Rugby League World Cup: Tournament to go ahead despite Roos’ reluctance

Tournament chief executive Jon Dutton has no guarantee Australia would compete but was confident the defending champions would take part.

Jake Trbojevic in action against Tonga at Eden Park in 2019. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Organisers have promised to deliver the World Cup with or without Australia as the Kangaroos’ participation is on the brink of collapse.

The Daily Telegraph has learnt the ARL Commission is highly unlikely to give the Kangaroos the green light to compete as they have doubts around player safety. A decision could be reached as early as next week.

The uncertainty comes as World Cup organisers officially launched the event – 100 days out from kick-off.

Tournament chief executive Jon Dutton said he had been given no guarantee Australia would compete but was confident the defending champions would take part.

The competition will kick off three weeks after the NRL grand final.

“No-one said (Australia) are definitely in or out,” Dutton said.

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Mel Meninga and the Kangaroos may be forced to miss the World Cup. Picture: AAP Image/David Rowland

“We wouldn’t have made this announcement if we did not think we could deliver it safely and the nations who have qualified would take part. We are very confident Australia will participate. They will join the other 20 competing nations.

“I have been speaking to Andrew Abdo. What we have to recognise is the relocation of the NRL competition and the challengers domestically. We are very respectful of that.

“We will stage the tournament this year.”

The commission needs to sign Australia’s participation agreement in order for the Kangaroos to feature.

The other 15 nations competing in the men’s tournament have agreed, meaning non-Australian NRL players could still play.

ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys (R) wants guarantees they will be safe and not stranded over in the UK. Picture. Phil Hillyard

During a phone hook-up with Abdo on Wednesday, NRL club bosses again voiced their opposition to the tournament going ahead.

Dutton pointed to recent sporting events in England such as football, tennis, golf and cricket as proof the nation can host international tournaments safely.

“We are already taking extraordinary measures to makes sure of everyone’s safety,” Dutton said.

“I would describe the biosecurity measures as significant. We will not make vaccination mandatory but strongly encourage every nation’s players to be double vaccinated.

“From speaking to players, the desire there is to play this tournament. It’s critical the players have a voice in this.”

Charter flights have been arranged but as it stands, players will need to do a 14-day quarantine on return to Australia. Australia could be replaced if they opted out.

International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant said: “The opportunity lost by not having the World Cup this year is massive and could be significantly damaging to the international game.”