The first round of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup saw the international competition kick off for the first time in five years, with plenty of the Red, White and Blue making an impact on the field for their countries.
England vs Samoa: Hosts Stun Samoa in Spectacular Fashion
In the opening match of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, it was hosts England who sent a strong message to the rest of the competition as they beat Toa Samoa with a convincing 60-6 scoreline.
Radley Named Man of the Match in First England Match
Being awarded the honours for Man of the Match in his first-ever game representing England, Victor Radley led his pack from the front with almost 140 run metres and sixteen tackles. Radley also assisted three tries and made zero errors in England’s impeccable display of team football.
Despite the hefty loss, 19-year-old fullback Joseph Suaalii handled his first match of representative football stoutly as he broke eight tackles and ran for almost 200 metres, including a 50-metre linebreak which came 33 minutes into the first half.
Australia vs Fiji: Tedesco’s Kangaroos Topple Naiqama’s Bati
Becoming the ninth Rooster to captain the Australian national side, James Tedesco’s Kangaroos put in a strong performance to overcome the Fiji Bati 42-8.
Tedesco was at his usual best, running for 169 metres and breaking a phenomenal eighteen tackles. He also offloaded the ball four times, as well as scoring a try.
Angus Crichton scored a try of his own on the left edge, racking up 179 running metres and seven tackle busts on attack whilst also putting in the work on the defensive end with an impressive 32 tackles. He proved to be a handful for defenders, running for 81 post-contact metres and having three offloads.
Tedesco's Captains Knock Against Bati
Fijian captain Kevin Naiqama handled his assignment at right-centre well, running for almost 50 metres and making 17 tackles.
The 2022 Chris Sykes Junior Representative Player of the Year, Siua Wong, also performed proudly for Fiji, playing an entire 80 minutes in the second row in which he amassed 88 running metres and a whopping 33 tackles, as well as making zero errors.
Jamaica vs Ireland: Keary Clinic Steers Wolfhounds to Victory
In his first-ever World Cup appearance, Luke Keary guided Ireland to an impressive 48-2 victory over Jamaica.
Keary’s Man of the Match performance was characterised by his presence on the field, playing his hand in attack as he picked apart the Jamaican defence.
Keary on Fire in Ireland Debut
His running game was strong, covering over 180 metres with the football including two line breaks, as well as busting out of three tackles. He also put the ball on a platter for his teammates, offloading it three times and assisting a line break.
New Zealand vs Lebanon: Manu Magic Helps Kiwis Overcome Spirited Cedars
A dominant display from fullback Joseph Manu gave New Zealand the boost they needed to get the better of a determined Lebanon side 34-12.
Manu proved a handful for defenders, running for 216 metres and breaking a whopping fifteen tackles. He was also able to bring his teammates into the game, offloading for them on three occasions and assisting two tries.
Manu's Incredible Try Against Lebanon
He capped off his Man of the Match performance with a phenomenal solo try, scooping the ball up from dummy half 30 metres out from the tryline before regathering his own chip-and-chase and fending off four defenders to reach the try line.
Tonga vs Papua New Guinea: Taukeiaho’s Tonga Steal Late Victory Against Kumuls
After conceding the first try of the match, Mate Ma’a Tonga bounced back to beat Papua New Guinea 24-18, with a miracle try in the dying stages of the game proving the difference.
Tongan veteran Daniel Tupou was as safe as a bank on the wing, committing zero errors and running for a hefty 187 metres. He was a nuisance for defenders as well, busting three tackles and breaking the line on one occasion.
Taukeiaho's Touch Seals Tonga Win
In his twelfth game for Tonga, Captain Siosiua Taukeiaho led from the front as he ran for over 100 metres with the ball, as well as breaking four tackles. He put in plenty of work on the defensive end, making 31 tackles and missing only two.
