World No.1

MANCHESTER: The Kangaroos have come away with the World Cup title after a strong 30-10 win over a valiant Samoan outfit.
James Tedesco delivered a man-of-the-match performance, while Nathan Cleary saved his best for the final.
Meanwhile, one glaring in the Samoan side was clearly exploited by Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos.
Gun halfback Nathan Cleary shirked off criticism of his form at the World Cup to deliver a playmaking masterclass against Samoa when it counted.
Gun halfback Nathan Cleary shirked off criticism of his form at the World Cup to deliver a playmaking masterclass against Samoa when it counted.
The 25-year-old was unable to stamp his mark on the competition leading into the World Cup final and pundits were calling for Daly Cherry-Evans to take over at halfback.
The classy playmaker’s record in representative games also came under the microscope after losing this year’s Origin series, going down 22-12 in a Suncorp Stadium decider.
Cleary had a point to prove and delivered on the big stage, recording three try assists and two tackle breaks to steer his side around the park.
The Panthers halfback sparked the Kangaroos’ first with a pinpoint pass for barnstorming centre Latrell Mitchell with a “great defensive read” according to Fox League’s James Graham.
“Great pass from Nathan Cleary, he took out three defenders there and Latrell took the space and very hard to stop in that situation,” Fox League’s Greg Alexander said.
Later, with only 12 players on the field, Cleary once again stood tall, putting Cameron Murray through a hole with a classy pass.
“Cleary ball, what a pass, Murray is over for Australia, Nathan Cleary puts on a play, that was superb service from the Australian halfback,” caller Andrew Voss said.
“What a beautifully executed play, the pass from the halfback Cleary was incredible,” the commentator said.
With only seconds left on the clock Cleary once again showed his class, throwing a lengthy cutout for Mitchell to charge over and score his second.
Samoa were valiant in defeat against a red-hot Kangaroos team, however one aspect of their game was placed under the microscope – defence.
Matt Parish’s side missed a staggering 42 tackles across the 80 minute contest as the Australians charged through the middle of the field.
Samoa also made 10 errors, and while the Kangaroos recorded 14, Australia were able to pounce off the back of their opponent’s mistakes.
“That’s what Australia do, they punish you for errors and they don’t relent in their pursuit for victory so a poor kick goes against Samoa and Australia go bang and react,” Fox League’s James Graham said.
After the first half, Samoa had amassed 29 missed tackles but were able to regather in the second half and plug the holes. Meanwhile, Samoa also struggled in the battle for territory with Australia dominating 66 per cent of field position to go with almost 500 extra running metres.
Mitchell, Josh Addo-Carr and Tedesco described winning the World Cup as their greatest career moment.
Mitchell, Addo-Carr and Tedesco have each won multiple NRL premierships and State of Origin series but the 30-10 defeat of Samoa was the first time any of the star trio had achieved World Cup glory.
“It is definitely a special moment I will hold close to my heart for the rest of my life,” said an emotional Mitchell.
“It is something I have always wanted to tick off as a young fella. I have done a few things in the game, but this is No.1 for me.”
Addo-Carr said: “I have achieved a lot in this game and I have been blessed with being a part of some great teams but this is definitely up there. In 50-years or 20-years, I can speak about this moment to my kids and grandkids”.
It was a special moment for Tedesco as he had played in the previous two World Cups for Italy but is now the Australian captain.
“That’s the highlight of the career, captaining your country to win the World Cup,” Tedesco said. “It just feels pretty surreal, winning at Old Trafford.
“The last three years we haven’t been able to put this jersey on and represent Australia, so it was burning for a lot of guys to come over to this World Cup and represent well, and we did that, so hopefully our ranking has gone up,” said the Australian flyer.
Australia claimed their 12th Rugby League World Cup title, having won the tournaments in both 2013 and 2017. – AAP