US qualify for Rugby League World Cup finals
Last updated on .From the section Rugby League
The United States have qualified for the Rugby League World Cup finals for the first time in their history after beating Jamaica 40-4 in their Atlantic Zone qualifier in Philadelphia.
They join Wales and the Cook Islands in Group D of the main tournament to be held in England and Wales in 2013.
The US, who included Castleford's Ryan McGoldrick in their line-up, led 6-4 at the break.
But they dominated the second half to claim a comfortable win.
Captain Apple Pope said: "It is fantastic to achieve the opportunity to represent the USA in the World Cup.
"Jamaica deserve enormous credit but a massive thanks has to be paid to our coach Matty Elliott who instilled an ethic around working hard for success which all the boys committed themselves to and it has paid off."
