SIX nations will be in action in Warrington during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
One of the tournament favourites New Zealand will be in action against underdogs Lebanon on Sunday, October 24.
Papua New Guinea, who will be based in Warrington for the tournament, will take on Cook Islands, who are likely to feature Wire's Anthony Gelling, on Tuesday, November 2.
While Samoa, who played at The Halliwell Jones Stadium back in 2013, will play France on Sunday, November 7.
England kick-off the tournament against Samoa in Newcastle on Saturday, October 23.
The hosts will also play France in Bolton on October 30 and Greece at Sheffield's Bramhall Lane on November 6.
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The final is at Old Trafford on Saturday, November 27.
The women's tournament will see group games in Leeds and York with the final on the same day as the men's event at Old Trafford.
While the wheelchair group matches and semi-finals will be in Sheffield before at final in Liverpool.
How do I get tickets?
On October 23, a year to go until the groundbreaking tournament, the public ticket ballot will open, with fans able to apply for tickets at all 61 fixtures.
Any remaining tickets will then go on general sale in early 2021.
What did they say?
Warrington Borough Council chief executive and vice chairman of Warrington Wolves, Professor Steven Broomhead, said: “Put simply, we have three massive, mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to next year.
“Our games at the Halliwell Jones Stadium could play a crucial part in ultimately crowning next year’s champions and the prospect of watching some of the world’s greatest rugby league stars on the global stage is something we in Warrington won’t take for granted.
“The whole of RLWC2021 will be a feast of world-class action, but we have some particularly exciting fixtures that we look forward to hosting in our proud town. Bring on 2021.”
Karl Fitzpatrick, Wolves chief executive, added: “Today’s fixtures announcement is incredibly exciting and we’re looking forward to hosting what will be three hugely entertaining group games next year. We’re thrilled to be welcoming some of the biggest stars not just in Rugby League but in world sport to The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
“We all remember the two epic encounters played in front of huge crowds at our stadium during the 2013 tournament and I know that we will once again put on a show for next year’s event. The 2021 Rugby League World Cup will be a fantastic sporting spectacle and we can’t wait to play our part in creating experiences that will live long in the memories of players and spectators.”
Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, said today: “This is a huge moment for the tournament and for fans across the world as we reveal the full fixture schedule.
"The tournament has been gaining momentum over recent months and fans can really look forward to being part of this unique, global event. With match dates and locations confirmed, the excitement will only intensify.
"RLWC2021 will bring together the very best that the sport has to offer, and you can see from the schedule there are world class, compelling matches, across all three tournaments."
FIXTURES IN WARRINGTON AT THE HALLIWELL JONES STADIUM >
New Zealand v Lebanon, Sunday, October 24, 7.30pm kick-off
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands, Tuesday, November 2, 7.30pm kick-off
Samoa v France, Sunday, November 7, 5pm kick-off
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