JACK Hughes is no stranger to Papua New Guinea.

The Warrington Wolves second rower has visited PNG twice over the past two years during tours with England Knights in 2018 and Great Britain in 2019.

During those trips, he experienced first-hand just how much the Pacific Island nation loves rugby league.

And Hughes believes the town is in for a real treat when it hosts the Kumuls for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Warrington Guardian:

The Wire co-captain said: “The support they have over there is incredible.

“It’s their national sport, and they’re absolute crazy for rugby league – it’s absolute carnage.

“When you imagine how crazy Warrington fans are about their club, if you times that by ten then that’s the people of Papua New Guinea.

“Rugby league stars are absolute idols over there, they’re real celebrities.

“We’re lucky to have such a passionate nation staying in our town."

At least one of PNG’s Group D games – against Tonga, the Cook Islands or Wales – is expected to be staged at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

And Hughes is tipping the Kumuls to be a team to watch during next year's showpiece tournament.

The 28-year-old added: “When they pull on that jersey, they really raise their game.

“They’re really tough, there’s a really tight bond between them and that shows on the field.

“International rugby league is a pretty basic game, it’s about the simple things and playing it tough.

“That’s exactly what they’re good at.

“It will be interesting to see them and Tonga going at it, that will be a brutal game.

“It would be good to have it played here at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.”