Pacific Nations WC Qualifiers

Pacific Island nations Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and Fiji are preparing to contest a round-robin qualifying tournament for the 2008 World Cup, starting next Friday, 29th September with a double-header at Campbelltown Stadium.

The action will continue five days later at Western Weekender Stadium in St Mary?s, on Wednesday, 4th October, where the teams will swap opponents as they battle to qualify for Rugby League?s main event in 2008.

The final match will be played between Fiji and Cook Islands on Saturday, 7th October at CUA Stadium, while Tonga and Samoa will transfer to the United Kingdom to finish their qualifying matches against England and France in late October and early November.

Friday, 29 September 2006 Campbelltown Stadium
Tonga v Cook Islands kickoff at 5.45pm
Samoa v Fiji kickoff at 7.40pm

Wednesday, 4 October 2006 Western Weekender Stadium
Fiji v Tonga kickoff at 5.45pm
Samoa v Cook Islands kickoff at 7.30pm

Saturday, 7 October 2006 CUA Stadium, Penrith
Fiji v Cook Islands kickoff at 7pm

International Development Officer for the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF), Mr Tas Baitieri, said the tournament would showcase Pacific Island rugby league at its best.

?This is the first time ever we?ve had a qualification process of this magnitude in the country,? Mr Baitieri said.

?It shows that Rugby League is splitting its boundaries to new countries.

?The World Cup campaign has already begun in Europe and there are only five spots left that are up for grabs, so the games are sure to be keenly contested.?

Tickets are priced at $10 for adults. Children 16 and under are permitted free of charge.

A three-venue ticket, available only at the opening game at Campbelltown Stadium, is priced at $20.

Source: www.rlif.org