Andrew Voss has been the voice of every Rugby League World Cup since 2000 but there is one moment from those five tournaments that stands out above the rest.
“Number one memory: semi-final, 2013 at Wembley – a great stadium of the world," Voss recalled.
“England playing New Zealand, calling the game amongst the England faithful, and they think… ‘This is their moment. They’re going to qualify for the final."
Voss has commentated on three World Cups in the UK and will notch his third stripe on home soil at RLWC26; a testament to his love of rugby league and passion for the international game.
But as he describes the scene at Wembley on November 23, 2013, it is clear he can still hardly believe what unfolded in front of him.
England v Kiwis - Semi Final, 2013
“And then Shaun Johnson steps up to the plate in the last minute of what had been one of the greatest games I’ve ever witnessed,” Voss recalled.
“New Zealand advanced to the final to play Australia, and England had their hearts broken in the semi-final that they thought was their destiny to win."
The 2013 semi-final is regarded as an epic World Cup contest, with England's Sam Burgess and James Graham going toe-to-toe with New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams - three of the greatest forwards of the modern era each at the top of their game.
But it is best remembered for Johnson producing one of the most iconic moments in Rugby League World Cup history on the final play of the game.
"Shaun Johnson can go down as a Test football legend," Voss said.
“What I do remember is his famous sidestep. He just got the England defence desperate and scrambling, but he popped off to score.
“And in Shaun’s own words, he said, ‘The way the players reacted in that moment was the key to that extraordinary moment.’”
Despite calling five World Cups, that moment at a packed-out Wembley was the pinnacle of international rugby league for Voss.
"I have so many very fond World Cup memories,” Voss said.
“But that’s the biggest World Cup moment I’ve ever seen.
“Wembley is a magic stadium. To play on that stage and to have a World Cup moment like that…
“I’m sure if you ask Shaun, that’s as good as it gets in his career as well."
Match: Australia v New Zealand
Round 1 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
New Zealand
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Voss is looking forward to calling more iconic World Cup moments as Seven's lead caller for the Men’s and Women’s tournaments.
Kicking off on October 15 at Allianz Stadium with the heavyweight clash between Australia - the 2025 Ashes series winners - and Pacific Cup champions New Zealand, RLWC26 is set to be the most competitive since the second oldest sporting World Cup began in France in 1954.
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
