Group B preview: Australia, Fiji, Italy, Scotland

Author: Colleen Edwards NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Tue 11 Oct 2022, 12:01 PM

With the World Cup fast approaching, NRL.com takes a look at how each Group shapes up and who are the key men who have to stand up if their nation is to progress to the knockout stages...

Group B (Australia, Fiji, Italy, Scotland)

The lowdown

Despite fielding the most inexperienced Kangaroos squad in World Cup history, title holders Australia still enter this year’s tournament as favourites to retain their crown.

However, they will face some challenges along the way, with Fiji posing the biggest threat in their pool, having selected one of their strongest sides, including Panthers premiership winners Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau.

Italy gave Kangaroos captain James Tedesco his first international representative opportunity in 2013 and will be hoping to unearth another superstar while giving plenty of home-grown talent a chance to shine.

Although Scotland may not have the same big names having lost their most high-profile recruit in Campbell Graham, with the in-form Rabbitohs centre earning selection for the Kangaroos, there is plenty of pride on the line for the side who will be working hard to improve on their last World Cup showing.

The games

* all times are AEDT

Sunday, October 16

Round 1 - Round 1 - Saturday 15 Oct

Full Time

Australia

Fiji

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Australia is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Fiji is number 1 Sunia Turuva
Winger for Australia is number 9 Josh Addo-Carr

Winger for Fiji is number 2 Maika Sivo
Centre for Australia is number 4 Valentine Holmes

Centre for Fiji is number 4 Kevin Naiqama
Centre for Australia is number 8 Latrell Mitchell

Centre for Fiji is number 19 Semi Valemei
Winger for Australia is number 23 Murray Taulagi

Winger for Fiji is number 5 Mitieli Vulikijapani
Five-Eighth for Australia is number 7 Cameron Munster

Five-Eighth for Fiji is number 6 Siti Moceidreke
Halfback for Australia is number 2 Daly Cherry-Evans

Halfback for Fiji is number 7 Brandon Wakeham

Forwards

Prop for Australia is number 5 Jake Trbojevic

Prop for Fiji is number 13 Tui Kamikamica
Hooker for Australia is number 3 Ben Hunt

Hooker for Fiji is number 9 Apisai Koroisau
Prop for Australia is number 18 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

Prop for Fiji is number 17 King Vuniyayawa
2nd Row for Australia is number 17 Angus Crichton

2nd Row for Fiji is number 12 Viliame Kikau
2nd Row for Australia is number 22 Jeremiah Nanai

2nd Row for Fiji is number 22 Siua Wong
Lock for Australia is number 11 Cameron Murray

Lock for Fiji is number 16 Lamar Manuel-Liolevave

Interchange

Interchange for Australia is number 10 Jack Wighton

Interchange for Fiji is number 10 Ben Nakubuwai
Interchange for Australia is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Interchange for Fiji is number 11 Taniela Sadrugu
Interchange for Australia is number 16 Reuben Cotter

Interchange for Fiji is number 14 Penioni Tagituimua
Interchange for Australia is number 20 Harry Grant

Interchange for Fiji is number 23 Jowasa Drodrolagi

Reserves

Replacement for Australia is number 12 Matt Burton

Replacement for Fiji is number 18 Netane Masima

Match Officials

Touch Judge: Wyatt Raymond
Touch Judge: Darian Furner
Video Referee: Grant Atkins

Last updated: 10/15/2022 10:26:14 PM

Australia v Fiji at 5.30am - Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds

Round 1 - Round 1 - Sunday 16 Oct

Full Time

Scotland

Italy

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Scotland is number 7 Ryan Brierley

Fullback for Italy is number 1 Luke Polselli
Winger for Scotland is number 2 Matty Russell

Winger for Italy is number 2 Richard Lepori
Centre for Scotland is number 4 Kieran Buchanan

Centre for Italy is number 3 Daniel Atkinson
Centre for Scotland is number 23 Bayley Liu

Centre for Italy is number 4 Ethan Natoli
Winger for Scotland is number 5 Lachlan Walmsley

Winger for Italy is number 5 Jake Maizen
Five-Eighth for Scotland is number 6 Bailey Hayward

Five-Eighth for Italy is number 6 Jack Campagnolo
Halfback for Scotland is number 19 Calum Gahan

Halfback for Italy is number 7 Radean Robinson

Forwards

Prop for Scotland is number 8 Logan Bayliss-Brow

Prop for Italy is number 10 Anton Iaria
Hooker for Scotland is number 9 Liam Hood

Hooker for Italy is number 9 Dean Parata
Prop for Scotland is number 10 Sam Luckley

Prop for Italy is number 15 Luca Moretti
2nd Row for Scotland is number 11 Euan Aitken

2nd Row for Italy is number 11 Ryan King
2nd Row for Scotland is number 12 Kane Linnett

2nd Row for Italy is number 12 Brenden Santi
Lock for Scotland is number 13 James Bell

Lock for Italy is number 13 Nathan Brown

Interchange

Interchange for Scotland is number 3 Ben Hellewell

Interchange for Italy is number 14 Joe Tramontana
Interchange for Scotland is number 14 Kyle Schneider

Interchange for Italy is number 16 Gioele Celerino
Interchange for Scotland is number 15 Luke Bain

Interchange for Italy is number 19 Luke Hodge
Interchange for Scotland is number 24 Dale Ferguson

Interchange for Italy is number 20 Jack Colovatti

Reserves

Replacement for Scotland is number 18 Jack Teanby

Replacement for Italy is number 18 Kyle Pickering

Match Officials

Referee: Todd Smith

Last updated: 10/16/2022 9:24:02 PM

Scotland v Italy at 12.30am - Kingston Park, Newcastle

Saturday, October 22

Round 2 - Round 2 - Friday 21 Oct

Full Time

Australia

Scotland

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Australia is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Scotland is number 22 Alex Walker
Winger for Australia is number 9 Josh Addo-Carr

Winger for Scotland is number 2 Matty Russell
Centre for Australia is number 10 Jack Wighton

Centre for Scotland is number 3 Ben Hellewell
Centre for Australia is number 12 Matt Burton

Centre for Scotland is number 4 Kieran Buchanan
Winger for Australia is number 19 Campbell Graham

Winger for Scotland is number 5 Lachlan Walmsley
Five-Eighth for Australia is number 7 Cameron Munster

Five-Eighth for Scotland is number 6 Bailey Hayward
Halfback for Australia is number 14 Nathan Cleary

Halfback for Scotland is number 19 Calum Gahan

Forwards

Prop for Australia is number 6 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Prop for Scotland is number 8 Logan Bayliss-Brow
Hooker for Australia is number 20 Harry Grant

Hooker for Scotland is number 9 Liam Hood
Prop for Australia is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Prop for Scotland is number 18 Jack Teanby
2nd Row for Australia is number 17 Angus Crichton

2nd Row for Scotland is number 11 Euan Aitken
2nd Row for Australia is number 21 Liam Martin

2nd Row for Scotland is number 12 Kane Linnett
Lock for Australia is number 24 Isaah Yeo

Lock for Scotland is number 13 James Bell

Interchange

Interchange for Australia is number 3 Ben Hunt

Interchange for Scotland is number 14 Kyle Schneider
Interchange for Australia is number 4 Valentine Holmes

Interchange for Scotland is number 15 Luke Bain
Interchange for Australia is number 5 Jake Trbojevic

Interchange for Scotland is number 16 Guy Graham
Interchange for Australia is number 15 Lindsay Collins

Interchange for Scotland is number 24 Dale Ferguson

Reserves

Replacement for Australia is number 2 Daly Cherry-Evans

Replacement for Scotland is number 20 Davey Dixon

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Kasey Badger

Last updated: 10/21/2022 10:54:02 PM

Australia v Scotland at 5.30am - Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry

Round 2 - Round 2 - Saturday 22 Oct

Full Time

Fiji

Italy

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Fiji is number 1 Sunia Turuva

Fullback for Italy is number 1 Luke Polselli
Winger for Fiji is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Italy is number 2 Richard Lepori
Centre for Fiji is number 4 Kevin Naiqama

Centre for Italy is number 3 Daniel Atkinson
Centre for Fiji is number 19 Semi Valemei

Centre for Italy is number 4 Ethan Natoli
Winger for Fiji is number 24 Vuate Karawalevu

Winger for Italy is number 5 Jake Maizen
Five-Eighth for Fiji is number 9 Apisai Koroisau

Five-Eighth for Italy is number 6 Jack Campagnolo
Halfback for Fiji is number 7 Brandon Wakeham

Halfback for Italy is number 7 Radean Robinson

Forwards

Prop for Fiji is number 13 Tui Kamikamica

Prop for Italy is number 8 Alec Susino
Hooker for Fiji is number 14 Penioni Tagituimua

Hooker for Italy is number 9 Dean Parata
Prop for Fiji is number 17 King Vuniyayawa

Prop for Italy is number 10 Anton Iaria
2nd Row for Fiji is number 12 Viliame Kikau

2nd Row for Italy is number 11 Ryan King
2nd Row for Fiji is number 22 Siua Wong

2nd Row for Italy is number 12 Brenden Santi
Lock for Fiji is number 3 Korbin Sims

Lock for Italy is number 13 Nathan Brown

Interchange

Interchange for Fiji is number 10 Ben Nakubuwai

Interchange for Italy is number 14 Joe Tramontana
Interchange for Fiji is number 11 Taniela Sadrugu

Interchange for Italy is number 15 Luca Moretti
Interchange for Fiji is number 16 Lamar Manuel-Liolevave

Interchange for Italy is number 19 Luke Hodge
Interchange for Fiji is number 20 Henry Raiwalui

Interchange for Italy is number 20 Jack Colovatti

Reserves

Replacement for Fiji is number 18 Netane Masima

Replacement for Italy is number 18 Kyle Pickering

Match Officials

Touch Judge: Darian Furner

Last updated: 10/22/2022 7:24:01 PM

Fiji v Italy at 12.30am - Kingston Park, Newcastle

Sunday, October 30

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 29 Oct

Full Time

Fiji

Scotland

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Fiji is number 1 Sunia Turuva

Fullback for Scotland is number 20 Davey Dixon
Winger for Fiji is number 2 Maika Sivo

Winger for Scotland is number 2 Matty Russell
Centre for Fiji is number 4 Kevin Naiqama

Centre for Scotland is number 15 Kieran Buchanan
Centre for Fiji is number 19 Semi Valemei

Centre for Scotland is number 23 Bayley Liu
Winger for Fiji is number 24 Vuate Karawalevu

Winger for Scotland is number 5 Lachlan Walmsley
Five-Eighth for Fiji is number 20 Henry Raiwalui

Five-Eighth for Scotland is number 13 James Bell
Halfback for Fiji is number 7 Brandon Wakeham

Halfback for Scotland is number 19 Calum Gahan

Forwards

Prop for Fiji is number 3 Korbin Sims

Prop for Scotland is number 10 Sam Luckley
Hooker for Fiji is number 9 Apisai Koroisau

Hooker for Scotland is number 14 Kyle Schneider
Prop for Fiji is number 17 King Vuniyayawa

Prop for Scotland is number 18 Jack Teanby
2nd Row for Fiji is number 12 Viliame Kikau

2nd Row for Scotland is number 3 Ben Hellewell
2nd Row for Fiji is number 22 Siua Wong

2nd Row for Scotland is number 12 Kane Linnett
Lock for Fiji is number 11 Taniela Sadrugu

Lock for Scotland is number 26 Luke Bain

Interchange

Interchange for Fiji is number 8 Joseph Ratuvakacerivalu

Interchange for Scotland is number 8 Logan Bayliss-Brow
Interchange for Fiji is number 14 Penioni Tagituimua

Interchange for Scotland is number 16 Guy Graham
Interchange for Fiji is number 15 Tevita Toloi

Interchange for Scotland is number 17 Charlie Emslie
Interchange for Fiji is number 16 Lamar Manuel-Liolevave

Interchange for Scotland is number 24 Dale Ferguson

Reserves

Replacement for Fiji is number 18 Netane Masima

Replacement for Scotland is number 21 Shane Toal

Last updated: 10/29/2022 8:54:01 PM

Fiji v Scotland at 3.00am - Kingston Park, Newcastle

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 29 Oct

Full Time

Australia

Italy

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Australia is number 1 James Tedesco

Fullback for Italy is number 1 Luke Polselli
Winger for Australia is number 19 Campbell Graham

Winger for Italy is number 5 Jake Maizen
Centre for Australia is number 4 Valentine Holmes

Centre for Italy is number 3 Daniel Atkinson
Centre for Australia is number 8 Latrell Mitchell

Centre for Italy is number 4 Ethan Natoli
Winger for Australia is number 23 Murray Taulagi

Winger for Italy is number 18 Kyle Pickering
Five-Eighth for Australia is number 2 Daly Cherry-Evans

Five-Eighth for Italy is number 6 Jack Campagnolo
Halfback for Australia is number 14 Nathan Cleary

Halfback for Italy is number 7 Radean Robinson

Forwards

Prop for Australia is number 15 Lindsay Collins

Prop for Italy is number 8 Alec Susino
Hooker for Australia is number 3 Ben Hunt

Hooker for Italy is number 9 Dean Parata
Prop for Australia is number 16 Reuben Cotter

Prop for Italy is number 10 Anton Iaria
2nd Row for Australia is number 21 Liam Martin

2nd Row for Italy is number 12 Brenden Santi
2nd Row for Australia is number 22 Jeremiah Nanai

2nd Row for Italy is number 15 Luca Moretti
Lock for Australia is number 11 Cameron Murray

Lock for Italy is number 13 Nathan Brown

Interchange

Interchange for Australia is number 6 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Interchange for Italy is number 14 Joe Tramontana
Interchange for Australia is number 12 Matt Burton

Interchange for Italy is number 16 Gioele Celerino
Interchange for Australia is number 18 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui

Interchange for Italy is number 17 Ronny Palumbo
Interchange for Australia is number 24 Isaah Yeo

Interchange for Italy is number 20 Jack Colovatti

Reserves

Replacement for Australia is number 10 Jack Wighton

Replacement for Italy is number 19 Luke Hodge

Match Officials

Senior Review Official: Gerard Sutton

Last updated: 10/29/2022 10:02:00 PM

Australia v Italy at 5.30am - Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helen's

The teams

Australia

Squad: Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs), Matt Burton (Bulldogs), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Reuben Cotter (Cowboys), Angus Crichton (Roosters), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Titans), Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs), Harry Grant (Storm), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Ben Hunt (Dragons), Liam Martin (Panthers), Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Cameron Munster (Storm), Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs), Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys), Murray Taulagi (Cowboys), James Tedesco (Roosters), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Jack Wighton (Raiders), Isaah Yeo (Panthers)

Key player: Such is the talent across the park, it is hard to pinpoint one player who will make the most difference in the group stage. There is also plenty of competition for places during the early matches, namely for the coveted halfback jersey. But one player to keep an eye on making their debut is this year’s Dally M Rookie of the Year Jeremiah Nanai who is expected to bring plenty of energy and enthusiasm to the forward pack.

Strengths: While the forward pack is strong and the backs as polished as ever, as has traditionally been the case for Australia, the spine is world class. Nathan Cleary and Daly Cherry-Evans are competing for the halfback position, while five-eighth of the year Cameron Munster is in the form of his life. Throw in captain James Tedesco in at fullback and Harry Grant at hooker, plus the versatile Ben Hunt, you have an arguably unbeatable combination.

Kangaroos Debutants - Harry Grant

Weaknesses: Although they are missing a number of in-form players who pledged their allegiances to their countries of heritage, it is hard to find a glaring weakness. Despite the side’s relative inexperience, Campbell Graham is the only player to have never featured in State of Origin, so pressure and complacency may be the main factors to overcome during the group stages.

History at World Cup: As the current Cup holders, in this year's tournament Australia are aiming to claim their 12th win since 1954. Overall, while the Kangaroos are currently ranked fourth in the international standings, they still remain the team to beat this tournament.

Fiji

Squad: Jowasa Drodrolagi (Whitehaven), Tui Kamikamica (Melbourne Storm), Vuate Karawalevu (Sydney Roosters), Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers), Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers), Pio Seci (Manly Sea Eagles), Lamar Manuel-Liolevave (Tweed Seagulls), Isaac Lumelume (Canterbury Bulldogs), Netane Masima (Wests Magpies), Kaylen Miller (Mounties), Laitia Moceidreke (North Queensland Cowboys), Sitiveni Moceidreke (London Broncos), Kevin Naiqama (Sydney Roosters), Ben Nakubuwai (Leigh Centurions), Henry Raiwalui (Mounties), Joseph Ratuvakacereivalu (Redcliffe Dolphins), Mikaele Ravalawa (St George Illawarra Dragons), Taniela Sadrugu (North Queensland Cowboys), Maika Sivo (Parramatta Eels), Penioni Tagituimu (Redcliffe Dolphins), Sunia Turuva (Penrith Panthers), Semi Valemei (Canberra Raiders), King Vuniyayawa (Salford Reds), Brandon Wakeham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Josh Wong (Sydney Roosters)

Key player: The Bati feature two players from this year’s premiership-winning Penrith Panthers side with Apisai Koroisau and Viliame Kikau lining up for the squad. Gun outside back Sunia Turuva, who also played on NRL grand final day for the club’s lower grade side, has also been named and will be aiming to put his best foot forward before being promoted to the club's top 30 for 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Sunia Turuva shines for the Bati

Strengths: As well as Turuva, the Bati boast an enviable backline filled with try scorers. Both Maika Sivo and Mikaele Ravalawa love to cross for four-pointers in the NRL, while Isaac Lumelume and Laitia Moceidreke from the respective state Cup competitions are no slouches either.

Weaknesses: While Fiji has some experience talent up front and out wide, they do struggle with finding experience in the halves. Kevin Naiqama - who is normally a centre or winger - has filled in as five-eighth before, but much will be expected from Brandon Wakeham, who played four games in the NRL for the Bulldogs this year.

History at World Cup: The Fiji Bati have been impressive in their past three World Cup appearances, making it past the pool stages to feature in the semi-finals. They famously defeated New Zealand 4-2 in thrilling quarter-final in the last tournament in 2017, their biggest scalp.

Italy

Squad: Giordano Arena (Catania Bulls), Daniel Atkinson (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Simone Boscolo (RC Salon XIII), Nathan Brown (Parramatta Eels), Jack Campagnolo (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Gieolo Celerino (Racing Saint Gaudens), Jack Colovatti (Parramatta Eels), Luke Hodge (Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles), Anton Iaria (Barrow Raiders), Radean Robinson (Central Queensland Capras), Ryan King (Whitehaven), Richard Lepori (Swinton Lions), Jake Maizen (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Luca Moretti (Parramatta Eels), Ethan Natoli (Newtown Jets), Ippolito Occhialini (Lignano Sharks), Rinaldo Palumbo (London Broncos), Dean Parata (London Broncos), Kyle Pickering (Cronulla Sharks), Luke Polselli (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Alex Rojatto (Lignano Sharks), Brendan Santi (Keighley Cougars), Alec Susino (Penrith Panthers), Nicholas Tilburg (Wentworthville), Joseph Tramontana (Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles)

Key Player: Parramatta powerhouse Nathan Brown will provide key go-forward and a hard edge to the side that will also draw on the experience of hooker Dean Parata and second rower Brandon Santi who is adding to his 11 caps for the Azzuri.

Strengths: While halfback Cooper Johns has withdrawn from the squad (replaced by Radean Robinson from Central Queensland Capras), they will still have a skilled operator in the halves in Jack Campagnolo who was the QRL’s five-eighth of the year in 2021, while one-time Melbourne Storm and current Sunshine Coast Falcons half Daniel Atkinson and the club’s player of the year in fullback Luke Polselli will be looking to step up in the spine.

Weaknesses: There’s no denying that Italy will field a fairly inexperienced team, especially in their forward pack, Nathan Brown aside. However, they won't be short on passion and will be pushing to cause an upset or two.

History at World Cup: This will be the third appearance for Italy in the Rugby League World Cup, with the Azzurri finishing third in their group in 2013 and second in 2017.

Nathan Brown (centre) represented Italy in 2017 and will again be a key man for the Azzurri.

Scotland

Squad: Euan Aiken (Warriors), Luke Bain (Parramatta Eels), Logan Bayliss (Brisbane Broncos), James Bell (St Helens), Ryan Brierley (Salford Red Devils), Keiran Buchanan (Batley Bulldogs), Lewis Clarke (Edinburgh Eagles), Davey Dixon (Dewsbury Rams), Charlie Emslie (Barrow Raiders), Dale Ferguson (Dewsbury Rams), Calum Gahan (London Broncos), Guy Graham (Whitehaven RLFC), Bailey Hayward (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ben Hellewell (Featherstone Rovers), Liam Hood (Wakefield), Kane Linnett (Hull KR), Bayley Liu (Sheffield Eagles), Sam Luckley (Salford Red Devils), Matty Russell (Toulouse), Kyle Schneider (Mackay Cutters), Jack Teanby (York City Knights), Shane Toal (Barrow Raiders), Lachlan Walmsley (Halifax Panthers), Alex Walker (London Broncos)

Key Player: While Euan Aiken is the only current NRL player in the squad, the are also a number of former and fringe players in the experienced Kane Linnett and emerging Logan Bayliss who will provide plenty of impact. However, someone to watch is Lewis Clark, who is the only player to be selected from a Scotland-based club, with the Edinburgh Eagles captain no doubt pushing to play in the match against Australia, having spent a season Down Under with Moore Park Broncos.

Aitken with perfect line running

Strengths: While the Bravehearts are down on troops due to a number of untimely injuries, they do have some experienced Cup campaigners in the side who know the challenge ahead in Matty Russell, Ryan Brierley and captain Dale Ferguson. While the squad found the going tough in the intense heat of north Queensland in their past World Cup outing, with temperatures more suited to rugby league, the side will be hoping to put on their best display of the game.

Weaknesses: Much like Italy, it is the lack of experience at the top level that will be the main undoing for Scotland. A strong resolve to put the pain of their last World Cup campaign behind them however will ensure the squad all play with pride and they will be looking to not only aim up against the big guns in the pool in Australia and Fiji, but snag a win against the Azzurri.

History at World Cup: The Bravehearts' best-ever finish at a World Cup came in 2013 when they reached the quarter-finals. This will be their fifth appearance at a World Cup, having also finished fourth in their group in 2000, eighth in 2008 and fourth in their group in 2017.

Stats courtesy David Middleton - League Information Services