The United States are out to "shock the world" as they prepare to make their World Cup debut against the Cook Islands in Bristol on Wednesday night.
The Tomahawks beat Jamaica to qualify for the tournament for the first time and lifted expectations with a shock victory over France in a warm-up match.
The action starts for real at the Memorial Stadium and captain Joseph Paulo says that win in Toulouse has put a spring in the Tomahawks' step.
"People are now looking at us a bit differently," said Parramatta Eels back-rower Paulo.
"We are not just here to make up the numbers, we are here to compete.
"For sure we can do something at this tournament. We really want to and our motto is 'shock the world'. We are just ready to do our thing when we can."
Former Newcastle, Melbourne and Penrith second-rower Clint Newton, who was born in Florida while his golfing father Jack was taking part in the US Open, and Wigan's new signing Eddy Pettybourne will make their Tomahawks debuts.
US coach Terry Matterson, the former Castleford boss, will give a first cap to Wests Tigers hooker Joel Luani, while Wigan centre Anthony Gelling and Catalan Dragons forward Zeb Taia will line up for the Cook Islands.
"We definitely want to win all of our games," said Cook captain Taia, whose side also meet Wales and Tonga in the pool stages.
Cook Islands and the Tomahawks are the last of the 14 teams to begin their campaigns and for Matterson's men it is the start of a gruelling spell of three games in nine days.
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