Let me start being by proclaiming I am a fan of the Rugby League World Cup.

I know it might come as a shock; especially when you consider it is widely regarded a top commandment in the rugby league rules that they shall hate all post season rugby league tournaments.

But for some reason, the 18-match tournament has struck a chord with me.

It's hard to explain.

As an avid sports lover, I am not naive enough to suggest the tournament is in the same league as the rugby union or soccer World Cups. In comparative terms, it is probably the kid serving popcorn on the concourse, while the real men play on the main field. I am also aware of the many reasons why this tournament shouldn't be on.

The season is too long, the tournament is meaningless, no crowd support, lack of interest and the fact Australia are so far ahead of the rest of the world, it's like Tiger Woods, Rafeal Nadal and Valentino Rossi rolled into one. However, that isn't to suggest is doesn't have its place.

Development, opportunity and honour. These are three key principles which the Rugby World Cup is based on and is why even if Australia win the final 50-0, the tournament is justified and essential.

And while the first two are self explanatory (especially if the game is to strengthen its local and global product), I'd like to focus on the third aspect.

I'd also like to invite the knockers, non-believers and critics to see the pride and passion the players have when they have their nations emblem on their chest.

That's the single greatest honour an athlete can ever have.

It doesn't matter if your team comes in first or last. The players have earned the right to march into a stadium and wave their nation's flag.

Just ask the players who played in the Youth Development Rugby League World Cup at St Marys recently.

The event was organised by New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and featured nine teams of boys under-16 years of age with New Zealand, Aboriginal, Tongan, Lebanese, Italian, Cook Islands, Fijian, and Samoan backgrounds as well as a NSWRL Young achievers side.

And from all reports the day was a great success.