This Rugby League World Cup could provide 'boost' the sport needs

English dual code rugby hero Jason Robinson believes a brilliant Rugby League World Cup could help inspire a global transformation in the game.

Former England full-back Jason Robinson believes this year’s Rugby League World Cup can inspire a new generation of players.

The 2021 edition of the World Cup kicks off in Newcastle on Saturday, having been delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with England’s men opening the competition against Samoa at St James’ Park.

Running alongside the men’s tournament will be the women’s and wheelchair competitions, the first time all formats will play side by side.

The men’s and women’s tournaments will culminate in a double-header of finals at Old Trafford, with Robinson predicting the competition could give the sport a major boost in England.

“We all get inspired by different things – sometimes it’s by seeing other people going forward and doing it, that inspires us to pick up a rugby ball and think, ‘maybe it’s something I can try’,” said the dual rugby code hero.

“It’s going to be very inspirational, the boost that the game needs.

“We talk about expanding the game and the growth of the game. For me, international rugby is certainly one of those tournaments that can do that, because of the visibility, because of the standard.

“This is a tournament that everybody can follow.”

Ellery Hanley reached the 1992 World Cup final with Great Britain, eventually losing to the Mal Meninga-inspired Kangaroos at Wembley, and he expects England to reach the showpiece match again this year.

“I know Shaun Wane well enough to recognise he’ll only be thinking one game at a time – I’m the same as well,” said Hanley.

“The truth of the matter is, everybody knows and expects England to be in the final, there’s no question about it, that’s the least we expect of them.

“Winning it might be a different thing, but they have an equal chance as far as I’m concerned, they have enough talent and depth.”

Robinson is also well aware of the expectations around the team, having competed for England in two World Cup finals before switching codes to win the 2003 World Cup with England in rugby union.

He insists it’s now time for England to deliver.

“When I was a child growing up, playing amateur rugby, my dream was to play at the highest level, so for these players this is their time to deliver, and it’s up to them to see how far they go.

“There’s a lot of excitement, they’ll just want to get out there, get into the games and hopefully go all the way.”