The Prime Minister has admired it, the Wales First Minister was impressed by it and the captain of New Zealand actually got his hands on it and State of Mind have been pictured with it.
Now, fans can follow in the footsteps of David Cameron, Carwyn Jones and Benji Marshall by having their photograph taken alongside the sport’s most prized trophy, the Rugby League World Cup at Salford City Stadium on Sunday.
Less than a year out from the kick off of the 14-nation tournament, the famous trophy will be put on display before the final of the 2012 Autumn International Series outside the stadium’s West Stand between 3.30pm and 4.45pm.
The exciting photo opportunity is just one part of a busy pre-match entertainment schedule in the build up to the enticing tournament decider between England and France at Saford’s superbly appointed new home, which is hosting international Rugby League for the first time.
There will also be a chance to play the new Rugby League Live 2 computer game ahead of its worldwide launch at the end of November. Hands-on previews of the new game will take place inside the GameBeast truck, which will also be parked on the West Stand Plaza.
On the pitch, the national anthems will be played by Ottoni Bass and sung by the Salford Choral Society. Ottoni Brass will also play patriotic songs leading up to kick off
To mark Armistice Day, the match ball will be presented to the referee by Sgt Major Martyn Gibbons MBE, who served in the 2ndBattalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and Infantry in the British Army.
Fewer than 500 tickets remain for Sunday’s Autumn International Series final between England and France, which kicks off at 5.00pm and supporters are advised to move quickly to secure their seat for England’s last full international before they start their World Cup campaign on October 26 2013.