ENGLAND are the inaugural Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup champions after defeating New Zealand at Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Shaun Briscoe’s side completed an unbeaten campaign in fine style, recording a 42-10 success in the decider against the game Kiwis live on the BBC iPlayer.
Wolves players Adam Morris, Mike Addison and Jamie Barnett featured in the victorious England performance, backing up qualifying wins against Australia, Wales and New Zealand.
A healthy crowd stayed behind after the men’s Samoa versus France clash to see the two nations battle it out for the big prize in their fourth game in eight days.
Strong-running England captain Scott Gobin led the way with two tries, with others coming from Sam Zeller, two, Nick Leigh, Tommy Pouncey, Adam Fleming and Nick Kennedy.
Morris, who showed some fine ball-handling skills in setting up Gobin’s first score and Kennedy’s second-half effort, was prevented a try on home turf with a last-ditch tag tackle.
Barnett, one of the youngest players in the tournament, showed sheer guts to return to the action after being carried off with a leg injury in the first half – only to be assisted off the field for a second time.
Head coach Briscoe said: “It’s fantastic, the lads are delighted.
“We’ve come together really well as a group and it’s been a lot of hard work.
“But they’re world champions now and nobody can take that away from them. It was a great performance tonight and they’ve been a great bunch to be around for the last eight days.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to work with these guys and they really deserve it after the efforts they’ve put in.”
Earlier in the day, Wales sealed third place in the tournament when they defeated Adam Hills' Australia 32-18 at Victoria Park and both sides were at The HJ Stadium to watch the final.
🏆 The first name on the trophy!
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 30, 2022
Scott Gobin explains what it means to the team after becoming PDRL World Champions.#RLWC2021 pic.twitter.com/1nyHizvDLD
🏆 We're nearing the end of the PDRL World Cup, but it's been an incredible week of action.
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 30, 2022
Thank you to the four nations for taking part, and everyone who has tuned in.
Adam Hills explains what the World Cup means for the players.#RLWC2021 | @adamhillscomedy pic.twitter.com/KLDQBvsu9M
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