Kangaroos captain Darren Lockyer has defended the credibility of the Rugby League World Cup, saying the spread of quality players across the teams should make for "competitive football".
Australia will start as clear favourites to win the Cup – as it has every time since 1975 – even though a host of Australian-based NRL players have been selected in the other national squads.
The credibility of the tournament has been questioned after Anthony Tupou was picked in an expanded Australian squad, then named in the final Tongan squad, then selected for Australia again after Michael Crocker was injured.
Tongan coach Jim Dymock then slammed the Rugby League International Federation after Eels prop Fuifui Moimoi and Tigers winger Taniela Tuiaki were both deemed ineligible to represent the country because they had recently played for New Zealand.
The debacles have raised more concerns about the standard of international rugby league, but Lockyer insists the World Cup will be a success for fans.
"I have heard some people taking shots at the rules over eligibility and rubbishing the concept, but I am not too worried about that negativity," Lockyer told News Ltd.
"No matter what you do there are always going to be critics. It comes with the territory.
"From where I am sitting, there is a lot of NRL and English Super League players spread throughout the teams, which is going to make things really competitive.
"In the past, you have had matches that are just blowouts – and it has been a problem in World Cups of other sports as well. I don't think you will get that this time.
"There are quality players across the board and that's what people want to see.
"They want to see the best players in the game out there playing and they want to see competitive football.
"I think this tournament will provide both."
Lockyer said the privilege to lead the world champions into the World Cup in rugby league’s Centenary year was "something pretty special".
"It's one of those once in a lifetime opportunities, you know. To be captain of Australia for a World Cup in such a big year for the game, it's something I will never forget," he said.
Australia and New Zealand will kick off the 10-team tournament on October 26.
