TODAY’S the day.

1,778 days have passed since Australia lifted the Paul Barriere Trophy at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium by beating England in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final.

Now, a year later than planned, the great and the good of the game reassemble to determine who runs the world of rugby league in 2022.

A five-week festival billed as the most inclusive World Cup the sport has ever staged gets underway today as hosts England kick off the men’s tournament against highly-fancied Samoa in front of more than 40,000 people at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

With the women’s and wheelchair tournaments running alongside, plus the inaugural PDRL World Cup, an action-packed month is in store right on our doorstep.

World Cup CEO Jon Dutton said: “This has been an incredible journey and one that was first conceived in November 2015.

“Back then nobody would have predicted the challenges that lay ahead – from Brexit to a global pandemic, a change in monarchy to a cost of living crisis, from war in Europe to postponement.

“Everyone collectively has had to navigate so many things, but we have done that with a resolute determination.

Warrington Guardian: RLWC2021 chief executive Jon Dutton. Picture by SWPix.comRLWC2021 chief executive Jon Dutton. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)

“My board and my team has worked tirelessly and there’s been no stone unturned to ensure that when the fireworks go off there are no regrets.

“My favourite quote is ‘without challenge there is no achievement’.

“While I’m sure there’s a little more challenge ahead, now is the time for achievement.

“We welcome the sport’s greatest contemporary athletes – the most diverse playing population ever assembled in the sport and we are about to stage the biggest tournament in the sport’s 127-year history.

“This is international rugby league’s moment to shine and together we have the greatest opportunity to create new history that will pave the way for these amazing athletes to show the world our talents.

“Have hope, have faith and enjoy every moment.”

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