Arabic version: استبعاد موزيس مع انطلاقة بابوا غينيا الجديدة بانتصارات في كأس العالم

According to ABC News, Mitchell Moses will miss the remainder of the Rugby League World Cup after scans found an unspecified high-grade muscle tear following Australia’s opening win over New Zealand.

The Parramatta playmaker was injured in the Kangaroos’ 24-22 victory in Sydney on Thursday night. Moses attempted to continue but left the field less than two minutes into the second half. The injury had initially been thought to be a calf problem or a hairline fracture.

The setback leaves Australia without Moses for its title defence and follows Nathan Cleary’s absence with a serious leg injury. Moses had switched allegiance to Australia for this tournament after captaining Lebanon at the 2022 World Cup.

Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said Moses had made a “wonderful contribution” during the team’s Sydney camp and had tried bravely to play through the injury. Walters said the 32-year-old was disappointed, while his effort to remain on the field showed what representing Australia meant to him.

Elsewhere, Papua New Guinea’s men beat Lebanon 42-18 in Port Moresby after the women’s side defeated France 58-4. Rhyse Martin scored a try and converted all seven attempts for PNG’s men, while Naomi Kelly scored four tries for the Orchids. England then beat Wales 70-6 in the women’s competition, with Connie Boyd and Anna Davies each scoring hat-tricks.