Mal Meninga hoping Rugby League World Cup grows game

Mal Meninga has a twin mission at the Rugby League World Cup — winning again and growing the game. Australia's legendary coach knows the expectations that come with any Kangaroos campaign. The 11-time champions have won their last 12 matches at the tournament and three group wins would set a new record.

Ad Ahead of their opening game against Fiji in Leeds on Saturday, Meninga spoke passionately about his players owning their legacy, while also playing their part in giving international footy a much-needed boost. Rugby LeagueWelsby will shine at Rugby League World Cup, claims captain Tomkins18 HOURS AGO The global game was severely hit by the pandemic, tours were scrapped and the World Cup delayed by 12 months. This year's tournament is billed as the widest open yet, with perennial contenders Australia, New Zealand and England facing powerhouse teams from Tonga and Samoa packed with show stopping NRL talent.

And it's a challenge Meninga — a long-time passionate advocate of the international game — welcomes, even if there are plenty of names he wanted in green and gold running out in jerseys of their heritage nations. «The new frontier for our sport is the international game,» said Meninga. «We've nearly exhausted everything at home so we've got to find a new space.

»Because of what's been happening in the world our international teams have become a distant memory and that has to change. «The leaders of our sport couldn't be more excited about this World Cup and what it could do for rugby league. »We need the international game to expand, we need more competitive games, that is a part of the legacy we want to be part of.