Rugby League World Magazine 439 Back Issue

The Super League Grand Final, played out in front of a capacity crowd at Old Trafford produced something of a shock as Leeds Rhinos called on all their years of big match experience to dismantle Castleford’s challenge for the top honour in the rain. Though departing heroes Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire claimed most of the headlines, Matt Parcell has made a huge contribution since his arrival at Headingley and he talks to us about his debut season. Overcoming his disappointment at the Tigers’ defeat, we also catch up with Adam Milner who looks back on an otherwise spectacular season for Cas.
With the domestic season done and dusted, our attention now turns to the Greatest Show on Earth. We’ve put together an essential guide to the Rugby League World Cup, including all the fixtures, the squads, the history behind the competing teams, the key players to look out for and also some of the highlights from previous tournaments.
Can Australia maintain their dominance? Will Wayne Bennett unlock the magic formula for success with England? How will Wales, Scotland and Ireland fare down under and can one of the wildcard nations like Tonga, bolstered by NRL and Super League talent, pull off an almighty upset along the way? And what will happen in the Women’s World Cup, running simultaneously for the first time? We can’t wait to find out!
It’s been a long time since a British team claimed success on the international stage, and we are thrilled to have been able to speak to some of those who have claimed the title of world champions in their careers. Phil Lowe, Brian Lockwood and coaching mastermind Johnny Whiteley have some fantastic tales to tell of their days at the pinnacle of the sport, when although the media profile and financial rewards were very different, the honour was no less appreciated by the victors.
We are fortunate these days to have a front row seat to watch the drama unfold anywhere in the world. Let the games begin!