England’s men are facing a drawn-out departure from Australia after their Rugby League World Cup campaign ended early. The squad moved from Wollongong to Sydney after Tonga’s match against Samoa on Sunday, but some players are not expected to arrive home until Friday, a week after their tournament ended.
The men’s campaign lasted just 13 days, compared with the five or six weeks England teams often spend at a World Cup. The players had been based near Wollongong’s beaches, where some spent time with family or visited local friends while waiting to leave. Most players and staff, however, were keen to return home.
The early elimination followed Papua New Guinea’s defeat of England, which ended the team’s hopes. England Women left Australia the morning after their own campaign concluded against Samoa.
Steve McCormack, brought in from Rugby League Cares as wellbeing manager for the men’s and women’s teams, has been supporting players and staff. He arranged for Brad O’Neill to take the first available flight home because O’Neill’s partner is due to give birth. McCormack expects to be among the last to leave.
England coach Brian McDermott described the experience of working with the squad as enjoyable and said the group had made progress in a short time. He also said bringing together players from the NRL and Super League had proved easier than he expected, with senior players helping the team bond.
Wellbeing support has also focused on players who had limited time on the field. Morgan Knowles was restricted to 52 minutes by injury, while Jack Welsby played 19 minutes and Ben Currie 13. Ben Talty did not earn a cap during the tournament, while Kallum Watkins made his 15th World Cup appearance across four events.
Sources: The Guardian Sport.