The Rugby League World Cup begins this week with a distinctive international contest that highlights a deep divide between the sport’s two dominant leagues. England will face a formidable challenge as they compete against seven nations aligned with the National Rugby League (NRL) from Australia and New Zealand. The tournament, starting with the opening match between Australia and New Zealand, showcases ten teams in total, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Lebanon, and France.

The bulk of the competition is heavily influenced by the NRL, a billion-dollar sporting enterprise renowned for its dominance and financial strength across the Pacific region. The seven NRL-associated nations represent a powerful bloc, often referred to as the “seven-nation army.” England, representing the Super League, stands as the primary contender aiming to disrupt this hegemony. While Lebanon fields a squad with Australian ties, and France has historically been a contender, the consensus is that only England has a realistic chance to challenge the NRL powerhouses.

The ongoing dynamic between the NRL and Super League underscores broader debates about the future of rugby league. There is a possibility that the two leagues could formalize an agreement within the tournament’s duration, likely consolidating NRL’s role as the predominant partner. This potential partnership is viewed by some as a strategic infusion of Australian expertise and capital into the English game, which faces financial challenges. Critics of this arrangement worry it may reduce Super League’s status to that of a feeder system, while proponents argue it is a practical commercial evolution, blending metropolitan markets with grassroots passion.

The NRL’s expansion and influence have reshaped international rugby league, notably through the recruitment of heritage players who have elevated smaller nations like Samoa and Tonga to competitive status. This growth has even led to legal disputes, such as New Zealand Rugby’s challenge over the NRL’s use of the “Chiefs” name during its expansion into Papua New Guinea—a move backed by government funds aimed at limiting foreign influence.

England’s domestic league has its achievements, with Hull Kingston Rovers as world champions and Wakefield Trinity claiming the Super League title. The signing of former NRL star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for 2027 signals an increasingly international flair for English clubs. Yet, there remains a significant gap at the international level, illustrated by Australia’s near-total World Cup dominance since 1972.

The tournament’s scheduling in Australia—with support from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea—came after cancellations and rescheduling from North America and France. UK fans face early morning matches on subscription broadcaster Premier Sports, with limited coverage from public broadcasters, raising concerns about the sport’s domestic visibility.

The format features a unique structure, with Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, and New Zealand competing in a round-robin for two semi-final spots, while the remaining six teams, including England, occupy pools of three and play cross-pool opponents for qualification. England will face Tonga, France, and Papua New Guinea in the group stage, where the draw favors England, as Tonga must also confront Samoa, another NRL-aligned team.

Key fixtures expected to draw significant attention include the clash between Samoa and Tonga in Sydney, a matchup that has gained prominence due to their heritage-driven strength, contrasting sharply with the struggles of their rugby union counterparts on the international stage. The opening league game precedes the Bledisloe Cup rugby union match between Australia and New Zealand, highlighting the contrasting profiles and attendance capacities between the two codes.

Despite rising interest in international rugby league, filling large stadiums remains a challenge compared to union. The NRL Grand Final recently attracted over 80,000 spectators at Accor Stadium, whereas World Cup fixtures are projected to generate lower attendance figures but anticipate crowds exceeding 50,000 for the final at Suncorp Stadium. The women’s tournament runs concurrently, with the Jillaroos favored to claim the title. England’s women begin their campaign against Wales, while wheelchair rugby league also features the participation of all four Home Nations.

England’s teams departed for the tournament with support from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who hosted a send-off ceremony at Chequers last week. The English sides carry not only the pursuit of trophies but also significant pride, as Australian critics remain unconvinced by England’s international form. The Kangaroos’ recent 3-0 Ashes series victory and Great Britain’s 2019 tour losses to island nations underscore the intensity of competition and the challenge England faces on the world stage.