World Cup boss predicts victory for a minnow
RUGBY League World Cup CEO Andrew Hill is adamant a minnow nation will defeat one of the tournament’s “big three” come October.
Hill was in Townsville yesterday for the Cowboys’ season launch and also to meet civic leaders ahead of the 2017 World Cup, which will feature three pool games played at 1300SMILES Stadium starting with the Fiji v USA clash on October 28.
The city will then host a doubleheader on November 5 starting with Fiji v Wales, followed by Italy against USA.
Hill is confident North Queensland will support the minnow nations in their quest to make shockwaves against Australia, New Zealand and England.
“We say ‘ minnow’ nations, but who would have thought Kane Linnett and Lachlan Coote with Scotland would have had a draw against New Zealand only four months ago?” Hill said.
“The changes to the eligibility rules allow every country to ensure they will have the best possible quality of players playing.
“We’re really confident there will be an upset; someone will beat one of the big three nations in our world cup, we’re sure of it.”
Townsville has hosted its share of international league and union matches, including pool games during the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup, and the 2012 rugby league international between Australia and New Zealand.
Hill said that experience, and the fact Townsville is a league stronghold, gave organisers full faith in Townsville’s ability to again deliver on the world stage.
“We’re very confident that Townsville is a destination that can put on a great event, and this is the international pinnacle of our sport,” he said.
“We have an opportunity to showcase globally to over 20 million people.
“It’s no longer next year, it’s in 250 days’ time and we’ll be here starting with Fiji taking on USA.
“The work that the Cowboys do and more broadly the Townsville community for major events gives us enormous confidence that the facility will be great, and the community will support it.
“The Rugby League World Cup won’t be back in Australia for another 12 years, so this a real opportunity for Townsville and North Queensland to support international rugby league.”
Hill said he hoped competitive ticket prices would help generate bigger crowds.
“We’ve set realistic ticket prices,” he said.
“It’s $ 45 for a family of four to attend any game here in Townsville or Cairns, so it’s a tremendous opportunity.”