Rugby League

David Williams, the 27-year-old star of the Manly Sea Eagles in Australia's NRL, has had a quite glorious haircut.

His team were the ones to tweet his new look:

What's perhaps most remarkable—and won't be immediately obvious to those who haven't followed Williams' career, is that in his younger days he was far more clean-cut, and he reportedly (according to his Wikipedia page) even was doing some modelling work on the side.

But the full scale of the transformation only becomes clear here in the before and after shots. Yes, it is the same man:

However, the locks had been growing, clearly building towards something rather special. Here's what he looked like at the start of last season:

Where he goes next with it, frankly, is anyone's guess. But if your answer is: "He'll grow a beard and dye it pink," then you're wrong, because he's already done that.

Australia produced a dominant display in front of a world-record crowd to beat New Zealand 34-2 in the final of the Rugby League World Cup. The Aussies have steamrollered every team in their path during the course of this tournament and are now world champions for the 10th time. 

Prior to the game, there was much talk of New Zealand’s shock victory over the Kangaroos in this fixture five years ago. But per The Guardian, Australia coach Tim Sheens reportedly spoke to his players about their previous final defeat in an attempt to alleviate any lingering complacency.

For Australian supporters, any of those fears would have been allayed almost immediately, as their team stormed out of the blocks. They went off at a rip-roaring pace, and in doing so, they set a stunning tempo that their opponents failed to cope with.

Billy Slater—an injury doubt prior to the game—and Cooper Cronk both ran in tries in the opening exchanges, and Jonathan Thurston kicked two penalties. New Zealand could only respond with a goal kick as Australia went up 16-2 at halftime. 

You expected New Zealand—who snatched a late, late win in the semifinal against England—to respond. But they couldn’t get a foothold in the game as the Aussies put them under unyielding pressure.

That was no more evident than when the excellent Slater ran in another try almost immediately after the restart. With a comfortable lead to hand, the Kangaroos began to enjoy themselves—Brett Morris in particular, who bagged a brace in the second half. 

The 34-2 scoreline flattered New Zealand, who in truth looked a little sapped of intensity after their semifinal exploits. Sheens' team ran the Kiwis ragged with an intelligent and varied kicking game.

Old Trafford, Manchester. Attendance: 74,468

New Zealand 2

Goals: Johnson

Australia 34

Tries: Slater (2), Cronk, Morris (2); Goals: Thurston 7

Here’s a selection of reaction from the rugby league world after Australia’s remarkable performance and 10th World Cup triumph:

Australia coach Tim Sheens, from Sportal.com:

I am extremely proud. Our defence was great and our attitude was terrific. I hope the 13-man code is pushed to the fore in this country (England) by this game. It's a great privilege for me to coach this team. We came to this tournament to win but you count nothing until the siren goes.

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney, from Sportal.com:

I thought Australia's performance was outstanding. They were ruthless. For us to have a chance we needed a lot of things to go our way and they didn't. We just couldn't match them – they did everything right. We are disappointed but we are a young side and there is some talent coming through so we need to learn from this experience.

Jonathan Davies, from BBC Sport:

Australia did the simple things and I thought their kicking game was immense. They got away from their line easily and when the chances came, they took them. They were fantastic and I haven't seen such a one-sided display for a long, long time.

Billy Slater:

And a little more from social media:

The 74,468 packed into Old Trafford were a part of history. #RLWC2013 pic.twitter.com/4TSMLxJMhs

— RLWC2013 (@RLWC2013) November 30, 2013

Aussie coach Tim Sheens: "It was a terrific occasion + a great, great team effort." #RLWC2013 pic.twitter.com/SMX4RKai4a

— Peter Smith (@PeteSmithYEP) November 30, 2013

Special moments - Australia were incredible #bbcrl pic.twitter.com/o2iVcM1qbV

— Tanya Arnold (@tanyaarnold) November 30, 2013 

Australia 34 New Zealand 2 to claim #RLWC2013 #champs 274-24 over entire tournament 6games : 46-4 average win. No tries let in last 5games

— Benjamin Everill (@beneverill) November 30, 2013

Cameron Smith righted the wrongs of five years ago when he lifted the Rugby League World Cup today. #RLWC2013 pic.twitter.com/3o2Q1CWfDl

— RLWC2013 (@RLWC2013) November 30, 2013

It may not have been the classic that many were hoping for, but Australia's masterclass performance against New Zealand on Saturday was more than enough for Tim Sheens' side to win a 10th Rugby League World Cup title.

Triumphing 34-2 in the end, there wasn't a bad player to pick among the Kangaroos as the tournament veterans put on a pristine display of how the sport should be played.

That being said, some players did shine more than others on the grandest stage of all, while some were left looking dim in comparison.

Read on for a breakdown of which players stood out for the right and wrong reasons, respectively.

Best: Johnathan Thurston, Australia

The evergreen North Queensland Cowboys star was once again the driving force behind what's arguably the best Australia team in history.

Johnathan Thurston's 17 points from the boot ensured that the score kept on ticking over and forced the Kiwis into more and more desperate situations, eventually having to settle for nothing less than tries.

However, the 30-year-old's kicking from open play was also decisive and he made dozens of yards for his team simply based on the precision of his high ball, which Billy Slater gleefully lapped up on more than one occasion.

It was hardly surprising that Sheens' stand-off was picked out as Man of the Match.

Worst: Bryson Goodwin, New Zealand

It was a day to forget for New Zealand centre Bryson Goodwin, who struggled against the might of Jarryd Hayne and Greg Inglis.

The high ball was particularly difficult for the Kiwi to withstand, on numerous occasions being caught flat-footed while his opponents rose above to claim yet more territory.

Tackling was at times amiss for the South Sydney Rabbitoh and, as the scoreline suggests, Goodwin's offerings going forward were far from sufficient.

Best: Billy Slater, Australia

Having recovered in time for the final, Billy Slater's presence back among his Australian teammates paid dividends and the full-back starred magnificently upon his return.

Claiming two tries, one from the high kick and one in slightly more routine fashion, the Melbourne Storm talisman put his nation on the front foot from the start.

While he may be one of the smaller men in Sheens' squad, Slater's incredible leap makes him a target worth aiming for in the airways, to say the least.

New Zealand 2-34 Australia

Australia secured victory in the 2013 World Cup final at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon with a sensational 34-2 victory over reigning champions New Zealand.

In what was a repeat of the 2008 final, Australia had revenge on their mind and delivered an emphatic message of their dominance in the sport, winning the World Cup for a record 10th time.

The opening 20 minutes had indicated that a close contest was in store. However, from the moment that Billy Slater crossed the line after 19 minutes, the balance of play swung heavily in Australia's direction.

Even before Cooper Cronk eventually extended the Green and Gold lead 30 minutes in, Australia had a try denied by the video referee after an incredible tackle from Issac Luke denied Cronk in dramatic style.

Cronk, though, wasn't to be denied long as his try eventually came after a piece of creativity from the boot of Jarryd Hayne.

The faultless Johnathan Thurston added a penalty to give Australia a commanding 16-2 lead at the break—a lead which New Zealand would fail to even threaten in the second half.

Any steam that the Kiwis may have gathered at half-time was quickly released after the restart. Just 48 seconds later, Australia crossed once more through Slater to end the game as a contest.

Attacking down the near side through captain Cameron Smith and Thurston, the Kangaroos showed a ruthless streak to carve through the scrambling New Zealand defence.

The score visibly deflated New Zealand, while Australia began to play with the belief of a side who knew that the World Cup title was already in the bag.

Just 10 minutes later, winger Brett Morris raced onto a clever chip from Hayne to add a further score, while New Zealand continued to struggle to gain territory against the outstanding Australian defence.

While the Kiwis managed to limit the damage in the final half hour, Morris was still able to cross once more to add the icing on the cake with just 10 minutes remaining.

Hayne was once more the key man, intercepting a pass from World Player of the Year Sonny Bill Williams and racing clear before offloading for the onrushing Morris to race clear.

So dominant were New Zealand that the Australian celebrations had begun well in advance of the final hooter, having sucked all ambition out of their opponents.

Having experienced heartbreak against the same opponents five years ago, the delight was doubly sweet for Smith and his side.

In what was billed as a battle of the big name players, it was Australia's who came up trumps on the day, suffocating New Zealand as an attacking force.

Having not conceded a try since the opening day of the tournament, the Kangaroos' success has been one built on an outstanding defence. However, they also showed at the Theatre of Dreams that they can tear even the strongest defence to shreds when their attack is given the ball in attacking areas.

Saturday's clash between Australia and New Zealand brings two of rugby league's biggest powers on to the battlefield once again in what promises to be a blockbuster repeat of the 2008 finale.

With the NRL superstars out in force, the Kangaroos are looking to redeem themselves after losing to the Kiwis five years ago in what will be their 13th consecutive appearance on the grandest of this sport's stages.

Ahead of the encounter, read on for all the match details, preview and prediction of a clash that's certain to go down in the history books.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: 2:30 p.m. local time (GMT)/9:30 a.m. ET

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Australia X-Factor Player: Billy Slater

Having appeared to have recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of last weekend's semi-final, Billy Slater is reported by BBC Sport as being in Tim Sheens' starting 13 for Saturday's Old Trafford final.

The 30-year-old's presence at full-back is a big relief for the Kangaroos, who will look to provide their Melbourne Storm star with the tools necessary in improving upon his try count, currently standing at two scores.

In his decade spent in Victoria, Slater has scored more than 150 NRL tries for the Storm and is easily one of his country's most potent attacking influences, enabling the likes of Greg Inglis and Johnathan Thurston to perform at their best thanks to his solid groundwork in midfield.

As long as the aggravated knee injury is kept at bay, the veteran speedster will be of vital importance to Australia's hopes of reclaiming their world title this weekend.

New Zealand X-Factor Player: Simon Mannering

All eyes have been on Sonny Bill Williams over the past month, but it's New Zealand's lock star Simon Mannering who's bound to have his own impact on just who emerges triumphant from Saturday's head-to-head.

Stephen Kearney's captain has been an astute leader throughout the tournament thus far, appearing in four of his nation's matchups and scoring just one less try than his forward pack partner.

Mannering is now a seven-year veteran of the Kiwis' squad and was a part of the team that stunned the world by winning the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

Now, this time on English shores, the 27-year-old will seek to continue asserting his physical presence in the loose, but also provide teammates with the leadership figure that's often so crucial in fixtures of this magnitude.

Prediction: Australia 34-26 New Zealand—Australia win the Rugby League World Cup

In what's likely to be the biggest clash of 2013, the Rugby League World Cup reaches its close this weekend with two of the globe's titans, New Zealand and Australia, rounding off matters.

The Southern Hemisphere duo have both been in extraordinary form over the last month, showcasing what talent the NRL has to offer with their thriving rosters.

The Kiwis are hoping that they'll be able to repeat the heroics of 2008 by staging back-to-back final triumphs over Tim Sheens and his men, but the Kangaroos will be all too aware of that danger this time around.

In a bid to tie up a 10th World Cup title, Australia head into this encounter as the firm favourites to come out on top, but will they live up to the hype in this trans-Tasman encounter?

Date: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: 2:30 p.m. local time (GMT)/9:30 a.m. ET

Viewing Info: BBC One

Live Stream: BBC Sport website

Australia Strength: Mentality

Aside from breaking down all the physical, tactical and strategical aspects of this match, at its very core lies a simple truth: Australia know how to win.

Yes, that trait was put to the test thanks to their shock loss to the Kiwis five years ago, but having been stung once, the same mistake isn't likely to be made, especially not twice in a row.

After all, complacency is an affliction that can touch even the most invincible of powers and after making their way to six consecutive finals prior to 2008, the Kangaroos were due a loss sooner or later.

With that defeat out of the way, the superb talent that's within the Australian squad is simply helped on even further by the fact that, regardless of the strength of their opposition, the nation have mauled all those in their way so far in this tournament, New Zealand being next in their sights.

New Zealand Strength: Flair Potential

Just like their rugby union counterparts, a lot of the Kiwis' biggest assets lie in their ability to create something out of nothing, as was evident in Shaun Johnson's last-minute try winner against England last week.

With the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Manu Vatuvei, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and a host of other physically daunting characters in their line-up, New Zealand can't be ruled out of this tie in the slightest.

Coach Kearney recently  reaffirmed his confidence in Williams to star in rugby's biggest occasion, per BBC Sport, saying:

I knew what to expect from Sonny. I've known him for a long time and what he brings to the table from the performance point of view and away from the field too. I knew that he was going to turn up and perform. That was never an issue.

Williams, converting back to league after a few years spent in union, had his doubters regarding whether he could feature as prominently at the top level. 

The second row's victory in being voted International Player of the Year is a rousing vindication that he can do just that.

That being said, it's that flair that often leaves Kearney's side open to exposure, a less defensively cohesive unit than their Australian rivals.

And despite all the attacking talent on the pitch, it's this difference in defensive skill that's likely to tell the tale at Old Trafford.

Prediction: Australia 34-26 New Zealand—Kangaroos win the 2013 Rugby League World Cup

This year's Rugby League World Cup called together 14 of the sport's best and brightest nations, with more than 300 players taking to Europe in an attempt to inspire their teams to glory.

Five weeks later, only Australia and New Zealand remain in with a chance of taking home the main prize at stake, but that doesn't mean all the silverware is accounted for.

Some stars have gone above and beyond over the last five weeks, dazzling more than others, whether it be as a result of their scoring exploits, staunch defence or precise playmaking.

Although Saturday's Old Trafford final promises to influence who comes out on top of the poll, the following candidates can all be considered for the Player of the Tournament award based on their fine work thus far in the competition.

Johnathan Thurston

One of those players whose leadership values will undoubtedly make him a contender for Man of the Match in Saturday's climax should Australia emerge victorious is the evergreen Johnathan Thurston.

Thurston is one of the survivors from the Kangaroos' unsuccessful campaign five years ago and is well on his way to making up for past mistakes, currently averaging 20 points per game.

One of the premier stand-offs in the tournament, a lot of the veteran's success this weekend will rest on whether or not Thurston manages to get the beating of his opposite number Shaun Johnson.

With 60 points to his name already, Thurston has been as reliable as ever from the boot but has also been the attacking catalyst that Australia have needed in midfield, combining his playmaking abilities with some staunch defensive prowess to be one of the competition's biggest attractions.

Sonny Bill Williams 

Having just been named International Rugby League Player of the Year, Sonny Bill Williams will head into Saturday's final with as much motivation to go above and beyond this weekend as anyone on the field.

In the last five weeks, the Sydney Roosters star hasn't crossed over the whitewash as often as some of those around him, but it's because of Williams' tireless work in taking the ball up that his teammates prosper.

As far as flash goes, there's few in the business who could claim to possess as much potential to make something out of nothing as the former All Black, as has been shown magnificently of late.

Williams now needs to continue doing what he's done all season, but more of a defensive effort is likely to be required if the Kangaroos' tide is to be restricted.

Greg Inglis

Thurston's partner in crime when both are playing in their preferred positions, Greg Inglis has been one of the most prominent members of Australia's Rugby League World Cup in recent weeks, even filling in at full-back in the absence of Billy Slater when needed.

One of the most talented NRL stars in this year's competition, Inglis may have only two tries to his name from his last four international outings, but is a candidate for end-of-tournament honours thanks to his ability to raise the prospects of those around him.

Like Williams, the 26-year-old has been the launching platform for his side in midfield, albeit doing so with slightly more finesse and technical edge than his Kiwis counterpart.

Having been rested for the encounter with Ireland, Inglis has been present for his nation's most important fixtures, showing his destructive potential against England at the Millennium Stadium, where it was his work in the centre that set the standard for a Kangaroos win.

The fixture that many predicted and indeed hoped would round off this year's Rugby League World Cup has come to fruition as Australia and New Zealand once again ready themselves for battle.

This Saturday, the pair will clash once more in a repeat of 2008's curtain closer, the Kiwis emerging as shock victors on that occasion.

However, Tim Sheens' side will be all the more wise as a result of that defeat and will want anything but to slip up against their Australasian foes once again.

Read on for all the essential viewing information of the crunch encounter, as well as a preview of the final.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 30

Time: 2:30 p.m. local time (GMT)/9:30 a.m. ET

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Viewing Info: BBC One

Stream: BBC Sport website

Key Battle: Johnathan Thurston vs. Kieran Foran

Kieran Foran has been an impressive outlet for the Kiwis this past month, and while not the most extravagant of stand-offs, the Manly Sea Eagles star has been nothing if not consistent.

However, the 23-year-old comes up against a far more experienced opposite number this weekend, Johnathan Thurston being one of those players left over from the unsuccessful World Cup squad of 2008.

And while consistency is key at this level, it's Thurston—one of, if not the best in the world at his position—who has a propensity to combine the flashier parts of the game with that consistency, making for a deadly blend.

If Foran struggles to get a foothold in the encounter and allows Thurston the space and respect that some might give him, the 30-year-old veteran is likely to sniff blood, grab the opportunity with both hands and make New Zealand pay with his typically catalytic standards.

Australia Key Player: Greg Inglis

BBC Sport recently announced that Billy Slater had been named in Sheens' squad for the final despite picking up an injury last week that was feared to rule him out. 

If Slater does return at fullback, it will be a massive boost for the Kangaroos' morale, which also means that Greg Inglis can move back into his favoured centre role, which can only be seen as a bad thing for Stephen Kearney's side.

The Rabbitohs star and former International Player of the Year may be a threat from the back, but his potential for devastation is multiplied when coming from midfield, presenting a threat that Dean Whare and Bryson Goodwin will have no choice but to focus on restraining.

New Zealand Key Player: Sonny Bill Williams 

Just after being named International Player of the Year, Sonny Bill Williams will have no greater motivation to go and stage a surprise result this weekend.

The former All Blacks star has the toughest defensive challenge up against him that he's likely to have faced in his league career, but if there's anyone in the New Zealand squad capable of breaking that down, it's him.

Since conceding 20 points against England in their opening match, Australia have let their opposition score just two points in the four matches, showing just what kind of form Williams will need to be in if he's to do what he's done all tournament long and put his side on the front foot. 

Rugby League World Cup Final Squads

Australia: Cameron Smith, Greg Bird, Darius Boyd, Daly Cherry-Evans, Cooper Cronk, Andrew Fifita, Jarryd Hayne, Paul Gallen, Greg Inglis, Brett Morris, Nate Myles, Josh Papalii, Corey Parker, Matthew Scott, Billy Slater, James Tamou, Brent Tate, Sam Thaiday and Johnathan Thurston

New Zealand: Jesse Bromwich, Greg Eastwood, Kieran Foran, Alex Glenn, Bryson Goodwin, Shaun Johnson, Sam Kasiano, Kevin Loche, Issac Luke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Jason Nightingale, Frank-Paul Nu'uausala, Elijah Taylor, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Manu Vatuvei, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dean Whare, Sonny Bill Williams