Group B has come to be known as the group of death at the rugby league World Cup, with world No.2 New Zealand facing serious pressure from Pacific powerhouses Samoa and Tonga as well as world No.4 Scotland.

In what it is set to be the closest group in the World Cup, expectations are high with all four nations naming strong squads.

There will be plenty of tension between New Zealand and their Pacific rivals with selection controversy seeing a number of former Kiwis defecting back to their home nations, most notably, Jason Taumalolo.

In addition, New Zealand will be out to seek redemption against Scotland after drawing with them 18-all last year in Workington. All eyes will be on the clash between Polynesian rivals Samoa and Tonga in Hamilton with plenty of big hits and exciting plays expected.

New Zealand

RLIF Ranking: 2
Captain: Adam Blair
Coach: David Kidwell
World Cup Appearances (since 1995): 4 (1995, 2000, 2008, 2013)
Best World Cup Finish: Champions (2008)

With just one win from six games since David Kidwell came to the helm as head coach of New Zealand, the Kiwis will be looking for redemption.

It will be made tougher with Cowboys enforcer Jason Taumalolo to play in his second World Cup for Tonga after controversially quitting the Kiwis camp.

He will prove to be a major loss to New Zealand who are already without the injured Kieran Foran and Tohu Harris as well as suspended pair Jesse Bromwich and Kevin Proctor.

Kidwell is under immense pressure with his job on the line. Thomas Leuluai will provide plenty of direction in the halves while the addition of debutants Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Addin Fonua-Blake in the forward pack will prove beneficial in the middle of the park.

The star – Shaun Johnson (New Zealand Warriors)
Chief playmaker Shaun Johnson may be without his halves partner in Kieran Foran, but the 21-Test veteran is likely to be the Kiwis’ X-Factor once again.

The 2014 Golden Boot winner is set to line up alongside Thomas Leuluai after a quiet 2017 season. Johnson played only 18 games for the year due to injury, however, he still had 17 try assists to his name, seventh in the league.

Johnson’s creativity will be crucial to his nation’s success and he will have plenty more pressure on his shoulders with Issac Luke overlooked for selection.

You don’t know me: Danny Levi (Newcastle Knights)
The absence of Issac Luke from the Kiwis team has seen Danny Levi thrust into the No.9 jumper with the Knights young gun to play an important role for the Kiwis.

Levi will likely share the hooking duties with utility Kodi Nikorima and Wigan half Thomas Leuluai. Since making his debut in 2015, Levi has played almost 50 first grade games becoming a key cog in the Knights’ side.

The Wellington product will benefit greatly from the experience he will receive playing with New Zealand at the World Cup.

The squad
Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Gerard Beale, Adam Blair, Kenneath Bromwich, Addin Fonua-Blake, Peta Hiku, Shaun Johnson, Thomas Leuluai, Danny Levi, Isaac Liu, Simon Mannering, Te Maire Martin, Jason Nightingale, Kodi Nikorima, Russell Packer, Jordan Rapana, Brad Takairangi, Joseph Tapine, Martin Taupau, Elijah Taylor, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Whare

Best XVII
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Dean Whare, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Thomas Leuluai, 7. Shaun Johnson, 8. Russell Packer, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Adam Blair (c), 11. Kenneath Bromwich, 12. Simon Mannering, 13. Martin Taupau
Interchange: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Addin Fonua-Blake, 16. Joseph Tapine, 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Prediction: Semi-finals
New Zealand will go top of Group B, taking down Lebanon in the quarter-finals only to come up against England in the semi-finals where they will be served up a slice of revenge in Auckland.

Samoa

RLIF Ranking: 5
Captain: Frank Pritchard
Coach: Matt Parish
World Cup Appearances (since 1995): 4 (1995, 2000, 2008, 2013)
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter-finals (2000, 2013)

They may be without star five-eighth Anthony Milford through injury, but Samoa will be hoping to stun the rugby league world and upset New Zealand and Tonga to put themselves in good stead for the finals.

Matt Parish’s side have come up with some impressive wins in the past and will need to do similar.

Despite Milford’s absence, Ben Roberts returns and is set to take his place in the halves alongside Panthers rookie Jarome Luai. They will be relying on a strong forward pack consisting of a host of NRL players including the likes of Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo and Suaia Matagi.

The star: Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
Josh Papalii is in line to make his debut for Samoa after being overlooked by the Kangaroos. Papalii will add some size to the forward pack while also offering big game experience.

The Raiders back-rower featured in 20 games in 2017, pumping out big minutes which may prove beneficial to the Samoans who don’t boast the most mobile of forward packs. His addition to the Samoan side is sure to bring them into contention for the semifinals.

You don’t know me: Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)
Panthers New South Wales Cup halfback Jarome Luai has been a standout for the club over the last three seasons, however he has been unable to crack the first grade side.

His selection in the Samoan side will prove to be his big break having played well throughout 2017 in the Panthers’ premiership season. Luai featured prominently in their State Championship victory over the Papua New Guinea Hunters and despite being sent off in the dying stages, showed great composure.

Luai will be in competition with Joseph Paulo, Fa’amanu Brown and Pita Godinet for a spot in the halves alongside veteran Ben Roberts.

The squad
Iulio Afoa, Leeson Ah Mau, Fa’amanu Brown, Herman Ese’ese, Pita Godinet, Timoteo Lafai, Joseph Leilua, Ricky Leutele, Sam Lisone, Jarome Luai, Suaia Matagai, Peter Mata’utia, Ken Maumalo, Zane Musgrove, Josh Papalii, Joseph Paulo, Junior Paulo, Frank Pritchard (c), Ben Roberts, Sam Tagataese, Jazz Tevaga, Young Tonumaipea, Frank Winterstein, Matthew Wright

Best XVII
1. Peter Mata’utia, 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Ricky Leutele, 4. Joseph Leilua, 5. Tautau Moga, 6. Jarome Luai, 7. Ben Roberts, 8. Suaia Matagi, 9. Fa’amanu Brown, 10. Junior Paulo, 11. Josh Papalii, 12. Frank Pritchard (c), 13. Leeson Ah Mau
Interchange: 14. Pita Godinet, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Sione Mata’utia, 17. Zane Musgrove

Prediction: Semi-finals
Samoa will finish in second, narrowly getting past Fiji in the quarter-finals only to lose at the hands of Australia in the semi-finals.

Scotland

Fact File
RLIF Ranking: 4
Captain: Danny Brough
Coach: Steve McCormack
World Cup Appearances (since 1995): 3 (2000, 2008, 2013)
Best World Cup Finish: Quarter-finals (2013)

The injury-hit Scotland have named seven debutants in a young, inexperienced squad.

With NRL stars Peter Wallace, Euan Aitken, Kane Linnett and Lachlan Coote all unavailable, Steve McCormack has named a squad mainly consisting of northern hemisphere players.

Despite a number of absences, McCormack has kept the core of his squad intact with 14 players returning from last year’s Four Nations campaign including skipper Danny Brough.

Scotland will be hoping to continue their strong form after drawing with New Zealand 18-all proving their might as one of the top playing nations seeing them surge into world No.4.

After finishing in the quarter-finals in 2013, Scotland know what it takes to taste rugby league World Cup success.

The star: Danny Brough (Huddersfield Giants)
The most-capped player for Scotland, with 24 caps under his belt, Brough is the epitome of the Bravehearts.

Since making his debut in 2004, the stand-off has been one of Scotland’s best. Now 34 years of age, it will be Brough’s third and likely last World Cup appearance having played in 2008, 2013 and now 2017.

The Huddersfield playmaker will lead out his side teaming back up with Ryan Brierley who departed the Giants halfway through 2017 to play with the Toronto Wolfpack.

You don’t know me: Lachlan Stein (Penrith Panthers)
Penrith Panthers centre Lachlan Stein is prepared to push his way into Steve McCormack’s first team and make his Scotland debut.

Stein played in the New South Wales for the 2017 season in the Panthers’ premiership victory.

The young outside back possesses great speed and is a try-scoring machine but will face stiff competition with an already well-established backline featuring stars such as Lewis Tierney and Matty Russell.

The squad
Danny Addy, Jarred Anderson, James Bell, Andrew Bentley, Kane Bentley, Ryan Brierley, Sam Brooks, Danny Brough, Luke Douglas, Dale Ferguson, Ben Hellewell, Ben Kavanagh, Frankie Mariano, Kieran Moran, Callum Phillips, Matthew Russell, David Scott, Lachlan Stein, Shane Toal, Oscar Thomas, Lewis Tierney, Alex Walker, Jonathan Walker, Brandan Wilkinson

Best XVII
1. Alex Walker, 2. Lewis Tierney, 3. Ben Hellewell, 4. David Scott, 5. Matthew Russell, 6. Danny Brough, 7. Ryan Brierley, 8. Jonathan Walker, 9. Kane Bentley, 10. Luke Douglas, 11. Danny Addy, 12. Dale Ferguson, 13. Ben Kavanagh
Interchange: 14. James Bell, 15. Frankie Mariano, 16. Callum Phillips, 17. Sam Brooks

Prediction: Fourth
Scotland will struggle against Samoa, New Zealand and Tonga, putting in sensational performances but missing out on the knockout stages.

Tonga

Fact File
RLIF Ranking: 11
Captain: Will Hopoate
Coach: Kristian Woolf
World Cup Appearances (since 1995): 4 (1995, 2000, 2008, 2013)
Best World Cup Finish: Group stage (1995, 2000, 2008, 2013)

Tonga are out to make history as they look to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history, having named a strong side bolstered by two of the best forwards in the game – Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita.

The Tongans will have plenty of go forward with a forward pack featuring Fifita, Taumalolo, Manu Ma’u and Sio Siua Taukeiaho. Meanwhile, there will be plenty of competition for spots in the backline with Michael Jennings, Daniel Tupou, Mahe Fonua, Manu Vatuvei and Konrad Hurrell all vying for a place.

Will Hopoate will skipper the side which features four Tongan born players in Konrad Hurrell, Solomone Kata, Sam Moa and Ukuma Ta’ai.

It will be Ta’ai’s first game for Tonga since helping them qualify in their win over Cook Islands back in 2015, the Huddersfield backrower continuing to perform overseas.

Ta’ai is one of ten players from the 2013 Rugby League World Cup while Michael Jennings and Sam Moa will play their first World Cup for Tonga since 2008. Tevita Pangai Junior is the only debutant in Kristian Woolf’s side.

If Tuimoala Lolohea and Ata Hingano can provide some spark in the halves, Tonga could go close to challenging the big three for the Paul Barriere Trophy.

The star: Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)
Jason Taumalolo will prove to be a massive addition to the Tongan forward pack as he returns for his second World Cup.

Taumalolo staked his claim as the world’s best forward in 2017 as he helped the Cowboys to a grand final running for a league-high 5,350 metres in 26 games averaging almost 11 metres per hit-up.

The superstar lock will add plenty of star power, experience and size to a Tongan side on the verge of breaking into the top 10.

You don’t know me: Samisoni Langi (Leigh Centurions)
Samisoni Langi will play second fiddle to Tui Lolohea and Ata Hingano in the halves however, should injury strike the Leigh playmaker will be raring to go.

Langi has NRL experience and has also played 7 tests for Tonga since 2013. He offers plenty of versatility offering the potential to play as a utility with the ability to slot into the halves, backline or even the second row.

The squad
Andrew Fifita, Mahe Fonua, David Fusitu’a, Siliva Havilli, Mafoa’aeata Hingano, Will Hopoate, Konileti Hurrell, Michael Jennings, Solomone Kata, Sione Katoa, Samisoni Langi, Tuimoala Lolohea, Sika Manu, Manu Ma’u, Sam Moa, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Joe Ofahengaue, Tevita Pangai Junior, Ukuma Ta’ai, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Jason Taumalolo, Peni Terepo, Daniel Tupou, Manu Vatuvei

Best XVII
1. Will Hopoate, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Solomone Kata, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. David Fusitu’a, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Mafoa’aeata Hingano, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Sam Moa, 11. Sika Manu, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Jason Taumalolo
Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 16. Ukuma Ta’ai, 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila

Prediction: Quarter-finals
Tonga’s star power will prove to be a great help, elevating them into the knockout stages but a quarter-final match-up against Australia in Darwin will prove too tough a task for Mate Ma’a.

The draw for Group B is as follows.

New Zealand versus Samoa at Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland (28 October)
Scotland versus Tonga at Barlow Park, Cairns (29 October)
New Zealand versus Scotland at Christchurch Stadium, Christchurch (4 November)
Samoa versus Tonga at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (4 November)
Samoa versus Scotland at Barlow Park, Cairns (11 November)
New Zealand versus Tonga at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton (11 November)

Game to watch: Samoa versus Tonga (4 November)
All eyes will be on Hamilton when Samoa and Tonga collide in week two with the two Polynesian rivals playing a crucial match.

Both Pacific nations are on the verge of challenging the big three and will have plenty of firepower in the pack and strike weapons in the backline.

It is set to be a fierce contest with the rivalry to extend beyond 80 minutes as they perform the Siva Tau and Sipi Tau respectively in the pre-game. It could be the best game of the entire tournament.