FACES OF THE WORLD CUP
From big names to hidden gems, Michael Carayannis finds a player in each of the 16 teams who can tear it up
JEREMIAH NANAI Australia
NNBackrow Age 19
The NRL’s rookie of the year is set to cap a dream season with a Kangaroos jersey. Starred for the Cowboys and was in rare try-scoring form for a forward – crossing 17 times in 23 games. Nanai is a real shot of forcing his way on to the bench in Australia’s best 17. Off-contract come November 1, with a host of clubs circling to offer him a massive payday.
KAI PEARCE-PAUL England
NNCentre/backrow Age 21 Newcastle Knights fans will get an early glimpse about what all the hype is about when it comes to the man they call
KPP. Pearce-Paul – who is being compared with dual international
Sonny Bill
Williams – will join the
Knights in 2024 from Wigan. He is only 21 and has played just 38 games but former England captain Jamie Peacock has already labelled PearcePaul as a “World Cup bolter”.
He is a big centre/backrower and should see some pool stage action.
TEVITA TATOLA Tonga Age 25
NNProp
Came of age for the Rabbitohs in the back end of the season to become one of the game’s best props – playing in all but one of South Sydney’s matches this year. Carried the brunt of the late-year absence of teammate Tom Burgess. Forms part of a strong Tongan forward pack who go into the tournament quietly confident they can take out the top prize. Tatola may start from the bench given Tonga’s depth but he will be a key member of any success.
ARTHUR MOURGUE BILLY MAGOULIAS
Greece
NNLock Age 25
A fan favourite who wants to show he can still mix it at the top level. Started the year at Warrington but struggled with injuries. Eventually returned to Australia for personal reasons and finished the year with Newtown. Wants another crack at the NRL after 16 matches for the Sharks. Great platform for him. Will share the playmaking responsibilities with South Sydney duo Peter Mamouzelos and Lachlan Ilias.
LACHLAN LAM PNG NNHalfback Age 24
Headed to England to reinvent himself after being in and out of the NRL at the Roosters in recent years, joining Leigh, where dad Adrian is coach. Helped guide them to Super League promotion and has signed on for next season. Starred for PNG in their 24-14 win against Fiji in June, scoring two tries and laying on another. NRL players in the squad include Alex Johnston, Xavier Coates and Justin Olam.
GEORGE KING Ireland Age 27
NNProp
The Irish captain who just completed the first season of a three-year deal at
Hull Kingston Rovers, starting 25 matches this season. Finished the year making an average of 26 tackles a game. Roosters star Luke Keary will provide some big-game experience, as will Richie Myler (Leeds), Jaimin Jolliffe (Gold Coast) and Frankie Halton (HKR). Ex-NRL players Harry Rushton and James Hasson are also in the squad.
DAVVY MOALE Cook Islands Age 19
NNProp
The Rabbitohs teenage forward is going to have a long career if his first few seasons in the top grade are anything to go by. Moale played 12 matches this year as South Sydney take a slow approach with him. But there will be no hiding him during the tournament, with Moale expected to start and play big minutes for the Cook Islands. Their forward pack has loads of top-level experience, including Tinirau Arona, Makahesi Makatoa, Tepai Moeroa, Dylan Napa, Zane Tetevano and Brad Takairangi.
SUNIA TURUVA Fiji Age 20
NNWinger
Fans were given a glimpse of the young Panthers flyer in three matches this year. He also starred in Penrith’s NSW Cup and state championship victories and this year re-signed with the Panthers until 2024. A genuine speedster who can play at fullback or on the wing. The Fijian squad is a bit weakened with a host of big-name players absent, including Tariq Sims and the Saifiti twins Jacob and Daniel.
BRAD FEARNLEY Italy
NNProp Age 21
A cornerstone of Penrith’s Jersey Flegg premiership-winning team, starting 19 of 21 matches this year,
including an impressive 50-minute stint in the grand final against Newcastle. Ran for an average of 119 metres this year. Spent the preseason training with the first-grade squad. Nathan Brown and Cooper Johns are the only players in the Italy team to have played NRL this year.
ASHTON GOLDING Jamaica Age 26
NNFullback
One of the few Jamaican players with experience at the top level in a squad expected to struggle in their inaugural World Cup. Comes into this having played 18 matches for Huddersfield, largely off the interchange bench. Resigned with the club in August for another two years.
JACOB KIRAZ Lebanon Age 20
NNWing
One of the success stories for Canterbury this season. Through
perseverance, he lived out his childhood dream to take the field for the Bulldogs. Won the club’s rookie of the year award after featuring in 15 matches and scoring six tries. Earned a twoyear contract extension.
Lebanon has a side sprinkled with experience.
Mitchell Moses will direct them around the park, while the likes of Josh
Mansour, Abbas Miski
(Wigan) and James
Roumanos (Bulldogs) should ensure they are competitive.
JOEY MANU
New Zealand NNFullback Age 26 Has long held an ambition to give fullback a crack. Now he gets the chance to do so through an entire tournament on the biggest stage. Wearing the No.1 jersey, he ran for 398 metres during the midseason Test win against Tonga – his first time at fullback for the Kiwis. Could be the player of the tournament if his showing this year is any guide.
JOSEPH SUAALII
Samoa
NNFullback Age 19 Could have become one of the youngest Kangaroos of all time but opted to represent the country of his heritage. Would have played a bit part on the wing for the Kangaroos but now gets a chance to showcase all his skills.
Expected to be given first crack at fullback and show why he has the rugby league world talking.
SAM LUCKLEY
Scotland
NNProp Age 26 Worked his way through the lower tiers in England before finding a home at Salford the past two seasons. Was part of the Salford side who were bundled out by eventual premiers St Helens in the Super League semi-finals. He will make the switch to Hull KR next season. Scotland has a handful of experienced players, including Euan Aiken (Warriors), James Bell (St Helens) and Kane Linnett (HKR).
LUIS ROBERTS Wales Age 20
NNCentre
The towering outside back stands just 4cm shorter than Newcastle’s Dom Young. Roberts split his time with Leigh and Widnes in England’s Championship this year. Made his debut for Wales against France this year. Caleb Aekins is the only player in the squad with a taste of the NRL. Aekins spent this year at the Leigh
Centurions.
ARTHUR MOURGUE France
NNFive-eighth Age 23
An explosive style of half who loves running the ball. Expect him to be the focal point of France’s attack as he is a strong line-breaking runner. Englishman Sam Tomkins described him as the “most exciting French player in 10 years”. Was a utility for Catalans this year – spending time in the halves and fullback. Ex-Rooster Samisoni Langi is in the squad after previously playing for Tonga.