Australia to open rugby league title defense vs Fiji in 2021

 Australia will begin defense of its Rugby League World Cup crown against Fiji in Hull next year.

2017 champion's first match — a rematch of ir 2017 semifinal — will be on Oct. 23, just hours after tournament's opening match between host England and Samoa at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

Australia, which has won 11 of 15 men's World Cups, also faces Scotland in Coventry, and Italy in St. Helens in Group B.

England will also face France in Bolton and debutant Greece in Sheffield in Group A.

New Zealand, 2008 champion, has Leban in Warrington, and Jamaica and Ireland in Leeds in Group C.

Tonga, a semifinalist in 2017, hes Group D with Papua New Guinea, Wales and Cook Islands.

Rugby League World Cup is combining with women's and wheelchair competitions for first time.

women begin on v. 9 in Leeds, and wheelchair on v. 11 in Copper Box at 2012 Olympics site in London.

Old Trafford in Manchester will host men's and women's doubleheer final on v. 27.