Did anybody know that the Rugby League World Cup kicks off towards the end of this month?

It seems to have been a fairly low-key build up so far, but the powers-that-be are starting to spread the word. Ten teams will compete for the title, although only three have a realistic chance of winning - Australia, New Zealand and England - and even then, the Australians are nailed on certainties to claim the prize.

The international game has always been a challenge in Rugby League. At club level, the Super League (and even the leagues below that) continue to go from strength to strength. Viewing figures are up year on year, and more and more people are getting involved with the sport.

The grass-roots clubs are thriving, and there is even evidence that the influence of the sport is spreading beyond the northern heartland, with the Catalan Dragons having joined the top league, and the Celtic Crusaders taking their bow next year.

However, without a credible international platform, the sport has struggled to attract the major investment required to grow more quickly. There has not been a regular calendar of international fixtures, and many that do take place have not been competitive.

The RFL is trying to address that though, by encouraging more people to take an interest in the sport. Using the World Cup as a springboard for additional exposure and media coverage, they have launched the Try It campaign, aiming to convert today's armchair supporter into tomorrow's England captain.

So don't just sit there and watch - get involved. The RFL is encouraging participation in the four areas of playing, coaching, volunteering and refereeing, so even if you aren't England's next captain, perhaps you'll be refereeing the Grand Final in 2012?

But whatever happens, make sure you are supporting England when the action gets underway on October 25th!