Rugby League World Cup Kicks Off with New Format and Teams

The Rugby League World Cup commenced in Sydney on Thursday night, introducing a new format with a reduced number of teams, dropping from 16 to 10. This change comes amid ongoing debates about the tournament's relevance compared to other sports' world cups.

With the rise of Tonga and Samoa in recent years, the competition is experiencing renewed vigor, as evidenced by significant attendance at recent matches. The tournament opener between Australia and New Zealand is expected to draw a large crowd, potentially marking the biggest Test attendance in Sydney since 1974.

This World Cup aims to redefine its role in the sport, focusing on high-level competition rather than serving as a platform for developing nations. While Australia remains a strong contender, New Zealand's squad has also strengthened, and other teams like Samoa and Tonga are seen as serious challengers. The tournament promises to showcase top-tier rugby league talent, despite the absence of several northern hemisphere teams.