World Cup expands to 14 teams in 2013

Ten teams contested the last World Cup in Australia in 2008 which was pronounced an unqualified success, in sharp contrast to the 2000 tournament in the United Kingdom which comprised 16 teams, produced a host of mis-matches and made a substantial financial loss.

Twelve teams will enter automatically for the next World Cup, which will be staged in the UK, and two more will come from qualifying tournaments in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Initial proposals by the Rugby Football League for a 14-team tournament were met with opposition, but delegates at the Rugby League International Federation meeting in Singapore were impressed by their business plan.

Super League's Richard Silverwood will referee Sunday's Gillette World Club Challenge between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm at Elland Road.

Officials from England and Australia are used alternately for the annual fixture and Melbourne were given the opportunity to choose from a short-list of three Super League referees.

Salford's Stuart Littler has escaped a ban from the RFL Disciplinary Committee after pleading guilty to a careless high tackle on Ryan Bailey of Leeds.

Catalans Dragons' Olivier Elima was given a one-game ban after being sent off for a high tackle on St Helens winger Jonny Lomax last Saturday.