A-AP – Captain Joseph Paulo was inspirational as USA began their Rugby League World Cup debut with a 32-20 win over Cook Islands, but a TV glitch meant Australians fans were unable to watch the clash live.
In an embarrassment for tournament organisers, the match kicked off on Wednesday night in Bristol with supporters around the world having no way to watch the action.
“There’s a technical issue with the TV feed on Premier Sports. They’re working hard to resolve it. We’ll let you know more when we can,” a message on the tournament’s official Twitter account read.
The issue was resolved early in the first half, with the Seven Network showing the contest on delay on 7mate.
“The issues this morning are being experienced all over the world not just @7Sport it is a major error from host broadcaster IMG,” Ryan Phelan, host of Seven’s World Cup coverage, tweeted.
Despite the break at halftime, coverage was still delayed in the second stanza and pictures went to air of USA coach Terry Matterson celebrating over 15 minutes after it happened.
On the field, tries inside the final nine minutes from Mark Offerdahl and Craig Priestly settled a see-saw battle at the Memorial Stadium.
Retired NRL winger Matt Petersen, NRL hopeful Bureta Faraimo and Redcliffe Dolphin Tui Samoa – all based in Queensland – and Parramatta utility Paulo also crossed for the Tomahawks.
USA skipper Paulo also contributed eight points with the boot and was named man of the match.
Brad Takairangi, Drury Low, Lulia Lulia and Dominique Peyroux scored tries for the Cook Islands.
The two sides were tied at 10-10 at halftime, then 14-14 and 20-20 until an offload from Paulo put former Queensland under-17 representative Offerdahl over for the crucial go-ahead try.
“I don’t get overly emotional,” said Matterson, USA’s third national coach in the space of two months after Warriors mentor Matthew Elliott and ex-Sydney Roosters boss Brian Smith both stepped down.
“But with these guys and what they’ve done in the last three weeks, it’s really been quite amazing,” added the North Queensland assistant coach and one-time NSW State of Origin representative.
“…They have come together, they did not know each well at all and they went through some adversity.
“But we had a good trial win in France and we have had a great time together and I am so proud of these guys.
“All credit to them, it’s a real shot in the arm for US rugby league.”