There are 100 days to go until the Rugby League World Cup kicks off, when England will be hoping to win the trophy on home turf.
Their quest will begin at St James' Park in Newcastle, against Samoa, in the tournament's opening game.
Newcastle will host four matches, one at St James' and three at Kingston Park. The organisers are hoping for a full house at the home of Newcastle United when England and Samoa kick off on Saturday October 15.
READ MORE: Magic Weekend 2022 at St James' Park - all you need to know about the event in Newcastle
Warrington Wolves' George Williams hopes to be in England's starting 13 against Samoa.
"I'm massively excited," George told ChronicleLive ahead of Super League's Magic Weekend on July 9 and 10.
"To have a World Cup in England is massive for any English player. You want to be playing for your country, but to do it on home soil will be fantastic for everyone involved and Newcastle's a great stadium. We've been here a few times for Magic Weekend but to play for your country here would be extra special.
"All fans from all over come to mix here, it's always pumping [at St James' Park]."
This year's Rugby League World Cup is set to be the biggest yet, with men's, women's, and wheelchair tournaments held alongside each other. England and Leeds Rhino's wheelchair player, James Simpson, reckons Newcastle is a brilliant choice to open the tournament.
"As a rugby league fan, I love the Magic Weekends here. Outside of the traditional heartland (Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria), Newcastle is a strong rugby league city. Getting the train up and everybody heading up to the stadium is quality."
Zoe Hornby, from Whitley Bay, is hoping to make the England women's squad. They begin their campaign at Headingly, Leeds, against Brazil on Tuesday November 1.
The Leeds Rhinos forward is pleased England will open the World Cup in her home city.
"It's amazing. Obviously, Newcastle has always been a football home, with St James' Park and how big the stadium is, it's brilliant to utilise that and bring rugby league to the area."
Zoe encourages those unfamiliar with rugby league to take advantage of the World Cup by experiencing a game or two in person.
Zoe, who has also coached football as well as being a rugby league player, said: "I think it's one of those sports, can be very mentally and physically demanding, but also the one of the most mentally and physically challenging and there's a lot of positives to that. I've played grassroots and at a high level and it's helped me a lot in life."
Rugby League World Cup 2022 fixtures in Newcastle
There are four Rugby League World Cup matches due to be played in Newcastle, all in the Men's tournament.
- Saturday October 15: England v Samoa, St James' Park, 2.30pm
- Sunday October 16: Scotland v Italy, Kingston Park, 2.30pm
- Saturday October 22: Fiji v Italy, Kingston Park, 2.30pm
- Saturday October 29: Fiji v Scotland, Kingston Park, 5pm
Other hosts include Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, Old Trafford in Manchester, The Emirates and Copper Box Arena in London, Bramall Lane in Sheffield, York's LNER Stadium and Super League grounds in Hull, Huddersfield, Leeds, Wigan and St Helens.
Rugby League World Cup 2022 tickets
Tickets are available here for Rugby League World Cup games in Newcastle and other host cities.
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