With less than a fortnight to go until the 2013 Rugby League World Cup kicks off, the sides are putting the finishing touches to their preparation at home before flying to the UK.
This week, the Australian Kangaroos met with members of the 1963 Kangaroos side, which was the first Green and Gold team to win the Ashes rugby league test in England.
1963 Kangaroos player Noel Kelly says the trips overseas now are very different to what they were back in 1963, but the pride in the jerseys is still the same.
"Back in 1963 we spent four months away, in 1959 it was five and a half months [away from home], these trips are now just seven weeks maximum," Kelly said.
Parramatta Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne will make his return to the Kangaroos, after being named in the side earlier this month. See the full Kangaroos team here.
Rugby league icon Arthur Summons, who was the captain-coach of the 1963 Kangaroos side, says the honour in being named in an Australian team to play overseas is a highlight of his, and all other players' careers.
"To play for your country was one thing, but to go on a tour with a bunch of blokes is the pinnacle of sporting life," Summons said.
The Kangaroos will fly to England on Monday, ahead of their first match against the home side on Saturday, October 26.
Click here to see our hub with information, articles, photos and video about all seven Parramatta Eels players heading over to the World Cup, representing six different nations!
This week, the Australian Kangaroos met with members of the 1963 Kangaroos side, which was the first Green and Gold team to win the Ashes rugby league test in England.
1963 Kangaroos player Noel Kelly says the trips overseas now are very different to what they were back in 1963, but the pride in the jerseys is still the same.
"Back in 1963 we spent four months away, in 1959 it was five and a half months [away from home], these trips are now just seven weeks maximum," Kelly said.
Parramatta Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne will make his return to the Kangaroos, after being named in the side earlier this month. See the full Kangaroos team here.
Rugby league icon Arthur Summons, who was the captain-coach of the 1963 Kangaroos side, says the honour in being named in an Australian team to play overseas is a highlight of his, and all other players' careers.
"To play for your country was one thing, but to go on a tour with a bunch of blokes is the pinnacle of sporting life," Summons said.
The Kangaroos will fly to England on Monday, ahead of their first match against the home side on Saturday, October 26.
Click here to see our hub with information, articles, photos and video about all seven Parramatta Eels players heading over to the World Cup, representing six different nations!
