Italy and Lebanon were the main movers in the men's rankings ©RLIF

Italy and Lebanon were the main movers in the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) men's rankings after the governing body published its last update before the World Cup.

The Italian team have jumped two places to 12th, while Lebanon have broken into the top 20 after rising three spots to 18th.

"It’s really encouraging news on the verge of the tournament, to hear that we are rising in the rankings," Lebanon head coach Brad Fittler said. 

"It’s a great boost as we go into our group games with Australia, England and France and a further yardstick to measure ourselves by - it gives us encouragement to aim even higher and break into the top ten.”

The update from the RLIF comes two days before the World Cup, being jointly-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, gets underway in Melbourne.

Australia are the number one ranked team in the world and go into their home World Cup as one of the favourites ©Getty Images
Australia are the number one ranked team in the world and go into their home World Cup as one of the favourites ©Getty Images

Defending World Cup champions Australia are the current number one-ranked team, followed by New Zealand and then England.

All three nations are in the running to end the year in top spot depending on results at the tournament, which concludes on December 2.

Scotland are likely to retain their position of fourth if they reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

England and Australia are in the same group as they were drawn in Pool A along with France and Lebanon.

The two arch-rivals meet in the opening game on Friday (October 27) at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Pool B is made up of New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland and Tonga, while Pool C comprises Ireland, Papua New Guinea and Wales.

Fiji, Italy and the United States will contest Pool D.

A total of 13 cities across the three countries are due to hold matches.