SYDNEY: Powerhouse 12-time champions Australia kick off their Rugby League World Cup defence in Sydney against New Zealand on Thursday, wary of a new wave of Pacific talent posing a threat to their dominance.
Kevin Walters' Kangaroos are looking to repeat their 2022 triumph when they held off a brave Samoa 30-10 in the final at Old Trafford in England.
Since then New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa, in particular, have developed still further.
Most of their players ply their trade in the elite National Rugby League, with a handful of big names defecting from Australia after changes to eligibility rules.
"This will be a huge Test," said Walters ahead of the month-long tournament in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
"I have never before seen the amount of talent spread across the top nations. We are going to need to be at our best to take out the World Cup."
Australia have history firmly behind them, winning nine of the last 10 World Cups, with their only blip a 34-20 loss to New Zealand in 2008.
They are in Group A alongside New Zealand, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
England headline Group B with Samoa and Lebanon, while Tonga, Papua New Guinea and France fill out Group C.
The top two teams from Pool A progress to the semi-finals while the top two from a combined table of Pool B and Pool C also qualify, with the final in Brisbane on November 15.
Australia boast a formidable squad captained by Penrith star Isaah Yeo.
Experienced South Sydney centre Latrell Mitchell returns after a long absence, as do Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco and Manly outside back Tom Trbojevic.
They get their title defence under way against a star-studded New Zealand boosted by superstars Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai, who switched allegiance from Australia.
The Kiwis have an imposing front-row, including Roosters enforcer Naufahu Whyte, who played a starring role in their 19-18 grand final victory over Newcastle this month.
He is set to line up alongside the likes of skipper James Fisher-Harris, Joseph Tapine and Moses Leota.
New Zealand coach Stacey Jones said winning the Pacific Championships last year, where Australia did not play, was "a big step."
"I'm confident in this squad." Jones added.
- Deliver when it matters -
With Spencer Leniu – who signed with the Parramatta Eels last week, days after winning his fourth NRL title with the Roosters – leading the charge, Samoa are looking to mount another strong challenge.
They open their account against France in Sydney on Friday.
A strong Tonga, who get under way against England in Perth a day later, are headlined by Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake, both former New Zealand internationals.
Great Britain, now playing as four separate nations, won the World Cup in 1972 and England head coach Brian McDermott believes he has a squad capable of getting the job done again.
"I've picked a group of players that have recent history of playing in (domestic) finals, winning finals, delivering when it matters," he said.
Ten of the squad play for Australian clubs.
In a blow, Super League champions Wakefield provide no firepower with Tom Johnstone, Mike McMeeken, Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Jake Trueman all recovering from injuries.
Beaten finalists Warrington have three players in the squad – Matty Ashton, Ben Currie and captain George Williams.
The women's World Cup is being played at the same time with Australia again favourites, winning the last three tournaments. New Zealand won the first three World Cups from 2000-2008.
Australia launch the eight-team event against Samoa on Friday while New Zealand kick off against Fiji on Sunday. - AFP
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