Michael Brown, the chief executive of the event which will be co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from October to December, unveiled the logo with current and future rugby league stars at a South Sydney Rabbitohs community clinic.

Meanwhile in New Zealand, Kiwi stars joined players at a local rugby league clinic in Auckland to celebrate the milestone.

The logo was designed in consultation with cultural leaders from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. 

It is said to represent the movement, agility and power of the sport, blending together the trophy as the ultimate prize of the event, the colours of the host nations and their cultures.

"Rugby league has never been stronger here and around the world with more people watching and playing the game than ever before," Brown said.

"We want the Rugby League World Cup to be a great celebration - not just for the players but we want to celebrate the diversity of the countries and cultures playing the game.

"It is important we give fans of all the nations playing in the Rugby League World Cup the opportunity to be part of a great experience and we want them to bring their culture, their heritage and their passion to the games.

"The logo we have revealed not only represents the diversity of the hosting partners - Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea - but it also represents the speed and movement of the game.

"The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle event on the international calendar and I know players are passionate about representing their country on the world stage."

The world’s best 14 nations are set to compete in rugby league’s flagship event, which is due to feature a total of 28 matches.

Three pool matches will be played in Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby, while the remaining fixtures will be allocated following consultation with potential host cities in Australia and New Zealand.

Brown confirmed that the intention is to play the Women’s World Cup simultaneously in a bid to make the tournament "a true celebration of diversity".

"With more than 180,000 women and girls now playing and over 2.1 million female fans following the game in Australia alone, there is no better time to celebrate the women's game," he said.

Brown also welcomed the appointment of two new 2017 Rugby League World Cup Board members with Dr George Peponis hired as chairman and Andrew Fraser joining as the second representative of the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC). 

Peponis is a former captain of the Australian national side and currently chairman of the Canterbury League Club and New South Wales Rugby League.

Meanwhile, Fraser is the former deputy premier and treasurer of Queensland and is currently National Rugby League head of strategy and investment as ARLC nominated director.

"I am delighted both Dr Peponis and Andrew Fraser have agreed to join the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Board," Brown said.

"They will bring with them an exceptional understanding of the game and great administrative experience that will help us to deliver a successful tournament in 2017."

Peponis and Fraser join Garry Fissenden, the chairman of New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL), on the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Board.

Also on the Board is NZRL director John Bishop, Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) chief executive David Collier and RLIF chairman Nigel Wood.



Related stories
October 2015: Port Moresby to host Rugby League World Cup matches
February 2014: Australia and New Zealand to co-host 2017 Rugby League World Cup
October 2013: South Africa to face joint bid from Australia and New Zealand to host 2017 Rugby League World Cup