Rugby League World Cup 2017: The five group matches I'm most looking forward to

For the first time ever, it would seem that – on paper at least – we will have a truly competitive Rugby League World Cup.

And I’m not JUST referring to the big three teams either.

The spread of talent across the island nations has ensured that this will be a World Cup where the ‘underdogs’ may not be such ‘underdogs after all.’

If you are like me the last couple of weeks have been spent in mourning for the end of the season.

My wife, conversely, took advantage of the fact that I no longer have “a crucial match” to watch by taking me shopping.

As a result I spent last weekend trying to feign vague interest in what shoes went with what dress, whether we should get taupe or beige throws for the bed and something about handbags that I never really took in because I broke down sobbing.

But I needn’t have been so upset because on October 27 the Rugby League World cup starts.

The top five clashes I’m most looking forward to in Australia:

Australia vs England – October 27 – Melbourne

The tournament opens with an absolute blockbuster. With English tourists arriving early for The Ashes – it promises to be a great atmosphere in the sporting capital of Australia.

Just like State of Origin, there will be an element of mate vs mate with guys like David Klemmer set to take on his former Bulldog teammate in James Graham.

It will be fascinating to see how St Geroge Illawarra Dragons player Gareth Widdop goes up against Cooper Cronk in the halves.

This game is massive psychologically with the chance that both teams may meet again in the final. It will also determine if England are pretenders or the real deal.

(Image: NRL)

France vs Lebanon – October 29 – Canberra

This is Lebanon’s best chance of a win in a group which also features Australia and England.

The Freddy Fittler coached side will have the likes of Mitchell Moses, Robbie Farah, Michael Lichaa, and Tim Mannah in it. However, the majority of the side is made up of minor league players.

The French, once a powerhouse of world rugby league, find themselves in the group of death.

13 of their squad do play in the English Super League, but it’s still tough to see them jagging a win over either Australia or England that is necessary for them to progress so this is a must-win game to have any chance.

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Fiji vs Italy – November 10 – Canberra

The Italians are officially ranked 14th but they have an okay draw, with none of the big six in their group.

They’ve got a bit of talent as well in James Tedesco, Mark Minichiello, Paul Vaughan, Nathan Brown and Daniel Alvaro. They should put on some entertaining footy and are a big chance of making the quarters if they can get over Fiji.

However, Fiji should not be discounted and will start this game as favourites.

The Bati traditionally play an entertaining and expansive brand of football.

They run hard and hit hard. No one has ever accused a Fijian of being tackle shy and it ain’t about to start in this world cup.

They were semi-finalists in 2008 and 2013.

The team has a great deal of talent and experience including Kevin Naiqama, Jarryd Hayne, Ashton and Korbin Sims, Apisai Koroisau, Taane Milne, Marcelo Montoya, Jacob Saifiti, Akuila Uate and Suliasi Vunivalu.

That’s positive starch mixed with genuine flair.

In addition to this proven experience is a mass of young Fijians just champing at the bit to make speed bumps into as many defenders as they can and to bury their opponents under their defensive wall of sheer muscle and bone. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

Scotland vs Tonga – November 11 – Cairns

Scotland has one of the toughest runs of any of the smaller nations.

Tonga, New Zealand and Samoa is a nasty draw. While they do boast veteran captain Danny Brough they’ve had some serious losses with Lachlan Coote, Kane Linnett, Peter Wallace and Euan Aitken all out due to injury.

The Scots do have the hugely talented fullback Matt Russell at their disposal. The 24-year-old already has plenty of experience and was in scintillating form for Scotland at the 2016 Four Nations.

Meanwhile, the Tongan side was already looking strong before Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumololo elected to play for their nation by heritage. Just try and find a weakness.

Seriously, try.

Here is the forward pack: Andrew Fifita, Sione Katoa, Sam Moa, Jason Taumololo, Sika Manu, Sio Siua Taukieaho.

Wow!

In reserve, you’ve got Peni Terepo, Manu Ma’u, Joe Ofahengaue and Tevita Pangai Jnr.

You can’t afford to miss watching Tonga at this World Cup.

(Photo by Paul Keevil/Action Plus via Getty Images)

Wales vs Ireland – November 12 – Perth

You can guarantee this game will be passionate and showcase what the Rugby League World Cup is all about.

Only 11 of the extended Welsh squad of 37 actually play in the English Super League. The majority play in the second tier or in the Welsh competition and that means most are playing for the love of the game rather than big pay packets.

They are Welshmen and Welsh sporting sides always give a good account of themselves.

The Irish have 15 of their 23 man squad playing in the English Super League and are ranked seventh overall.

Their toughest match is likely to come against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby but the game against Wales is a real danger match and I always love an underdog.

Rugby League World Cup matches scheduled to be played in Australia:

(Photo: Rugby League World Cup 2017, Scott Davis)

ALL MATCHES ARE LISTED WITH LOCAL TIMES

As you can see, there will be doubleheaders in Cairns, Townsville and Perth and for all pool games you can get a family of four in for $45 (excluding the World Cup opener).

So if like me you are mourning the end of the NRL season the best medicine is to administer more rugby league ASAP and make sure you are out at the grounds.

There is going to be some great attacking football and some real drama to keep us all enthralled.

The world’s best are coming! Don’t miss your chance to witness history at the 2017 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP. Buy your tickets here.