Feb 7th, 2020

Feb 7th, 2020

Rugby league takes its first tentative steps to become an Olympic sport with the launch of the first true World Nines in Samoa next week.

While there have been international nines tournaments in the past, this one has a difference - it will include the world's three most populous countries - China, India and the USA.

The tournament is the brainchild of former Newtown and Balmain coach Paul Broughton - a man in his 80s but still with a deep passion for the game.

He has enlisted the Prime Minister of Samoa, the Honorable Prime Minister Tuilepa Dr Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, as a supporter and he will launch the event in Apia next Tuesday.

Olympics, ANZ Stadium (Getty)

The tournament, to be held in October, will have 12 Nations in the Men's Division and eight in the Women's.

Broughton sees the tournament as the first step towards admission for rugby league nines to the 2032 Olympic Games.

"To be considered for the Olympics, a sport must have a structure of at least 75 nations from four continents for men and 40 nations from three continents for women," Broughton said.

"We believe this tournament will be a success and draw many more countries to league in coming years."

A feature of the event is that almost all of the players will be amateurs.

No NRL or Super League players will be allowed - even in the Australian or English teams.

The Kangaroos will also be the first true Australian team, featuring players from all six states as well as the Northern Territory.