RLWC2021 have revealed the world class line up of players who will play an important role in supporting and delivering the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history in England next year.

The RLWC2021 Player Working Group (PWG) and Technical Working Group (TWG) comprising of current and former players as well as officials and coaches have recently completed their first meetings. The group will harness the knowledge and expertise to ensure that all participants have a world class experience at a tournament which aims to exceed current industry best standards.

The PWG will involve Adam Cuthbertson, Amy Hardcastle, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Garreth Carvell (Rugby League Players Association – UK), Joe Brown, Joe Coyd, Kevin Naiqama, Larissa Lima, Liam Moore, Lina Caccamo (Rugby League Players Association – Australia), Mandy Marchak, Sean O’Loughlin, Stuart Williams, Corban McGregor and Tyrone McCarthy.

The TWG includes Alana Sargent, Dean Thomas, Jamahl Lolesi, Jeremy Hickmans, Martin Coyd, Julian King, Kylie Leuluai, Dr Nick Raynor, Steve McCormack, and Jo Richards and Laurence Shenker from British Wheelchair Basketball.

Both groups will meet on a quarterly basis and be chaired by the RLWC2021 Tournament Director, Dean Hardman and supported by key RLWC2021 staff. These world class panels will provide input into the key technical considerations to stage the tournament as well as drafts of relevant RLWC policies including the RLWC2021 diversity and inclusion action plan.

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The meetings will also offer advice and guidance in relation to on-field matters, team logistics, player welfare and consider the input from and support each Group as well as playing a role in the commercial revenue and PR strategies.

Dean Hardman said: 

“It is fantastic that these high profile players from the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments will play such a significant role in ensuring the success of what will be the biggest and best as well as most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever.

“There is no one better than the players to understand and advise us on key aspects of the tournament not only from a playing technical perspective but also policies, commercial and PR strategies. They have already started to have a crucial impact with their valuable input, and we are proud to put them at the centre of our planning and to show that we are actively listening to our participants. We are grateful to all members of the PWG and TWG for giving up their valuable time to support us in this way”

Ireland International Tyrone McCarthy, added: 

“It is a privilege to be involved with the RLWC2021 Player Working Group, it demonstrates that the organisers are leaving no stone unturned in preparation to deliver the greatest World Cup yet.”

“It’s fantastic for players to be given a voice as we can give a unique insight to the organisers about all aspects of the tournament, from where things could be improved but also components that worked really well previously. This feedback will hopefully help create an enhanced experience for all involved including our volunteers and spectators.”

Alana Sargent, who was recently announced as the first Head of Wheelchair RL Match Officials in Wales, added: 

“It is a privilege to be part of the Technical Working Group and play a pivotal role in the lead up to RLWC2021.”

“Everyone involved brings relevant experience and insight and I’m looking forward to working closely with the group to help offer ideas and support the delivery of the biggest and best RLWC ever.”

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