welshmagpie

I won’t speak for all Samoans but I spoke to one over here a few weeks back, his kids play and he played a bit also here and overseas to an OK level. I was dumbfounded to find out he felt international rugby league was created “around 2017 for Samoa and Tonga to get top tier teams out.” He was shocked to hear how wrong he was when I told him about various bits of international RL pre-2013. He genuinely came across a little entitled and even laughed at the idea of France playing “… there’s no French players in the NRL, why are they in!?”

Galea from Workington Sammut of former super league famez Their loose forward is Scottish born but now playing in Western Australia. A handful from rugby union clubs in the island of Malta itself. Their 6 Josh Gatt is Australian born and just signed for a club in France

Cook Islands look very weak. Could get a real thumping in this World Cup.

Yes, Nigeria were driving it. https://www.nrl.com/news/2026/03/20/inclusive-ambitious-united-nigeria-driving-plans-for-emerging-nations-tournament/

Strong Samoa squad except for their middles, who may well struggle. England and Tonga look stronger so far. I worry for Fiji.

Sydney

Due to go ahead with Jamaica, Philippines, Nigeria and Malta/Greece. Unfortunately now cancelled, a Jamaica player shared the news on his Instagram story citing the organisers lost sponsorship/ran out of time to sort key details. I believe Jamaica’s players had raised thousands of pounds to travel over so hopefully that money can carry over into 2027. A real shame as the ENWC is a good event when it’s held

Thought the same. No Bula, Sivo, Kikau weakens it significantly.

Updates all over the place on X. No Hamlin-Uele or Johnstone (injuries/surgery)

On another note, I don’t think I’ve watched a grand final live on Sky for at least the last two seasons - work/family events/occasions have often gotten in the way. I was really impressed by the coverage this year, it really felt like a big event and it transferred the atmosphere across excellently. Tomkins in the tunnnel, Amor in the crowd, the fireworks and the build up were all smartly done. I suppose my question is, has this become the new normal over the past few seasons or did we witness a step up in production tonight?

Will miss seeing Tyson Smoothy is Super League, what an excellent hooker. A real joy to watch. Well done Wakefield, phenomenal first half, Warrington meanwhile were so underwhelming, their pack nowhere to be seen.

Wales’ eligibility officer here, thought I’d give you all a lowdown on some of the new names we’ve got in the squad that aren’t familiar names to those of us who watch the UK game. Taine Woodford Centre/back rower signed to Newcastle Knights NSW Cup squad but has spent much of the season playing A-Grade, winning NEWRL with Souths Newcastle. Taine has an incredible story having survived cancer and returning to professional rugby league. Qualifies through a grandparent from Bedwas near Caerphilly. Toko Owen New Zealand born half back, currently in the Brisbane Broncos system who’s had a rise through the ranks this year. Started with Souths Logan U19s, progressed to their senior squad and finished the year with Brisbane’s U21s in NRLQ. Qualifies through a grandparent from Merthyr Tydfil. Jackson Connor A big prop forward, who isn’t afraid of tough carriers and can also slot in at back row. A young man who signed a development contract with Brisbane Tigers (Queensland cup) but has spent his season getting minutes for Carina is Brisbane A-Grade. Like Toko Owen, Jackson qualifies for Wales through a Merthyr Tydfil born grandfather.

Sport?

Birmingham Hurricanes it is. They had a good season and I hope they can continue to grow and out down roots at Avery.