Australia and New Zealand to Host Rugby League World Cup in 2017! #RLWC2017

It has been announced tonight that Australia and New Zealand will jointly host the Rugby League World Cup in 2017.

The Anzacs beat South Africa's bid to host the next edition of rugby league's international showpiece event - not surprising when you compare the popularity of rugby league in each nation.

Rugby league is on a bit of a high at the moment with last year's Rugby League World Cup a success on and off the field and money pouring into the game thanks to lucrative TV deals - certainly in this part of the world, the game has never been popular especially given the success of the recently completed Auckland Nines last weekend.

The last time New Zealand hosted the Cup...

Therefore, it was probably in the game's best interest to have the World Cup in established rugby league markets and with experience of hosting a successful tournament.

So what will the 2017 World Cup possibly look like? Here are my tips.

Opening game - 
Eden Park, Auckland

Quarterfinals - 
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Eden Park, Auckland
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Semifinals - 
Eden Park, Auckland
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Final - 
ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Other grounds?
Newcastle
Parramatta
Canberra
Melbourne
Gold Coast
Hamilton
Christchurch
Dunedin