The Rugby League World Cup returns with an exciting new format this week, featuring a total of ten teams competing for glory in a unique group structure. With the quarter-final stage removed, only four semi-final spots are available, adding to the stakes for each nation.

Group A Breakdown

• Australia
  Coach: Kevin Walters
  Captain: Isaah Yeo
  Previous Best: Winners (12 times)
  The Kangaroos are the overwhelming favorites to clinch the title on home soil, despite the absence of star player Nathan Cleary due to injury. They are predicted to reach the final but may face challenges from their opening match against New Zealand.

  • Prediction: Runners-up

• New Zealand
  Coach: Stacey Jones
  Captain: James Fisher-Harris
  Previous Best: Winners (2008)
  The Kiwis boast a formidable forward pack, and with talents like Kalyn Ponga and Jahrome Hughes, they are strong contenders.

  • Prediction: Winners

• Cook Islands
  Coach: Karmichael Hunt
  Captains: KL Iro and Marata Niukore
  Previous Best: Group stages (2000, 2013, 2022)
  The Cook Islands are unlikely to progress past the group stage but have notable players to watch.

  • Prediction: 4th in group

• Fiji
  Coach: Mick Potter
  Captain: Api Koroisau
  Previous Best: Semi-finals (2008, 2013, 2017)
  While Fiji has the potential to upset, their path to the semi-finals looks daunting.

  • Prediction: 3rd in group

Group B Overview

• England
  Coach: Brian McDermott
  Captain: George Williams
  Previous Best: Runners-up (1975, 1995, 2017)
  Under pressure, England must secure a win against Tonga to maintain their hopes of advancing. They aim to showcase a new style of expansive rugby.

  • Prediction: Semi-finals

• Lebanon
  Coach: Michael Cheika
  Captain: Jacob Kiraz
  Previous Best: Quarter-finals (2017)
  Despite having talent, Lebanon faces tough odds of advancing.

  • Prediction: Eliminated in group stage

• Samoa
  Coach: Ben Gardiner
  Captain: Jarome Luai
  Previous Best: Runners-up (2022)
  Samoa is eager to replicate their past success and is expected to reach the semi-finals.

  • Prediction: Semi-finals

Group C Insights

• Tonga
  Coach: Kristian Woolf
  Captain: Addin Fonua-Blake
  Previous Best: Semi-finals (2017)
  Tonga faces a critical juncture with tough matches ahead, risking early elimination.

  • Prediction: Eliminated in group stage

• France
  Coach: Laurent Frayssinous
  Captain: Ben Garcia
  Previous Best: Runners-up (1954, 1968)
  With a solid roster, France may struggle to advance.

  • Prediction: Eliminated in group stage

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these teams as they battle for the prestigious title.