{{short description|none}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox rugby league football match | year = 2021 | title = Rugby League World Cup final | image = Kangaroos lift 2021 RLWC.jpg | imagesize = | alt = | home = Australia<br />{{flagicon|AUS|size=30px}} | away = Samoa<br/>{{flagicon|SAM|size=30px}} | home_league = ARL | away_league = RLS | home_total = 30 | away_total = 10 | home_abbr = AUS {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} | away_abbr = SAM {{leagueicon|Samoa|16}} | home_half1 = 14 | away_half1 = 0 | home_half2 = 16 | away_half2 = 10 | date = 19 November 2022 | stadium = Old Trafford | location = Manchester, England | MoM_title = Man of the Match | MoM = James Tedesco (Australia) | referee = Ashley Klein (Australia) | attendance = 67,502 | network = BBC (United Kingdom) | network2 = Fox League (Australia) | tournaments = Rugby League World Cup final | last = 2017 | next = 2026 }}
The '''2021 Rugby League World Cup final''' was the rugby league match to determine the winner of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, played between Australia and Samoa on 19 November 2022 at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/236/full-rlwc2021-fixture-schedule-announced|title=Full RLWC2021 fixture schedule announced|website=www.rlwc2021.com|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/14/kangaroos-v-samoa-theatre-of-dreams-hosts-historic-decider/|title=Kangaroos v Samoa: Australia unchanged; Harris-Tavita to hooker|date=19 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
==Background== {{main|2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup}}
The 2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup, was the 16th edition of the World Cup, the IRL's rugby league competition for national teams. The tournament was held in England from 15 October 2022 to 19 November 2022,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walter |first1=Brad |title=New dates announced for rescheduled World Cup |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/08/26/newRugby-dates-announced-for-rescheduled-world-cup/ |website=nrl.com |date=26 August 2021 |access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref> but was originally scheduled to be held between 23 October 2021 and 27 November 2021 and was postponed due the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent withdrawals of Australia and New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walter |first1=Brad |title=2021 World Cup officially postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/08/05/2021-world-cup-officially-postponed-due-to-covid-19-pandemic/ |website=nrl.com |date=5 August 2021 |access-date=5 August 2021}}</ref> 16 teams are competing in the tournament, an increase of two from the previous two tournaments and the first to feature 16 teams since the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|date=2 February 2016|title=Rugby League World Cup to feature 16 teams in 2021|url=http://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/10153619/rugby-league-world-cup-to-feature-16-teams-in-2021|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=11 September 2016}}</ref>
==Venue== {{main|Old Trafford}} [[File:2021 RLWC Final - Old Trafford.jpg|thumb|Outside Old Trafford ahead of hosting the World Cup final for the third time.]] Old Trafford hosted the World Cup final for the third time, having previously hosted the final in 2000, when Australia beat New Zealand 40–12, and in 2013, when they beat the same opponents 34–2.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 2000 |title=Australia win epic World Cup final |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/world_cup_2000/1040576.stm |access-date=28 October 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/10486013/New-Zealand-2-Australia-34-match-report.html |title=New Zealand 2 Australia 34: match report |date=30 November 2013 |work=Daily Telegraph |access-date=2 December 2013 }}</ref> It was confirmed as the venue to host the final on 10 June 2020, when the fixture for the event was released.<ref name="BBC191121">{{cite news |title=Manchester to host World Cup finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/59339731 |access-date=10 February 2022 |work=BBC Sport |date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
The ground is often used for major rugby league matches, being the primary venue for the annual Super League Grand Final, which is the championship-deciding game of Britain's Super League competition, and top-tier test matches such as {{rlnt|GBR}} games during Kangaroo tours.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/41413157|title=Old Trafford extends Grand Final deal|work=BBC Sport |accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
The ground is the home stadium of English football team Manchester United, and has a capacity of 74,310,<ref name="pl">{{cite web|title=Old Trafford|url=https://www.premierleague.com/clubs/12/Manchester-United/stadium|access-date=25 August 2022 |work=premierleague.com|publisher=Premier League}}</ref> which makes it the largest club football stadium (second-largest football stadium overall after Wembley Stadium, and third largest in all with the rugby union Twickenham Stadium coming in second) in the United Kingdom, and the eleventh-largest in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manchester Sightseeing Bus Tours |url=http://www.manchesterbustours.co.uk/manchester-united |access-date=15 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716025339/http://www.manchesterbustours.co.uk/manchester-united |archive-date=16 July 2015 }}</ref>
==Route to the final==
===Summary=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- !colspan="4"|{{rl|AUS}} !Round !colspan="4"|{{rl|SAM}} |- style="background:#C1E0FF" |Opponent |colspan="3"|Result |Group stage |Opponent |colspan="3"|Result |- |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|FIJ}} |colspan="3"|42–8 |style="background:#C1E0FF"|Matchday 1 |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|ENG}} |colspan="3"|6–60 |- |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|SCO}} |colspan="3"|84–0 |style="background:#C1E0FF"|Matchday 2 |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|GRC}} |colspan="3"|72–6 |- |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|ITA}} |colspan="3"|66–6 |style="background:#C1E0FF"|Matchday 3 |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|FRA}} |colspan="3"|62–4 |- |colspan="4" style="vertical-align:top"|'''Group stage winners''' <div class="center">{{2021 RLWC Group B|only_pld_pts=yes|show_matches=no|showteam=AUS}}</div> |style="background:#C1E0FF"|Final standings |colspan="4" style="vertical-align:top"|'''Group stage runners-up''' <div class="center">{{2021 RLWC Group A|only_pld_pts=yes|show_matches=no|showteam=SAM}}</div> |- style="background:#C1E0FF" |Opponent |colspan="3"|Result |Knockout stage |Opponent |colspan="3"|Result |- |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|LBN}} |colspan="3"|48–4 |style="background:#C1E0FF"|Quarter-finals |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|TON}} |colspan="3"|20–18 |- |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|NZL}} |colspan="3"|16–14 |style="background:#C1E0FF"|Semi-finals |style="text-align:left"|{{rl|ENG}} |colspan="3"|27–26 (g.p.) |}
===Australia=== {{See also|2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup Group B|2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup knockout stage}} thumb|Australia warming up ahead of their semi-final against New Zealand Australia won all three group stage matches against Fiji, Scotland and Italy all convincingly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/10/30/halves-impress-as-australia-beat-italy/|title=Halves impress as Australia beat Italy|date=29 October 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
Finishing on top of their group, they played Lebanon in the first quarter-final, where they won 48–4, advancing to a semi-final berth against Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/05/addo-carr-bags-five-as-kangaroos-march-into-semis/|title=Addo-Carr bags five as Kangaroos march into semis|date=4 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref> In the semi-final, Australia were trailing 10–14 at half time to the Kiwis. A 52nd minute converted try to Cameron Murray, ended up being the match winner however, winning the match 16–14 which saw the Kangaroos qualify for their 12th consecutive World Cup final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/971/australia-mens-road-to-the-rugby-league-world-cup-final|title=Australia Men's road to the Rugby League World Cup final|website=www.rlwc2021.com|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
===Samoa=== {{See also|2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup Group A|2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup knockout stage}} thumb|left|Samoa warming up ahead of their opening group stage match against England Despite losing the opening match of the tournament 60–6 against host nation England at St James' Park, Samoa finished the group stage in second place after large wins against Greece and France. This qualified them for a quarter-final berth against fellow Pacific island nation, Tonga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/10/31/may-scores-four-as-samoa-beat-france-to-advance/|title=May scores four as Samoa beat France to advance|date=30 October 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
Samoa reached the semi-finals after a narrow 20–18 win over Tonga at Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington. Despite both teams scoring three tries each, it was Samoa that won the match, with Stephen Crichton converting all three tries and a penalty goal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/07/samoa-advance-to-semi-finals-with-thrilling-win-over-tonga/|title=Samoa advance to semi-finals with thrilling win over Tonga|date=6 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Junior Paulo.png|thumb|upright|Junior Paulo captained Samoa through the World Cup.]] They faced England in the semi-final at the Emirates Stadium in London. Tim Lafai scored the first try of the game in the sixth minute to give Samoa a 4–0 lead, and for the first time in the tournament, England conceded first. Five minutes later, Junior Paulo was shown a yellow card, and also put on report, for a dangerous tackle on George Williams. Elliott Whitehead scored England's first try on 25 minutes, with Tommy Makinson successful with the conversion, to give England a 6–4 lead. Five minutes later, Samoa scored again, this time from Ligi Sao to retake the lead 8–4; Stephen Crichton was successful with the conversion to give Samoa a 10–4 lead at half-time.
Five minutes into the second half, England scored again, this time through John Bateman, and Makinson was once again successful with the conversion to make it 10–10. Two tries in seven minutes saw Samoa take a 20–12 lead, with England now needing at least two tries to draw level. Herbie Farnworth broke clear on 65 minutes, to race away and touch down near the posts, giving Makinson an easy conversion. From the kick-off, England were awarded a penalty, after Sam Tomkins was tackled in the air. Samoa used the captain's challenge, and after a quick review, the video referee agreed with the decision to award the penalty, meaning the challenge was unsuccessful. Makinson opted to kick the penalty and was successful, levelling the scores at 20–20 with just over 12 minutes remaining. Stephen Crichton looked to have won it for Samoa with sven minutes to go, as he intercepted a Dom Young pass to touch down under the posts, converting his own try. There was more drama to come, as Farnworth got his second try of the game with two minutes remaining, Makinson once again converting to take the game to extra time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/13/world-cup-overnight-samoa-stun-england-in-golden-point-paulo-on-report/|title=World Cup overnight: Samoa stun England; Paulo on report|date=12 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
Samoa attempted to score the golden point with a drop goal early in extra time, but it was charged down by England. Samoa eventually won the match after a forward pass from Sam Tomkins gave them possession 35 metres out. Crichton kicked the winning drop goal to send Samoa to their first World Cup final, making them the first team other than England, Australia or New Zealand to reach the final in 50 years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/972/samoa-mens-road-to-the-rugby-league-world-cup-final|title=Samoa Men's road to the Rugby League World Cup final|website=www.rlwc2021.com|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
==Pre-match==
===Ticketing=== As of 16 November, it was confirmed by tournament chief executive Jon Dutton, that almost 64,000 tickets had been sold for the match. Dutton conceded that the match will unlikely to sell-out the 74,310 capacity Old Trafford due to tournament hosts England being eliminated in the second semi-final to Samoa. The 2013 final attracted 74,468 fans, but the 2021 edition "will gross three times more" in revenue due to increased ticketing and hospitality prices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/world-cup-final-ticket-sales-25532875|title=Jon Dutton provides ticket update for Rugby League World Cup finals day|first=Aaron|last=Bower|date=16 November 2022|website=YorkshireLive|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref> The final ended up attracting 67,502 fans in attendance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/australia-win-rugby-league-world-cup-final-over-samoa-in-front-of-67502-at-old-trafford/|title=Australia win Rugby League World Cup final over Samoa in front of 67,502|first=Josh|last=McAllister|date=19 November 2022|website=LoveRugbyLeague|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
===Officiating=== [[File:Ashley Klein (10 November 2008).jpg|thumb|upright|Ashley Klein officated the final.]] Ashley Klein officiated the match as head referee; it was Klein's second World Cup final, having also taken charge of the 2008 final in Brisbane. The touch judges were Jack Smith and Warren Turley from the Rugby Football League, Gerard Sutton was the reserve referee, and the video referee and captain's challenge duties were undertaken by Chris Kendall and Grant Atkins respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/17/klein-sharpe-to-referee-world-cup-deciders/|title=Klein, Sharpe to referee World Cup deciders|date=16 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
===Team selection=== Australian named an unchanged line-up from their semi-final victory over New Zealand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/17/kangaroos-name-squad-to-face-samoa-in-world-cup-final/|title=Kangaroos name squad to face Samoa in World Cup final|date=17 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
Fa'amanu Brown suffered a concussion in the semi-final against England, which saw him miss the final for Samoa. Chanel Harris-Tavita replaced him at hooker in his final rugby league match, with Connelly Lemuelu taking his place on the interchange. Samoan captain Junior Paulo also escaped suspension for a dangerous tackle on Thomas Burgess in the semi-final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/18/samoa-name-squad-to-face-kangaroos-in-final/|title=Lemuelu in for Brown as Samoa name squad for World Cup final|date=17 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
James Tedesco and Junior Paulo captained their respective nations in the final.
===Support=== In the lead-up to the match, American actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson posted on Instagram his support for the Samoan team, as it is their first appearance in a World Cup final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/make-history-the-rock-urges-samoa-to-take-world-cup-fight-to-kangaroos-20221118-p5bzeg.html|title='Make history': The Rock urges Samoa to take World Cup fight to Kangaroos|first=Adrian|last=Proszenko|date=18 November 2022|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref> Johnson has Samoan heritage through his mother and grew up playing rugby in his youth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pacificmagazine.net/issue/2004/10/01/the-rocks-royal-homecoming|title=Pacific Magazine: The Rock's Royal Homecoming|date=27 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927175415/http://www.pacificmagazine.net/issue/2004/10/01/the-rocks-royal-homecoming |accessdate=22 November 2022|archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League, also shared his support for the team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/nfl-star-quarter-back-has-message-for-samoa-ahead-of-world-cup-final-as-star-player-enjoys-heartwarming-moment-62592/|title=NFL star quarter-back has message for Samoa ahead of World Cup final as star player enjoys heartwarming moment|first=Cam|last=Pattison|date=19 November 2022|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
===Women's final=== {{main|2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup final}}
The match was played as a double-header with the women's final between Australia and New Zealand for the second time in the tournament's history, and the first time in England.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/11/16/jillaroos-v-kiwi-ferns-rivals-face-off-in-another-final/|title=Jillaroos v Kiwi Ferns: Final teams confirmed for women's final|date=19 November 2022|website=National Rugby League|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref> Australia won the match 54–4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/report/73|title=Rugby League World Cup 2021|website=www.rlwc2021.com|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
===Entertainment=== thumb|upright|Kevin Sinfield during half-time at the final. Heather Small, the former lead vocalist of the Manchester-based dance music band M People, performed at half-time and full-time of the men's fixture, as well as bringing out the women's trophy before that match.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/964/iconic-singer-heather-small-to-perform-at-rugby-league-world-cup-2021-finals|title=Iconic singer Heather Small to perform at Rugby League World Cup 2021 finals|website=www.rlwc2021.com|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
Emilia Bertolini performed the national anthem of Australia, but it is unknown who sung the national anthem of Samoa before the match.
Former England captain Kevin Sinfield was welcomed into the stadium at half-time of the match as he completed his Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge marathon raising awareness for motor neuron disease. Sinfield has raised over £5 million for his efforts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/864/rlwc2021-chief-executive-to-join-kevin-sinfield-on-epic-ultra-marathon|title=RLWC2021 Chief Executive to join Kevin Sinfield on epic ultra marathon|website=www.rlwc2021.com|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
==Match==
===Summary===
====First half==== Samoa started the match well with early pressure but Australia's strong defensive performance laid the foundations and more than lived up to their billing as overwhelming favourites.<ref name="bbc men final review">{{cite web |title=Australia 30-10 Samoa: Kangaroos claim third consecutive World Cup with hard-fought victory |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/63689333 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119181043/https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63689333 |archive-date=19 November 2022 |date=19 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Samoa were unlucky not to have been awarded a 40/20 kick, and despite a competitive start to the match, were hit by two tries in four minutes;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Laybourne |first1=Ian |title=James Tedesco inspires Australia to Rugby League World Cup glory against Samoa |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-league/australia-samoa-rugby-league-world-cup-b2228812.html |work=The Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119191608/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-league/australia-samoa-rugby-league-world-cup-b2228812.html |archive-date=19 November 2022 |date=19 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Latrell Mitchell breaking the deadlock on 13 minutes before Josh Addo-Carr and Liam Martin extended Australia's lead to 14–0 at half-time.<ref name="guardian men final review">{{cite web |last1=Bower |first1=Aaron |title=Australia retain Rugby League World Cup after cruising past Samoa |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/nov/19/australia-samoa-mens-rugby-league-world-cup-final-match-report |work=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119180143/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/nov/19/australia-samoa-mens-rugby-league-world-cup-final-match-report |archive-date=19 November 2022 |date=19 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
====Second half==== After the break, Angus Crichton was sin-binned for an elbow that ruled out Chanel Harris-Tavita for the remainder of the match with a head injury, but even with a man down Australia added a fourth try through Cameron Murray.<ref name="guardian men final review" /> Brian To'o scored a consolation for Samoa to make it 20–6, before Tedesco and Stephen Crichton exchanged tries prior to Mitchell rounding up the scoring with his second try in the final minute.<ref name="guardian men final review" /> The match finished 30–10 with Australia winning their 12th title and third consecutive.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Paul |title=Australia 30-10 Samoa: Talismanic Tedesco guides Kangaroos to glory |url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/997/australia-30-10-samoa-talismanic-tedesco-guides-kangaroos-to-glory |website=rlwc2021.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119183149/https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/997/australia-30-10-samoa-talismanic-tedesco-guides-kangaroos-to-glory |archive-date=19 November 2022 |location=Old Trafford |date=19 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Details=== <section begin=Final /><section begin=Final1 /> {{rugbyleaguebox | date = 19 November 2022 | time = 16:00 GMT (UTC±00:00) | team1 = {{rl-rt|AUS}} | score = {{score link|2021 Men's Rugby League World Cup final#Match|30–10}} | team2 = {{rl|SAM}} | try1 = Mitchell (2) 14', 80' <br> Tedesco (2) 18', 69' <br> Martin 30' <br> Murray 53' | goal1 = Cleary (3/5) 19', 55', 70' <br> Addo-Carr (0/1) | try2 = To'o 61' <br> Crichton 71' | goal2 = Crichton (1/2) 63' | stadium = Old Trafford, Manchester | attendance = 67,502 | referee = Ashley Klein (Australia) | report = [https://web.archive.org/web/20230314144936/https://www.rlwc2021.com/report/65 Report] | touch = Jack Smith (England), Warren Turley (England) | manofmatch = James Tedesco (Australia) }}<section end=Final1 />
{| width="100%" |valign="top" width="50%"| {| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" |- !width="25"| !!width="25"| |- |FB ||'''1''' ||James Tedesco (c) |- |WG ||'''4''' ||Valentine Holmes |- |CE ||'''10'''||Jack Wighton |- |CE ||'''8''' ||Latrell Mitchell |- |WG ||'''9''' ||Josh Addo-Carr |- |FE ||'''7''' ||Cameron Munster |- |HB ||'''14'''||Nathan Cleary |- |PR ||'''5''' ||Jake Trbojevic |- |HK ||'''3''' ||Ben Hunt |- |PR ||'''6''' ||Reagan Campbell-Gillard |- |SR ||'''21'''||Liam Martin |- |SR ||'''17'''||Angus Crichton |- |LF ||'''24'''||Isaah Yeo |- |colspan=3|'''Interchange:''' |- |IN ||'''20'''||Harry Grant |- |IN ||'''13'''||Patrick Carrigan |- |IN ||'''11'''||Cameron Murray |- |IN ||'''18'''||Tino Fa'asuamaleaui |- |{{tooltip|CS|Concussion substitute / Reserve}} ||'''2''' ||Daly Cherry-Evans |- |colspan=3|'''Coach:''' |- |colspan="3"|{{flagicon|Australia}} Mal Meninga |} |valign="top" width="50%"| {| style="font-size: 90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" |- !width="25"| !!width="25"| |- |FB ||'''1''' ||Joseph Sua'ali'i |- |WG ||'''2''' ||Taylan May |- |CE ||'''25'''||Tim Lafai |- |CE ||'''4''' ||Stephen Crichton |- |WG ||'''5''' ||Brian To'o |- |FE ||'''6''' ||Jarome Luai |- |HB ||'''7''' ||Anthony Milford |- |PR ||'''10'''||Junior Paulo (c) |- |HK ||'''20'''||Chanel Harris-Tavita |- |PR ||'''15'''||Royce Hunt |- |SR ||'''12'''||Jaydn Su'a |- |SR ||'''11'''||Ligi Sao |- |LF ||'''13'''||Oregon Kaufusi |- |colspan=3|'''Interchange:''' |- |IN ||'''22'''||Kelma Tuilagi |- |IN ||'''8''' ||Josh Papali'i |- |IN ||'''16'''||Spencer Leniu |- |IN ||'''17'''||Martin Taupau |- |{{tooltip|CS|Concussion substitute / Reserve}} ||'''26'''||Ken Sio |- |colspan=3|'''Coach:''' |- |colspan="3"|{{flagicon|Australia}} Matt Parish |} |}<section end=Final />
===Statistics=== {{col-begin}} {{col-4}} {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ First half |- ! scope="col" style="width:160px"|Statistic ! scope="col" style="width:80px"|Australia ! scope="col" style="width:80px"|Samoa |- |Tries || 3 || 0 |- |Conversions (attempts) || 1 (3) || 0 (0) |- |Penalty goals (attempts) || 0 (0) || 0 (0) |- |Field goals (attempts) || 0 (0) || 0 (0) |- !colspan=3| Possession |- |Possession|| –% || –% |- |Minutes in possession || – || – |- |Completion rate || –% || –% |- !colspan=3| Attack |- |All runs || – || – |- |All run metres || – || – |- |Post contact metres || –|| – |- |Line breaks || – || – |- |Tackle breaks || –|| – |- |Average set distance || – || – |- |Kick return metres || –|| – |- |Average ruck speed (sec) || – || – |- !colspan=3| Passing |- |Offloads || – || – |- |Receipts || –|| – |- |Total passes || –|| – |- |Dummy passes || –|| – |- !colspan=3| Kicking |- |Kicks || –|| – |- |Kicking metres || – || – |- |Forced drop outs || – || 0 |- |Kick defusal || –% || –% |- |40/20 || 0 || 0 |- |Bombs || – || – |- |Grubbers || – || – |- !colspan=3| Defence |- |Tackle efficiency|| –% || –% |- |Tackles made || –|| – |- |Missed tackles || –|| – |- |Intercepts || 0 || – |- |Ineffective tackles || – || – |- !colspan=3| Negative play |- |Errors || – || – |- |Penalties conceded || – || – |- |Ruck infringements || – || – |- |On report || 0 || 0 |- |Sin bins || 0 || 0 |- !colspan=3| Interchanges |- |Used || – || – |- |Head injury assessment || 0 || – |- |colspan="3"|Reference: [https://www.nrl.com/draw/rugby-league-world-cup/2022/final/game-1/ NRL Match Centre] |} {{col-4}} {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Second half |- ! scope="col" style="width:160px"|Statistic ! scope="col" style="width:80px"|Australia ! scope="col" style="width:80px"|Samoa |- |Tries || 3 || 2 |- |Conversions (attempts) || 2 (3) || 1 (2) |- |Penalty goals (attempts) || 0 (0) || 0 (0) |- |Field goals (attempts) || 0 (0) || 0 (0) |- !colspan=3| Possession |- |Possession|| –% || –% |- |Minutes in possession || – || – |- |Completion rate || –% || –% |- !colspan=3| Attack |- |All runs || – || – |- |All run metres || – || – |- |Post contact metres || –|| – |- |Line breaks || – || – |- |Tackle breaks || –|| – |- |Average set distance || – || – |- |Kick return metres || –|| – |- |Average ruck speed (sec) || – || – |- !colspan=3| Passing |- |Offloads || – || – |- |Receipts || –|| – |- |Total passes || –|| – |- |Dummy passes || –|| – |- !colspan=3| Kicking |- |Kicks || –|| – |- |Kicking metres || – || – |- |Forced drop outs || – || 0 |- |Kick defusal || –% || –% |- |40/20 || 1 || 0 |- |Bombs || – || – |- |Grubbers || – || – |- !colspan=3| Defence |- |Tackle efficiency|| –% || –% |- |Tackles made || –|| – |- |Missed tackles || –|| – |- |Intercepts || 0 || – |- |Ineffective tackles || – || – |- !colspan=3| Negative play |- |Errors || – || – |- |Penalties conceded || – || – |- |Ruck infringements || – || – |- |On report || 1 || 0 |- |Sin bins || 1 || 0 |- !colspan=3| Interchanges |- |Used || – || – |- |Head injury assessment || 0 || – |- |colspan="3"|Reference: [https://www.nrl.com/draw/rugby-league-world-cup/2022/final/game-1/ NRL Match Centre] |} {{col-4}} {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Overall |- ! scope="col" style="width:160px"|Statistic ! scope="col" style="width:80px"|Australia ! scope="col" style="width:80px"|Samoa |- |Tries || 6 || 2 |- |Conversions (attempts) || 3 (6) || 1 (2) |- |Penalty goals (attempts) || 0 (0) || 0 (0) |- |Field goals (attempts) || 0 (0) || 0 (0) |- !colspan=3| Possession |- |Possession|| 53% || 47% |- |Minutes in possession || 28:06 || 24:16 |- |Completion rate || 70% || 72% |- !colspan=3| Attack |- |All runs || 214 || 200 |- |All run metres || 1,949 || 1,471 |- |Post contact metres || 568 || 483 |- |Line breaks || 9 || 3 |- |Tackle breaks || 45 || 34 |- |Average set distance || 52.69 || 44.58 |- |Kick return metres || 240 || 69 |- |Average ruck speed (sec) || 3.28 || 3.62 |- !colspan=3| Passing |- |Offloads || 8 || 20 |- |Receipts || 391 || 371 |- |Total passes || 209 || 205 |- |Dummy passes || 14 || 8 |- !colspan=3| Kicking |- |Kicks || 17 || 15 |- |Kicking metres || 437 || 491 |- |Forced drop outs || 2 || 0 |- |Kick defusal || 50% || 60% |- |40/20 || 1 || 0 |- |Bombs || 4 || 2 |- |Grubbers || 4 || 2 |- !colspan=3| Defence |- |Tackle efficiency|| 82.31% || 84.57% |- |Tackles made || 307 || 318 |- |Missed tackles || 34 || 45 |- |Intercepts || 0|| 2 |- |Ineffective tackles || 32 || 13 |- !colspan=3| Negative play |- |Errors || 15 || 10 |- |Penalties conceded || 3 || 1 |- |Ruck infringements || 2 || 3 |- |On report || 1 || 0 |- |Sin bins || 1 || 0 |- !colspan=3| Interchanges |- |Used || 7 || 7 |- |Head injury assessment || 0 || 2 |- |colspan="3"|Reference: [https://www.nrl.com/draw/rugby-league-world-cup/2022/final/game-1/ NRL Match Centre] |} {{col-4}} thumb|upright|275px|Tedesco post match interview thumb|upright|275px|Tedesco with the MOTM award thumb|275px|upright|Meninga post match interview thumb|275px|upright|Parish post match thumb|275px|upright|Junior Paulo post match interview {{col-end}} thumb|upright|275px|Tedesco celebrating victory with fans
==Post-match== James Tedesco was named man of the match for Australia, scoring two tries in the final.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rlwc2021.com/article/999/tedesco-and-meninga-find-the-perfect-formula-for-all-conquering-kangaroos|title=Tedesco and Meninga find the perfect formula for all-conquering Kangaroos|website=www.rlwc2021.com|accessdate=22 November 2022}}</ref>
==Broadcasting== In Australia, the match was broadcast live on Fox League, with kick-off starting at 03:00 AEDT (UTC+11:00). It had an audience of 151,000, with 51,000 watching the pre-match coverage and 44,000 watching post-game.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=sportsindustry |user=footyindustryAU |number=1594476289569697792 |date=20 November 2022 |title=Sunday RLWC Finals Men: Aus/Samoa Foxleague 151,000 Womens: Foxleague 53,000 Pregame 51,000 Postgame 44,000 Data: Oztam |language=en |access-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121145846/https://twitter.com/footyindustryau/status/1594476289569697792 |archive-date=21 November 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also== *2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup final *2021 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup final
==References== {{reflist}}
{{RLWC2021}} {{Rugby League World Cup}}
Category:Rugby League World Cup finals World Final Category:Sport in Trafford Rugby League World Cup final Men