Rugby League World Cup 2017: 5 reasons to get excited 5 for kick off

BBC Sport explores five reasons why you should get excited about the start of the Rugby League World Cup, which kicks off on Friday.

England face co-hosts and reigning champions Australia in the first of 28 matches over 36 days played across 12 venues in three countries.

WATCH MORE: Your World Cup bluffer's guide

Watch Australia v England in the opening match of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, Friday 27 October, 09:00 BST on BBC Two and the BBC Sport website & app.

Available to UK users only.