WITH little more than two weeks to go, the countdown is on to the Rugby League World Cup.

Warrington will be hosting the major sporting event, which kicks off (pun intended) on Saturday, October 16.

In the build-up to the international competition, a shedload of activities are taking place to get residents excited for the event.

Here are a select few activities that have been announced to get you in the spirit of the competition:

  • Birds of Paradise Art Trail, Warrington Town Centre – now until Saturday, November 19.

An art trail around the town centre has been created, displaying the Raggiana Bird of Paradise which features on Papua New Guinea’s flag.

Five artists have been commissioned to work with community groups to design a bird of paradise, which have been turned into large-scale pieces of art in different locations across the town.

  • RLWC student exhibition, Warrington Market – Friday, September 30 to Saturday, November 19.

Students from Priestley College and Warrington & Vale Royal College have come together for a joint exhibition to celebrate this year’s Rugby League World Cup, with artworks including painting, drawing, mixed media and collage.

Warrington Guardian: The World Cup trophies visited Warrington Town Hall earlier this yearThe World Cup trophies visited Warrington Town Hall earlier this year (Image: Newsquest)

  • Papua New Guinea Community Welcome Event - Wednesday, October 12.

Warrington will welcome the PNG team into our community with a welcome event at the Halliwell Jones Stadium from 5:45pm, where residents are encouraged to come along and give the PNG “Kumuls” a warm welcome to our town.

The event will feature music and other performances from groups in the town as well as introduce the PNG team individually.

  • Time Square opening weekend activities - October 15 and 16.

A family fun activity weekend at Time Square, outside Warrington Market, including arcade-inspired outdoor games, arts and crafts and a dance and theatre performance featuring a 13-foot puppet which will wander the town centre.

  • 'Take His Legs' screening, Cineworld Warrington - Monday, October 24, 6:30pm.

Host of Channel 4's 'The Last Leg' and PDRL player Adam Hills has created a documentary highlighting the growing successes of the PDRL community.

The event will be hosted by Adam Hills himself and attended by the four teams taking part in this year’s PDRL World Cup.

There are more events taking place throughout the build-up to the tournament, and during the tournament itself.

For example, every game is due to be screened at the Old Market in the town centre.

Plus, tickets for World Cup games can be purchased online from just £10 for an adult ticket.

The Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Saturday, October 16 and will run until Saturday, November 19.