Many Warriors fans will be glued to their screens every time England play, just to see Sam Tomkins. This will be our first opportunity to see him on a big stage against the world's best. Whether he goes well or has a shitter, it will be great to see him in this arena and we'll be following his every step. Keep an eye out for other Super League players heading down under next season such as Lee Messop and Gareth Hock who will join the Eels. No doubt all you Eels fans will be hoping to see these two put in some tough performances.

The lure of the chance to be in a World Cup (and no doubt, a bit of extra coin) means that the smaller rugby league nations now have a few NRL players in them. This will only be a positive for the game as a whole. With the NRL based in our part of the world, it can be hard to think of the bigger picture. Rugby league is a growing sport with teams popping up all over the world, so enjoy the new countries on the block and look forward to plenty more!

Those familiar with my scribbles will know that my love for Daly Cherry-Evans runs deep. So I have to put him in here. How will DCE be used in this World Cup? Will he play a similar role to the role he played for Queensland this year? Or will he find himself cleaning Cooper Cronk's kit? This will be interesting as it will play out over the entire World Cup. He'll have a go in the halves against the lesser nations but who knows what will happen deeper in the tournament.

This English team definitely looks a class act with a perfect mix of tough forwards and a wealth of play making options. The question is, can they make it in to the final? They have often promised so much and delivered very little. There are more Englishmen than ever in the NRL which not only means they'll have better experience at that level, but it shows that the Super League is producing players of an NRL level. There is a very real possibility that they could slip up (like they did against Italy) but they could also go all the way.

This World Cup could signal the arrival of Shaun Johnson on to the international stage or just show that he still has a long way to go. The opportunity is there for Johnson to build his way in to some form, especially against the minnows in the earlier stages of the tournament. Kieran Foran will play an important role as his class and composure will rub off on Johnson, but Johnson’s performances will determine how the Kiwis fare.

The World Cup has not even started and drama/confusion, whatever you want to call it has already reigned with the nations from the pacific. Long have the Pacific nation’s promised so much but delivered so little. Many things have to align for them to succeed. They need to have veterans and play makers who are capable of leading with distinction. They need to have a coach who can build a strong relationship with the players as well as providing top class tactics and strategies. The Samoans have already lost two emphatic leaders in Steve Matai and Roy Asotasi which would make things a bit weird in camp. The Kumuls have been in a constant state of drama with David Mead pulling out of any international footy a year ago due to a lack of leadership and direction in PNG rugby league, only to re-enter the frame for the World Cup. Everything seems honkidory for both Tonga and Fiji which will mean trouble for everyone else. Every game where one of the Pacific nations are playing, will be one to watch.

Although this World Cup will be predominantly based in England with 20 of the 28 matches being played in England, there is also a chance for the surrounding nations to get some spotlight. Some games will be held in France, Wales, and Ireland which will be great for these nations to play in front of their home crowds. Much of the action however will take place in the rugby league heartland in the north of England. The atmosphere for these games and the final which will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester will be electric and this will be a great advertisement for rugby league. It will also be interesting to see how many people show up for the semi finals which will both be at Wembley in London. I don’t think it will be a sell out, but strong crowds in England’s premier sporting venue will make for an exciting weekend.