1957 Rugby League World Cup

The 1957 Rugby League World Cup was the second World Cup held for men’s national rugby league teams and was held between 15 and 25 June and hosted by Australia. Table toppers Australia were the winners as there was no Final at this World Cup.^[1]

Number of teams4

Host country Australia

Winner Australia (1st title)

Matches played6

Quick facts Number of teams, Host country ...

1957 World Cup
Number of teams	4
Host country	Australia
Winner	Australia (1st title)
Matches played	6
Attendance	215,059 (35,843 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  < 1954 1960 >

Close

1957 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.

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).