General President of the Rugby League Players Association Dale Cherry-Evans says he believes some Australian players are still keen to go to this year's Rugby League World Cup ©Getty Images

With a decision on the future of the Rugby League World Cup expected in the next couple of days, the General President of the Rugby League Players Association Dale Cherry-Evans says he believes some Australian players are still keen to go to the tournament.

Australian international Cherry-Evans says he understood the Australian Rugby League (ARL)’s decision to withdraw from the World Cup, but added he was disappointed he would not be able to play on a personal level.

"Like everyone who was hoping to get picked, there's definitely a bit of disappointment but there's nothing we can do about it now," said Cherry-Evans, who has played 15 times for his country and was part of the squad that won the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

"The game's made the decision based on player safety and welfare.

"As much as we'd all love to play for Australia and the guys would love to play for New Zealand, it's just not going to be this year.

"While at first I'm disappointed, there's no point in dropping our lip and complaining over it, we've just got to get on with it.

"I know I’ve got my fingers crossed that they might postpone it but it doesn’t look like it."

Australia, holders of the men's and women's titles, are unlikely to defend them if the tournament goes ahead on its scheduled dates this year ©Getty Images
Australia, holders of the men's and women's titles, are unlikely to defend them if the tournament goes ahead on its scheduled dates this year ©Getty Images

Australia and New Zealand both withdrew from the tournament, scheduled to be held in England from October 23 to November 27, earlier this month, citing concerns around player safety and the coronavirus situation in their respective countries.

Rugby League World Cup 2021 chief executive Jon Dutton has said a decision is due this week, with the options of proceeding on the scheduled dates, postponing until 2022 or cancelling the tournament altogether all on the table.

"I can completely understand if they're going to continue the competition," Cherry-Evans added.

"I wouldn't begrudge the people who are making those decisions to continue on, because there's a lot more at stake than just Australia and New Zealand.

"But it would be weird to sit there and watch it and not see Australia and New Zealand involved.

"But COVID times have made for some really weird changes in the last 18 months so this is just another little weird experience we've got to go through."

Although organisers have not officially announced any decision, the Newcastle Chronicle reported today the tournament is expected to be postponed by a year.