Offerdahl battles in testing World Cup 9s

Goondiwindi’s Mark Offerdahl and the USA show fight, but unable to pick up a victory during the World Cup 9s in Sydney.

Mark Offerdahl captained the USA at the World Cup 9s in Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

RUGBY LEAGUE: It wasn’t the fairytale tournament for Goondiwindi’s Mark Offerdahl and the United States, however the side is holding their heads high after the Rugby League World Cup 9s campaign in Sydney.

The Hawks found themselves in a pool of death against eventual champions Australia and grand finalists New Zealand, along with Papua New Guinea.

On the opening night, Offerdahl was solid in the middle of the field, with four hit-ups and four tackles as the USA squandered an early lead to fall to PNG 27-10.

As Saturday approached, the USA threatened to cause one of the great rugby league boilovers early on against Australia.

The Hawks posted first points in the opening minute, and held an 11-4 lead after five minutes, before Australia stormed home to prevail 41-11, with Offerdahl again finishing with four runs and four tackles.

They bumped into a rampant Kiwis side looking to solidify a berth in the finals in their final encounter, which saw them go down 46-0.

Offerdahl had three hit-ups and four tackles as New Zealand starved the minnows of possession and territory throughout the 18 minutes.

Australia took out the final with a 24-10 defeat of NZ.

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