OPINION: The Rugby League World Cup is finally upon us.
After being postponed a year, due to the pandemic, as well as uncertainty surrounding who would play for which team and whether some of the biggest stars would even attend, kickoff is nearly here.
With so much debate about eligibility rules, the global calendar and the all-round state of the international game, describing the tournament as the biggest in the code's history wouldn't be hyperbole.
So, what can we expect from the biggest showpiece rugby league has to offer?
The Favourites
As the current holders of the title and 11-time champions, Mal Meninga's Kangaroos will go into the tournament as the clear bookies favourites, but scratch beneath the surface and you'll see this World Cup is wide open.
Their main vulnerability is a lack of time together. Australia haven't played since that famous 2019 defeat to Mate Ma'a Tonga at Eden Park, which is a result Meninga and his players admit they're desperate to avenge in England.
They weren't able to fit in a warm-up game, meaning combinations and how they'll play remain a mystery to many. After three years, some international rust could also be a factor.
This is a new squad, with the likes of Nathan Cleary, Harry Grant, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and others coming to the fore since then. There's no shortage of stars, particularly in the backs.
In typical Aussie fashion, many pundits across the Tasman already anticipate basking in glory in England, with maybe one eye on the Kiwis, who they'd likely meet in the semi-finals.
Make no mistake, there will be plenty of twists and turns in this tournament.
Darkhorses
When you look at their stacked squad on paper, Samoa hardly qualify as a 'darkhorses' for the tournament, but they still have to prove they can compete at the very top level.
Buoyed by the inclusion of, wait for it, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Joseph Suali'i, Junior Paulo, Josh Papali'i and many, many other top stars of the NRL, this team has all the ingredients for a successful campaign. They will go deep into this tournament.
Led by the Penrith crew fresh off their second-straight NRL Premiership, vibes are guaranteed and when you're in each other's pockets for six weeks, that's a huge asset.
Of course, the currency of a World Cup is onfield results.
The opening game of the tournament between Samoa and England will be an absolute humdinger, and represents a real chance for the Pacific Island nation to lay down a marker.
Players to Watch
Sebastian Kris - New Zealand
The Canberra Raiders young gun looks to have nailed down the left centre spot in Michael Maguire's side, after impressing in their warm-up clash against Leeds with a first-half hattrick. Paired with Ronaldo Mulitalo on that edge, the duo could cause carnage for the Kiwis.
Joseph Manu - New Zealand
In his first proper run at fullback for the Kiwis against Tonga in June, Manu was stupendously good, running for a staggering 404 metres and by Michael Maguire's own admission, stealing the No.1 jersey for the World Cup on the spot. He's as consistent as he is electric and carries plenty of Kiwi hopes.
Joseph Suali'i- Samoa
The 19-year-old created headlines when he chose to represent Samoa instead of the Kangaroos earlier this year. Some in the Australian media found it outrageous, while others saw a young player wanting to represent his heritage.
Regardless, Suali'i will set the tournament alight at fullback for Samoa, with a strong season for the Roosters under his belt.
Dom Young - England
The Newcastle Knights winger caught plenty of attention on debut for the tournament hosts against Fiji, with a barnstorming try to open the scoring and two assists to impress England coach Shaun Wane.
His physical prowess and pace will be a real asset to England, who will no doubt shoulder the weight of local expectation as well. At just 21, he should be able to play fearlessly and will carry plenty of confidence into the tournament, after bagging 14 tries for the Knights in the NRL this season.
The Verdict
This World Cup has the makings of a fantastic spectacle. Games are selling out fast, with the rugby league heartland of England's north ensuring the passion will be felt in the stands, as well as on the field.
The Kiwis and Kangaroos will take some beating, but only one can make the final at Old Trafford. On their day, Samoa, Tonga and England could cause an upset in what promises to be a magnificent spectacle.
James Regan will cover the Rugby League World Cup for Newshub. Check out the Rugby World Cup live on Spark Sport or free-to-air on Three, or join us for live updates of all New Zealand games
