The Kiwi Ferns are on their way to England for what promises to be the strongest showcase of women's rugby league yet.
Off the back of continued growth domestically and in the NRLW across the Tasman, players hope the tournament will take the game to another level, as it inches towards fully professional status.
The NZ women are ready to charge into a World Cup like no other.
"Everyone's really excited," said Madison Bartlett. "Obviously, it got put off last year because of COVID, but everyone's chomping at the bit to get out there."
A massive Grand Final doubleheader with the men at Old Trafford is the goal for the side - a statement fixture at a time when the women's game is evolving like never before.
"Just how much it's grown over the last 4-5 years is huge," said Georgia Hale. "When you think about the pathways back here and everything our local game's trying to do, it's just so nice that we can fly the flag at the World Cup."
Flying that flag still comes with major sacrifices for our top players, many of whom balance full-time work and study, and being parents, while training to win a World Cup.
"It can be difficult at times," said Bartlett. "We're juggling more than one thing.
"We're not at that stage where we're full-time yet. Hopefully, it will get there soon, but it's awesome to just see the game growing."
Hale's confident the future is bright, but admits the current crop of players must play their part to ensure the game's evolution doesn't slow down.
"It's our job as role models and as caretakers of the jersey, especially in this Kiwi Ferns space, to make sure that we leave a good mark so that next generation can come in and do the same."
What better way to kick that off than with a World Cup to remember.
Check out the Rugby League World Cup live on Spark Sport or free-to-air on Three, or join us at 7:30am Saturday for live updates of the NZ Kiwis v Ireland pool clash
