International Rugby League in 2008

This article documents international Rugby League in 2008. The highlight of the year is the World Cup, held in Australia in October and November.

ANZAC Test

The 2008 Centenary ANZAC Test took place on Friday 9 May at Sydney Cricket Ground. There was some controversy regarding the release of two Engage Super League players, Leeds Rhinos' Brent Webb and Wigan Warriors' Thomas Leuluai as the Test clashed with the 5th round of the 2008 Challenge Cup.

rugbyleaguebox
date = 9th May 2008
team1 = Australia flagicon|Australia | score = 28 - 12
team2 = flagicon|New Zealand New Zealand | points1 = Try: Gasnier 6', 13'
Gallen 17'
C. Smith 22'
Folau 64'
Goal: Thurston (4) | points2 = Try: Soliola 42'
Perrett 79'
Goal: J. Smith
Luke | stadium = Sydney Cricket Ground
attendance = 34,571
ref = Ashley Klein flagicon|England
manofmatch = Mark Gasnier flagicon|Australia
Simon Mannering flagicon|New Zealand

Mid-Season International

rugbyleaguebox
bg = #eeeeee
date = June 27, 2008
team1 = France leagueicon|France
team2 = leagueicon|England England
score = 8 - 56
report = [http://www.englandrl.co.uk/~englandr/article.php?id=10954 Report]
points1 = Tries: Wynne 8'
Goals: Bosc (2/2)
points2 = Tries: Pryce 14'
Gleeson (3) 19', 57', 61'
Fa'asavalu 35'
Fox 49'
Senior 52'
Wilkin 67'
McGuire 70'
Wellens 74'
Goals: Sinfield (5/6)
Burrow (3/4)
stadium = Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse
attendance = 8,326
referee= Jason Robinson
manofmatch= Leon Pryce

England also played against Wales before the World Cup (10 October) and won.

World Cup

The 2008 World Cup will begin on 25 October with a match between England and Papua New Guinea at the Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville, Queensland. The final will be held at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on 22 November. Hosts Australia are the reigning World Champions, having won the previous Rugby League World Cup in 2000 in Great Britain.

External links

* [http://www.nzrl.co.nz/page/2008_centenary_test.html 2008 Centenary Test at nzrl.co.nz]