THE world cup kicks off this weekend — a world cup that is easier to get behind than Fifa’s political football — the Rugby League World Cup, or more accurately, cups.

The tournaments, originally scheduled for this time last year but postponed due to issues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, will finally get under way when the England and Samoa men’s teams meet at St James’ Park in Newcastle this afternoon.

The men’s event will be the first of three to get under way, with women’s and wheelchair editions beginning in November before all three finals are played in within two days in Manchester on Friday November 18 (wheelchair) and Saturday 19 (women’s and men’s).