Draw fits the Bill for World Cup bid
WILLIAMS HAS YET TO ANNOUNCE WHO HE WILL REPRESENT
ENGLAND could face Sonny Bill Williams in the opening game of the 2021 World Cup.
The hosts will kick off the tournament against Samoa at St James’ Park, Newcastle, on October 23, 2021.
Williams, who has switched codes after representing the All Blacks at last year’s World Cup in Japan, played for New Zealand in rugby league’s showpiece tournament in 2013 but is also eligible for Samoa and has yet to announce his choice.
England’s other Group A opponents, drawn by former Wigan Warriors and Sale Sharks ace Jason Robinson, and 2012 Olympic rowing gold-medal winner Dame Katherine Grainger, will be France and World Cup debutants Greece.
Venues – including Old Trafford which will host the final, Leigh Sports Village and the University of Bolton Stadium – for the rest of the matches will be determined over the next few weeks.
Scotland were drawn in Group B alongside holders Australia, Fiji and Italy, while John Kear’s Wales face Pacific Island opponents Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Cook Islands.
In the other group, New Zealand were paired with Lebanon, Jamaica and Ireland.
England will play newcomers Brazil in the opening match of the women’s World Cup and will also take on Papua New Guinea and Canada in the group stage, while Australia were paired with New Zealand, France and the Cook Islands.
Meanwhile, the planned friendly between Rochdale and Swinton scheduled for Sunday afternoon has been cancelled following concerns over the playing surface at the Crown Oil Arena.
The stadium is home to Hornets and Rochdale Football Club and Rochdale CEO, Steve Kerr, said the decision had been taken in order to protect the pitch ahead of the Betfred League 1 season, which kicks off next month.
Areas of concern were highlighted following the Law Cup clash with Oldham last weekend and with more bad weather expected over the coming days, the decision has been made to cancel the warm-up fixture with the Lions.
“We are disappointed and would like to apologise to fans for calling off our third pre-season game,” said Kerr.
“However, protecting the pitch will serve us well come the start of the season and Matt [Calland] can now focus on our first competitive game.”
Hornets will next be in action in the third round of the Challenge Cup on February 9, before their third-tier campaign gets underway at Coventry Bears on February 16.
Swinton next face Challenge Cup holders at Heywood Road on January 25.
“We are naturally disappointed but hopefully the early announcement is at least helpful to our supporters,” said Lions director Steve Wild.
“We will now concentrate our efforts on preparing for the prestigious Warrington friendly.”
Meanwhile, Leigh Centurions have confirmed the capture of former Widnes Vikings forward Alex Gerrard for the 2020 season.