Cameron Smith just reflecting on how being dumped off the top of the world rankings by the Kiwis inspired them...

Smith brings his team-mates in, grasps the trophy and hoists the Paul Barriere Trophy aloft.

Australia are the 2017 Rugby League World Cup champions.

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Not a massive amount of fanfare for Australia as they walk forward to receive their medals, though there was a special cheer for Matt Gillett - the hometown Brisbane Broncos forward.

Cameron Smith strides forward, a familiar moment for a man who has won every honour in rugby league. Now time for the Kangaroos skipper to give his thoughts to the crowd.

Gentleman of the game. He wants that cup, desperately. Might just be his last moment in the green and gold jumper.

England captain Sam Burgess: "Firstly I'd like to congratulate Mal (Meninga) and Cameron (Smith). Congratulations, you were tough to beat.

"I'd like to thank the fans and families. They've been brilliant all tournament. We couldn't have done it without you.

"My teammates, the staff, the squad - I love you all. It's been a great eight weeks and I'm gutted we couldn't go one step further. Thank you."

Australia given a respectful word by Sam Burgess, the England skipper in the absence of Sean O'Loughlin.

Now, Australia stand poised to get their medals. Billy Slater gets player of the tournament first up.

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Robbie Hunter-Paul
Former New Zealand international on BBC One

England's defence was absolutely super-natural today. They had more attacking positions than Australia.

Paul Leonard: Aaaaargh!!! When you see a replay on of the ankle-tap & the last play where he kicked a grubber BOTH times there were players on the inside for a pass

I think you speak for all of us............

Luke Gale must be sick of this. Grand Finalist, World Cup finalist. Not a winners medal to be seen in 2017. Despite a superb season.

James Graham too, a veteran of Grand Finals in the NRL and in Super League with St Helens - as a losing finalist (though he did win one at Saints). Now a World Cup finalist, again without a prize.

Sam Burgess speaking now.

Two Englishmen 'happy' to pick up a medal here, are Chris Kendall and Ben Thaler, two members of the match official team.

Boyd Cordner goes up to collect the Man of the Match award, the Kangaroos try hero.

England up now, dejected faces all round.

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Sam Tomkins
England international on BBC One

It is an opportunity missed. We could have won that with just a matter of minutes left.

I don't think we have played them in the last five or six years and got that close, one ankle tap, one moment, but we are making strides.

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Does the fact it was only 6-0 mean anything to the England players? Probably not.

Will it give fans any consolation? Probably not.

I don't ever want to see that Josh Dugan ankle tap again, I know I will.

Australia full-back Billy Slater: "It's very rewarding. A lot of hard work to get here. It's a very young squad and good signs for the future."

"This will probably be my last in the green and gold. I'll probably retire at the end of the year.

Having come back from multiple shoulder operations to make his club and country return:

"I always love playing for Australia and it's something I enjoy doing. I wanted to get my shoulder right and I didn't really look at the big picture."

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England prop James Graham: "It is a tough one to take, both teams played really well.

"What a spectacle that game was. There were a couple of times when the half break seemed to be on but fair play to their scramble."

England back Gareth Widdop: "I'm gutted, we sacrificed a lot to be here, the pride we put in on the jersey, we will be back.

"There was just that little bit of execution - line breaks we could not finish.

"We have improved a lot and will only ever keep on improving."

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Brian Noble
Ex-Great Britain coach on BBC One

This was a cruel test in relation to England because they've been brilliant throughout this tournament, they've grown and it was a courageous defeat.

For some legends of the game, this was the perfect end to some glittering careers - if they choose to bow out of the international arena.

Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith have been mainstays for their country, battling though adversity to win this World Cup.

Slater and Smith were members of the side that were stunned by New Zealand in 2008 at this very stadium in Brisbane. There was to be no shock for the Kangaroos in 2017 despite England's bravest of efforts.

Image source, EPA

Australia captain Cameron Smith: "It is amazing to finally get a World Cup victory on home soil. A lot of hard work has gone into this and that was one of the toughest games I have played in my career.

"I'm very proud, we spoke in the very first meeting about defence. To concede 16 points in six games is pretty amazing.

"The three of us - myself, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk - have had a remarkable year for club, state and country. If this is the last time we get to play together what a special memory to have."

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England gave it all. Sweat, tears and blood all spilled.

However they could not crack the Australia defence despite the bruising effort.

Kallum Watkins' break down the right will linger in the memories of England fans, more so the ankle tap by Josh Dugan to stop him.

If the defeat by New Zealand in 2013 was tough, this was tougher. Cruel and painful.

Ian Millward
Former St Helens coach on BBC Two

Like a boxing event, this went to a point's decision.

Dave Woods
BBC Rugby League correspondent on BBC One

It's relief as much as celebration for Australia. They have been pushed to the absolutely limit.

After the most gruelling of contests, Australia come through their biggest test of the tournament at the biggest stage to win the World Cup for the 11th time.

England conceded the early try to Boyd Cordner, converted by Cameron Smith, that was all that separated two equally matched, hugely physical teams.

This was a slugfest, of epic proportions. Won by Australia. England lose. But it was so heartbreakingly close.

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Last minute. Australia club it down field.

England have less than a minute to do something...