Jubilant head coach Mal Meninga praised his “exceptional” captain James Tedesco as Australia won the Rugby League World Cup again by beating Samoa at Old Trafford.
A 30-10 win came courtesy of incisive finishing on a platform of a formidable defence, with two-try Tedesco named Player of the Match on a day where Australia successfully retained both the men’s and women’s world titles.
“Teddy led the side through the week really well and how he trained was exceptional,” said Meninga, with his skipper making 22 carries for 199 metres, the most of any player on the pitch.
“He was on it tonight and we needed him. The first half for us was exceptional and second half we scrapped defensively. Not only his two tries but Man of the Match too was thoroughly deserved for his efforts. I’m excited for the players, this is their moment.”
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Despite a lively Samoa start, Australia established a 14-0 half-time lead that they never looked like surrendering, with Latrell Mitchell, Tedesco and Liam Martin all going over for tries.
The Kangaroos lost Angus Crichton to the sin bin after the break for a loose elbow that knocked out Chanel Harris-Tavita, but Samoa were unable to capitalise as Australia added further scores from Cameron Murray and a second for both Tedesco and Mitchell, with Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton grabbing consolations that brought the house down but could not deny Australia.
“This team is really committed to each other,” Meninga added. “They played with humility and respect for the jersey, and the opposition brought their best game today so we had to work really hard.
“It was a tough tournament, they were rewarded for effort, and it’s a really good way to finish the year. This is a dominant time for the Australian team. The expectation is that we win tournaments. That’s not a burden, we carry it with humility and respect.”
67,502 watched a performance that yielded World Cup number 12 for Australia on a dominant day for the green and gold, with the women’s team defending their trophy thanks to a thumping win over New Zealand.
“It’s been a great rise for the women’s game,” said Meninga. “They played extraordinarily well. I’m really proud of what they have achieved. I love rugby league and I want the game to prosper.”
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Star man Tedesco was playing full-back for Italy when the World Cup was last played in the UK nine years ago.
“This is probably at the top of my career list,” he said. “It’s pretty surreal to do that at Old Trafford in a World Cup final. It’s been a special period with a special group of blokes.
“This is a team full of superstars who bonded as a team and got better and better each game.”
Samoa head coach Matt Parish criticised referee Ashley Klein for a “weak decision” not to send off Crichton but was proud of the nation’s best ever showing at a World Cup.
“I’m disappointed but I couldn’t be prouder of the effort, courage and commitment to the cause. Australia are a champion team and were just too good, we just couldn’t quite get close enough to put pressure on them.
“It’s been a fantastic journey and I want to thank all the Samoans around the world who have supported this team. The support around the world has been incredible and I’m so touched to be part of this team.
“Hopefully now the international game will kick on. More games against England would definitely be something we would be looking at. It’s a fine line because you do want international footy to thrive but these guys do need an off-season.”
Meninga echoed hopes for the World Cup to trigger a revival of an international calendar that was left decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’m coach of the World Cup winners so where to from now?” he asked. “It shows where the international game is going to and I’m looking forward to the decision-makers making the next decisions.”
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