The 2017 Rugby League World Cup, being held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea will be the 15th running of the event.
The big three of Australia, New Zealand and England will once again start as favourites.
Since the tournament began in 1954 only Australia and England (incl. Great Britain) have won more than once, while the Kiwis made their breakthrough in 2008, beating the Australian hosts 34-20 in the final.
However, since 1975 it’s been all Australia. The Kangaroos have won seven of the last eight tournaments and confirmed their dominance at the top of the international rugby league world.
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» The full Rugby League World Cup draw
While the winner of the sport’s biggest tournament has often been seen as a foregone conclusion before it gets underway, times are beginning to change.
The 2017 edition will once again feature 14 teams, but given it was down to ten teams back in 2008, it’s clear to see the international game is on the rise. There is also a genuine battle behind the big three nations, and it wouldn’t be surprising so see a couple of upsets stemming from teams like Fiji, Samoa, France and Wales.
21 games will be played in the first three weeks followed by a three-week finals series. The teams will be divided into four groups. Group A and B will have four sides, while C and D will have three each.
Australia, England and France headline Group A, with the top three sides going through to the quarter-finals. They are joined by Lebanon, while Group B features New Zealand who should, on paper, walk straight into the final stages with Samoa, Tonga and Scotland making up their group.
Group C featured Papua New Guinea (who get to play all their games in Port Moresby), Wales and Ireland while Group D sees Fiji, the United States of America and Italy do battle, with an inter-group match for each team to make up the shortfall of only having three teams.
Australia will go in as favourites, but if there’s anything for certain then it’s that the 2017 World Cup will feature a stronger challenge than ever before for the big three to hold their grip on the crown.
It has been announced for the 2017 World Cup that Isuzu have come on board as a major partner.
“We are delighted to welcome Isuzu as a major partner of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup,” Rugby League World Cup CEO Andrew Hill said.
“With the world’s best rugby league players contesting the sport’s marquee international event, it’s wonderful to have their support.”
The Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Melbourne on Friday October 27 with Australia hosting England. The final will be played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on December 2.
To celebrate the launch of the limited edition Isuzu D-MAX X-RUNNER, we’re gearing up for The Rugby League World Cup.
Justin Kearney
Guest
Joel of which 25000 stadium do you speak oh ignorant one?
Joel
Guest
Justin surely the opening game being played in a 25,000 seat stadium would be sold out by now being a highly respectable Tournament?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Expect a very competitive tournament, and good to see Wales will have decent numbers of Welsh born players involved. Notice Isuzu now on board as one of the tournament sponsors. Should be plenty of exciting open play by the Pacific Islanders and the PNG boys.Not too much dour football in their routines. At last the code is scheduling regular tournaments ,instead of the fits and starts that occurred in the past.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
I agree Fred, anyone could win from Pool B same goes for Pool A. I think Theo Fages may be one of the best halves in this year's World Cup, France excite me a lot. I'm sceptical about the other European nations in Ireland, Wales and Italy though.
Justin Kearney
Guest
Will be an excellent tournament. Just organizing a party of 30 to 40 to attend the opening game from tas, sa and vic. Hoping to attend the final as well wife willing!
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
I think the Welsh are going to have a good RLWC. They have plenty of Welsh born squad members who are doing good things in Super League. In fact, Wales are one of the feel good stories of international rugby league development with a playing pool that has grown to over 7,000 in club structures & schools.
Go warriors
Guest
Going to be an exciting tournament. Some great teams, I am picking Samoa or Tonga to be the dark horses.
Gray
Guest
Samoa actually has potential to go all the way, its only a matter of time until they beat one of the "big three". The UK club sides won both their world club challenge games, you would have to think they have perhaps closed the gap. Interesting times for international rugby league despite the naysayers. By the time the 2021 world cup rolls around the UK Super League should have two French teams and a Canadian team.
Fred
Guest
The New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Scotland pool will see upsets. Don't forget Scotland held New Zealand to a draw last year, and Samoa came close to beating New Zealand the year before. I also tip France to surprise many people.