With the Women's Rugby League World Cup fast approaching, NRL.com takes a look at how Group A shapes up and who are the key women who need to stand up if their nation is to progress to the knockout stages...
The lowdown
England, Brazil, Canada, Papua New Guinea
Host nation England will have high hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time in front of their home fans with the game going from strength-to-strength in recent seasons.
Newcomers Brazil are a thrilling new addition to the competition, taking part in their first ever Rugby League World Cup tournament. The side will be soaking it all in and aiming to take everything they learn back with them to help continue to grow the game.
Back for their second consecutive appearance in the Rugby League World Cup, Canada feature a number of players who were part of their debut in 2017 and will be better for the experience.
Featuring the talents of players with NRLW experience, Papua New Guinea Orchids will be hoping to build on their recent performances on the international stage in their second World Cup appearance.
The games
Match: England v Brazil
Round 1 -
home Team
England
away Team
Brazil
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for England is number 3 Francesca GoldthorpFullback for Brazil is number 18 Natalia Momberg
-
Winger for England is number 2 Caitlin BeeversWinger for Brazil is number 2 Tati Fernandes
-
Centre for England is number 1 Tara-Jane StanleyCentre for Brazil is number 1 Adriana Felix
-
Centre for England is number 4 Amy HardcastleCentre for Brazil is number 3 Leticia Medeiros
-
Winger for England is number 5 Leah BurkeWinger for Brazil is number 22 Edna Santini
-
Five-Eighth for England is number 6 Georgia RocheFive-Eighth for Brazil is number 6 Giovanna Moura
-
Halfback for England is number 7 Courtney Winfield-HillHalfback for Brazil is number 7 Maria Graf
Forwards
-
Prop for England is number 17 Shona HoyleProp for Brazil is number 8 Franciny Amaral
-
Hooker for England is number 9 Tara JonesHooker for Brazil is number 9 Patricia Bodeman
-
Prop for England is number 18 Olivia WoodProp for Brazil is number 15 Franciele Barros
-
2nd Row for England is number 12 Emily Rudge2nd Row for Brazil is number 11 Patricia Oliveria
-
2nd Row for England is number 14 Vicky Molyneux2nd Row for Brazil is number 12 Amanda Welter
-
Lock for England is number 13 Jodie CunninghamLock for Brazil is number 13 Barbara Leal
Interchange
-
Interchange for England is number 8 Grace FieldInterchange for Brazil is number 10 Paula Casemiro
-
Interchange for England is number 11 Hollie DoddInterchange for Brazil is number 14 Giovanna Barth
-
Interchange for England is number 15 Vicky WhitfieldInterchange for Brazil is number 16 Brena Prioste
-
Interchange for England is number 22 Zoe HarrisInterchange for Brazil is number 17 Ana Loschi de Quadros
Reserves
-
Replacement for England is number 21 Keara BennettReplacement for Brazil is number 20 Pamella Silva
Last updated:
Match: Papua New Guinea v Canada
Round 1 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
away Team
Canada
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Papua New Guinea is number 17 Martha MolowiaFullback for Canada is number 5 Karina Gauto
-
Winger for Papua New Guinea is number 2 Anika ButlerWinger for Canada is number 1 Dani Frananda
-
Centre for Papua New Guinea is number 3 Belinda GwasamunCentre for Canada is number 3 Petra Woods
-
Centre for Papua New Guinea is number 4 Shellie LongCentre for Canada is number 4 Ferris Sandboe
-
Winger for Papua New Guinea is number 23 Lisa Marie AluWinger for Canada is number 20 Lauren Mueller
-
Five-Eighth for Papua New Guinea is number 6 Sera KoroiFive-Eighth for Canada is number 10 Laura Mariu
-
Halfback for Papua New Guinea is number 7 Lilah MalabagHalfback for Canada is number 7 Sabrina McDaid
Forwards
-
Prop for Papua New Guinea is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Canada is number 8 Kristy Sargent
-
Hooker for Papua New Guinea is number 9 Therese AitonHooker for Canada is number 6 Alanna Fittes
-
Prop for Papua New Guinea is number 10 Gloria KaupaProp for Canada is number 24 Elizabeth Steele
-
2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 11 Emily Veivers2nd Row for Canada is number 11 Gabrielle Hindley
-
2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 12 Essay Banu2nd Row for Canada is number 14 Maddy Aberg
-
Lock for Papua New Guinea is number 14 Ua RavuLock for Canada is number 13 Megan Pakulis
Interchange
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 13 Jessikah ReevesInterchange for Canada is number 9 Natalie Tam
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 15 Bertshiba AwoiInterchange for Canada is number 12 Sarah Maguire
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 16 Michelle JohnInterchange for Canada is number 19 Jade Menin
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 19 Talitha KunjilInterchange for Canada is number 22 Ada Jane Okonkwo
Reserves
-
Replacement for Papua New Guinea is number 1 Tara MoxonReplacement for Canada is number 17 Brittany Douglas
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Match: England v Canada
Round 2 -
home Team
England
away Team
Canada
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for England is number 3 Francesca GoldthorpFullback for Canada is number 5 Karina Gauto
-
Winger for England is number 5 Leah BurkeWinger for Canada is number 2 Brittany Jones
-
Centre for England is number 1 Tara-Jane StanleyCentre for Canada is number 3 Petra Woods
-
Centre for England is number 23 Carrie RobertsCentre for Canada is number 14 Maddy Aberg
-
Winger for England is number 20 Georgia WilsonWinger for Canada is number 20 Lauren Mueller
-
Five-Eighth for England is number 6 Georgia RocheFive-Eighth for Canada is number 10 Laura Mariu
-
Halfback for England is number 7 Courtney Winfield-HillHalfback for Canada is number 7 Sabrina McDaid
Forwards
-
Prop for England is number 17 Shona HoyleProp for Canada is number 8 Kristy Sargent
-
Hooker for England is number 21 Keara BennettHooker for Canada is number 9 Natalie Tam
-
Prop for England is number 19 Paige TravisProp for Canada is number 22 Ada Jane Okonkwo
-
2nd Row for England is number 11 Hollie Dodd2nd Row for Canada is number 11 Gabrielle Hindley
-
2nd Row for England is number 12 Emily Rudge2nd Row for Canada is number 16 Rachel Choboter
-
Lock for England is number 14 Vicky MolyneuxLock for Canada is number 13 Megan Pakulis
Interchange
-
Interchange for England is number 10 Dannielle AndersonInterchange for Canada is number 17 Brittany Douglas
-
Interchange for England is number 15 Vicky WhitfieldInterchange for Canada is number 18 Alix Evans
-
Interchange for England is number 16 Beth StottInterchange for Canada is number 23 Zoey Siciliano
-
Interchange for England is number 24 Zoe HornbyInterchange for Canada is number 24 Elizabeth Steele
Reserves
-
Replacement for England is number 18 Olivia WoodReplacement for Canada is number 21 Natasha Naismith
Match Officials
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Match: Papua New Guinea v Brazil
Round 2 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
away Team
Brazil
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Papua New Guinea is number 17 Martha MolowiaFullback for Brazil is number 1 Adriana Felix
-
Winger for Papua New Guinea is number 1 Tara MoxonWinger for Brazil is number 18 Natalia Momberg
-
Centre for Papua New Guinea is number 3 Belinda GwasamunCentre for Brazil is number 3 Leticia Medeiros
-
Centre for Papua New Guinea is number 5 Shae Yvonne De La CruzCentre for Brazil is number 12 Amanda Welter
-
Winger for Papua New Guinea is number 2 Anika ButlerWinger for Brazil is number 22 Edna Santini
-
Five-Eighth for Papua New Guinea is number 6 Sera KoroiFive-Eighth for Brazil is number 6 Giovanna Moura
-
Halfback for Papua New Guinea is number 7 Lilah MalabagHalfback for Brazil is number 19 Byanca Santa Rita
Forwards
-
Prop for Papua New Guinea is number 8 Elsie AlbertProp for Brazil is number 8 Franciny Amaral
-
Hooker for Papua New Guinea is number 22 Shirley JoeHooker for Brazil is number 9 Patricia Bodeman
-
Prop for Papua New Guinea is number 15 Bertshiba AwoiProp for Brazil is number 10 Paula Casemiro
-
2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 12 Essay Banu2nd Row for Brazil is number 11 Patricia Oliveria
-
2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 21 Carol Humeu2nd Row for Brazil is number 17 Ana Loschi de Quadros
-
Lock for Papua New Guinea is number 13 Jessikah ReevesLock for Brazil is number 16 Brena Prioste
Interchange
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 9 Therese AitonInterchange for Brazil is number 14 Giovanna Barth
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 10 Gloria KaupaInterchange for Brazil is number 15 Franciele Barros
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 14 Ua RavuInterchange for Brazil is number 20 Pamella Silva
-
Interchange for Papua New Guinea is number 18 Veronica WaulaInterchange for Brazil is number 21 Ellen Trindade
Reserves
-
Replacement for Papua New Guinea is number 19 Talitha KunjilReplacement for Brazil is number 4 Danielle Soares
Last updated:
Match: Canada v Brazil
Round 3 -
home Team
Canada
away Team
Brazil
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Canada is number 3 Petra WoodsFullback for Brazil is number 18 Natalia Momberg
-
Winger for Canada is number 4 Ferris SandboeWinger for Brazil is number 4 Danielle Soares
-
Centre for Canada is number 1 Dani FranandaCentre for Brazil is number 3 Leticia Medeiros
-
Centre for Canada is number 15 Nina BuiCentre for Brazil is number 12 Amanda Welter
-
Winger for Canada is number 20 Lauren MuellerWinger for Brazil is number 22 Edna Santini
-
Five-Eighth for Canada is number 10 Laura MariuFive-Eighth for Brazil is number 6 Giovanna Moura
-
Halfback for Canada is number 7 Sabrina McDaidHalfback for Brazil is number 7 Maria Graf
Forwards
-
Prop for Canada is number 22 Ada Jane OkonkwoProp for Brazil is number 8 Franciny Amaral
-
Hooker for Canada is number 6 Alanna FittesHooker for Brazil is number 9 Patricia Bodeman
-
Prop for Canada is number 24 Elizabeth SteeleProp for Brazil is number 10 Paula Casemiro
-
2nd Row for Canada is number 11 Gabrielle Hindley2nd Row for Brazil is number 11 Patricia Oliveria
-
2nd Row for Canada is number 14 Maddy Aberg2nd Row for Brazil is number 17 Ana Loschi de Quadros
-
Lock for Canada is number 13 Megan PakulisLock for Brazil is number 16 Brena Prioste
Interchange
-
Interchange for Canada is number 8 Kristy SargentInterchange for Brazil is number 2 Tati Fernandes
-
Interchange for Canada is number 12 Sarah MaguireInterchange for Brazil is number 13 Barbara Leal
-
Interchange for Canada is number 19 Jade MeninInterchange for Brazil is number 15 Franciele Barros
-
Interchange for Canada is number 21 Natasha NaismithInterchange for Brazil is number 23 Natalia Jonck
Reserves
-
Replacement for Canada is number 16 Rachel ChoboterReplacement for Brazil is number 20 Pamella Silva
Last updated:
Match: England v Papua New Guinea
Round 3 -
home Team
England
away Team
Papua New Guinea
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for England is number 3 Francesca GoldthorpFullback for Papua New Guinea is number 17 Martha Molowia
-
Winger for England is number 2 Caitlin BeeversWinger for Papua New Guinea is number 2 Anika Butler
-
Centre for England is number 1 Tara-Jane StanleyCentre for Papua New Guinea is number 3 Belinda Gwasamun
-
Centre for England is number 4 Amy HardcastleCentre for Papua New Guinea is number 4 Shellie Long
-
Winger for England is number 5 Leah BurkeWinger for Papua New Guinea is number 23 Lisa Marie Alu
-
Five-Eighth for England is number 6 Georgia RocheFive-Eighth for Papua New Guinea is number 6 Sera Koroi
-
Halfback for England is number 7 Courtney Winfield-HillHalfback for Papua New Guinea is number 7 Lilah Malabag
Forwards
-
Prop for England is number 17 Shona HoyleProp for Papua New Guinea is number 8 Elsie Albert
-
Hooker for England is number 9 Tara JonesHooker for Papua New Guinea is number 22 Shirley Joe
-
Prop for England is number 18 Olivia WoodProp for Papua New Guinea is number 10 Gloria Kaupa
-
2nd Row for England is number 11 Hollie Dodd2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 11 Emily Veivers
-
2nd Row for England is number 12 Emily Rudge2nd Row for Papua New Guinea is number 12 Essay Banu
-
Lock for England is number 13 Jodie CunninghamLock for Papua New Guinea is number 13 Jessikah Reeves
Interchange
-
Interchange for England is number 8 Grace FieldInterchange for Papua New Guinea is number 5 Shae Yvonne De La Cruz
-
Interchange for England is number 15 Vicky WhitfieldInterchange for Papua New Guinea is number 14 Ua Ravu
-
Interchange for England is number 19 Paige TravisInterchange for Papua New Guinea is number 16 Michelle John
-
Interchange for England is number 21 Keara BennettInterchange for Papua New Guinea is number 21 Carol Humeu
Reserves
-
Replacement for England is number 22 Zoe HarrisReplacement for Papua New Guinea is number 19 Talitha Kunjil
Last updated:
The teams
England
Squad: Dannielle Anderson (Leeds Rhinos), Caitlin Beevers (Leeds Rhinos), Keara Bennett (Leeds Rhinos), Leah Burke (St Helens), Jodie Cunningham (St Helens), Hollie Dodd (York City Knights), Grace Field (York City Knights), Fran Goldthorp (Leeds Rhinos), Amy Hardcastle (St Helens), Zoe Harris (St Helens), Zoe Hornby (Leeds Rhinos), Shona Hoyle (St Helens), Tara Jones (St Helens), Vicky Molyneux (Wigan Warriors), Carrie Roberts (St Helens), Georgia Roche (Leeds Rhinos), Emily Rudge (captain) (St Helens), Tara-Jane Stanley (York City Knights), Beth Stott (St Helens), Paige Travis (St Helens), Courtney Winfield-Hill (Leeds Rhinos), Vicky Whitfield (St Helens), Georgia Wilson (Wigan Warriors), Olivia Wood (York City Knights)
Key player: There is no shortage of talent in this England squad, and the expanded Super League competition has meant new players keep being unearth to challenge the established stars. The experience of captain Emily Rudge will be vital, as will that of St Helens guns Amy Hardcastle and Jodie Cunningham.
Strengths: The host nation is a team filled with experience, with only one previously uncapped player in the squad. England have named four past winners of the Woman of Steel award with Courtney Winfield-Hill, Tara Jane‑Stanley, Georgia Roche and Cunningham selected. The side will also have the benefit of home-ground advantage and strong crowd support to cheer them on when they are challenged on the field.
Weaknesses: Having named a strong squad, there are not many weakness to pinpoint for England in the pool stages and they will have home support behind them as well. However, they cannot afford to take any opponent lightly in this pool with Canada and Brazil still unknown quantities and PNG improving with every outing and looking to add to to their wins tally after beating England in 2019.
History at World Cup: This is England's fourth appearance in the Rugby League World Cup. They finished third in both 2008 and 2013 and were semi finalists in 2017.
Brazil
Squad: Adriana Felix, Amanda Welter, Ana Loschi de Quadros, Bárbara Leal, Brena Prioste, Bryanca Santa Rita, Daniele Soares, Edna Santini, Ellen Trindade, Franciele Barros, Franciny Amaral, Giovanna Barth, Giovanna Moura, Leticia Medeiros, Maria Graf, Natalia Jonck, Natalia Momberg, Pâmella Silva, Patricia Bodeman, Patricia Oliveria, Paula Casemiro, Suzana Rodrigues, Tati Fernandes
Key player: As one of the few who had played rugby league prior to the Amazonas going through the qualifying process for this tournament, the experience of Ana Loschi de Quadros will be vital for her team-mates. While she is the youngest in the squad, Giovanna Barth is the first progress from Brazil’s youth development system and will be one to watch.
Strengths: The Amazonas squad contains athletes who have have previously competed in many different sports including jiu-jitsu, capoeira, football, futsal, basketball, handball, rugby sevens, rugby XV, handball, dancing and sprinting and come into the tournament as an unknown entity. The side will be fit and will bring their own style of play to shake things up in the tournament.
Weaknesses: The lack of experience with rugby league and an inevitable lack of game knowledge will be something to overcome, but there is nothing like being tested against the best in the world to fast-track learning. With plenty of athletes in the side, it won't take long for Brazil to learn what it takes get into the grind in a rugby league game.
History at World Cup: This is the first tournament for Brazil.
Canada
Squad: Maddy Aberg (British Columbia), Nina Bui (Ontario); Rachel Chaboter (British Columbia), Brittany Douglas (Ontario), Dani Frananda (Alberta), Alix Evans (Alberta), Alanna Fittes (Alberta), Karina Gauto (Alberta), Gabrielle Hindley (British Columbia), Britanny Jones (Alberta), Sarah Maguire (Alberta), Laura Mariu (Richmond, New Zealand), Sab McDaid (Ontario), Jade Menin (Alberta), Lauren Mueller (London, England), Natasha Naismith (Ontario) Ada Jane Okonkwo (British Columbia), Megan Pakulis (Ontario), Ferris Sandboe (Alberta), Kristy Sargent (Alberta), Zoey Siciliano (Ontario), Liz Steele (Alberta), Natalie Tam (Ontario), Petra Woods (Ontario)
Key player: Meg Pakulis is returning for her second tournament, having made history in 2017 while playing in the second row, crossing for her nation’s first World Cup try. The experience of Pakulis, who was recently awarded the Ontario Rugby senior player of the year, will be something her team-mates can draw from, and they will need her to produce her trademark strong running game to get them on the front foot.
Strengths: Now in their second showing in a World Cup, the side know what to expect when playing on the biggest of stages. As well as Pakulis, there are five other players returning from their 2017 campaign in Nina Bui, Sab McDaid, Jade Menin, Liz Steele and Natalie Tam, while the experience of Laura Mariu, formerly with the Kiwi Ferns, will put the side in good stead. They have also had a solid preparation with a lead-up match against Ireland.
Weaknesses: While experience amongst a growing cohort of Ravens in a strength, they are still a relatively inexperienced side overall and will face a tough challenge against England especially. Many of the side are drawn from rugby union, but the increased depth in their squad will have them pushing to add to their wins tally after beating fellow 2017 newcomers PNG in their pool match.
History at World Cup: This will be the second consecutive appearance in the Rugby League World Cup for the Ravens who finished as semi-finalists in 2017.
Papua New Guinea
Squad: Therese Aiton (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Elsie Albert (St George Illawarra Dragons), Lisa-Marie Alu (PNG Highlands Confederate), Bethshiba Awoi (PNG Southern Confederate), Essay Banu (Wynnum Manly Seagulls), Anika Butler (Newcastle Knights), Shae-Yvonne De La Cruz (Souths Logan Magpies), Belinda Gwasamun (PNG Highlands Confederate), Carol Humeu (PNG Southern Confederate), Shirley Joe (PNG Highlands Confederate), Michelle John (PNG Southern Confederate), Elizabeth Kapa (PNG Southern Confederate), Roswita Kapo (PNG Southern Confederate), Gloria Kaupa (PNG Highlands Confederate), Sera Koroi (Souths Logan Magpies), Talita Kunjil (PNG Highlands Confederate), Shellie Long (Brisbane Tigers), Lila Malabag (PNG Southern Confederate), Martha Molowia (PNG Southern Confederate), Jessikah Reeves (Souths Magpies), Emily Veivers (Brisbane Tigers), Veronica Waula (PNG Southern Confederate)
Key player: There is no doubting the main inspiration for the Orchids team is blockbusting St George Illawarra forward Elsie Albert. A trailblazer in that she is the first female player to go through the pathways direct from PNG to the NRLW, she will also have the experience of whole-hearted rake Therese Aiton, who previously played with Parramatta, to help her inspire the young team.
Strengths: The Orchids have had a good lead-up to the tournament, with the players tested in the recent Prime Minister's XIII game Australia. The loss gave them areas to improve on, culminating in a good win against York in their warm-up match. With renewed investment and focus on developing the women's game in PNG, coupled with representation from across PNG's domestic competitions and Australia-based players, there is good experience and depth in all positions.
Weaknesses: The Orchids will have high expectations on them to improve on their debut Rugby League World Cup showing and make it past the pool stages. The team will need to keep committed to their own goals and not let outside pressures cloud their focus. The side have the talent to progress, but will need to have properly applied what they learnt from their heavy 64-6 loss against Australia's PM XIII side.
History at World Cup: The Orchids will be making their second consecutive appearance in the Rugby League World Cup with their 2017 seeing them finish third in their pool.
Stats sourced from David Middleton - League Information Services
