The Rugby League International Federation launched the 2008 Rugby League World Cup finals in Brisbane on Thursday, on the eve of the annual ANZAC Day Test match between Australia and New Zealand.

Lebanon's Cedars, in Euro Group 1, have been drawn in Tonga's group, alongside either the repechage team (if Lebanon qualifies directly) or, if Lebanon comes second in Qualifying Group 1, probably Ireland (who are better placed than Russia to win the group). The top four seeds – Australia, New Zealand, England and Papua New Guinea – have been drawn in a 'Super Pool' which will produce three of the semi-finalists.

The month-long tournament, rugby league's thirteenth world cup since 1954, kicks off with an Australia v New Zealand blockbuster on 25 October and ends with the final in Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on 22 November.

"Already the tournament has achieved an enormous amount in promoting the game in developing nations," said Colin Love, chairman of the RLIF. "There's a real sense of anticipation building in those countries still working to qualify. There's enormous enthusiasm for the game internationally and the spirit of World Cups in all sports is to respect the so-called minnows as much as the established stars."

2008 World Cup pools:
Pool 1: Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea
Pool 2: France, Fiji, winner Euro A Pool 2
Pool 3: Tonga, winner repechage, winner Euro A Pool 1

2008 World Cup schedule:
Saturday, October 25: Australia v New Zealand
Sunday Oct 26: England v Papua New Guinea
Sunday October 26: Euro A Pool 1 v Tonga
Sunday October 26: France v Euro A Pool 2
Friday October 31: Fiji v France
Friday Oct 31: Tonga v Repechage
Saturday November 1: New Zealand v Papua New Guinea
Sunday November 2: Australia v England
Wednesday November 5: Euro A Pool 2 v Fiji
Wednesday November 5: Euro A Pool 1 v Repechage
Saturday November 8: England v New Zealand
Sunday November 9: Papua New Guinea v Australia
Monday November 10: Semi-final qualifier for Pool two and Pool three winners
Tuesday November 11: Ranking match, Pool 2 second place v Pool 3 third place
Friday November 14: Ranking match, Pool 2 third place v Pool 3 third place
Friday November 14: Ranking match, Pool 1 fourth place v semi-final qualifier loser
Saturday November 15: Semi-final one
Sunday November 16: Semi-final two
Saturday November 22: Final