Last held in 2017, the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) returns this month, pitting the best of the best in footy against one another.
The 2022 RLWC, known as the 2021 RLWC due to its postponement from last year, will be played in England from 15 October to 19 November.
As the pinnacle event of international rugby league, countries compete every four years for the coveted Paul Barriere trophy. Australia holds the title as the most successful team with eleven wins. Great Britain has won three times, followed by New Zealand's single win in 2008.
2022 marks a breakthrough year in the tournament's history. For the first time men's, women's and wheelchair competitions will be staged together.
The three tournaments will take place across 21 venues throughout England. Two groups of four teams will contest the women's and wheelchair competitions, while 16 teams will compete across four groups in the men's.
The four groups will compete throughout October, before knockout stages begin from 5 November. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals from 12 November, before winners head to the Final at Old Trafford on 20 November.
13 Melbourne Storm players have been selected to represent their nation in this year's contest.
Storm’s Best Forward, Harry Grant, and 2022 Player of the Year, Cameron Munster, will wear the green and gold for Australia.
Forward, Tepai Moeroa will play for the Cook Islands.
Felise Kaufusi will return to his Tongan heritage, representing the island nation for the first time since 2017.
Cooper Johns will go on to make his international debut within the Italian squad.
Tui Kamikamica will again pull on the blue jersey for the Fiji Bati while Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jahrome Hughes alongside departing Storm players Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich and Brandon Smith will represent a strong New Zealand side.
Justin Olam will feature as a key member of the Papua New Guinean line-up and will be joined by 21-year-old winger and Origin star, Xavier Coates.
Make sure to follow Melbourne Storm on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest results. You can catch all matches live on Fox League and Kayo.
2021 Rugby League World Cup Fixture
| DATE | FIXTURE | TIME (AEDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Oct 16 | Australia v Fiji | 5.30am |
| Mon Oct 17 | Scotland v Italy | 12.30am |
| Mon Oct 17 | New Zealand v Lebanon | 5.30am |
| Wed Oct 19 | Tonga v Papua New Guinea | 5.30am |
| Thu Oct 20 | Wales v Cook Islands | 5.30am |
| Sat Oct 22 | Australia v Scotland | 5.30am |
| Sun Oct 23 | Fiji v Italy | 12.30am |
| Sun Oct 23 | New Zealand v Jamaica | 5.30am |
| Tue Oct 25 | Tonga v Wales | 6.30am |
| Wed Oct 26 | Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands | 6.30am |
| Sat Oct 29 | New Zealand v Ireland | 6.30am |
| Sun Oct 30 | Fiji v Scotland | 4am |
| Sun Oct 30 | Australia v Italy | 6.30am |
| Mon Nov 1 | Tonga v Cook Islands | 1.30am |
| Tue Nov 2 | Papua New Guinea v Wales | 6.30am |
