The Pacific boast plenty of talent and will ensure that the World Cup is an exciting and physical tournament. All these teams have extremely talented players but they also have some veterans who will bring a sense of grit and determination. The struggle for many of these teams will be the lack of generals in the halves, guys who will dictate the terms of the game and lead their team around the field. While this may be a negative, it could be a blessing in disguise as we’ll be exposed to a different style of play to what we see week in, week out. Exciting times.

Cook Islands

The Basics - The Cook Islands have a squa that will be highly under rated but will pack plenty of fire power as well as a touch of class. They don't have the big names like their Pacific partners, but have guys like Isaac John who will provide the basic organisation that they tend to lack. Keep a close eye on Eko Malu and Sam Brunton who are dummy halves who may cover the halves and have strong running games. Mounties forward Adam Tangata has also had a very strong year in the NSW Cup

NRL Factor - The most striking aspect is the forwards. Guys like Dylan Napa, Tinirau Arona, Zane Tetevano, Zeb Taia, Domique Peyroux and Sam Mataora are all skillful mobile forwards who will trouble many teams. I think many teams will struggle to handle this group.

X-Factor - Brad Takairangi has flourished in the Gold Coast at centre and will be a great weapon for the boys from the Cook Islands. If he can get early ball and crab across field like Justin Hodges, watch out.

Fiji

The Basics - The Fijians could fill two back lines full of gifted athletes, but at this World Cup they will also boast a forward pack that will be able to trade blows up the guts. They have five or six of the games best outside backs but getting the ball to them could be the issue with limited talent in the halves and they will need their starting rotation of forwards on the field as much as possible

NRL Factor - The Sims boys (Ashton, Tariq and Korbin) will form a ruthless combination with big Petero Civoniceva and Jayson Bukuya. This will provide plenty of grunt and aggression to give their outside backs plenty of space. All I can do is list this group of outside backs - Marika Koroibete, Kevin Naiqama, Wes Naiqama, Sisa Ledua Waqa, Akuila Uate and Semi Radradra.

X-Factor - Could be any of their backs, but I'm gonna go with Tariq Sims. Sims has potential coming out of his ears and a strong showing at the World Cup will put him front and centre. A giant who is fast enough to play on the wing, watch out if you find yourself in a dark English alley with him.

Papua New Guinea

The Basics - These guys will offer their usual aggresive style as well as some very athletic outside men. PNG look to have the highest number of local players in their squad which is awesome. They also have a few Super League players, most notably Jason Chan who plays for Huddersfield and will captain the Kumuls. Paul Aiton is another with a wealth of experience at dummy half.

NRL Factor - It will be great to see the influence Neville Costigan has on this group of very proud men. Known as one of the toughest players of the past 10 years, Costigan will play an important role as he will defend in the middle and lead with his actions. 

X-Factor - Ofcourse David Mead is another NRL player for the Kumuls and hopefully we get to see him playing fullback at the World Cup. Blessed with pure speed, we could see the best of Mead on the world stage.

Samoa

The Basics - When you're talking about Samoan and Tongan teams, there are many cross overs - beastly forwards and dangerously athletic backs. This is no different this year, but what is a bit different is the play making ability that Samoa now have. In Pita Godinet and Cronulla Sharks Under 20 halfback Penani Manumalealii they have two little blokes who could bring nightmares upon their opposition. Keep an eye on Pt Chev Pirate Arden McCarthy as well.

NRL Factor - Samoa have some of the NRL's best young talent - Anthony Milford, Tim Lafai, Joey Leilua, Suaia Matagi, Junior Moors and Sauso Sue. Combine this with veterans like Roy Asotasi and Mark Taufua and you have a pretty solid group.

X-Factor - The spine of the team should consist of Masada Iosefa/Ben Roberts, Godinet, Manumalealii and Milford. Milford is the cherry on top. Hopefully we get to see him carve teams up with his speed and agility as well as taking a lot of pressure off the halves.

Tonga

The Basics - Similar speech to the Samoans here. A few slight differences exist in the halves where the only notable play maker is Samsoni Langi from the Roosters Under 20's. He'll have a pretty simple job: get the ball wide early where power awaits. When the ball is being worked up the middle, expect former Warriors Under 20s hookers Nafe Seluini and Siliva Havili to run as often as the can.

NRL Factor - The pace and power out wide (Konrad Hurrell, Glen Fisi'iahi, Mahe Fonua, Sosaia Feki, Daniel Tupou, Jorge Taufua and Siuatonga Likiliki) will be aided by a group of experienced forwards headed by Brent Kite and Fui Fui Moi Moi. Peni Terepo had a fantastic year at the Eels so expect him to be a force at lock.

X-Factor - Hard to go past Hurrell here, but don't under estimate the work of Seluini and Havili. If the Tongans get any sort of roll on, they'll be hard to stop as these two will keep the defence on their heels.

USA

The Basics - The United States will be the unknown package of this year’s World Cup and it will be exciting to see how the game is going Stateside. There’s a wealth of local players which will be awesome to see and a strong showing will help them build with more funding and hype surrounding Rugby League in the States. Basically, don’t expect anything from this group. My advice will be to just enjoy the fact that our great game is making inroads in the States and support them through this World Cup.

NRL Factor - The United States have secured the services of the Paulo brothers from Parramatta (Junior and Joseph), Clint Newton and young Tigers dummy half Joel Luani. These guys will be welcomed with open arms as they will provide NRL experience as well as great ability. Clint Newton will be vital figure as he will be the leader of the forward pack and will have to share his wisdom with this group of inexperienced forwards.

X-Factor -  This has to be Jospeh Paulo who has skills in abundance. He can play physical but can also control the game with his play making ability. He is the type of player who runs with the ball in two hands, keeping his options open which makes him difficult to defend against. This could be the environment which allow Paulo to flourish as there won’t be many expectations and he’ll play a key role within the leadership of the squad.