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Personally I think the WC organisers should just come out and say the WC is going ahead and publicly show the covid bio security protocols. Then say they are open to either invitational Australia and NZ sides (whether that be indiginous or Maori sides or not) and then say if that is declined they will be inviting 2 other nations in to compete (maybe US and Serbia) This will show two things A. that the WC is bigger than the ARLC and NZRL and that we have other nations that can come in and play. This WC can easily be a success without Aus and NZ and could actually mean that it is the most widely contested WC of all time, for example Scotland V the USA would be a much better game than Scotland V Australia. The one thing we do have on our side is that RL at any level is a fabulous spectacle

I think (on balance) we will have a World Cup, and that it may well include an Indigenous team. And if it does go ahead, I think it will be a fantastic success. The UK Government’s response has been superb - not just holding the line but directly supportive. It can’t do any harm that we are already emerging from our exit wave, and that even gloomsters on SAGE are being optimistic in public. By now, Vlandys and Gould expected the whole thing to have folded, but they have under estimated their ability to dictate to the world. You cannot over state the significance of Tonga’s staying on board. With PNG solid, that may well be enough for all of the Pacific Nations to hold the line. The ARL and NRL have also effectively treated the Pacific Nations with complete contempt, as well as the NH and the rest of the world, and that looks to have failed. It is one thing announcing that they’re not going, and everyone caving in, but to prevent this taking place may well require them to effectively force players not to go who could play for other countries. If there is one thing that could unite the Pacific nations it would be being dictated to in that way. This has not panned out as they expected, and there is a lot still to play for. Choosing Gould as the ambassador to make their case is something of a godsend to us, as he is so obviously a fool.

good on him

So the concensous is we play the World Cup this year regardless?

One positive for me out of all this is that many Australians do care about the international game and want to see it thrive. The likes of Rocket and Jim on here have shown how much they care and there are masses of comments on social media showing people don't agree with what has happened. The majority do have the games best interests at heart, its just those in the positions of power don't give a damn. It is though pretty alarming how much disconnect there seems to be generally between those that run the game and fans and players. I also include the UK in this.

This is huge and what I've been longing for. This is the biggest name we could have got saying this and the man responsible for the spurring on the development of the PI countries. Game on: Tonga stalwart Jason Taumalolo says he intends to play in the 2021 World Cup in England despite the withdrawal of New Zealand and Australia and he expects his team-mates to follow suit. Speaking via zoom at a North Queensland Cowboys press conference in Townsville on Tuesday, Taumalolo echoed the words of Tonga coach Kristian Woolf, the St Helens boss, who insisted at a time when the tournament hung in the balance that his players were still committed to it. “It’s obviously a tough one given the circumstances that’s happened around it and the situation that different countries have been put in,” he said. “I myself am still going over to play in the World Cup. “It’s obviously disappointing to have Australia and New Zealand pull out but two countries pulling out doesn’t really hamper what the game is all about. “It’s about international footy and getting other countries and nations ready to play each other. “Obviously I can’t change anything, I’ve just got to roll with it I guess.” https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/tonga-star-jason-taumalolo-committed-to-playing-in-world-cup/

You're right, it's absolutely not a given. It's quite possible that if this world cup is cancelled, that's it, at least for the full scale version. At best we might get a miserable ersatz NRL version which would be the Pacific series with GB and France bolted on. Which is why I've come round to the view that if we can get the buy in from the Pacific teams, the BBC and the government, then we should go ahead. Even if we just avoid losing money, it would be worth it to keep the prospect of a better future alive.

I'm just hoping Tonga v Somoa meet somewhere in the tournament The anthems / the pre war dance / the skill / the collisions / open rugby league - beats SOO - that is mate against mate at its best - gives me goose bumps

They could dig out the old Australia SL strip design to really ###### off Gus and his pals.

Disappointing but players are entitled to a opinion. We are obsessed with the Aussies over here; utterly obsessed and you hear that in Hill's words (and McGilvary the other night). We need to break that obsession as a sport and country.

Well said James:

Its Gould's "we owe them nothing" comment that sticks in the throat.. you may think that but its not us you owe its all the smaller nations, its the international game, its the fact its a world cup! he then goes on with "delay it 12 months, 2 years, there'll always be another world cup".. well actually thats not a given Phil for a start.. equally there may be another world cup but for a player there often isnt.. the majority of international players get one world cup at most its rare that players play in multiple world cups/olympics etc THAT is why they are special... If i were a player with a chance to play, for a large or small nation, and he was saying that i'd be throwing things at the tv or just throwing the tv around.. what an arrogant, self centred ....... (noting John saying about the sweary filter i wont finish the sentence but this is the one time that your point is worth making with a swear word!).

I now disagree with myself. The Aussies are small minded selfish idiots. This has nothing to do with covid and all to do with NRL pre season. Have the WC without them - invite the Aborigines and Maori…

I completely agree. There should certainly be no NZ tour, as I have previously said I'm sick of them being the default option anyway. Get Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and PNG across for a 6 nations with France. Reward all the PI countries and split profits. Get it organised and sell and promote tickets during the RLWC. Play France games in France to help them build for the 2025 World Cup.

Christian Welsh just on the BBC news saying that even though it wouldn’t have been as enjoyable as a pre pandemic World Cup given the restrictions, many players really were looking forward to playing. I don’t think the debate is over yet and there might even be a player revolt which forces the Australian and NZ authorities to rethink. As a wild card there may be ‘independent’ initiatives as in the non official Russian Russians in the Olympics in which the players somehow come irrespective of their ruling bodies. Otherwise, as most people are saying, stuff them- let’s go it alone.

It is, and it will be interesting to see how this will play out. I'd love them to stand firm and deliver an excellent world cup without them. They are being made to look like idiots at the moment, but if we just fold and postpone, they will be proven right and will get their way, and ultimately demonstrate where the power lies. If we hold firm, this could be a similar look to the European football teams and the Super League power grab attempt.

It’s NZ I’m more disappointed with. The Aussies are just being Aussies

Jason Taumalolo's support was always going to be crucial. And, whatever happens now, the great man did not disappoint. A modern-day Messenger without a doubt. He's God's gift to Tongan and international rugby league.

No postponement and if any plans had been drafted for next year involving Australia or NZ I’d scrap them now or very soon if I were England. I believe NZ were due to tour UK, I’d replace that with a Euro Cup and inviting one or two of the Pacific nations to tour instead, assuming they stay on board for the World Cup.

The World Cup organisers need to put the pressure back on Australia and New Zealand. The next announcement should be that the World Cup is going ahead, with the 2 sides given until August 6th (end of next week) to re-enter the tournament before they are replaced with other sides.

We need more of this! The next day or two will be crucial. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/57980708

I think the fact that they are wheeling Beattie out means they are feeling the pressure. Can`t underestimate the importance of Jason Taumololo speaking out as well, lot of the young blokes will listen to him and with Grant publicly pushing back like he is, will be causing no end of discomfort. BTW. the comments section attached to the article I posted was full of scathing comments about the NRL`s stance and that`s from Australians !

https://www.zerotackle.com/its-about-international-footy-taumalolo-wont-miss-world-cup-despite-australia-call-107695/

I really hope this WC still goes ahead, even without them. If the players are on board, there could be major backlash on the ARLC and NZ that will weaken them for years. If players lose trust in ARLC & NZ, and then choose to play for other nations as a result, we could see a strengthening of other nations. It all depends on the players really. Look at Tonga and his their players are happy to reject Aus & NZ. If this happens for other nations, we may just see that first choice being affected for years to come. NZ are already struggling because of the surge of Tonga. I'm trying to be positive. As long as we give these nations opportunities to play, the NRL can't do anything to prevent them playing.

This... it would cause a right old stink Down Under. So all for it.

They are a genuine team in their own right as are the Maoris. Might just be the right time to step out of Australia’s shadow. Playing for their nation, representing their forefathers, showcasing their culture.

I want the World Cup to proceed now more than anything. The attitude of the NRL, V'landys and people like Gould over the last week has convinced me that you cannot appease these people and attempts to do so will be disastrous for the game in the long run I would be gutted if its postponed. Taumalolo's support is huge, to the extent that I think it could get all PI nations on board. We certainly need to make it worthwhile for them to say yes. If they are on board then the World Cup simply has to proceed this year and if it does it will be great.

You can just imagine the conversation a few years from now. "Hello. We're the Australian Olympic Committee and we'd like to have Rugby League in the 2032 Olympics." "Are you the fellas who couldn't even be bothered to turn up for your own World Cup?" "Yes, that's us." "Well, no then."

Those teams along with the Pacific Island teams , and all the cultural attachments , would be really something . The sport could make a lot of that and turn a negative into a big positive

I’d love to see England really go for it and show what can be done without Aus & NZ. Games against Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, PNG, Cook Islands, Jamaica, France, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy should all be in the mix and hopefully 5-6 games a year including mid-season and post season. In particular I think England & France should be coming together to create a regular 2 or 3 game series that will hopefully one day be a great rivalry, the key is persistence and what better time to start with France hopefully hosting the 25 World Cup. I also hope the fans can show this year and next that they’ll back these types of games too, even if England beat Wales by 80 it shouldn’t matter. Support Internationals by supporting England whoever they may play because it may be a while before the traditional opponents are seen in the Northern Hemisphere again after this debacle. No more LSV on a Tuesday, 20-25k grounds should be the minimum for an England test no matter the opponent. I wouldn’t exactly say it’s a blessing in disguise but at least it’s on the table now and England can go forward with different plans then just Aus/NZ tours every other year. If handled well it could lead to bigger and better things in the medium-long term, the status quo has been broken and I personally think it was getting stale anyway.

Love Big Jason - I get the feeling that if he makes the call all of the Tongan players will respond, and they're a bloomin great team. You get the sense that the Pacific Islanders recognise the honour of playing for their country more than most. A couple of texts to Samoa and Fiji and the planes will be full. I double dare Gus to tell them that they shouldn't be playing for their countries.

If the players get their way Australia and New Zealand (Or even replacement teams come from down under) along with ALL the other countries coming from there we must make sure that they have a FANS standing ovation at each match no matter who one supports. Paul

It's also given the WC lots of publicity. I imagine there will be a lot of nationwide media coverage when the official WC announcement is given. If they announce its still happening then the WC organisers should be able to use all the publicity to sell lots of tickets

Me too,I was planning on just a couple up and down trips on the day for games ... However if it happens now I'll commit to having sleepover weekends up north all throughout the tournament and watch as many as I can...

It's not to do with who they're sending, but who is sending them. The ARLC & NZ won't be sending anyone. The players can join other organisations or come together to make an invitational team should they be accepted.

The worst part of that Gould clip for me is when he said he hopes there is some international footy at the end of the year for the players - there already is Phil you absolute person who I hold in very low esteem

There appears to be an interesting tesion between those coaches / administrators who have ever been involved in International RL and those who haven't, with the latter very happy to remove opportunity from players.

My hero of the day. He is right about the possibility of a new name on the cup, this is a huge opportunity for one of the PI nations to win it and that is no doubt driving player interest. That makes it tougher for any PI nation to pull out under ARL pressure as well as they do risk open player revolt.

Good on Jason His decision to defect to Tonga before the last world cup lit the spark that started the resurgence in the Pacific Nations. Just need more to become public now

Also remember when the NRL competition finishes 8 teams will not be in finals football contention & after each week 2 teams bow out. So some eligible players will not be playing for 4 weeks probably having a few weeks break before joining there respective countries training camp. The rugby league world cup some teams will only play 3 matches - 6 if you make it to the final. I'll thrown in a lead up friendly match for most countries as well. So can you see that the way the NRL is spinning this is it sounds like players will be playing up until grand final and then up until the final of the world cup. Yes a small % will - good luck to them if you make a NRL grand final and final of a world cup. But most players in the NRL & the world cup will be playing max 3-4 matches after september - you don't hear that being mentioned.

Sadly if I were the IOC that is exactly how the conversation would be going.. as it would with any sport where this happened.

Anything we can do to do that is fine with me

The indigenous teams are the genuine teams. Their lands were stolen by a bunch of convicts

Now that has to happen if they do come, it would be amazing and would get some massive headlines.

If anything it would open up important discussions on Australia and NZ - the BBC and broadsheets will love it. I'm sure the governments in Aus/NZ will love it too and will thank Peter V'landys and the ARLC personally for his stance on the Kangaroos participation.

I agree regarding Troy Grant, when he was appointed I thought "oh, another NRL stooge", but it looks like I was completely wrong about him.

Never heard of a World Players Union, I think that's an error. However, this has just come out from Christian Welch who is a RLPA director, they sound pretty cheesed off by the decision: Rugby League World Cup: Players' union criticises Australia and New Zealand withdrawal - BBC Sport

Entirely right. The idea that a World Cup is about 'us' or 'them', wherever that rhetoric comes from, is what holds the sport back. Everyone benefits from a successful World Cup... or at least everyone would benefit if they were able to identify and leverage the opportunity. The point is that the leadership of the game in Australia is actually demonstrating its lack of vision and strategic thinking here... something they have been recently praised for and are now reversing that perception.

I believe V'landys is using him as a mouthpiece. He's saying the things V'landys is too politically astute to say for himself. Gould is a just a pig of a man who doesn't care what other people think of him. He believes he is unassailable.

I see Cherry-Evans has popped up a couple of times now. Isn't he the Aus captain? His last (and only) chance to captain his country in a WC on the other side of the world. I'd be letting rip if I was in his shoes. What does he have to lose?