo.jpg|thumb|right|New Zealand lifting the [[Paul Barrière Trophy]] after their victory in the final.]]Due to the generally poor response of the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000 World Cup]], there were several key criticisms of the tournament before any matches had kicked off.<ref>{{cite news|last=John-paul moloney and david jean |title=The real deal or a standing joke? |work=The Canberra Times |place=Australia |date=28 October 2008 |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/the-real-deal-or-a-standing-joke/1343263.aspx?storypage=2 |access-date=7 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122052237/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/the-real-deal-or-a-standing-joke/1343263.aspx?storypage=2 |archive-date=22 November 2011 }}</ref> The RLIF were forced to defend the credibility of the tournament in October 2007 after New Zealand, one of the favourites for the competition, were heavily beaten in a Test match 58–0 in [[Wellington]] against Australia.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22595095-5016312,00.html Kiwi Pre-WC Criticism]</ref> Another concern was whether there would be enough competitiveness throughout the ten teams, with some fans worried about the possibility of too many one-sided matches,<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7089791.stm Competitiveness Pre-WC Criticism]</ref> which was a common sight in the Group Stages of the 2000 tournament.<ref>[https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/world_cup_2000/1040510.stm 2000 WC Overview]</ref>

[[Ricky Stuart]], coach of the Australian team, was reported to be so incensed by his team's defeat in the final that he verbally attacked [[Geoff Carr]], the chief executive of Australian Rugby League, claiming that tournament organisers and match officials conspired to cause the Australian loss.<ref>[http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/stuarts-sour-grapes/2008/11/23/1227375062521.html] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107135411/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/stuarts-sour-grapes/2008/11/23/1227375062521.html |date=7 January 2009 }}</ref> The next morning he had a chance meeting with [[Ashley Klein]], who refereed the final, and [[Stuart Cummings]], the [[Rugby Football League]]'s director of match officials, at their hotel. He reportedly abused both officials in front of a number of witnesses, calling Klein a cheat, and behaved in an aggressive and physically intimidating manner.<ref>[http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/now-stuart-stands-accused-of-calling-cup-final-referee-a-cheat/2008/11/24/1227491461252.html] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009022226/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/now-stuart-stands-accused-of-calling-cup-final-referee-a-cheat/2008/11/24/1227491461252.html |date=9 October 2009 }}</ref> Stuart later apologised for his behaviour and resigned from his post.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/7745915.stm | work=BBC News | title=Stuart sorry for World Cup rant | date=28 November 2008| access-date=22 April 2010}}</ref>

The tournament proved a commercial success, delivering a profit of over {{A$|6.5 million}} and re-establishing the credibility of the competition.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/four-nations-heads-global-calendar/story-e6frg7mo-1111118095280 | first=Margie | last=McDonald | title=Four Nations heads global calendar | date=21 November 2008| access-date=11 October 2010| work=The Australian}}</ref>

== Marketing ==
===Branding===
[[File:Heroes08.PNG|thumb|200px|right|Promotional video scene]]
[[File:Heroes here 08 strapline 2008 rugbyleagueworldcup.png|thumb|200px|right|Heroes Here 08 [[Advertising slogan|strapline]]]]
The World Cup's "Heroes Here 08" promotional campaign was launched at the [[Sydney Opera House]] on 6 May 2008.<ref name="Heroes1">{{cite web|url=http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/05/06/heroes-08-campaign-launched.aspx |publisher=Rugby League International Federation |title=Media Release: Heroes 08 Campaign Launched |access-date=13 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515062805/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2008/05/06/heroes-08-campaign-launched.aspx |archive-date=15 May 2008 }}</ref> At the launch, Paul Kind, the World Cup Director of Marketing, explained, "Heroes Here 08 underlines that fact that the international game, and particularly this tournament, will bring out the best in every player who takes part. It will create heroes."

[[Natalie Bassingthwaighte]] recorded an "Australian version" of the [[Mariah Carey]] song "[[Hero (Mariah Carey song)|Hero]]" which accompanied the "Heroes 08" promotional video and other World Cup advertising. The World Cup Opening Ceremony featured a live performance of the song by Bassingthwaighte.<ref name="Heroes1" />

Filming of visuals for the promotional video began in Leeds during the worldwide ticketing launch for the event in November 2007.<ref name="Heroes1" />

Advertising agency MJW, celebrity photographer Garry Heery and production company Engine worked together to combine the latest digital animation with a dark and determined set that highlighted the passion players feel in representing their country on the international stage.<ref name="Heroes1" />

The Heroes campaign featured [[Mark Gasnier]] (Australia), [[Roy Asotasi]] (New Zealand), [[Rob Burrow]] (England), [[Keith Peters (rugby league footballer)|Keith Peters]] (PNG), [[Waisale Sukanaveita]] (Fiji), [[Nigel Vagana]] (Samoa), [[Jerome Guisset]] (France), [[Lee Paterson]] (Scotland), [[Stuart Littler]] (Ireland) and [[Lopini Paea]] (Tonga).<ref name="Heroes1" /> Gasnier was later removed from some of the promotional material after he left the sport mid-season and was replaced by [[Darren Lockyer]].

The video also appeared in the video game [[Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition (video game)|Rugby League 2: World Cup Edition]], which featured a world cup mode based on the event.

===Ticketing===

Tickets for Australian residents went on sale 7 November 2007 and internationally on 18 February.<ref>[http://www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au/worldcuprocky.html Pilbeam Tickets] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719071939/http://www.pilbeamtheatre.com.au/worldcuprocky.html |date=19 July 2008 }}</ref> However tickets were not distributed until 3 March. Ticketek were announced as the official ticketing agency for the competition, selling tickets for all matches.<ref>[http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=RLWCUP08 Ticketek Tickets]</ref> Ticketmaster and Pilbeam Theatre were selling tickets to the Telstra Dome and Browne Park matches respectively.

The World Cup final sold out months in advance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16750 |title=Samoa name World Cup Squad |author=World Cup News |date=5 August 2008 |publisher=League Unlimited |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060051/http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=16750 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>

===Sponsorship===
The Official Sponsors of the Rugby League World Cup 2008 were:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rlwc08.com/sponsors/default.aspx |title = Rugby League World Cup 2008 Partners |access-date=2008-10-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920054112/http://www.rlwc08.com/sponsors/default.aspx |archive-date=20 September 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref>
* [[Jetstar]]: Official Airline
* [[Foster's Lager|Foster's]]: Official Beer
* [[Bundaberg Rum]]: Official Spirit
* [[AAMI]]: Official referee sponsor
* [[Telstra]]: Official Telecommunications sponsor
* [[Gillette]]: Official Male products
* [[Holiday Inn]]: Official Accommodation Supplier
* [[Coca-Cola Company|Coca-Cola]]: Official Soft drink
* [[Harvey Norman]]: Official retailer
* [[Société Bic|Bic]]: Official stationery

== Broadcasting ==

=== Television ===

The 2008 World Cup had 26 separate television deals taking coverage to 127 countries and generating more than $20 million income.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/sport/world-cup-goes-back-to-its-roots/1343170.aspx |title=World Cup goes back to its roots – National News – National – Sport |work=The Canberra Times |date=24 October 2008 |access-date=12 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630062442/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/sport/world-cup-goes-back-to-its-roots/1343170.aspx |archive-date=30 June 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref> A global television audience of 19.2 million made it the most widely broadcast event in the game's history.<ref name="google.com">[https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5j1bzTlgT5wdNBj1BDkIDDamddBSg]{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

[[Nine Network|Channel 9]] broadcast all Group A matches and the Knockout Stage matches in Australia. [[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]] broadcast all Group B and C matches plus Ranking Stage matches live. In the United Kingdom, [[Sky Sports]] broadcast all matches live,<ref>[https://archive.today/20131204150234/http://www.rlwc08.com/news/news/archive/2007/10/11/Britain_1920_s-World-Cup-Television-Bonanza.aspx Sky Sports Broadcasting Bid]</ref> meaning that all were shown in the morning and some as early as 06:00&nbsp;am<ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/uk.aspx UK Broadcasting] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928131410/http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/uk.aspx |date=28 September 2008 }}</ref> with highlights being shown on the [[BBC]]. [[SKY Network Television|Sky Sport]] showed all games live across New Zealand. [[Mai TV]] broadcast all matches live in [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Fiji]], [[Samoa]], [[Cook Islands]] and the [[Solomon Islands]].<ref>[http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/pi.aspx Pacific Broadcasting] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021111014/http://www.rlwc08.com/broadcast/pi.aspx |date=21 October 2008 }}</ref> [[Orange Sport]] provided coverage of all matches live in France.

Coverage of the competition also extended to countries not taking part. [[Showtime Arabia|Showtime]] showed all matches live across the Middle East. [[G (African Television Broadcaster)|G]] offered coverage of all games in many countries in Africa. [[Astro (Malaysian satellite television)|Astro]] showed all matches in [[Malaysia]], and [[ESPN3]]60 showed all matches in the United States. In Brazil, some matches were broadcast by [[Bandsports]].

The only participating country with no television coverage of the matches was Tonga; the RLIF were hoping to secure a deal before the World Cup started, but this never happened.

[[BigPond]]TV, an online television station, broadcast all matches live and also repeated matches. This service was available to everyone for free.

=== Radio ===

* UK – [[BBC Radio 5 Live]] and its sister station [[BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra|BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra]] broadcast selected games.
* UK – some non-rights holders used Australian freelance reporter Tim Stackpool to report on games for UK broadcasters. An extensive archive can be heard here: [https://web.archive.org/web/20160106132825/http://www.timstackpool.com/rlwc.htm RLWC Archive]
* AUS – ABC and 2GB Radio broadcast selected games.
* NZ – Radio Sport broadcast the Kiwi's games, including the Kiwi's victory in the final.

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071016042328/http://www.rlwc08.com/ Official Website]
* [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/competitions/World_Cup_2008/summary.html 2008 World Cup at rugbyleagueproject.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090807092049/http://www.188-rugby-league.co.uk/content/feedstory/world-cup-2008 2008 World Cup at 188-rugby-league.co.uk]
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/4972052.stm "World Cup Moved To End of Season"], BBC website. Retrieved 4 May 2006.
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060522110308/http://www.rlef.eu.com/newsstory.php?id=184 "RLIF Meeting"], Rugby League European Federation website. Retrieved 8 May 2006
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/world_cup_2000/1034927.stm "McDonald defends World Cup"], BBC website. Retrieved 6 May 2006.
* [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2004/01/01/slwhal01.xml "Lewis backs Australia for World Cup"]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, telegraph.co.uk website. Retrieved 8 May 2006

{{2008 Rugby League World Cup}}
{{Rugby League World Cup}}
{{2008 in rugby league}}
{{New Zealand 2008 Rugby League World Cup squad}}

[[Category:2008 Rugby League World Cup| ]]