WARRINGTON gave the Papua New Guinea men's team a warm welcome at a ceremony ahead of the Rugby League World Cup.
The ceremony was held at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, on Wednesday evening.
PNG's team - the Kumuls - arrived in Warrington ahead of their matches in the tournament, which kicks off this month.
They will be staying at The Village Hotel during the event.
Shaun Briscoe, the ex-England international rugby league player, compered the ceremony.
Music was provided by a live brass band, the Splinters Street Band ensemble, before the Lockdown Choir performed two songs for the audience.
The entire PNG team was announced and applauded, with a couple of familiar faces in the mix, too.
Wire fan Evie Taylor read the community prayer for the players, and fans, ahead of the tournament kicking off.
The Kumuls' captain, Rhyse Martin, spoke to Shaun Briscoe on the pitch, saying that the team was expecting a couple of tough matches in the group stage, especially Tonga.
Shaun also interviewed Stanley Tepend and Alex Johnston, too.
Before the ceremony was concluded, Wire chaplain Darren Johnson blessed the team, the supporters, and all the attendees across the tournament.
The Kumuls then took to the stands to greet the audience, take selfies, and sign posters from fans.
Papua New Guinea plays their first match on Tuesday, October 18, versus Tonga - kick-off is at 7.30pm at The Toally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.
PNG play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium against the Cook Islands on Tuesday, October 25.
The Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Saturday, October 15, and runs until Saturday, November 19.
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