[9] It was announced on 3 August 2014 that 7 of the 8 quarter-finalists from the last World Cup would qualify automatically for the 2017 tournament; hosts Australia and New Zealand, plus England, Fiji, France, Samoa and Scotland.

Papua New Guinea were initially set to be involved in the qualifying competition but were later granted automatic qualification, due to becoming co-hosts of the tournament.

[13] The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League presented to the RLIF in September 2015, requesting to host three matches.

[12] The match officials will be headed by Tony Archer and three coaches: Steve Ganson, Russell Smith and Luke Watts.

[45] The lack of games in New South Wales, the heartland of rugby league in Australia, drew some criticism.

Only one of the 13 confirmed tournament venues was in New South Wales (Sydney Football Stadium) and it is only hosting two group-stage fixtures, both featuring Lebanon.

[46] In the buildup to the Samoa vs. Tonga game in Hamilton, controversy occurred after fans from both countries were caught having brawls in South Auckland.

Italian players James Tedesco and Shannon Wakeman were under investigation by the World Cup integrity unit for a brawl at a Cairns nightclub.

Ireland beat both Italy and Wales and only just lost to Papua New Guinea and didn't qualify for the finals.

Irish captain Liam Finn, said "I don't know if it's unfair, it probably makes sense, but to me: try and explain that to someone who's not rugby league," , "That's how we judge it.

[50] Seven Network was the Australian and worldwide host broadcaster, winning the rights for the event in July 2016, beating the likes of Foxtel and Optus.