Throwback Thursday: Internationals
As the NRL pauses this week, the rugby league world turns its attention to the representative stage for a series of enthralling fixtures.
The best young talent will be on display in Thursday’s Under 19’s State of Origin matches, while all eyes will turn to Canberra on Friday night for Women’s State of Origin.
Three pacific test matches will be played on Saturday afternoon before the weekend concludes with Ampol State of Origin in Perth.
So, ahead of this weekend's Representative Round, we’re partnering with Boomer Home Loans to revisit three of the best performances from Wests Tigers players on the international stage.
Benji Marshall - 2008 World Cup Final
Having won every competition since 1975, the Kangaroos came into the final of the 2008 World Cup as clear favourites to take out the title once again.
However, a challenger had emerged from across the Tasman, coached by Wayne Bennett and led by a young superstar in Benji Marshall.
In front of over 50,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium, Marshall almost snared the first try of the match but couldn’t hold on to a grubber kick from Nathan Fien.
Australia soon jumped out to a ten-point lead, but the Kiwis were quick to answer as Jeremy Smith and Jerome Ropati crossed for four-pointers.
With scores remaining tight after half-time, Benji Marshall stepped up to provide an iconic moment by tracking down a wayward pass from Billy Slater and running away to extend New Zealand’s lead.
Despite a valiant fight from a star-studded Australian outfit, tries to Lance Hohaia and Adam Blair saw the Kiwis hold on to win their first Rugby League World Cup.
Chris Lawrence and Keith Galloway - 2011 Trans-Tasman Test
While New Zealand came away with the victory in 2008, Australia got their revenge in the 2011 Trans-Tasman Test in Newcastle.
After strong seasons with Wests Tigers, Chris Lawrence was selected to represent the Kangaroos in the centres and Keith Galloway earned a place on the interchange bench.
In Darren Lockyer’s final test match on home soil, Tim Sheens’ men piled on the points against Benji Marshall’s Kiwis.
Lawrence crossed the line twice in the match, joining Darius Boyd and Akuila Uate in scoring a double.
Galloway also crossed for the only try of his international career, running off the back of Billy Slater and earning a place in the upcoming Four Nations squad.
James Tedesco - 2017 World Cup Group Stage
Now a staple in the Kangaroos lineup, James Tedesco kickstarted his representative career with a stellar performance for Italy at the 2017 World Cup.
Coached by Cameron Ciraldo, the Azzurri boasted a strong lineup that included the likes of Nathan Brown, Mark Minichiello and Paul Vaughan alongside the Wests Tigers fullback.
Playing against the United States in the group stage, Italy jumped out to a quick start courtesy of hooker Joey Tramontana.
Tedesco then got his hands onto the ball and quickly made an impact on the scoreboard, stepping past several defenders on his way to the try line.
The crafty fullback then set up another try for halfback Ryan Ghietti as his side accumulated 28 unanswered points in the first half.
Tedesco completed his double in the 43rd minute as Italy raced away with a comprehensive 42-0 victory - the biggest in their World Cup history.
