Renouf ‘shattered’ over Kangaroos numbers

Joel Gould | October 12, 2022

Australia’s 1992 World Cup final saviour Steve Renouf says he is “shattered” the current Kangaroos will not get to wear their positional numbers in this year’s tournament.

Renouf wore the No.3 jersey in the final 30 years ago, scoring the winning try on his Test debut in the 10-6 victory over Great Britain.

Instead of lining up 1-17, the 11 already-capped Kangaroos in this year’s 24-man squad have been given a number depending on the order they have previously played Test football. 

The 13 debutants in the squad will be handed a number from 12 to 24 in alphabetical order.

The numbering system is part of the Rugby League World Cup rules, which were signed off on by the teams that qualified.

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, Renouf’s centre partner in the 1992 final, is not in favour of the move and told SEN Radio, “It takes away from the excitement of your debutants in particular” as they will play in numbers that have no significance to them.

Renouf told AAP he agreed with his former teammate. 

“When you are a centre, like I was, it is No.3 or No.4,” he said.  

“Imagine starting in the team and getting 24. People would always think you were a reserve.

“My Australian jersey is the ultimate jersey for me. It has pride of place. I wore No.3 on debut and it will always be special.

“That’s why I am shattered the players this year don’t get to play in their positional numbers. I understand it is the rules but I don’t agree with it.”

When Renouf saw the Kangaroos team list for their opening World Cup clash with Fiji – with centre Latrell Mitchell slated to wear the No.8 jersey – he took a photo of his 1992 Test jumper and posted it on social media with the words: “Had the privilege to wear this jersey 30 years ago! With my number!”.

Regardless of his shirt number, Renouf said Mitchell would “carve up” the World Cup.

“Latrell has been in such a purple patch, I believe he will run amok,” the former Brisbane and Queensland centre said.