By Tom Masters

It proved to be New Zealand’s year in 2008, with both the men’s and women’s teams taking the crown as Australia hosted the first Rugby League World Cup in eight years. 

It was a first ever victory for the Kiwi men, who stunned favourites Australia at Suncorp Stadium with an impressive second-half comeback while the Kiwi Ferns continued their dominance by claiming their third consecutive title. 

The first ever Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup also took place in 2008, with four teams taking part.

England won the inaugural competition, defeating Australia, who had the misfortune of losing finals in the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair events in front of their home fans.

New Zealand's men shock favourites

The tournament opener saw England defeat Papua New Guinea 32-22 thanks to a Lee Smith hat-trick, but it was the following day when the hosts first got involved, comfortably defeating rivals New Zealand 30-6 at Sydney Football Stadium in Pool A. 

That defeat sparked the Kiwis into life as they impressed when easing to a 48-6 victory over Papua New Guinea, while Billy Slater’s hat-trick inspired the Kangaroos to a remarkable 52-4 win over England in Melbourne. 

Manu Vatuvei then scored four tries in New Zealand’s 36-24 win over England in the final round of the group stages as David Williams dotted down three times to seal top spot for Australia in a 46-6 win over the Kumuls. 

Pool B saw France, Scotland and Fiji do battle with each side winning one game and losing another, meaning it all came down to points difference. 

After France’s 36-18 win over Scotland, they appeared to be in pole position, but a Fiji team inspired by Akuila Uate and Jarryd Hayne put Les Chanticleers to the sword as they ran out 42-6 winners. 

That made the Bati the favourites to advance to the semi-final qualifier, but an incredible performance from Scotland saw them stun Fiji 18-16 in Gosford, however, it was not enough to overcome the Pacific Islanders' significant points difference and they still advanced. 

Pool C mirrored Pool B, with Ireland, Samoa and Tonga separated by points difference.

Tonga took the advantage as they edged Ireland 22-20 thanks to Esikeli Tonga’s late try, but they were then defeated 20-12 by fellow Pacific Islanders Samoa. 

In the end, a sensational performance from Pat Richards, who scored three tries and nailed all five of his kicks at goal, saw the Wolfhounds advance following the 34-16 win over Samoa. 

Uate swiftly put the Irish dream to bed in the semi-final qualifier, however, scoring twice in a 30-14 win for Fiji.

In the semi-finals, it was over New Zealand’s day over England at Lang Park, with Jerome Ropati’s double seeing them to a 32-22 win, while Australia set up yet another date with the Kiwis in the final after beating Fiji 52-0 thanks to hat-tricks from Slater and Johnathan Thurston. 

In the final, the Kangaroos led 16-12 at the break, but the 50,000 strong crowd in Brisbane were stunned into silence when New Zealand’s incredible second-half performance saw them win 34-20 and lift the Paul Barrière trophy for the first time. 

Kiwi Ferns continue dominance  

Eight teams took to the field in the third rendition of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, and the three favourites for the competition quickly put their stamp on proceedings. 

England and Australia both eased to large victories in Pool A, winning 72-0 and 60-0 against Russia and France respectively, before Gemma Walsh’s hat-trick saw England book their place in the semi-finals with a 54-4 victory over France. 

Australia defeated Russia 72-0 to secure their place in the semi-finals and the Jillaroos topped the pool with a 22-4 win over England.

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New Zealand kicked off their title defence by scoring 13 tries in a 72-0 win over the Pacific Islands.
The Kiwi Ferns then defeated Tonga 42-4, before ending Samoa’s knockout hopes in a 26-4 triumph, with the Pacific Islands qualifying second thanks to wins over Samoa and Tonga.

New Zealand edged out England 16-4 in a tense semi-final while Steph Hancock scored two tries to ensure Australia would join them after a 32-6 win over Pacific Islands.

However, the hosts suffered heartbreak in Brisbane as Trish Hina and Kat Whata-Simpkins both scored twice in a 34-0 win as the Kiwi Ferns retained their title.

England win first Wheelchair title

Four teams entered the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup – Australia, England, France and a Barbarians V. 

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And there was more disappointment for Australia as the Wheelaroos made it to the final but also fell short like the men’s and women’s sides.

Instead, England claimed the maiden title with a 44-12 win at Betts Stadium in Sydney.

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets