Rugby League World Cup: News, teams, analysis before Sunday’s final

There are fears of a repeat of Brett Morris’ horror 2013 collision in the Rugby World Cup final after this footage emrged of the Old Trafford ground.

The Samoa team during the Samoa Captain's Run ahead of the Rugby League World Cup Final. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images for RLWC)

Troubling images have surfaced of the tight in-goals which threaten to cause chaos during the World Cup final on Sunday morning.

Old Trafford – the home of Manchester United – will again play host to the tournament decider between Australia and Samoa. While getting use of the hallowed turf is a coup for the game, privately there are concerns of the depth of the in-goals. Advertising signage sits on the cusp of the dead ball area giving players little time to react to protect themselves during the clash. There is also a steep dip.

The state of the in-goals for the #RLWC2021 final 😬😬😬
Half natural grass/half synthetic grass, steep drop off over dead ball line. Really hope they put significant safety measures in place!
Video via @JakeDuke1pic.twitter.com/V5Y3XA6kuf

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) November 19, 2022

The size of the in-goals at Old Trafford ahead of Sunday morning's Rugby League World Cup final between Australia and Samoa. Credit: Twitter.

A regular in-goal size in the NRL is eight metres. OId Trafford’s would be less than five metres.

Former Australian winger Brett Morris narrowly avoided serious injury when he crashed into a billboard when he scored a try during the World Cup final at Old Trafford in 2013. Play was stopped.

Brett Morris injured at Old Trafford in 2013. Picture: Twitter.

Former Kangaroos vice-captain Paul Gallen played in that match and knows the concerns of playing at the venue.

“The in-goals are tiny,” Gallen said. “Hopefully they put in some soft, safety barriers in front of the fence. I remember what happened to Brett Morris. You have to remember that it’s a World Cup final so there is no self preservation. Players will be going for it.

“Hopefully everyone will be OK. At the end of the day players have a chance to play at one of the most special grounds in the world – Old Trafford. Playing there is something I have never forgotten.”