Rugby League World Cup 2013: X-Factor Attackers Primed for Points This Week

With more than 550 points scored in just a dozen games so far and another nine group matches left to play, one might say the Rugby League World Cup has gotten off to an attacking boom this year.

Averaging 46 points per match, the elite of the rugby league world haven't failed to entertain, and that level of performance has seen certain scoring figures shine above others.

It's a trend that isn't likely to diminish anytime soon, and this week's remaining pool games bring with them another opportunity for the world's biggest assets to excite in England, Ireland and France.

With that being said, read on for a breakdown of just which players are set for an especially prolific week.

Greg Inglis

Opposition: Ireland

One of the main driving forces behind Australia's bid to regain the Rugby League World Cup from New Zealand clutches, Greg Inglis has already shown European shores the kind of talent that makes him such an attraction in the NRL.

The 26-year-old didn't manage to cross the whitewash against Fiji, but it's his opening display versus England that proves his pedigree when on the ball. In particular, Inglis continues to thrive in his partnership alongside Johnathan Thurston.

Ireland have one of the leakiest defences in this year's competition and are coming up against one of the fiercest attacks, headlined by a shrewd Inglis. 

It's a recipe for Thomond Park disaster on the host's part.

Matty Russell

Opposition: United States

Matty Russell has been one of the few reliable faces in Scotland's side this past week, maintaining a 100 percent scoring record when in international colours.

The 20-year-old only made his debut in the tournament opener against Tonga, but he burst onto the scene with aplomb, gliding over from full-back to score twice before following that up with another try against Italy.

Although the youngster's contributions in defence are nowhere near as potent, there's little arguing about his worth when ball's in hand, and the United States conceding an average of 18 points per game looks set to benefit Russell.

Ryan Hall

Opposition: Fiji

As is the case in their union team, Fiji's strengths are centralised mainly around fluid and free-flowing attack, while defence is sometimes a secondary priority.

However, the likes of Australia and England will find that kind of tactic only too easy to break down, as was proven by the Kangaroos in their 34-2 win over the Bati this weekend.

Ryan Hall has managed to score the opening tries of both matches he's played in thus far and would appear to be a fan of taking the initiative, grabbing a 22-minute hat-trick against Ireland this weekend.

The 25-year-old Leeds Rhino is the only Englishman to have scored in back-to-back games at this World Cup, and the promise of coming up against a leaky defence looks tantalising, should Steve McNamara not give his star a rest.