Rugby League World Cup podcast: Week one preview

THE Rugby League World Cup starts Friday, but are Australians fully backing the Kangaroos, or are they throwing support to minnow nations? PREVIEW PODCAST

Australia's Rugby League World Cup captain Cameron Smith (left) and England's Sean O'Loughlin pose for a photo with the trophy during a media event in Brisbane, Sunday, October 22, 2017. The Rugby League World Cup kicks off on Friday in Melbourne with Australia playing against England.

DESPITE the fact the Rugby League World Cup is almost a foregone conclusion for Australian victory, there is plenty to get behind this tournament — and it could be Aussies backing other teams.

The World Cup gets underway in Melbourne on Friday night when the Kangaroos play England, but do the host nation have the full support of their fans?

Telegraph Sport’s Fiona Bollen, Nick Campton, Fatima Kdouh and David Riccio think not.

In the Rugby League World Cup preview podcast, the four discuss which minnow teams they’re backing and breakdown why the Kangaroos losing would be a great thing for rugby league.

“I don’t go for Australia,” Campton said.

“It sounds bad to say, but the best thing for the international game is if Australia loses.

“Say England went on to win this World Cup, that’s one of the greatest moments in English rugby league history. If New Zealand do the same, it’s the same.

“If Tonga do it! They’ll rename the capital after Jason Taumalolo.

“If Australia wins, which they probably will, it’s just another one.”

LISTEN BELOW: INCLUDES A FULL WEEKEND PREVIEW AND INTERVIEW WITH LEBANON CAPTAIN ROBBIE FARAH

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Originally published as Rugby League World Cup podcast: Week one preview