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• Wane to remain England coach despite World Cup semi-final exit

  Shaun Wane has signed a new contract with England to remain as head coach until the end of the 2025 Rugby League World Cup.

  There was disappointment for England at last year's World Cup on home soil as they lost to Samoa in golden-point extra time to exit the tournament in the semi-finals.

  Australia went on to defeat Samoa in the final, with the competition – officially the 2021 edition – having been held one year later than planned due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

  But following a thorough review, which included the Rugby Football League (RFL) consulting with senior players, former Wigan Warriors boss Wane will retain his job, with France set to host the next World Cup in 2025.

  "The RFL Board received and considered at length a detailed review of the performance of each of the England teams at RLWC2021," RFL chair Simon Johnson said.

  "No stone was left unturned in the review, which included submissions from coaches, players and staff alike.

  "The report generated a good, robust and lengthy discussion at our February board meeting. We are confident that we have the right people in place."

• Duhaney Park Firestorms win JRLA Division II crown, Director Monteith expresses delight at the return of competition.

  Duhaney Park Firestorms defeated Washingston Boulevard Bulls 33-22 to claim the Jamaica Rugby League Division II crown on Saturday, January 28 at the UWI Mona bowl.

  Six players - Kenneth Walker, Chevaughn Carter, Adrian Thomas, Owen Linton, Akeem Murray, and Jenson Morris scored tries for the champions.

  Javian Bryan kicked three goals and Joseph Shae added another, while Chevaughn Bailey also contributed with a drop goal.

  The Bulls, early leaders in the contest, scored four tries via Anthoney Findlay, Karllone Batten, and Julius Reid.

   Lawrence Drummond added another plus kicked a conversion while Oshane Eddie closed out their account with four points from two goals.

  In the playoff for third place, the West Kington Hyenas narrowly defeated the CMU Spartans 24-18.

  JRLA Director of Rugby Romeo Monteith said expressed relief and delight that the competition was able to resume following a two-year pandemic enforced hiatus.

  “We weren’t sure how the teams would react to the competition’s relaunch, but it has been brilliant,” he said.

  “We have lots of players new to the game involved, playing alongside veterans willing to show them the way. The season was extremely competitive, and we had a few upsets along the way that made it very interesting. It’s a good platform senior men’s rugby league to build on for 2023.”

• Tedesco lauds 'special' Australia bond as Kangaroos triumph at Rugby League World Cup

  James Tedesco pinpointed the "special bond" within the Australia squad as the driving factor for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup triumph.

  Australia captain Tedesco crossed over for two tries, as did Latrell Mitchell, in a 30-10 victory over Samoa as the Kangaroos cruised to a 12th world crown at Old Trafford.

  The Australians have won their last 19 matches on English soil in the competition, in which they have reached every final since 1957, and Tedesco lauded the unity between his side after victory.

  "It is pretty unbelievable. This group of blokes came over here six or seven weeks ago and we've got such a special bond," he told BBC Sport.

  "COVID-19 has killed us for three years, not being able to play for our country, but we came here early and got along straight away.

  "We created that connection from the start and wanted to work hard for each other."

  Samoa missed the chance for a second-half fightback after Angus Crichton was fortunate to only be sin-binned for a high tackle on Chanel Harris-Tavita.

  Cameron Murray extended the lead despite the one-man disadvantage as late tries for Brian To'o and Stephen Crichton proved a mere consolation for Samoa, who were playing in their first World Cup final.

  Australia head coach Mal Meninga says he never had any doubts his side would hold off Samoa's advances to secure more silverware.

  "It's fantastic. It's one of those games and you sit up there," Meninga said. The first half was expectational, we did what we needed to do.

  "In the second half we scrambled well, a man down but we still scored points. It's what you do, you work for each other. I wasn't nervous, I'm confident in this footy team.

  "Defensively, we only had 12 against a Samoa side who threw everything, I was still comfortable."

  Meninga hailed the "exceptional" Tedesco as a "worthy man of the match" before praising the togetherness of his World Cup-winning side.

  "They're committed to each other. There is respect and humility for our jersey, for the opposition," he added.

  "We brought our best game tonight. We've had a long year but have been rewarded for effort tonight. What a way to finish our 2022 season."