Italy claimed the 14th and final spot for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup after their play-off win over Russia. The Azzurri thrashed the Russian Bears at the Leigh Sports Village 76-0, which means they qualify for their second successive World Cup.Andrew Hill, CEO of the Rugby League World Cup, believes next years event will be one of the strongest tournaments in the sports history.The 2017 tournament will feature the greatest rugby league players from across the world, all aiming to win what will be the most competitive World Cup ever, he said.Fans are in for a real treat and should not delay in securing their tickets for this exciting international event.Australia and New Zealand will co-host the tournament, with three pool games taking place in Papua New Guinea, from October 27 to December 2.Italy will be in Pool D of the draw and will play their matches in Cairns, Townsville and Canberra.Seven of the 22-man Italy squad play their club rugby in Australia and are widely expected to receive strong support at next years event.The 14 nations who will compete at the Rugby League World Cup are: Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, Tonga, USA and Wales. Also See: Sculthorpe joins England McShane extends Cas deal Widdop dropped by England Tilse extends Hull KR stay Kendall Graveman Cubs Jersey . That gave fans outside Joe Louis Arena another chance to ask for autographs from the 19-year-old whose stardom in the NHL has arrived earlier than most expected. Bill Buckner Jersey . Brazilian national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that the veteran goalkeeper is set to join Toronto on loan, saying it will help him be ready for the World Cup. https://www.cheapcubs.com/530t-benito-santiago-jersey-cubs.html . To the surprise of many, it isnt the Wolverines but their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. Anthony Rizzo Cubs Jersey . -- Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts will likely be a game-time decision whether hell play Sunday in the Jaguars home game against the San Diego Chargers. Stitched Cubs Jerseys . - The Washington Redskins have cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Chiefs safety Eric Berry signed his franchise tender and reported to camp Sunday, though he is almost certain to miss Kansas Citys preseason finale against Green Bay this week.Berry was given the franchise tag early in the offseason but had not signed the deal, which means he could skip all of training camp without being fined. The deal will pay him just over $10.8 million this season, making him the leagues highest-paid safety.Kansas City plays its first regular-season game Sept. 11 against San Diego.Berry played in every game last season, less than a year after he was diagnosed with cancer. He made 55 tackles, a pair of interceptions and resumed his role as the heart and soul of the defense.I said, `You dont count the fish till its in the boat. So, fish is in the boat, right? coach Andy Reid said. Hes here. Its good to have him back. Hes got a smile on his face, and hes ready to go. Thats the important thing that we get him back in, and get him going and get him into football shape now. Hes in great shape, but just get him into football shape.Berry probably wont play in Thursdays preseason finale.Well likely just give hhim time within practice to get himself ready for the opener, Reid said.ddddddddddddThe Chiefs had hoped to sign Berry to a long-term deal in the offseason, but the two sides were never close to reaching an agreement by the July 15 deadline. The Chiefs remain optimistic they can sign him after this season, though Berry will demand a premium on the free-agent market.It was somewhat surprising that the sides were so far apart, given the goodwill between them.The Chiefs stood by Berry when he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and general manager John Dorsey and others in the front office regularly visited him in Atlanta during treatment. Meanwhile, Berry has been steadfast in his love for the Chiefs, who made him a first-round pick out of Tennessee.Berry played in every game last season, less than a year after his cancer diagnosis. He made 55 tackles, had a pair of interceptions and resumed his role as the heart and soul of the defense.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '