This is one of the first World Cups in a long time where the European teams will pose a threat to the top teams. Thanks to strong recruitment drives from these nations, they are now able to draw upon many experienced NRL players as well as more players from around Europe gaining experience in the Super League. There will be many household names on show and it will be awesome to see these players coming up against their mates and hopefully creating a few upsets. Keep an eye on the French and Italians who will surprise many.

France

The Basics - The French squad is beefed up by 15 players from the Catalan Dragons who play week in week out in the English Super League. This will help them immensely as many combinations will already be in place.  In the past they have been sniffing around the top four but don't expect them to be so successful this year as many other lesser teams have bridged the gap. 

NRL Factor - The inclusion of Clint Greenshields will be a boost for the French. Greenshields has filled in for the Cowboys in the absence of the great Matt Bowen and will give the French an experienced yet threatening skill set from the back.  

X-Factor - Remi Casty. It doesn't get much better for someone like Casty to be singed by the reigning NRL champs. Casty will join the Roosters next season on a two year deal so expect him to lead this physical bunch of Frenchmen will pride. He is known as one of the best forwards in the Super League and was signed by former Catalans coach, Tren Robinson for his leadership and physical style.

Ireland

The Basics - The Irish have a squad which features a good mix of experience and youth. With nine players returning from the 2008 campaign and eight making their Irish debuts, these guys could prove to be a tricky match up for many teams. Keep an eye on captain and half back Liam Finn who will direct the ship.

NRL Factor -  The Irish have been blessed with the services of Rory Kostjaysn (Cowboys), Brett White (Raiders), James Hasson (Manly) and Api Pewhairangi (Eels). While NRL experience is much sought after, the Irish have a small group of NRL players who will all add to the squad. Kostjaysn, White and Hasson are all very hard working forwards who will give their pack substance, while Pewhairangi will offer a threat and some excitement out wide.

X-factor - Pat Richards. Pat Richards is as godly as they come in the Super League with the winger building a massive cult following in only a couple of seasons. Reliable, experienced, composed, threatening and a great goal kicker, Richards will be the focal point of this Irish team. West Tigers fans will be keeping a close eye on him as he returns to Tiger Town next season. 

Italy  

The Basics - Italy have assembled a very strong squad which features some high quality NRL players and some solid Super Leaguers. They will surprise many people as they have a group of tough, hard working forwards and exciting backs. While they have many NRL players, they also have NSW Cup, Qld Cup and Aussie club players. The pick of these players is Josh Mantellato from Newcastle who was named in the NSW Cup team of the year. Anthony Laffranchi will give the Italians a heap of experience and know how of European Rugby League.

NRL Factor - Many teams would love to have a list of NRL players like the Italians. Both Minichello brothers(Roosters, Titans), Cameron Ciraldo (Panthers), Joel Riethmuller (Cowboys) , Kade Snowden (Knights), James Tedesco (Tigers) and Aiden Guerra (Roosters) form a exciting group of NRL players as well as covering many different positions.

X-Factor - James Tedesco. Tedesco was always exciting, despite being a part of a lacklustre Tigers outfit this season. After doing his knee in his debut match last season, he bounced back this year and has displayed great pace, anticipation and evasive ability. With Anthony Minichello in the squad, expect Tedesco to play on the wing, unless coach Carlos Napolitano has something up his sleeve. 

Scotland  

The Basics - The Bravehearts will be missing Keith Galloway and James McManus but have brought together a talented group of players from both parts of the rugby league playing world. Their team will be led by captain and current 'Man of Steel' award winner Danny Brough who will dictate terms from halfback. Their forwards will be hard working with Oliver Wilkes, Ian Henderson, Ben Kavanagh and twins Adam and Jonathan Walker likely to provide much of the oomph. Keep an eye on young winger David Scott as well.

NRL Factor - Another group of NRL players who will add a lot to their national team. Scotland will boast the likes of Peter Wallace (Broncos), Luke Douglas (Titans)  and Kane Linnett. The ability to draw upon NRL players who cover the forward, play maker and outside back positions will be a great asset for the Scottish. Although he hasn't quite made his NRl debut yet, keep a close eye on Gold Coast Titan Matt Russell who is an exciting young fullback/outside back and will give Scotland some much needed excitement.

X-Factor - Kane Linnett. Linnett is one of the most under rated centres in the NRL and will give Scotland a consistent threat out wide. His attacking ability is matched by his hard working, physical work on defence. Linnett is the type of player who will not let his nation down effort wise and will also form a nice combination with Peter Wallace.  

Wales

The Basics - Wales will probably find themselves on the receiving end of many losses this World Cup. Their squad is a mix of local talent and Super League players while they can only look to one NRL player for experience in the toughest league and also have a Qld Cup battler. They have a few players who should capture the attention of rugby league fans, prop Gil Dudson is a 23 year old who is plying his trade with Wigan along with Ben Flower who is a hard working forward in the Nate Myles mould. Another one to keep an eye on is fullback/wing Elliot Kear who has been plying his trade with the Bradford Bulls and will give the Welsh some class out wide.

NRL Factor -  The only NRL player for the Welsh is young St George second rower Tyson Frizell. Although they probably need a few more to pose a threat, Frizell is a fine player to have. Despite being named in the squad, he is under a bit of an injury cloud so hopefully we get to see him in action. He is a powerful ball runner who will give the Welsh a threat on the edges and he'll provide the physicality needed to compete at this level. If your looking for a player to keep tabs on throughout the tournament, Frizell is your man.

X-Factor - Your guess is as good as mine as to where any sort of x-factor will come from.