The unveiling of the League of Giants at Circular Quay has kicked off a series of 2017 Rugby League World Cup city activations around Australia.
Each of the eight Australian host cities will celebrate RLWC2017 with local activations and events in the lead up to and during the tournament.
In addition to the city activations, the 14 participating RLWC2017 nations will take part in community activities, including rugby league clinics, school visits, unique host city experiences and much more.
Among the activations being used by the cities to coincide with World Cup matches are:
MELBOURNE
• League of Giants appearing in four unique locations including Federation Square, Queensbridge Square, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium and Harbour Esplanade
• The Arts Centre spire, Melbourne Star, RMIT, Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne Town Hall, Bolte Bridge will all be lit up with red and yellow lights
• Melbourne’s iconic laneways will have have a bespoke installation
CANBERRA
• League of Giants appearing in two unique locations - Canberra Stadium and Gareema Place
• A player signing session at Canberra Centre ahead of the Australia-France match
• Canberra Buses will have a RLWC2017 theme with scripted messages and bunting
BRISBANE
• League of Giants appearing in two unique locations - Reddacliffe Place & Brisbane Stadium
• A RLWC2017 Fan Fest will be held in King George’s Square leading into the Final with all day activities and live entertainment on the Friday night
• Red and yellow lights will splash across Brisbane buildings including the Story Bridge, Roma St Parklands, Kurilpa Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Reddacliffe Place, Brisbane Sign and Brisbane Convention Centre & Exhibition Centre
SYDNEY
• League of Giants appearing in two unique locations – Sydney Football Stadium and Pitt St Mall
• Lebanon opening training session at Belmore Oval
CAIRNS
• The iconic Cairns Lagoon’s fish sculpture will be dressed in team jerseys of those nations visiting
• Big screen on the Esplanade will create mini live site to broadcast other games for locals
• Cairns Library and key CBD streets will be lit up at night with red and yellow lights
TOWNSVILLE
• Street art project by local aerosol artist behind the Seaview Hotel
• James Cook University will host a Pep Rally with Team USA
• Four teams will attend a fan day at The Strand Night Markets
PERTH
• Perth CBD is set to welcome the teams in style with thousands expected to turn out for the official welcome at Forrest Place
DARWIN
• Street art mural featuring Northern Territory RLWC2017 star Will Chambers
• Opportunity to meet the quarter-final teams in Darwin Mall
RLWC2017 Chief Operating Officer Maria Sykes said: "The world’s best are coming to Australia for the Rugby League World Cup and they’ve got some awesome new team-mates - 14 larger than life giant rugby league players designed to surprise and delight.
"From Samoa to the USA, Lebanon to Wales, France to New Zealand, each of these massive units will represent one of the fourteen participating nations in the World Cup.
"Throughout the tournament, the League of Giants will make a huge impact on fans as you get up close and personal with these legends in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane."
Lebanon stars Robbie Farah and Michael Lichaa were on hand for the unveiling of the League of Giants ahead of the Cedars' RLWC2017 matches at Sydney Football Stadium against England on 4 November and Australia on 11 November.
"The Lebanese people are very passionate so I am sure they will turn up in numbers with their flags, and they will be singing and dancing so it will be a great atmosphere," Farah said.
"We are in a tough group with Australia, England and France but having the support of the Lebanese people will really drive us."
