1957 Rugby League World Cup
The second Rugby League World Cup was held in Australia in 1957. As before a group stage was held first, with matches being held at locations in Sydney and Brisbane.
| 1957 World Cup | |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 4 |
| Host country | Australia |
| Winner | Australia (1st title) |
| Matches played | 6 |
| Attendance | 214,918 (35,820 per match) |
| Points scored | 204 (34 per match) |
| Top scorer | Brian Carlson (28) |
| Top try scorers | Mick Sullivan (3) Ian Moir (3) Kel O'Shea (3) |
Tournaments | |
The 1957 World Cup marked the 50th anniversary of rugby league in Australia but the hosts were not confident of their ability to lift the trophy, having capitulated in the Ashes series in England barely seven months previously. Great Britain, under Alan Prescott, and boasting world-class backs such as Billy Boston, Mick Sullivan, Jeff Stevenson and Lewis Jones, and a formidable pack, were expected to win with Jacques Merquey's French side a dark horse.
In the end Australia were dominant, winning all matches and were declared the champions by virtue of finishing top of the group – there was no World Cup Final. Best and fairest awards were made to individual nations, the recipients being Gilbert Benausse (France), Brian Carlson (Australia), Phil Jackson (Great Britain) and Bill Sorensen (New Zealand).