“Obviously there’s the importance of preparing properly for matches, the serious side of it, but as well there’s the downtime for the players; they’re getting out into the communities. That’s the wonderful thing about this competition: we’re going far and wide and taking our Test matches to communities that wouldn’t ordinarily get the opportunity to watch Test match footy. It’s been a real positive experience so far.”

Each of the seven matches played across the opening weekend of the World Cup offered up an aspect which us league-lovers aren’t used to. England vs the Aussies in AFL-mad Melbourne? The Irish lapping James Tedesco’s Italy? The most important and pleasing aspect of week one though, were the players’ performances and their international buy-in.

“There were a lot of highlights; it was a great opening to the World Cup,” offers Petero. “There were some great match-ups all-round and there were some very strong performances from a number of the nations. All in all it was a really positive experience which no doubt provided lots of fantastic highlights for rugby league supporters around the world.

The Kiwi Haka is a cultural highlight of any international rugby league tournament. (Photo by Getty Images)

“For example, Ireland really caught the eye; they were extremely strong. You look across the board. There were some really strong performances from a number of nations. The Tongan team look like a force to be reckoned with. The New Zealand Kiwis were again showing that they can be very dominant again at this year’s World Cup.

“In Australia, again, you just have such a high calibre of quality players right across the park. No doubt they’ll be looking to defend their world-champion status with everything they have. There were some really strong performances all around.

“Again, it just goes to showcase the pride in the jersey for all these players who are donning their national strips. It’s exciting to think that we’re on again this weekend and that there’s going to be more wonderful match-ups right across the competition.”