The road to the Rugby League World Cup began in Brisbane today with the opening of the Universities version in the city that will host the ultimate tournament final.

Queensland Parliament Speaker, the Honourable Mike Reynolds, and Rugby League International Federation Chairman Colin Love today both spoke at the opening to the Universities Rugby League World Cup, which begins at Brisbane’s Griffith University tomorrow.

The Universities tournament officially starts a celebration of rugby league that will also include the Police, Women’s, Defence, and Wheelchair world cups, as well as the coup de grace, the Rugby League World Cup, that concludes with the final at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on November 22.

“It is fitting that we begin the Festival of World Cups in the state that will host so many great events between now and the final of the main tournament on November 22,” said Mr Love.

“Over the next few months we will see a showcase of rugby league not just from around the world, but also at different levels, through the Universities to Police to Women’s to Defence and Wheelchair, as well as the cream of our professional players.

“The University World Cup brings together eight nations and already you can feel the excitement level generated by these guys readying for battle.

“By the time we get to the World Cup Final we will be able to look back on a period that has been really special for rugby league.”

Other official guests at this morning’s launch included Members of Parliament Chris Bombolas and Phil Reeves, Brisbane Broncos’ chief executive Bruno Cullen and Australian Universities coach and NSW and Kangaroo legend, Brett Kenny.

Reigning champions New Zealand performed a special haka at this morning’s opening at Queensland Parliament House, and will justly kick off the tournament against France tomorrow at 1pm at Griffith University.

In matches following, Ireland will meet Wales, Scotland will play Greece, and hosts Australia take on old enemies England.

Each team will play three pool matches before the semi-finals on July 16, with the Universities World Cup Final to be held at Brisbane’s Langlands Park on Saturday, July 19.