Bear Down Wildcats

It was a battle between science and magic at Old Trafford and in the end, hard facts won the day over destiny.

Australia have claimed yet another World Cup title, downing Samoa 30-10 in a game that was less about the destination than the journey.

Magical is the only way to describe what's happened to Samoa these past few weeks.

The team's resurrection and the way Pasifika communities all over the world have gotten behind their boys is something that won't be forgotten for as long as rugby league is played.

Ali Brigginshaw has been at the top of women's rugby league for longer than just about anybody else but for all the games she's played and the trophies she's won, it's doubtful that even she has had many games like this.

Brigginshaw was the best player on the field by a distance in Australia's 54-4 World Cup final demolition of New Zealand at Old Trafford, a game that served as a reminder that the Broncos playmaker is the finest player ever to lace on a boot in women's rugby league.

She's now won player of the match awards in back-to-back World Cup finals and this, surely, was her finest hour.

Brigginshaw began the tournament with some questioning if she was too old and she ended it breakdancing in confetti with the player of the match medal around her neck.

England, champions of the world. You only have to go back a few years since wheelchair rugby league was being played in empty sports halls. So here in Manchester, as almost 5,000 people watched England win the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup on home soil, with the nation having taken this incredible sport to its heart, it was hard not to feel a little moved.

The secondary referee in England's Wheelchair Rugby League Cup Final match with France went into meltdown after disagreeing with his colleague over a decision during the game.  

The official could be seen getting into a strop and waving his arms in anger, after a decision went against France. Even going as far as to gesticulate rudely to the crowd. 

He had to be spoken to several times by his colleagues, but was clearly furious at a call that went in favour of England and was booed by the Manchester crowd at full time.