RL World Cup 2008

[cpwigan]

What do people think so far?

Personally, enjoying it.

Wish they would let kids watch the games for free though to make the crowds look better.

Jennings and Matteo look great for Tonga.

[fitzy]

When I've been watching parra in the nrl to try and look at piggy I've noticed mateo playing for parra and thought he was a good player he's still way off his best for Tonga though he's a very strong and talented young man

[cpwigan]

Very hard to say if he is a loose forward or a stand off. Either way Mateo is very talented.

[fitzy]

true cp he could be better suited to loose as he's a big lad according to parra website hes 194cm tall and weighs 104kgs

[fitzy]

have you also seen there winger cp tony Williams very big lad for a winger and very strong 192cm tall and weighs 110kgs!!!

[gpartin]

I agree with you, I'm loving it.

Just a few things.

Has anyone noticed the lack of camera angles for video ref decisions?

Its unfair that Tonga have only 4 days between the Ireland game and the Samoa game, same goes for Fiji.

In France's opening game the MOM award could have been given to a number of French speaking nationals but instead it was given to James Wynne, an Aussie who qualifies on residency... Giving the impression that most of the players aren't even French!

Australia getting Aussie refs again.

Australia again belittling the competition, putting potential fans off going to games as the overall result is seen as a foregone conclusion.

PNG effectively sacrificed to ensure Australia, NZ and England reach semis.

On the plus side:

Excellent coverage by Sky, the random bloke and Offiah in the studio is a little pointless but at least they're making the effort. Plenty of repeats of games and plenty of adverts during other programmes. They could easily have relied on Aussie commentary.

21500 for Scotland V France.

Recognition of Aborigines in the opening Ceremony.

Positive reports on Newsround, poll on Newsround website.

Numerous letters on teletext from throughout the UK.

The groups are worked out to reduce numbers of thrashings which is a good idea, just feel a bit sorry for PNG.

[cpwigan]

Williams is huge Fitzy. Parra were very miffed tolose him. He's at Manly in 2009.

I hope Aus allow countries like Tonga and Samoa keep their players. Aus has enough. They do not need to steal them.

I like the structure but it is unfair on PNG

Not sure many will get the chance to see it but the Maori v Aboriginee game was very good.

[fitzy]

cant blaim them. I know what you mean about Aus and the samoa and tonga players hopefully they will stay with the teams they have now however I can't see it I think the samoans will stay but I think the likes of mateo will end up playing for aus unfortunately

[highland convert]

Don't write PNG off yet. England or NZ could fall. A lot will depend n the E v A score and PNG turning over the NZ boys. There is not much in it. It could go to points difference, Jim

[warrior till i die]

this samoa and tonga game is fantastic rugby league! george carmont scored upto now, and had a good try dissallowed, hansen his usual self in defence

Kylie leuluai has been killing everyone! this is what rugby league is all about!