Chief ambassador Sir Peter Leitch, an established businessman best known for his promotion of the sport in New Zealand, gave the first of a 100-strong team, who will serve as volunteers, their uniforms at the event.

New Zealand is co-hosting the tournament, due to run from October 27 to December 2, with Australia, while three matches will also be staged in Papua New Guinea.

"Our Rugby League World Cup community ambassadors are passionate advocates of the sport and understand the positive role rugby league plays in the community," Organising Committee chief executive Andrew Hill said.

"The successful delivery of this year’s Rugby League World Cup will be in large part to the role of our community ambassadors.

"These passionate volunteers will help the Organising Committee promote the tournament throughout their communities and assist in the execution of World Cup events.

"This year’s tournament will be the most attended, most watched and most anticipated Rugby League World Cup in history, and one that will leave a lasting legacy for rugby league in New Zealand."

Organisers expect more than 450,000 fans will attend matches across the competition.

Australia, England, Lebanon and France make up Group A, while New Zealand, Scotland, Samoa and Tonga were drawn in Group B.

Papua New Guinea, Wales and Ireland are the three nations in Group C.

Group D features Fiji, the United States and Italy.

The Organising Committee recently confirmed matches in Papua New Guinea would be held at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Canberra, Cairns, Brisbane, Townsville, Perth and Darwin are the Australian host cities, while Christchurch and Wellington in New Zealand are also due to stage matches.