The 1985–1988 Rugby League World Cup was the ninth Rugby League World Cup tournament held and saw yet another change of format. The competition was stretched to cover almost three years (1985 to 1988), with teams playing each other on a home and away basis. These matches were fitted into the normal international programme of three-match test series between the nations, with a pre-designated match from each series counting as the world cup fixture.
The competition was further altered by the addition of a new nation, Papua New Guinea. The Kumuls performed creditably, particularly when playing in the front of their fiercely patriotic home crowd. Conversely, France were unable to fulfil their 1987 tour of Australasia due to financial difficulties, and had to forfeit away fixtures against Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
At the end of four years, Australia finished top of the table, and, through a victory over Great Britain in Christchurch, the Kiwis qualified to host the final. Unfortunately for them, home advantage was not enough for New Zealand, who went down 12–25 to the seemingly invincible Australians.
The 1989–1992 Rugby League World Cup was the tenth staging of the Rugby League World Cup, and continued to use the three-year format, stretching across the years 1989 to 1992. As with the 1985–1988 World Cup, teams played each other on a home-and-away basis. These matches were fitted into the normal international programme of three-match test series between the nations, with a pre-designated match from each series counting as the World Cup fixture.
The matches went strictly to form, with Australia undefeated and certain to claim a world cup final berth as early as 1991. France and Papua New Guinea were uncompetitive, leading to a straight fight between New Zealand and Great Britain for the right to meet the Kangaroos in the final. In the event the Lions were able to just edge out the Kiwis on points difference.
The final, at Wembley, was a surprisingly close affair, with Great Britain leading with only 12 minutes to go. The game's only try was then scored by Steve Renouf and Australia were able to claim their fourth consecutive World Cup title before a record crowd of 73,631.
The Rugby League World Cup is an international rugby league tournament, contested by national teams of the Rugby League International Federation, which was first held in France in 1954, the first World Cup in either rugby code. The idea of a rugby league world cup tournament was first mooted in the 1930s with the French proposing holding a tournament in 1931, and again in 1951. The fourteen tournaments held to date have been at intervals ranging from two to eight years, and have featured a number of different formats. So far three nations have won the competition (Australia ten times, Great Britain three times and New Zealand once). Australia, France and New Zealand are the only teams to have played in all tournaments (Great Britain has been split into England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland since 1995, while England and Wales had previously competed as separate teams in the 1975 World Cup). Since 2000, the RLIF has also organised World Cups for women, students and other categories. The 2013 Rugby League World Cup was held in England, France, Ireland and Wales and won by Australia.
The fifth Rugby League World Cup was held in Great Britain in 1970. Britain, fresh from defeating Australia in the Ashes, were hot favourites, and won all three of their group stage games. All the other nations lost two games each, and Australia qualified for the final largely on the back of an impressive tally of points against New Zealand.
The final was held at Headingley, Leeds. Although Great Britain dominated the possession, the Kangaroos were able to exploit their chances, and ran out unexpected winners in a scrappy game.
Australian centre Bob Fulton was named the official player of the tournament.
After winning the tournament, the Australian team put the World Cup trophy on display in the Midland Hotel, Bradford. From there it was stolen and remained unseen for the next 20 years.
Squads
Australia
Great Britain
New Zealand
Venues
Results
Australia beat the Kiwis easily at Wigan in the opening fixture with Eric Simms repeating his form of the 1968 tourney by landing a record ten goals.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's nationalassociation football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010. The bidding process for hosting the tournament finals was open only to African nations; in 2004, the international football federation, FIFA, selected South Africa over Egypt and Morocco to become the first African nation to host the finals.
The matches were played in 10 stadiums in nine host cities around the country, with the final played at the Soccer City stadium in South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg. Thirty-two teams were selected for participation via a worldwide qualification tournament that began in August 2007. In the first round of the tournament finals, the teams competed in round-robin groups of four teams for points, with the top two teams in each group proceeding. These 16 teams advanced to the knockout stage, where three rounds of play decided which teams would participate in the final.
New Zealand were the defending champions, having defeated Australia in 2008. Australia won the tournament, beating New Zealand 34–2 in the final to lift the Rugby League World Cup for the tenth time.
In terms of attendance, exposure and revenue, Rugby League World Cup 2013 is considered the most successful Rugby League World Cup to date.
Organisation
Background
The Rugby League International Federation confirmed this competition as a part of its international program. The RLIF announced a five-year plan to build up to the 2013 World Cup with Four Nations tournaments held in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The competition was part of the UK's "Golden Decade of Sport".
2013 was chosen as the year of the World Cup to avoid a clash with the London Olympics in 2012. After 2013, the Cup will be held on a quadrennial cycle.
Rugby League World Cup Final 1988: New Zealand v Australia
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1988 played between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park, Auckland. Australia finished top of the table after the four year World Cup cycle that started in 1985, and New Zealand earned a place by narrowly defeating Great Britain in Christchurch.
Auckland won the right to host the final, which had many locals believing that the Kiwis should be favourites following their 1987 defeat of Australia and the return of experienced veterans Mark Graham and Kurt Sorensen. However, they were also missing key players like Darrell Williams and Hugh McGahan through injury, while many players had been largely inactive since the July 17 defeat of the British; most of the Australians were match-hardened from their Winfield Cup campaigns for the October 9 clas...
published: 22 May 2013
Qld vs NSW State of Origin 1985 Game 1
published: 10 Feb 2021
1988 World Cup Final Australia v New Zealand
1988 Rugby League World Cup Final Australia v New Zealand at Eden Park.
Australia: 1 Garry JACK, 2 Dale SHEARER, 3 Andrew FARRAR, 4 Mark McGAW, 5 Michael O'CONNOR, 6 Wally LEWIS (c), 7 Allan LANGER, 8 Paul DUNN, 9 Ben ELIAS, 10 Steve ROACH, 11 Paul SIRONEN, 12 Gavin MILLER, 13 Wayne PEARCE, 14 Terry LAMB, 15 David GILLESPIE.
New Zealand: 1 Gary MERCER, 2 Tony IRO, 3 Kevin IRO, 4 Dean BELL (c), 5 Mark ELIA, 6 Gary FREEMAN, 7 Clayton FRIEND, 8 Adrian SHELFORD, 9 Wayne WALLACE, 10 Peter BROWN, 11 Kurt SORENSEN, 12 Mark GRAHAM, 13 Mark HORO, 14 Shane COOPER, 15 Sam STEWART.
Info: http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-cup-1985/final/new-zealand-vs-australia.html
published: 19 Dec 2013
Rugby League World Cup Final 1995 England v Australia
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1995, played at Wembley Stadium, London on October 28 at the conclusion of the tournament celebrating the centenary of the great game of rugby league. England was favourite after beating Australia earlier in the tournament and dispatching Wales in the semi-final. Australia's path to the final was less sure-footed: they were weakened by the ARL's ban on Super League-aligned players, lost to England in their first game, then only just squeaked past New Zealand by the width of an extra coat of paint on the goal post that Matthew Ridge's attempted field goal shaved; they ended up beating the Kiwis after extra time.
Teams
England: 1. Kris Radlinski; 2. Jason Robinson; 3. Gary Connolly; 4. Paul Newlove; 5. Martin Offiah; 6. Tony Smith; 7. Bobby Gouldi...
published: 25 May 2013
Inspired by the 1988 Rugby League Tourists
The first Great Britain and Irish Lions tour in more than a decade will take place in 2019, the Rugby League International Federation has confirmed.
Here we look at the great tradition of the Great Britain Rugby League Lions and particularly one of only a handful of recent victories for the GB team on Aussie soil. These great memories inspired our recent clothing collection.
In the third test in 1988 a depleted Great Britain team weren’t given a hope against the Australians. Early on the Kangaroos then had chances to score, but the British defence held strong.
The first try of the match would go to the Lions, when, Andy Gregory executed a neat run-around with big Kevin Ward for Martin Offiah to dive over. Wally Lewis replied for the Kangaroos, then a few minutes later Great Britain wer...
published: 07 Mar 2018
Kiwis vs Wales Rugby League World Cup 1975
published: 18 Dec 2020
Kangaroos vs Great Britain 1977 Rugby League World Cup S.C.G.
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1988 played between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park, Auckland. Australia finished top of the table after the ...
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1988 played between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park, Auckland. Australia finished top of the table after the four year World Cup cycle that started in 1985, and New Zealand earned a place by narrowly defeating Great Britain in Christchurch.
Auckland won the right to host the final, which had many locals believing that the Kiwis should be favourites following their 1987 defeat of Australia and the return of experienced veterans Mark Graham and Kurt Sorensen. However, they were also missing key players like Darrell Williams and Hugh McGahan through injury, while many players had been largely inactive since the July 17 defeat of the British; most of the Australians were match-hardened from their Winfield Cup campaigns for the October 9 clash. And the Australians had a certain whistle-blower on their side. Still, you can't say the Kiwis weren't fired up for the match.
Teams
New Zealand: 1. Gary Mercer; 2. Tony Iro; 3. Kevin Iro; 4. Dean Bell; 5. Mark Elia; 6. Gary Freeman; 7. Clayton Friend; 8. Peter Brown; 9. Wayne Wallace; 10. Adrian Shelford; 11. Mark Graham; 12. Kurt Sorensen; 13. Mark Horo. Reserves: 14. Shane Cooper; 15. Sam Stewart.
Australia: 1. Garry Jack; 2. Dale Shearer; 3. Andrew Farrar; 4. Mark McGaw; 5. Michael O'Connor; 6. Wally Lewis; 7. Allan Langer; 8. Paul Dunn; 9. Ben Elias; 10. Steve Roach; 11. Paul Sironen; 12. Gavin Miller; 13. Wayne Pearce. Reserves: 14. Terry Lamb; 15. David Gillespie.
Referee: Graham Ainui (Papua New Guinea)
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1988 played between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park, Auckland. Australia finished top of the table after the four year World Cup cycle that started in 1985, and New Zealand earned a place by narrowly defeating Great Britain in Christchurch.
Auckland won the right to host the final, which had many locals believing that the Kiwis should be favourites following their 1987 defeat of Australia and the return of experienced veterans Mark Graham and Kurt Sorensen. However, they were also missing key players like Darrell Williams and Hugh McGahan through injury, while many players had been largely inactive since the July 17 defeat of the British; most of the Australians were match-hardened from their Winfield Cup campaigns for the October 9 clash. And the Australians had a certain whistle-blower on their side. Still, you can't say the Kiwis weren't fired up for the match.
Teams
New Zealand: 1. Gary Mercer; 2. Tony Iro; 3. Kevin Iro; 4. Dean Bell; 5. Mark Elia; 6. Gary Freeman; 7. Clayton Friend; 8. Peter Brown; 9. Wayne Wallace; 10. Adrian Shelford; 11. Mark Graham; 12. Kurt Sorensen; 13. Mark Horo. Reserves: 14. Shane Cooper; 15. Sam Stewart.
Australia: 1. Garry Jack; 2. Dale Shearer; 3. Andrew Farrar; 4. Mark McGaw; 5. Michael O'Connor; 6. Wally Lewis; 7. Allan Langer; 8. Paul Dunn; 9. Ben Elias; 10. Steve Roach; 11. Paul Sironen; 12. Gavin Miller; 13. Wayne Pearce. Reserves: 14. Terry Lamb; 15. David Gillespie.
Referee: Graham Ainui (Papua New Guinea)
1988 Rugby League World Cup Final Australia v New Zealand at Eden Park.
Australia: 1 Garry JACK, 2 Dale SHEARER, 3 Andrew FARRAR, 4 Mark McGAW, 5 Michael O'CON...
1988 Rugby League World Cup Final Australia v New Zealand at Eden Park.
Australia: 1 Garry JACK, 2 Dale SHEARER, 3 Andrew FARRAR, 4 Mark McGAW, 5 Michael O'CONNOR, 6 Wally LEWIS (c), 7 Allan LANGER, 8 Paul DUNN, 9 Ben ELIAS, 10 Steve ROACH, 11 Paul SIRONEN, 12 Gavin MILLER, 13 Wayne PEARCE, 14 Terry LAMB, 15 David GILLESPIE.
New Zealand: 1 Gary MERCER, 2 Tony IRO, 3 Kevin IRO, 4 Dean BELL (c), 5 Mark ELIA, 6 Gary FREEMAN, 7 Clayton FRIEND, 8 Adrian SHELFORD, 9 Wayne WALLACE, 10 Peter BROWN, 11 Kurt SORENSEN, 12 Mark GRAHAM, 13 Mark HORO, 14 Shane COOPER, 15 Sam STEWART.
Info: http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-cup-1985/final/new-zealand-vs-australia.html
1988 Rugby League World Cup Final Australia v New Zealand at Eden Park.
Australia: 1 Garry JACK, 2 Dale SHEARER, 3 Andrew FARRAR, 4 Mark McGAW, 5 Michael O'CONNOR, 6 Wally LEWIS (c), 7 Allan LANGER, 8 Paul DUNN, 9 Ben ELIAS, 10 Steve ROACH, 11 Paul SIRONEN, 12 Gavin MILLER, 13 Wayne PEARCE, 14 Terry LAMB, 15 David GILLESPIE.
New Zealand: 1 Gary MERCER, 2 Tony IRO, 3 Kevin IRO, 4 Dean BELL (c), 5 Mark ELIA, 6 Gary FREEMAN, 7 Clayton FRIEND, 8 Adrian SHELFORD, 9 Wayne WALLACE, 10 Peter BROWN, 11 Kurt SORENSEN, 12 Mark GRAHAM, 13 Mark HORO, 14 Shane COOPER, 15 Sam STEWART.
Info: http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-cup-1985/final/new-zealand-vs-australia.html
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1995, played at Wembley Stadium, London on October 28 at the conclusion of the tournament celebrating the centenary ...
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1995, played at Wembley Stadium, London on October 28 at the conclusion of the tournament celebrating the centenary of the great game of rugby league. England was favourite after beating Australia earlier in the tournament and dispatching Wales in the semi-final. Australia's path to the final was less sure-footed: they were weakened by the ARL's ban on Super League-aligned players, lost to England in their first game, then only just squeaked past New Zealand by the width of an extra coat of paint on the goal post that Matthew Ridge's attempted field goal shaved; they ended up beating the Kiwis after extra time.
Teams
England: 1. Kris Radlinski; 2. Jason Robinson; 3. Gary Connolly; 4. Paul Newlove; 5. Martin Offiah; 6. Tony Smith; 7. Bobby Goulding; 8. Karl Harrison; 9. Lee Jackson; 10. Andy Platt; 11. Denis Betts; 12. Phil Clarke; 13. Andy Farrell. Reserves: 14. Barrie-Jon Mather; 15. Mick Cassidy; 16. Chris Joynt; 17. Simon Haughton. Coach: Phil Larder.
Australia: 1. Tim Brasher; 2. Brett Dallas; 3. Terry Hill; 4. Mark Coyne; 5. Rod Wishart; 6. Brad Fittler; 7. Geoff Toovey; 8. Dean Pay; 9. Andrew Johns; 10. Mark Carroll; 11. Steve Menzies; 12. Gary Larson; 13. Jim Dymock. Reserves: 14.Robbie O'Davis; 15. Jason Smith; 16. Matthew Johns; 17. Nik Kosef. Coach: Bob Fulton.
Referee: Stuart Cummings (England)
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1995, played at Wembley Stadium, London on October 28 at the conclusion of the tournament celebrating the centenary of the great game of rugby league. England was favourite after beating Australia earlier in the tournament and dispatching Wales in the semi-final. Australia's path to the final was less sure-footed: they were weakened by the ARL's ban on Super League-aligned players, lost to England in their first game, then only just squeaked past New Zealand by the width of an extra coat of paint on the goal post that Matthew Ridge's attempted field goal shaved; they ended up beating the Kiwis after extra time.
Teams
England: 1. Kris Radlinski; 2. Jason Robinson; 3. Gary Connolly; 4. Paul Newlove; 5. Martin Offiah; 6. Tony Smith; 7. Bobby Goulding; 8. Karl Harrison; 9. Lee Jackson; 10. Andy Platt; 11. Denis Betts; 12. Phil Clarke; 13. Andy Farrell. Reserves: 14. Barrie-Jon Mather; 15. Mick Cassidy; 16. Chris Joynt; 17. Simon Haughton. Coach: Phil Larder.
Australia: 1. Tim Brasher; 2. Brett Dallas; 3. Terry Hill; 4. Mark Coyne; 5. Rod Wishart; 6. Brad Fittler; 7. Geoff Toovey; 8. Dean Pay; 9. Andrew Johns; 10. Mark Carroll; 11. Steve Menzies; 12. Gary Larson; 13. Jim Dymock. Reserves: 14.Robbie O'Davis; 15. Jason Smith; 16. Matthew Johns; 17. Nik Kosef. Coach: Bob Fulton.
Referee: Stuart Cummings (England)
The first Great Britain and Irish Lions tour in more than a decade will take place in 2019, the Rugby League International Federation has confirmed.
Here we lo...
The first Great Britain and Irish Lions tour in more than a decade will take place in 2019, the Rugby League International Federation has confirmed.
Here we look at the great tradition of the Great Britain Rugby League Lions and particularly one of only a handful of recent victories for the GB team on Aussie soil. These great memories inspired our recent clothing collection.
In the third test in 1988 a depleted Great Britain team weren’t given a hope against the Australians. Early on the Kangaroos then had chances to score, but the British defence held strong.
The first try of the match would go to the Lions, when, Andy Gregory executed a neat run-around with big Kevin Ward for Martin Offiah to dive over. Wally Lewis replied for the Kangaroos, then a few minutes later Great Britain were again on the attack in Australia’s territory and keeping the ball alive for Phil Ford who stepped and weaved his way amongst the defenders to dash through and score near the uprights.
Great Britain then extended their lead after working the ball up into an attacking position where Andy Gregory chipped it ahead. Henderson Gill was first to the ball.
Australia bounced back with forward Sam Backo crashing over the line.
Then the Lions struck again from deep within their own half - centre Paul Loughlin got the ball and ran through the defensive line before passing to Henderson Gill in support on his outside to dive over.
To cap this great victory, Andy Gregory made a dart from dummy half, before finding Mike Gregory in support who ran about seventy metres to dive over under the posts.
The easy kick meant a 26–12 victory for Great Britain over Australia.
The Vintage Great Britain Rugby League collection inspired by the great teams from the mid-1980s includes a jersey, polos, T-Shirt, Sweat Shirt, Zipper and Hoodie and are available from ellisrugby.com
The first Great Britain and Irish Lions tour in more than a decade will take place in 2019, the Rugby League International Federation has confirmed.
Here we look at the great tradition of the Great Britain Rugby League Lions and particularly one of only a handful of recent victories for the GB team on Aussie soil. These great memories inspired our recent clothing collection.
In the third test in 1988 a depleted Great Britain team weren’t given a hope against the Australians. Early on the Kangaroos then had chances to score, but the British defence held strong.
The first try of the match would go to the Lions, when, Andy Gregory executed a neat run-around with big Kevin Ward for Martin Offiah to dive over. Wally Lewis replied for the Kangaroos, then a few minutes later Great Britain were again on the attack in Australia’s territory and keeping the ball alive for Phil Ford who stepped and weaved his way amongst the defenders to dash through and score near the uprights.
Great Britain then extended their lead after working the ball up into an attacking position where Andy Gregory chipped it ahead. Henderson Gill was first to the ball.
Australia bounced back with forward Sam Backo crashing over the line.
Then the Lions struck again from deep within their own half - centre Paul Loughlin got the ball and ran through the defensive line before passing to Henderson Gill in support on his outside to dive over.
To cap this great victory, Andy Gregory made a dart from dummy half, before finding Mike Gregory in support who ran about seventy metres to dive over under the posts.
The easy kick meant a 26–12 victory for Great Britain over Australia.
The Vintage Great Britain Rugby League collection inspired by the great teams from the mid-1980s includes a jersey, polos, T-Shirt, Sweat Shirt, Zipper and Hoodie and are available from ellisrugby.com
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1988 played between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park, Auckland. Australia finished top of the table after the four year World Cup cycle that started in 1985, and New Zealand earned a place by narrowly defeating Great Britain in Christchurch.
Auckland won the right to host the final, which had many locals believing that the Kiwis should be favourites following their 1987 defeat of Australia and the return of experienced veterans Mark Graham and Kurt Sorensen. However, they were also missing key players like Darrell Williams and Hugh McGahan through injury, while many players had been largely inactive since the July 17 defeat of the British; most of the Australians were match-hardened from their Winfield Cup campaigns for the October 9 clash. And the Australians had a certain whistle-blower on their side. Still, you can't say the Kiwis weren't fired up for the match.
Teams
New Zealand: 1. Gary Mercer; 2. Tony Iro; 3. Kevin Iro; 4. Dean Bell; 5. Mark Elia; 6. Gary Freeman; 7. Clayton Friend; 8. Peter Brown; 9. Wayne Wallace; 10. Adrian Shelford; 11. Mark Graham; 12. Kurt Sorensen; 13. Mark Horo. Reserves: 14. Shane Cooper; 15. Sam Stewart.
Australia: 1. Garry Jack; 2. Dale Shearer; 3. Andrew Farrar; 4. Mark McGaw; 5. Michael O'Connor; 6. Wally Lewis; 7. Allan Langer; 8. Paul Dunn; 9. Ben Elias; 10. Steve Roach; 11. Paul Sironen; 12. Gavin Miller; 13. Wayne Pearce. Reserves: 14. Terry Lamb; 15. David Gillespie.
Referee: Graham Ainui (Papua New Guinea)
1988 Rugby League World Cup Final Australia v New Zealand at Eden Park.
Australia: 1 Garry JACK, 2 Dale SHEARER, 3 Andrew FARRAR, 4 Mark McGAW, 5 Michael O'CONNOR, 6 Wally LEWIS (c), 7 Allan LANGER, 8 Paul DUNN, 9 Ben ELIAS, 10 Steve ROACH, 11 Paul SIRONEN, 12 Gavin MILLER, 13 Wayne PEARCE, 14 Terry LAMB, 15 David GILLESPIE.
New Zealand: 1 Gary MERCER, 2 Tony IRO, 3 Kevin IRO, 4 Dean BELL (c), 5 Mark ELIA, 6 Gary FREEMAN, 7 Clayton FRIEND, 8 Adrian SHELFORD, 9 Wayne WALLACE, 10 Peter BROWN, 11 Kurt SORENSEN, 12 Mark GRAHAM, 13 Mark HORO, 14 Shane COOPER, 15 Sam STEWART.
Info: http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/world-cup-1985/final/new-zealand-vs-australia.html
This is the rugby league World Cup final of 1995, played at Wembley Stadium, London on October 28 at the conclusion of the tournament celebrating the centenary of the great game of rugby league. England was favourite after beating Australia earlier in the tournament and dispatching Wales in the semi-final. Australia's path to the final was less sure-footed: they were weakened by the ARL's ban on Super League-aligned players, lost to England in their first game, then only just squeaked past New Zealand by the width of an extra coat of paint on the goal post that Matthew Ridge's attempted field goal shaved; they ended up beating the Kiwis after extra time.
Teams
England: 1. Kris Radlinski; 2. Jason Robinson; 3. Gary Connolly; 4. Paul Newlove; 5. Martin Offiah; 6. Tony Smith; 7. Bobby Goulding; 8. Karl Harrison; 9. Lee Jackson; 10. Andy Platt; 11. Denis Betts; 12. Phil Clarke; 13. Andy Farrell. Reserves: 14. Barrie-Jon Mather; 15. Mick Cassidy; 16. Chris Joynt; 17. Simon Haughton. Coach: Phil Larder.
Australia: 1. Tim Brasher; 2. Brett Dallas; 3. Terry Hill; 4. Mark Coyne; 5. Rod Wishart; 6. Brad Fittler; 7. Geoff Toovey; 8. Dean Pay; 9. Andrew Johns; 10. Mark Carroll; 11. Steve Menzies; 12. Gary Larson; 13. Jim Dymock. Reserves: 14.Robbie O'Davis; 15. Jason Smith; 16. Matthew Johns; 17. Nik Kosef. Coach: Bob Fulton.
Referee: Stuart Cummings (England)
The first Great Britain and Irish Lions tour in more than a decade will take place in 2019, the Rugby League International Federation has confirmed.
Here we look at the great tradition of the Great Britain Rugby League Lions and particularly one of only a handful of recent victories for the GB team on Aussie soil. These great memories inspired our recent clothing collection.
In the third test in 1988 a depleted Great Britain team weren’t given a hope against the Australians. Early on the Kangaroos then had chances to score, but the British defence held strong.
The first try of the match would go to the Lions, when, Andy Gregory executed a neat run-around with big Kevin Ward for Martin Offiah to dive over. Wally Lewis replied for the Kangaroos, then a few minutes later Great Britain were again on the attack in Australia’s territory and keeping the ball alive for Phil Ford who stepped and weaved his way amongst the defenders to dash through and score near the uprights.
Great Britain then extended their lead after working the ball up into an attacking position where Andy Gregory chipped it ahead. Henderson Gill was first to the ball.
Australia bounced back with forward Sam Backo crashing over the line.
Then the Lions struck again from deep within their own half - centre Paul Loughlin got the ball and ran through the defensive line before passing to Henderson Gill in support on his outside to dive over.
To cap this great victory, Andy Gregory made a dart from dummy half, before finding Mike Gregory in support who ran about seventy metres to dive over under the posts.
The easy kick meant a 26–12 victory for Great Britain over Australia.
The Vintage Great Britain Rugby League collection inspired by the great teams from the mid-1980s includes a jersey, polos, T-Shirt, Sweat Shirt, Zipper and Hoodie and are available from ellisrugby.com
The 1985–1988 Rugby League World Cup was the ninth Rugby League World Cup tournament held and saw yet another change of format. The competition was stretched to cover almost three years (1985 to 1988), with teams playing each other on a home and away basis. These matches were fitted into the normal international programme of three-match test series between the nations, with a pre-designated match from each series counting as the world cup fixture.
The competition was further altered by the addition of a new nation, Papua New Guinea. The Kumuls performed creditably, particularly when playing in the front of their fiercely patriotic home crowd. Conversely, France were unable to fulfil their 1987 tour of Australasia due to financial difficulties, and had to forfeit away fixtures against Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
At the end of four years, Australia finished top of the table, and, through a victory over Great Britain in Christchurch, the Kiwis qualified to host the final. Unfortunately for them, home advantage was not enough for New Zealand, who went down 12–25 to the seemingly invincible Australians.