With the Rugby League World Cup passing its first round of fixtures, there were a number of stand-out players that, in the next few weeks, have the potential to grab the headlines at the showpiece event.

1. Mitchell Moses - Lebanon

Lebanon came into the 2017 World Cup as an unknown quantity having only previously appeared in one World Cup back in 2000. Few gave them a chance to beat France - a country perhaps more enthusiastic for Rugby Union - in the opening round, but they did just that, notching up an impressive 29-18 defeat.

The man at the hub of everything that the Cedars - Lebanon's nickname - did well was stand-off Mitchell Moses.

Of Lebanese descent, Moses played 16 matches for his NRL club, Parramatta Eels, in the 2017 season. And, despite being just 23, he outshone fellow half-back and legend of the game, Robbie Farah, as well as opposite numbers Theo Fages and William Barthau. The impressive Moses racked up 13 points, including a drop goal to edge Lebanon in front by one and then a brilliant try courtesy of his own chip-and-chase which swung the momentum firmly the way of the Cedars.

If Lebanon is to shock their other two, more formidable, group members in Group A - Australia and England - they need Moses to once again rise to the occasion.

2. Jason Taumalolo - Tonga

Having signed a huge 10-year deal with NRL club, North Queensland Cowboys, in March of this year, Jason Taumalolo is one of the highest-rated players in the sport. Perhaps, however, it was surprising to see him represent Tonga - the nation of his parent's birth - rather than New Zealand - the country of his birth given that he was wearing an All Blacks jersey in the 2016 Four Nations just a year ago.

This decision appeared to spur the giant forward; his performance in Sunday's demolition of Scotland was something else. His brute strength and seemingly unstoppable power sent the Braveheart's defenders flying left, right and centre in a fashion rarely seen on the rugby field.

Fellow Group B rivals, Samoa and New Zealand will need to be wary of this man-mountain. Tonga's clash with the latter especially, promises to be a mouth-watering fixture with Taumalolo certain to be in the limelight once more.

3. Garry Lo - Papua New Guinea

Quite a few of the Kumuls players could have been on this list with the likes of Wellington Albert and David Mead all playing key roles in the demolition of Wales on Saturday morning. But, it is Castleford-bound Lo that makes the grade.

Renown for his try-scoring exploits at his previous clubs - 21 in 24 games for Queensland Cup side, PNG Hunters, and 50 in 46 games for Championship side Sheffield Eagles - it was perhaps a surprise that he failed to dot down against Wales despite his team registering 50 points.

Yet, he was vastly impressive in other aspects of his game - bar one dropped ball which led to the Dragons' only try.

His carrying out of defence was exceptionally strong - in fact, he made the second-most metres in the PNG team (second only to Mead) - and his ability to punch holes through the Welsh defence enabled No.9, Paul Aiton, to take advantage of numerous quick play-of-the-balls to launch yet more offensive at Wales' line.

Lo, however, was not just about brute strength - though he has this in abundance - but he also showed a number of classy touches such as his mazy run and pass to send Albert galloping to the line. A firm fan favourite with the PNG faithful, he rouses the spectators and his fellow players with his outstanding attacking play.

PNG's next two fixtures - Ireland and the USA - will undoubtedly test Lo more so defensively than the Welsh did. All rugby league followers, and in particular, Castleford Tigers' fans, will be looking for Lo to complement his formidable attack with a rock-solid defence.

4. Taane Milne - Fiji

Despite only playing 17 games in two years with NRL club St George Illawarra, Milne was picked by Fiji coach Mick Potter to occupy one of the two centre berths for the Bati; it was a decision that Potter did not regret.

Milne scored two tries, kicked two goals and notched up two try assists in Fiji's thrashing of the USA on Saturday morning. But, the manner in which he finished his tries, his clear understanding with wing partner, Suliasi Vunivalu, and full-back, Kevin Naiqama, and his skilful, silky touches like his kick for Naiqama to score, left many British viewers singing his praises from the very rooftops.

Milne is still only 22 years old; he could be a freakish talent in years to come.

With Italy and Wales left to play in the group stages, Milne has the ability to run riot.

5. Shaun Johnson - New Zealand

Whenever New Zealand is on the international stage, one name continues to crop up: Shaun Johnson. He is the All Black's talisman and the player whom the team look towards to create something special.

Johnson was not the 2014 Golden Boot winner for nothing; his inventive play and tremendous footwork and pace cause problems for any defence - as Samoa found out in their 38-8 drubbing on Saturday morning - whilst his goal-kicking and place-kicking are amongst the world's best. With a try, five goals and two try assists from the weekend and, with Scotland the All Black's next opponents, Johnson - still only 27 years of age - has the potential to cause nightmares for the Bravehearts.