The men's Rugby League World Cup Team of Round 3

The 17 players who impressed most during the final group games

2 Nov 2022

The men's Rugby League World Cup Team of Round 3

The 17 players who impressed most during the final group games

By Josh Graham

The men’s group games are in the books and the quarter-finals are fast approaching after Australia beat Italy to set up a last eight clash with Lebanon, who overcame Jamaica.

Hosts England stormed past Greece and will take on Papua New Guinea, who beat Wales on Monday, on Saturday in Wigan.

READ MORE: Quarter-finals line-up confirmed

Fiji face New Zealand for a spot in the last four on Saturday night while a titanic tussle between Tonga and Samoa lies in wait on Sunday afternoon.

Our expert panellists have compiled the 17 players who caught the eye in the third round of fixtures, with eight nations once again represented.

Full-back – Sunia Turuva (Fiji)

Panthers youngster Sunia Turuva put in another assured display at the back for the Bati in the 30-14 win over Scotland, making seven tackle breaks and running for 214 metres.

Right Wing – Brian To’o (Samoa)

Brian To’o recorded a staggering 258 running metres as well as two tries in the decisive win over France that secured Samoa a quarter-final date with fellow Pacific Islanders Tonga.

Centre – Tim Lafai (Samoa)

Salford’s Tim Lafai makes this side for the second week in a row after bagging two tries on Samoa’s highly effective left edge.

Centre – Will Penisini (Tonga)

Tonga had failed to hit the heights expected previously but Will Penisini’s four-try haul helped put Cook Islands to the sword in a 92-10 win at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Left Wing – Taylan May (Samoa)

Penrith star Taylan May also crossed for four tries against Les Tricolores, proving why he had such an impressive season in the NRL.

Half-back – Jarome Luai (Samoa)

Another of the Penrith contingent, Jarome Luai pulled the strings expertly against the French, letting 44 passes go and picking up four try involvements.

Scrum-half – Jahrome Hughes (New Zealand)

Jahrome Hughes announced his return from injury in fine style against Ireland, having a hand in almost everything the Kiwis did well, picking up two tries and laying on three assists.

Prop – Tom Burgess (England)

Tom Burgess made a rip-roaring impact off the England interchange bench against Greece and used his unstoppable power to claim two tries and 203 running metres against the Titans.

Hooker – Brandon Smith (New Zealand)

Brandon Smith dictated the pace against Ireland and added two more tries to his collection courtesy of his latest classy display in the black shirt.

Prop – Junior Paulo (Samoa)

Samoa skipper Junior Paulo’s bone-shuddering shot on Arthur Mourgue did the rounds on social media and the big front-rower carried the furthest among his pack with 132 metres in just 48 minutes.

Second row – Nixon Putt (Papua New Guinea)

Shaun Wane will have his eye on Nixon Putt after the back row scored twice and ran hard all night against Wales.

Second row – Liam Martin (Australia)

Kangaroos second row Liam Martin racked up 129 metres and crossed for a try in the 66-6 over Italy, showing strength but also a sharp turn of pace for a forward.

Loose forward  – Jason Taumalolo (Tonga)

North Queensland Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo emerged from suspension like a caged animal, bulldozing Cook Islands opponents and scoring two tries in a player of the match display.

Interchange – Adam Doueihi (Lebanon)

Back from suspension and shifted to full-back, Adam Doueihi was superb in the Lebanon spine against Jamaica.

Interchange – Andy Ackers (England)

Given his chance over Michael McIlorum against Greece, hooker Andy Ackers did not disappoint, bagging a brace and putting his case forward for a spot in Shaun Wane’s quarter-final squad.

Interchange – Dom Young (England)

One of the stars of the tournament, Dom Young doubled his try tally to eight to lead the rankings after running in four in the first half against Greece.

Interchange – Joseph Tapine (New Zealand)

Loose forward Joseph Tapine is a formidable presence in the Kiwi middle and he impressed against Ireland, making 66 post-contact metres in 46 minutes.

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

Principal Sponsor

Partner

Official Sponsors

Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner

Partners

Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner Partner
recite me menu recite me menu