FOLLOWING the end of the Super League and NRL seasons, attention is now turning towards the Rugby League World Cup 2013 kicking off on October 26.

A new advert has been released featuring England players Gareth Widdop, Sam Burgess, Tom Briscoe, Kevin Sinfield and Sam Tomkins.

Called ‘Get Closer’, it provides an insight into the player’s physical preparations for the tournament and in particular England’s clash with Australia in Cardiff in less than three weeks.

A 30-second version of the advert will air to an estimated 15m people during the England v Poland football match on Tuesday, October 15.

World cup Tournament Manager Sally Bolton said: “The development and broadcast of this advert represents the next step in our marketing of Rugby League World Cup 2013.

“With less than three weeks to go until the Opening Ceremony, the video will raise awareness even further following the comprehensive campaign mounted during the last two years.

“It will thrust Rugby League World Cup 2013 into the consciousness of the British public, be they sports fans or general event-goers. Our ticket sales data suggests that more new fans than ever before will attend matches, and the broadcast of this advert should help us appeal to an even wider audience.”

The Ceremony is followed by the biggest game in international Rugby League as England take on Australia and co-hosts Wales face Italy.