After originally kicking off back in May 2015, only Ireland, Wales, Russia and Italy remain in the hunt for securing one of the three remaining spots at the 2017 World Cup after Serbia and Spain joined the likes of Lativa, Malta, Greece and the Ukraine.
This weekend’s action will kick off at Stadio Brianteo in Monza when the visiting Welsh Dragons will be looking to record their first ever victory over the Italian Azzurri in a Rugby League international.
The Italians, who boast recognised internationals in the form of Terry Campese and Josh Mantellato, have previously defeated the Welsh in Wrexham (2010) and Cardiff (2013) and will be confident heading into this weekend’s clash in front of a home crowd.
The Welsh however have shown in the past that they thrive when considered the underdogs, and will be desperate to return some pride to the Dragons jersey after a less than convincing draw against Jamaica last Friday in Wakefield.
Key players who will need to perform for the Dragons if they are to upset the Italians at home include captain Craig Kopczak and Widnes duo, Gil Dudson and Lloyd White and man of the match against Serbia, Elliot Kear
The second game of the weekend will be held in Bray in Ireland, when the Wolfhounds take on the Russian Bears at 5pm local time.
The Wolfhounds are leaving nothing to chance in this game, adding in Warrington Wolves duo, Joe Philbin and Toby King for the clash as the Irish look to qualify for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance.
Russia will come into Saturday’s game with a plan to ambush the Irish at home, and have already started the process by recruiting a number of Russian ex-pats based in Ireland to attend the match in force.
Nara based five-eighth, Aleksandr Lysokon, will be required by the Russians to have another massive game to give the Bears any chance against the more fancied Irish.
Winners from both games will automatically qualify for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, with both qualifiers to join the Papua New Guinea Kumuls in Group C of the tournament.
The runners up will meet each other in the European Qualifier Play Off next Friday in Leigh, with the winner to join Fiji and the United States in Group D.
