Rugby League World Cup: Jamaica reach tournament for first time
- Published
Jamaica were 16 points up after half an hour but had to hold off sustained pressure in the second half to clinch victory
Jamaica qualified for the Rugby League World Cup for the first time after beating the United States in the final of the Americas Championship.
A 16-10 victory in Jacksonville sees the Reggae Warriors become the 11th nation to reach the 16-team 2021 World Cup, to be held in England.
Both teams scored two tries, but four goals by London Skolars half-back Jy-Mel Coleman proved decisive.
"This is massive for our nation," said head coach Romeo Monteith.
"To reach a World Cup is something extra special, it feels like there is one love."
Leeds full-back Ashton Golding was named man of the match after defying a neck injury to play a key role in Jamaica's victory.
The USA, who played in the 2017 World Cup, will have a second chance to qualify via a repechage competition in 2019.
"We've made it very hard for ourselves now," said head coach Sean Rutgerson.
Former Bradford and Wakefield forward Glenn Morrison is Jamaica's national team manager