TV face of sport says Darwin will love World Cup
“Territorians love their league and to have a quarter-final in Darwin, the first time the Kangaroos have done so in 109 years, is fantastic” CHANNEL SEVEN’S JIM WILSON
TIO Stadium hosting a Rugby League World Cup quarterfinal featuring the Kangaroos will be momentous for the Territory says the face of Channel 7’s coverage, Jim Wilson.
The respected presenter — who celebrated 30 years in journalism last week — will lead the network’s analysis of the men’s and women’s competitions.
Wilson said he couldn’t wait to travel to the Top End for the November 17 fixture, admitting Darwin would be rocking when the Kangaroos hit town.
“Territorians love their league and to have a quarterfinal in Darwin, the first time the Kangaroos have done so in 109 years, is fantastic,” he said.
“With Cam Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk playing in what will be their last World Cup campaign, I think it is great for the Territory and I think this great for Darwin.”
Wilson said the relaxation of eligibility rules — which sees second tier nations stronger than ever — meant Australia wouldn’t get an easy road to the final.
“The (quarter-final) matchup is tantalising. You look at their potential opponents, Samoa Tonga, the Kiwis or Scotland. Whatever match up we get, it’s going to be a dam good quarterfinal,” he said.
“The whole thing with eligibility is great; it has opened it right up.”
Wilson said the extreme mid-November humidity would make for an interesting dynamic.
“The weather throws another curve ball into the equation,” he said.
“It’s going to be a factor. When you haven’t got (Greg) Inglis, JT (Johnathan Thurston) or Matt Scott, it’s going to be a big test. We are all hoping GI will be right but I just don’t think it’s going to happen.
“They are three big outs but whoever (Australia) face in the quarter-final will be a really tough assignment.”
Tickets for the Marrara match are available on the Rugby League World Cup website.