The men's Rugby League World Cup begins on Thursday at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with Australia clear favourites but not guaranteed success. Organisers expect the tournament to be the sport's best, with record crowds and increasingly competitive challengers.
Hosts under pressure
Australia have won every World Cup in the past half-century except one, and anything other than captain Isaah Yeo lifting the trophy after the final in Brisbane on 15 November will be considered below par. However, success is not guaranteed, with New Zealand entering the tournament as the main threat.
The Kiwis' victory over the hosts in the 2008 final at Lang Park remains one of the biggest upsets in international rugby league, given the Kangaroos then boasted players like Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith. New Zealand have not reached a final since 2013 but are closer to Australia than any rival in decades.
Strong challengers
New Zealand's pack is so strong that Roosters prop Naufahu Whyte will start from the bench behind captain James Fisher-Harris and Penrith's four-time premiership winner Moses Leota, while Canberra captain Joe Tapine wears the No 13. The Kiwis also include fullback Kalyn Ponga, playing for New Zealand for the first time, and Melbourne half Jahrome Hughes.
Samoa, runners-up in 2021 after losing to the Kangaroos in the final, boast a line-up featuring State of Origin veterans Stephen Crichton, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Brian To'o and Spencer Leniu. Tonga, led by Jason Taumalolo, whose choice of Mate Ma'a Tonga over the Kiwis a decade ago invigorated the international game, also pose a threat, with halfback Isaiya Katoa and centre Robert Toia among their rising talents.
Record interest
The first night's crowd is expected to be a record for an opening match of a Rugby League World Cup, nearly double the 22,724 who watched Australia play England in the first match of the last edition held in Australia. Sell-outs are expected for the Tonga-Samoa pool clash at Commbank Stadium, the two Kumuls home matches in Port Moresby, and the only match in New Zealand, in Christchurch on 25 October.
Organisers argue the tournament will make money, although largely thanks to the commitment of stretched staff at NRL headquarters doubling up at the back end of a long season. The men's tournament runs alongside the women's and wheelchair editions, with the promise of emerging contenders backed by passionate support making it compelling, fairytale triumph or not.
