Familiar faces in Maori side
MAORI
Represtenting the 'Maori Nation', the Maori go into the tournament with one of the strongest sides on paper despite losing some of their talent to Frank Endacott's New Zealand line-up.
Led by Warrington Wolves loose-forward Tawera Nikau, the Maori's have a mix of experienced Super League stars along with seasoned NRL performers.
St Helens' Shaun Hoppe and Warrington's try-scoring sensation Tua Kohe-Love provide a potent threat in the three-quarter line.
Another potential star man is Huddersfield half back Gene Ngamu, who combines good hands, an excellent kicking game and strong running to make the play for Cameron Bell's men.
The forward line-up is a mix of youth and experience combining the heavy-hitting strength of young prop Jason Cayless with the useful big match experience of ex-Test regular Tyran Smith.
Second favourites to qualify from Group Four, Bell's side kick off their campaign against the Scots at Firhill Park before taking on Samoa in a crunch clash a Workington Town's Derwent Park.
This may be their World Cup debut but they are not shy of big match experience.
Regulars in the Pacific Cup for many years, the Maoris have caused problems for a many a touring side - including against Great Britain in the curtain-raiser to last year's Tri-series Grand Final in Auckland.