USA 22 France 18
Italy 15 England 14
Fiji 78 Rochdale Hornets 0
PNG 38 Scotland 20
England Knights 52 Samoa 16
Italy 15 England 14
Fiji 78 Rochdale Hornets 0
PNG 38 Scotland 20
England Knights 52 Samoa 16
World Cup warm-ups
- Thread starter Yossarian
- Start date
Rochdale Hornets 0 - 78 Fiji Bati
The gulf in class between Fiji and a depleted Hornets side was apparent within minutes of the start of this historic game. Hornets were made to look ordinary by a fast, powerful, skillful Fiji team. When Hornets had the ball they were hit within seconds by players the size of trucks and when Fiji had the ball the Hornets players had the unenviable task of having to try and tackle a runaway truck heading in their direction at speed and offloading with the finesse and quality that will surely see Fiji a force to be reckoned with in the Rugby League World Cup.
Though billed as a friendly, there was no doubting the commitment of both sides, and at times that commitment boiled over into illegal confrontation, however, such incidents were swiftly dealt with and defused and on the whole the game was played in a friendly if somewhat competitive spirit.
Fiji opened the scoring within minutes of the start of the game, Korbin Sims going over; Wes Naiqama added the extras. Sims quickly added two more, completing his hat-trick within ten minutes, with Naiqama converting.
Despite Hornets giving everything they had, Fiji were far too strong and fast and crossed the line a further four times with tries from Kevin Naiqama, Akuila Uat, Apisai Koroisau and Peni Botiki. Wes Naiqama kicked to convert three out of the four tries and scored twice. Apisai Koroisau converted the last try of the half.
Half time: Rochdale Hornets 0 - 40 Fiji Bati
The second half was more of the same, Fiji powering through a valiant but seemingly fragile Hornets defence as they scored another seven trys from Kane Evans, two from Jason Bukuya, Sisi Waqa, Semi Radradra, Vitale Roqica and just as the Fijian man-of-the-match was announced as Kevin Naiqama, he ghosted past three Hornets defenders to score his second try in emphatic fashion.
Hornets rarely threatened to score but on the one occasion they managed to breach the Fiji defence when Hough's chipped pass fell to Matty Crow to touch down, the referee ruled the try out for offside, much to the dismay of the stadium announcer who brought a smile to all the faces in the ground when he loudly declared it a "shocking decision".
Fiji will be glad of the work out as they prepare for their Rugby League World Cup game against Ireland at Spotland on 28 October.
The Hornets players will feel honoured to have taken on a side with such a talented international team with close historical connections to the club, and will no doubt be cheering their adopted side for the World Cup.
A spokesman for Hornets said: "Overall it was a phenomenal day for Rochdale Hornets to host some of the cream of the NRL and we wish everyone involved with Fiji Bati all the best going forward."
Full time: Rochdale Hornets 0 - 78 Fiji Bati
Hornets Team: Wayne English, Gaz Langley, Danny Davies, Andy Ball, Benji Lloyd, Chris Hough, Jonny Leather, John Cookson, Alex McKlurg, Adam Bowman, Alex Trumper, Matthew Crow, Dayne Donogue
Interchanges: Gareth Frodsham, Ryan Brown, Matt Cooper, Liam Thomas, Scott Turner, Tony Stewart
Fiji Team: Kevin Naiqama, Marika Koroibete, Sisa Waqa, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Alipate Noilea, Aaron Groom, Ashton Sims, James Storer, Petero Civoniceva, Tariq Sims, Jason Bukuya, Korbin Sims
Interchanges: Darryl Millard, Semi Radradra, Ilisavani Jeqesa, Ryan Millard, Kaliova Nauqe, Vitale Roqica, Apisai Koroisau, Kane Evans, Peni Botiki, Tikiko Noke
The gulf in class between Fiji and a depleted Hornets side was apparent within minutes of the start of this historic game. Hornets were made to look ordinary by a fast, powerful, skillful Fiji team. When Hornets had the ball they were hit within seconds by players the size of trucks and when Fiji had the ball the Hornets players had the unenviable task of having to try and tackle a runaway truck heading in their direction at speed and offloading with the finesse and quality that will surely see Fiji a force to be reckoned with in the Rugby League World Cup.
Though billed as a friendly, there was no doubting the commitment of both sides, and at times that commitment boiled over into illegal confrontation, however, such incidents were swiftly dealt with and defused and on the whole the game was played in a friendly if somewhat competitive spirit.
Fiji opened the scoring within minutes of the start of the game, Korbin Sims going over; Wes Naiqama added the extras. Sims quickly added two more, completing his hat-trick within ten minutes, with Naiqama converting.
Despite Hornets giving everything they had, Fiji were far too strong and fast and crossed the line a further four times with tries from Kevin Naiqama, Akuila Uat, Apisai Koroisau and Peni Botiki. Wes Naiqama kicked to convert three out of the four tries and scored twice. Apisai Koroisau converted the last try of the half.
Half time: Rochdale Hornets 0 - 40 Fiji Bati
The second half was more of the same, Fiji powering through a valiant but seemingly fragile Hornets defence as they scored another seven trys from Kane Evans, two from Jason Bukuya, Sisi Waqa, Semi Radradra, Vitale Roqica and just as the Fijian man-of-the-match was announced as Kevin Naiqama, he ghosted past three Hornets defenders to score his second try in emphatic fashion.
Hornets rarely threatened to score but on the one occasion they managed to breach the Fiji defence when Hough's chipped pass fell to Matty Crow to touch down, the referee ruled the try out for offside, much to the dismay of the stadium announcer who brought a smile to all the faces in the ground when he loudly declared it a "shocking decision".
Fiji will be glad of the work out as they prepare for their Rugby League World Cup game against Ireland at Spotland on 28 October.
The Hornets players will feel honoured to have taken on a side with such a talented international team with close historical connections to the club, and will no doubt be cheering their adopted side for the World Cup.
A spokesman for Hornets said: "Overall it was a phenomenal day for Rochdale Hornets to host some of the cream of the NRL and we wish everyone involved with Fiji Bati all the best going forward."
Full time: Rochdale Hornets 0 - 78 Fiji Bati
Hornets Team: Wayne English, Gaz Langley, Danny Davies, Andy Ball, Benji Lloyd, Chris Hough, Jonny Leather, John Cookson, Alex McKlurg, Adam Bowman, Alex Trumper, Matthew Crow, Dayne Donogue
Interchanges: Gareth Frodsham, Ryan Brown, Matt Cooper, Liam Thomas, Scott Turner, Tony Stewart
Fiji Team: Kevin Naiqama, Marika Koroibete, Sisa Waqa, Wes Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Alipate Noilea, Aaron Groom, Ashton Sims, James Storer, Petero Civoniceva, Tariq Sims, Jason Bukuya, Korbin Sims
Interchanges: Darryl Millard, Semi Radradra, Ilisavani Jeqesa, Ryan Millard, Kaliova Nauqe, Vitale Roqica, Apisai Koroisau, Kane Evans, Peni Botiki, Tikiko Noke
Italy beat England in league WCup warm-up
England suffered a shock 15-14 loss to minnows Italy - led by Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello - in a rugby league World Cup warm-up match on Saturday, just a week before the tournament starts.
Italy, who've yet to play in a World Cup, led 10-4 before two Sam Tomkins tries gave England a 14-12 halftime lead in Salford.
A drop-goal from winger Josh Mantellato two minutes from time condemned England to a one-point defeat and left their supporters fearing the worst ahead of next weekend's tournament opener against Australia in Cardiff.
"I'm really disappointed," said England coach Steve McNamara. "We've certainly not played anywhere near what we are capable of.
"They were fresh and ready to go. I just think our mentality was really wrong for this game. We were probably guilty of looking towards next week and we took our eye off this game.
"I'm glad it's happened this week in a way, rather than next week. I'm sure we will be a whole lot better for it next week … we have to respond."
In a match watched by Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens, England and Italy used 44 players between them.
A first-half thunderstorm was a sign of the dismal day to come for England as several defensive errors allowed an Italy side, featuring Minichiello and fellow NRL grand final winner Aidan Guerra, to build an eight-point lead.
England allowed St Helens prop Anthony Laffranchi a soft early try and hooker Dean Parata burrowed over easily for Italy's second.
Mantellato converted both before England recovered through a Carl Ablett try in the 19th minute.
Tomkins then took a James Roy pass to score his first try before grabbing Gareth Widdop's high kick for his second.
Widdop added the extras to put England in front shortly before halftime.
However, England missed further chances and McNamara, looking ahead to more important matches, took Tomkins off 16 minutes from time.
With 11 minutes left, Italy drew level with a penalty goal.
England should have won the match when Widdop broke clear with five minutes remaining but failed to find Rob Burrow in support.
And when Josh Charnley knocked on, Mantellato responded by landing the 30-metre field goal to give Italy a famous victory.
Minichello said he expected to see an improved England against Australia.
"I'm sure they will be much better next week for the run, as will we.
"It was a good game for us. We've had limited amount of preparations and it will bring the team together a bit more.
"It's pretty special. The boys were pretty excited at the end."
England suffered a shock 15-14 loss to minnows Italy - led by Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello - in a rugby league World Cup warm-up match on Saturday, just a week before the tournament starts.
Italy, who've yet to play in a World Cup, led 10-4 before two Sam Tomkins tries gave England a 14-12 halftime lead in Salford.
A drop-goal from winger Josh Mantellato two minutes from time condemned England to a one-point defeat and left their supporters fearing the worst ahead of next weekend's tournament opener against Australia in Cardiff.
"I'm really disappointed," said England coach Steve McNamara. "We've certainly not played anywhere near what we are capable of.
"They were fresh and ready to go. I just think our mentality was really wrong for this game. We were probably guilty of looking towards next week and we took our eye off this game.
"I'm glad it's happened this week in a way, rather than next week. I'm sure we will be a whole lot better for it next week … we have to respond."
In a match watched by Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens, England and Italy used 44 players between them.
A first-half thunderstorm was a sign of the dismal day to come for England as several defensive errors allowed an Italy side, featuring Minichiello and fellow NRL grand final winner Aidan Guerra, to build an eight-point lead.
England allowed St Helens prop Anthony Laffranchi a soft early try and hooker Dean Parata burrowed over easily for Italy's second.
Mantellato converted both before England recovered through a Carl Ablett try in the 19th minute.
Tomkins then took a James Roy pass to score his first try before grabbing Gareth Widdop's high kick for his second.
Widdop added the extras to put England in front shortly before halftime.
However, England missed further chances and McNamara, looking ahead to more important matches, took Tomkins off 16 minutes from time.
With 11 minutes left, Italy drew level with a penalty goal.
England should have won the match when Widdop broke clear with five minutes remaining but failed to find Rob Burrow in support.
And when Josh Charnley knocked on, Mantellato responded by landing the 30-metre field goal to give Italy a famous victory.
Minichello said he expected to see an improved England against Australia.
"I'm sure they will be much better next week for the run, as will we.
"It was a good game for us. We've had limited amount of preparations and it will bring the team together a bit more.
"It's pretty special. The boys were pretty excited at the end."
England Knights avoided an early scare to beat Samoa 52-16 largely thanks to a man-of-the-match performance from Zak Hardaker and a hat-trick by Jack Hughes.
Despite conceding the opening try, England Knights were in full control for large parts of the match, and led 22-10 at the break with tries from Sam Powell, Scott Taylor, Ben Cockayne and Michael Lawrence.
The Knights, having worn down the Samoan pack, enjoyed a comfortable second half as they scored another five tries before conceding a consolation try from Junior Sau.
Samoa came closest to opening the scoring when full-back Antony Milford looked to be heading over the line but was held up short.
The visitors did break the deadlock shortly after however, when Newcastle Knights wing Joey Leilua went over in the corner.
England, though, responded well, scoring three tries in quick succession.
Powell was the first to go over after Taylor eased past his opposite number David Fa'alogo before allowing the Wigan scrum-half to cut inside to score England's first try of the game.
The restart went out on the full and was appropriately punished. One minute later Taylor again breached the Samoan defence to power over the line himself, with Hardaker adding the extras.
The Leeds Rhinos back, omitted from England's warm-up game with Italy, then created a try of his own. Exploiting the injury to Samoa captain Harrison Hansen, Hardaker embarked on a mazy run before finding Ben Cockayne who was left with a simple finish.
Michael Lawrence made an immediate impact after coming on from the bench, when he collected his speculative grubber kick to score the last try of the half and give England a 22-10 lead.
The last try of the half was not to be the last event of the half, though, as Singleton landed two punches on Masoe before the remaining 12 players from both sides weighed in resulting in Singleton and Lefai both being sin-binned.
The Knights entered cruise control shortly after the break, as Brett Ferres found Jack Hughes who went over to extend their lead, before Hughes returned the favour, offloading to Ferres, with Hardaker again converting, this time in off the post.
Hardaker was unlucky not to add to his tally as he made a break for the line, before dropping the ball after being tackled.
Ferres and Hughes linked up for a third time as the Wigan second-row collected Ferres's pass to touch down in the corner, with Hardaker expertly converting from the touchline.
Samoa offered little resistance as Powell latched onto his own grubber kick to score his second try of the game.
Hughes then completed his hat-trick to see the Knights surpass the 50-point mark after spinning away from the Samoan defence to touch down under the posts.
Sau gave the Samoans reason to cheer with a consolation try in the corner, before Pita Godinet converted with the last kick of the game.
England Knights
1 Tommy Makinson (St Helens, Wigan St Judes)
2 Iain Thornley (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
3 Josh Jones (St Helens, Blackbrook)
4 Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions)
5 Ben Cockayne (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Normanton Knights)
6 Daniel Sarginson (London Broncos, Hemel Stags)
7 Sam Powell (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
8 Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)
9 Josh Hodgson (Hull KR, East Hull)
10 Scott Taylor (Wigan Warriors, Skirlaugh)
11 Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants, Smawthorne Panthers)
12 Elliott Whitehead (Catalan Dragons, West Bowling)
13 Dominic Crosby (Wigan Warriors, Wigan & Leigh College)
Interchange
14 Chris Green (Hull FC, Skirlaugh)
15 Jack Hughes (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Judes)
16 Michael Lawrence (Huddersfield Giants, Newsome Panthers)
17 Kieran Dixon (London Broncos, Hemel Stags)
18 Brad Singleton (Leeds Rhinos, Barrow Island)
19 Josh Bowden (Hull FC, Hull Wyke)
20 Logan Tomkins (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
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Samoa
1 Anthony Milford (Canberra Raiders)
2 Antonio Winterstein (North Queensland Cowboys)
3 Tim Lafai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
4 Joey Leilua (Newcastle Knights)
5 Daniel Vidot (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
6 Ben Roberts (Parramatta Eels)
7 Penani Manumalealii (Cronulla Sharks)
8 Mark Taufua (Cronulla Sharks)
9 Masada Iosefa (Wests Tigers)
10 David Fa’alogo (Newcastle Knights)
12 Iosia Soliola (St Helens)
11 Harrison Hansen (Wigan Warriors)
13 Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers)
Interchange
17 Suaia Matagi (New Zealand Warriors
19 Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra)
18 Junior Moors (Melbourne Storm)
16 Mose Masoe (Penrith Panthers)
20 Frank Winterstein (Widnes Vikings)
14 Junior Sau (Melbourne Storm)
15 Pita Godinet (Auckland Vulcans)
23 Teofilo Lepou (Marist)
24 Faleniu Iosi (Samoa RL)
22 Ionatana Tino (Samoa RL)
21 Eddie Purcell (Mount Albert)
25 Arden McCarthy (Point Chevalier Pirates)
Referee: Ben Thaler (UK).
Despite conceding the opening try, England Knights were in full control for large parts of the match, and led 22-10 at the break with tries from Sam Powell, Scott Taylor, Ben Cockayne and Michael Lawrence.
The Knights, having worn down the Samoan pack, enjoyed a comfortable second half as they scored another five tries before conceding a consolation try from Junior Sau.
Samoa came closest to opening the scoring when full-back Antony Milford looked to be heading over the line but was held up short.
The visitors did break the deadlock shortly after however, when Newcastle Knights wing Joey Leilua went over in the corner.
England, though, responded well, scoring three tries in quick succession.
Powell was the first to go over after Taylor eased past his opposite number David Fa'alogo before allowing the Wigan scrum-half to cut inside to score England's first try of the game.
The restart went out on the full and was appropriately punished. One minute later Taylor again breached the Samoan defence to power over the line himself, with Hardaker adding the extras.
The Leeds Rhinos back, omitted from England's warm-up game with Italy, then created a try of his own. Exploiting the injury to Samoa captain Harrison Hansen, Hardaker embarked on a mazy run before finding Ben Cockayne who was left with a simple finish.
Michael Lawrence made an immediate impact after coming on from the bench, when he collected his speculative grubber kick to score the last try of the half and give England a 22-10 lead.
The last try of the half was not to be the last event of the half, though, as Singleton landed two punches on Masoe before the remaining 12 players from both sides weighed in resulting in Singleton and Lefai both being sin-binned.
The Knights entered cruise control shortly after the break, as Brett Ferres found Jack Hughes who went over to extend their lead, before Hughes returned the favour, offloading to Ferres, with Hardaker again converting, this time in off the post.
Hardaker was unlucky not to add to his tally as he made a break for the line, before dropping the ball after being tackled.
Ferres and Hughes linked up for a third time as the Wigan second-row collected Ferres's pass to touch down in the corner, with Hardaker expertly converting from the touchline.
Samoa offered little resistance as Powell latched onto his own grubber kick to score his second try of the game.
Hughes then completed his hat-trick to see the Knights surpass the 50-point mark after spinning away from the Samoan defence to touch down under the posts.
Sau gave the Samoans reason to cheer with a consolation try in the corner, before Pita Godinet converted with the last kick of the game.
England Knights
1 Tommy Makinson (St Helens, Wigan St Judes)
2 Iain Thornley (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
3 Josh Jones (St Helens, Blackbrook)
4 Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions)
5 Ben Cockayne (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Normanton Knights)
6 Daniel Sarginson (London Broncos, Hemel Stags)
7 Sam Powell (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
8 Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)
9 Josh Hodgson (Hull KR, East Hull)
10 Scott Taylor (Wigan Warriors, Skirlaugh)
11 Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants, Smawthorne Panthers)
12 Elliott Whitehead (Catalan Dragons, West Bowling)
13 Dominic Crosby (Wigan Warriors, Wigan & Leigh College)
Interchange
14 Chris Green (Hull FC, Skirlaugh)
15 Jack Hughes (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Judes)
16 Michael Lawrence (Huddersfield Giants, Newsome Panthers)
17 Kieran Dixon (London Broncos, Hemel Stags)
18 Brad Singleton (Leeds Rhinos, Barrow Island)
19 Josh Bowden (Hull FC, Hull Wyke)
20 Logan Tomkins (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
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Samoa
1 Anthony Milford (Canberra Raiders)
2 Antonio Winterstein (North Queensland Cowboys)
3 Tim Lafai (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
4 Joey Leilua (Newcastle Knights)
5 Daniel Vidot (St George-Illawarra Dragons)
6 Ben Roberts (Parramatta Eels)
7 Penani Manumalealii (Cronulla Sharks)
8 Mark Taufua (Cronulla Sharks)
9 Masada Iosefa (Wests Tigers)
10 David Fa’alogo (Newcastle Knights)
12 Iosia Soliola (St Helens)
11 Harrison Hansen (Wigan Warriors)
13 Sauaso Sue (Wests Tigers)
Interchange
17 Suaia Matagi (New Zealand Warriors
19 Leeson Ah Mau (St George Illawarra)
18 Junior Moors (Melbourne Storm)
16 Mose Masoe (Penrith Panthers)
20 Frank Winterstein (Widnes Vikings)
14 Junior Sau (Melbourne Storm)
15 Pita Godinet (Auckland Vulcans)
23 Teofilo Lepou (Marist)
24 Faleniu Iosi (Samoa RL)
22 Ionatana Tino (Samoa RL)
21 Eddie Purcell (Mount Albert)
25 Arden McCarthy (Point Chevalier Pirates)
Referee: Ben Thaler (UK).
Scotland got everything they wanted from their only pre-RLWC2013 warm-up - apart from a win. Papua New Guinea took advantage of the many changes Scotland made throughout the game and scored two late tries to turn an entertaining and close encounter into an apparently comfortable victory. It was anything but.
It was a rare chance to see international rugby league on Post Office Road, with the exotic Kumuls brightening up a dull but very mild afternoon. Led by Aussie league legend Mal Meninga and former Wigan half-back Adrian Lam, PNG looked like they will give France – shocked last night by the USA – and Samoa a run for their money behind Group B favourites New Zealand.
Scotland got off to the perfect start: PNG sent the kick off out of the in-goal on the full and from the resultant penalty, Scotland built through Oli Wilkes before Danny Brough’s cut-out pass sent Brett Carter sliding over on the right within seconds of the game commencing. Brough strangely so miskicked the conversion attempt that it didn’t even reach the posts.
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The Kumuls bounced back on seven minutes when Enoch Maki took Paul Aiton’s short pass and spun over the line from close range. PNG then had the better of field position and matched Scotland for set completion during a raft of Bravehearts substitutions. But Scotland regained the lead when Brough’s speculative jabbed cross-field kick on the last was completely missed by Sheffield centre Menzie Yere, enabling Ben Hellewell, on his home ground, to stroll over. Brough kicked the goal for a 10-6 lead on 22 minutes.
Brough showed a rare glimpse of fallibility when he fumbled a simple pass following a fine break by Alex Hurst and there were ironic cheers when his next kick went straight to a man in yellow and red. Minutes later Josiah Abavu took a suspiciously-forward-looking pass and raced through the broken field to kick through superbly for Sydney Roosters’ youngster Nene Macdonald to touch down.
Brough was replaced by Workington youngster Callum Phillips after 34 minutes in a pre-arranged move, and Luke Douglas, who only arrived in the country on Thursday from Australia, played 17 first half minutes as McCormack got 20 of his players on the pitch before the break. Seconds before the bell, Whitehaven’s Jessie Joe Nandye – aka Parker – broke through three tacklers to feed Wellington Albert by the posts. Incredibly, Mead missed the kick, leaving the Kumuls 16-10 up.
PNG repeated the feat within a minute of the restart, a kick through bouncing off Josh Barlow’s chest, Nandye reacted superbly to pick up and send Richard Kambo racing over the line. Mead struck the kick conversion again.
Scotland missed Brough badly in the second half, with a shadow half-back pairing of Danny Addy and Callum Phillips, struggled to get any cohesion. By 52 minutes, all subs had been used by both sides, including Kane Linnett making his Scotland debut and Andrew Henderson extending his record appearances to 21\. They could do nothing when Meads threw a splendid dummy and wandered under the posts to the delight of an appreciative crowd. His conversion made it 26-10.
Danny Addy then capped a promising debut with a try – thanks to a run by Irvine-born Matt Russell - and a goal to reduce the deficit to ten points on the hour mark. Both sides started to throw the ball around as the sun came out. And it was Scotland who scored next, Russell flying a long pass out to Alex Hurst to score on the right flank. Addy missed the conversion attempt.
PNG responded positively, former Hunslet star Charlie Wabo leading the charge and tiny hooker Roger Laka snatching a loose ball and squirming out of Hellewell’s grasp to score. Meads’ kick hit the post.
Five minutes from time, Addy’s pass was intercepted by Macdonald, who raced 80 metres and evaded the chasing David Scott’s desperate attempted ankle-tap to make certain of victory. The crowd were given something to savour at the death when Abavu broke down the left touchline and chipped over the Scotland winger, caught the ball and went over in fine style.
SCOTLAND:
1 Matt Russell (Gold Coast Titans)
3 Brett Carter (Workington Town)
4 Alex Hurst (London Broncos)
11 Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers)
5 David Scott (Featherstone Rovers)
6 Danny Brough (c, Huddersfield Giants)
2 Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls)
15 Adam Walker (Hull KR)
14 Ben Fisher (London Broncos)
10 Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Trinity)
12 Dale Ferguson (Bradford Bulls)
20 Brett Phillips (Workington Town)
13 Ben Kavanagh (Widnes Vikings)
Subs (all used):
9 Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons)
19 Sam Barlow (Halifax)
16 Alex Szostak (Sheffield Eagles)
17 Callum Phillips (Workington Town)
18 Kane Linnett (North Queensland Cowboys)
21 Josh Barlow (Swinton)
22 Luke Douglas (Gold Coast Titans)
23 Mitchell Stringer (Sheffield Eagles)
24 Andrew Henderson (Sheffield Eagles)
Tries: Carter (1), Hellewell (22), Addy (59), Hurst (65).
Goals: Brough 1/2, Addy 1/2.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
1 David Mead (Gold Coast Titans)
2 Josiah Abavu (Port Moresby Vipers)
3 Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles)
5 Francis Paniu (Rabaul Gurias)
22 Bosam Nene McDonald (Sydney Roosters)
6 Ray Thompson (North Queensland Cowboys)
18 Roger Laka (Enga Mioks)
8 Mark Mexico (Lae Tigers)
9 Paul Aiton (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats)
10 Enoch Maki (Mendi Muruks)
11 Dion Aiye (Rabaul Gurias)
12 Jason Chan (Huddersfield Giants)
13 Neville Costigan (c, Newcastle Knights)
Subs (all used):
14 Richard Kambo (Port Moresby Vipers)
15 Jessie Joe Nandye (Whitehaven)
16 Larsen Marabe (Orange CYMS)
17 Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks)
19 Jason Tali (Mount Hagen Eagles)
20 Joe Bruno (Rabaul Gurias)
21 Sebastien Pandia (Port Moresby Vipers)
23 Wellington Albert (Lae Tigers)
Tries: Maki (7), Macdonald (29, 75), Albert (39), Kambo (41), Meads (56), Laka (68), Abavu (78).
Goals: Mead 3/6; Laka 0/2.
Referee: Robert Hicks (England)
Attendance: 1,412
It was a rare chance to see international rugby league on Post Office Road, with the exotic Kumuls brightening up a dull but very mild afternoon. Led by Aussie league legend Mal Meninga and former Wigan half-back Adrian Lam, PNG looked like they will give France – shocked last night by the USA – and Samoa a run for their money behind Group B favourites New Zealand.
Scotland got off to the perfect start: PNG sent the kick off out of the in-goal on the full and from the resultant penalty, Scotland built through Oli Wilkes before Danny Brough’s cut-out pass sent Brett Carter sliding over on the right within seconds of the game commencing. Brough strangely so miskicked the conversion attempt that it didn’t even reach the posts.
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The Kumuls bounced back on seven minutes when Enoch Maki took Paul Aiton’s short pass and spun over the line from close range. PNG then had the better of field position and matched Scotland for set completion during a raft of Bravehearts substitutions. But Scotland regained the lead when Brough’s speculative jabbed cross-field kick on the last was completely missed by Sheffield centre Menzie Yere, enabling Ben Hellewell, on his home ground, to stroll over. Brough kicked the goal for a 10-6 lead on 22 minutes.
Brough showed a rare glimpse of fallibility when he fumbled a simple pass following a fine break by Alex Hurst and there were ironic cheers when his next kick went straight to a man in yellow and red. Minutes later Josiah Abavu took a suspiciously-forward-looking pass and raced through the broken field to kick through superbly for Sydney Roosters’ youngster Nene Macdonald to touch down.
Brough was replaced by Workington youngster Callum Phillips after 34 minutes in a pre-arranged move, and Luke Douglas, who only arrived in the country on Thursday from Australia, played 17 first half minutes as McCormack got 20 of his players on the pitch before the break. Seconds before the bell, Whitehaven’s Jessie Joe Nandye – aka Parker – broke through three tacklers to feed Wellington Albert by the posts. Incredibly, Mead missed the kick, leaving the Kumuls 16-10 up.
PNG repeated the feat within a minute of the restart, a kick through bouncing off Josh Barlow’s chest, Nandye reacted superbly to pick up and send Richard Kambo racing over the line. Mead struck the kick conversion again.
Scotland missed Brough badly in the second half, with a shadow half-back pairing of Danny Addy and Callum Phillips, struggled to get any cohesion. By 52 minutes, all subs had been used by both sides, including Kane Linnett making his Scotland debut and Andrew Henderson extending his record appearances to 21\. They could do nothing when Meads threw a splendid dummy and wandered under the posts to the delight of an appreciative crowd. His conversion made it 26-10.
Danny Addy then capped a promising debut with a try – thanks to a run by Irvine-born Matt Russell - and a goal to reduce the deficit to ten points on the hour mark. Both sides started to throw the ball around as the sun came out. And it was Scotland who scored next, Russell flying a long pass out to Alex Hurst to score on the right flank. Addy missed the conversion attempt.
PNG responded positively, former Hunslet star Charlie Wabo leading the charge and tiny hooker Roger Laka snatching a loose ball and squirming out of Hellewell’s grasp to score. Meads’ kick hit the post.
Five minutes from time, Addy’s pass was intercepted by Macdonald, who raced 80 metres and evaded the chasing David Scott’s desperate attempted ankle-tap to make certain of victory. The crowd were given something to savour at the death when Abavu broke down the left touchline and chipped over the Scotland winger, caught the ball and went over in fine style.
SCOTLAND:
1 Matt Russell (Gold Coast Titans)
3 Brett Carter (Workington Town)
4 Alex Hurst (London Broncos)
11 Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers)
5 David Scott (Featherstone Rovers)
6 Danny Brough (c, Huddersfield Giants)
2 Danny Addy (Bradford Bulls)
15 Adam Walker (Hull KR)
14 Ben Fisher (London Broncos)
10 Oliver Wilkes (Wakefield Trinity)
12 Dale Ferguson (Bradford Bulls)
20 Brett Phillips (Workington Town)
13 Ben Kavanagh (Widnes Vikings)
Subs (all used):
9 Ian Henderson (Catalans Dragons)
19 Sam Barlow (Halifax)
16 Alex Szostak (Sheffield Eagles)
17 Callum Phillips (Workington Town)
18 Kane Linnett (North Queensland Cowboys)
21 Josh Barlow (Swinton)
22 Luke Douglas (Gold Coast Titans)
23 Mitchell Stringer (Sheffield Eagles)
24 Andrew Henderson (Sheffield Eagles)
Tries: Carter (1), Hellewell (22), Addy (59), Hurst (65).
Goals: Brough 1/2, Addy 1/2.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
1 David Mead (Gold Coast Titans)
2 Josiah Abavu (Port Moresby Vipers)
3 Menzie Yere (Sheffield Eagles)
5 Francis Paniu (Rabaul Gurias)
22 Bosam Nene McDonald (Sydney Roosters)
6 Ray Thompson (North Queensland Cowboys)
18 Roger Laka (Enga Mioks)
8 Mark Mexico (Lae Tigers)
9 Paul Aiton (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats)
10 Enoch Maki (Mendi Muruks)
11 Dion Aiye (Rabaul Gurias)
12 Jason Chan (Huddersfield Giants)
13 Neville Costigan (c, Newcastle Knights)
Subs (all used):
14 Richard Kambo (Port Moresby Vipers)
15 Jessie Joe Nandye (Whitehaven)
16 Larsen Marabe (Orange CYMS)
17 Charlie Wabo (Mendi Muruks)
19 Jason Tali (Mount Hagen Eagles)
20 Joe Bruno (Rabaul Gurias)
21 Sebastien Pandia (Port Moresby Vipers)
23 Wellington Albert (Lae Tigers)
Tries: Maki (7), Macdonald (29, 75), Albert (39), Kambo (41), Meads (56), Laka (68), Abavu (78).
Goals: Mead 3/6; Laka 0/2.
Referee: Robert Hicks (England)
Attendance: 1,412
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