As the Rugby League World Cup approaches, England's new men's head coach Brian McDermott expressed optimism about the team's prospects, stating, "Do I believe we can win? It's not a no." This sentiment resonates across the men's, women's, and wheelchair tournaments, as every participant aims for success, whether that means winning a title, showing progress, or building a lasting legacy.

The men's tournament kicks off on Thursday, October 5 with Australia facing New Zealand in a highly anticipated match. Meanwhile, England's wheelchair team hopes to defend their title against Wales on Friday, October 30.

Success for England in this World Cup is multifaceted:

• Men's Team: After a narrow 27-26 defeat to Samoa in the 2022 semi-finals, McDermott seeks to lead England to only their second final since 1995. Despite limited preparation, including a lack of a mid-season international, the squad includes top talents like Herbie Farnworth and Victor Radley.
• Women's Team: Ranked third globally, they aim to overcome memories of a 90-4 defeat against Australia in March 2025. Coach Stuart Barrow has revamped the squad, integrating youth and experience, with players like Jodie Cunningham providing leadership.

Challenges remain, particularly around the financial sustainability of the sport. With England's men playing just nine matches since 2022, the need for a robust international calendar is evident. McDermott emphasized that the focus should be on long-term growth rather than immediate financial gains.

As the tournament unfolds, the hopes of the home nations rest on their ability to navigate these challenges and showcase their talents on the world stage.