It's the Rugby League World Cup - a cross-cultural melting pot with teams from the Americas, Europe and the Pacific ready to do battle.
But with 16 teams in the men's competition and hundreds of names to familiarise yourself with, we've had a look at the squads to determine just who are the three players from each nation you need to be watching.
Tonga
Talatau 'Junior' Amone
Another promising young talent, 20-year-old Amone was handed his NRL debut by the Dragons last year and has grown in confidence in 2022, securing a place in the starting side and earning a contract extension. He also made his Test debut in Tonga's mid-season encounter with New Zealand, which will give him some handy experience heading into the tournament.
Despite the Red V's struggles, Amone finished the year with admirable numbers including six tries and 13 try assists, and he'll be striving for a similar impact at international level, regardless of exactly where he will fit in Kristian Woolf's side.
Siosifa Talakai
While some have said he's been hyped up over one game, what a game it was. Though he didn't reach those heights – or double figures – again during the season, Talakai's 17 tackle breaks against a hapless Newcastle team helped elevate his status and get him into Brad Fittler's NSW Origin side. And though he didn't destroy any other teams quite so much, the reputation he's developed has not gone undeserved.
Talakai is an absolute wrecking ball who might look like he should be running up the middle as a forward, but stays on the edge to terrorise the defensive uncertainty of outside backs. He is going to monster a few aspiring wingers and centres from lower-ranked nations, though it remains to be seen if he can replicate that impact against the might of Australia, New Zealand, England or Samoa.
David Fifita
Need we say more? Where Jason Taumalolo led from the front for Mate Ma'a Tonga in 2017, Fifita will take on the responsibility this year. After a disappointing season on the Gold Coast in which he was regularly scapegoated as a contributing factor who wasn't living up to his price tag, expect Fifita to remind everyone why you shouldn't poke the bear.
We know he can destroy a team almost single handedly. So will the defensive lines of other teams. But despite the planning and strategy sessions, stopping him is another thing entirely. Don't wonder if Fifita is going to have a big World Cup – expect it.
