World Cup organisers insist they have learnt from the failures of 2000.
World Cup chiefs want to create a legacy for the game
As tickets for the 2008 World Cup go on sale, the tournament's organisers insist they have learnt from the failures of 2000.
Australia will host the 13th World Cup in autumn next year in celebration of 100 years of the game Down Under.
Tickets for the 18 matches went on sale Wednesday and Rugby Football League's executive chairman Richard Lewis, who is also vice-chairman of the International Federation, said advice on planning, marketing and the format had been heeded from the past.
Showcase
"The scar left by the 2000 World Cup is there for all of us," he said. "World Cups don't automatically make a profit and that hasn't been forgotten.
"There has been a lot of lessons learned from the last World Cup. The Tri-Nations has taken the international game up to a new level and next year's World Cup will be a giant step.
"It's going to be an important landmark. The international game has the potential to grow significantly and it will be a good platform to showcase the sport at the highest level.
"It will showcase rugby league at its best by producing close matches with uncertainty over the outcome."
Australia are overwhelming favourites to retain the trophy they have held since 1975, but coach Tony Smith has been charged with the responsibility of leading England to glory, and judging by his start with Great Britain, the nation is sure to be a force.
Alterations
New Zeland are in transition meanwhile, but with three out of four teams from the Super Pool qualifying for the semi-finals, they should have enough to go through.
France, will battle it out with Tonga, Fiji, Ireland, Scotland and a final repechage qualifier for the other semi-final spot.
Tournament director Colin Love added: "We are dedicated to building a legacy for the future of the game.
"We are very confident there will be huge numbers attending the event.
"We have been staggered by the response so far in the UK."
England will kick off the tournament against Papua New Guinea in Townsville on 25th October, the day before the opening ceremony in Sydney.
