RLWC 2017

In fact the 113kg enforcer wants to make a statement of his own in Cairns tomorrow.

Taumalolo has been public enemy No.1 in New Zealand after sensationally turning his back on the Kiwis to embrace his Tongan heritage.

New Zealand coach David Kidwell hasn't held back, accusing Taumalolo of cowardice for not telling him of the switch to his face.

Kidwell has also refused to guarantee the former Dally M Medallist will be welcomed back into the Kiwi side.

Tournament CEO Andrew Hill, chairman Dr George Peponis, OAM, and Queensland Minister for Education and Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, were on hand to launch the 28-game series that culminates with the final in Brisbane on Saturday, December 2.

The 15th Rugby League World Cup, which was first played in France in 1954, will kick-off in Melbourne on Friday night with the clash of century-old rivals, England and Australia, coached by iconic Queensland league figures Wayne Bennett and Mal Meninga.