rlno1

But it is in a position of being number one in NSW and QLD

You pretty much did

Not at all. I'm well aware of the disadvantage that the UK game has. Whilst the game may not become the number one code in the UK it can grow which is what it did under David Oxley in the period he was in charge from the nadir of the early to mid seventies.

Yes the Super League War came. In the UK a similar thing happened in the early to mid 1970s the game was pretty much at a very low point enter David Oxley and he built the game back up. However to do this the UK needs the national team to do well and incoming tours. The Wembley test v Australia in 1973 drew 9700 by 1994 the same test drew 57,400 and the 1992 WC Final a full house. The UK doesn't have the same luxuries or advantages that Australia has, for one there is no premier league in Australia to compete with.

I can go back to 1983, the season after the Invincibles came home, when the game hit rock bottom. Blow out scores, only two teams in the race for the title, violence on the field eg Les Boyd elbow, low crowds the game season average was 6,996, clubs going broke particularly Cronulla Wests and Newtown, the league had an unworkable 40 plus man committee which the public lacked confidence in and most importantly the boss of the league had to resign due to corruption allegations that nearly brought down the NSW government at the time. The game was at a low point, enter Quayle and Arthurson within 10 years the game was the number one football code in Australia. It can be done.

Which is ironic for the Cook Islands as they have had a consistent league with juniors since the early 1980's.

Gees Australian Rugby League coaches are pathetic. Can they not see the greater good of the game over their own self interest and win loss record. Also does RL have no concept of perception. We need an international system particularly in Aust and Pacific set up with Under 18, under 20 into seniors. This allows the international game to grow and the public to grow with it. End the nation swapping it's BS. If say a Brian To'o plays junior league in Australia he can play Origin but is eligible for Samoa the nation of his choice that is it. Also need administrators who care about more than just Origin, the broadcaster and a quick buck.

The goal is to end or slow the nation hopping which is a blight on the credibility of the international game. I think we all want the international game to grow and for this to end. Do you not agree? if you have a better suggestion to end the ridiculous situation we have post season every year I am quite happy to read it.

Great so you agree the leaders need to take charge and develop a plan to avoid this nonsense every year of players switching nations.

Nothing stays the same, just because it is this way today doesn't mean it won't or can't change in the future. International league in Australia NZ etc is run by the NRL and will continue to do so, the wheels of change have started. They are now in partnership with the broadcasters which wasn't the case pre V'landys as has been seen this year in the NRL so more money is pouring into the game. There is way more positivity and growth occuring. Origin is stopping Tonga and Samoa from being Tier one nations which would stop alot of the player swapping because the NRL doesn't want to make players choose between state and country. So I am saying change the rule to allow Tier one players who played junior football in Australia to play Origin.

Actually it does, it holds back the international game from committing to allow Tonga and Samoa to be Tier 1 teams because they don't want to lose players to Origin thus affecting the PI nations. Change origin rules.

Not at all, I didn't say that at all this is your interpretation. I said we have weak leadership rather then setting up a strong transparent structure that will avoid these issues they do nothing. They protect origin by not changing the rules for that competition which flows onto the international game. De Belin last year said he didn't feel like a PNGer but because he is mates with the coach this year he decides to play. Its BS. I'd like to see the game develop pacific competitions at the junior level 18's 20s that go hand in hand with the senior international teams this would lock players into these nations and they would grow with the countries. Also the public would identify with them and their nation. Make Tonga and Samoa Tier 1. Change the Origin rules so players can play for other nations and play Origin if they played junior football in NSW or Qld at a certain age.

So Jack de Belin now feels like he is a PNGer. Frizell now playing for his 3rd country. Players who played in the WC last year now playing for other nations. It really shows a lack of leadership from the game to fix these issues because they dont want to compromise or hurt origin. It devalues the international game

Gus Gould was on The Bloke in a Bar podcast this week. He gave his thoughts on international league it's at the end around the 1hr 36min when he is talking about a 20 team NRL then into International RL.

He was a former player and French captain in 1984. Hopefully he does well, he has a huge task ahead of him.

They have a competition in PNG. They fund a minor nations world cup. AFL does grow it's game. https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/pacific-afl-showdown-tween-nauru-and-png-ends-n-double-upset/102574080

Indeed they would support it. I think each club in the AFL is allowed a player from overseas. Rugby League is ruined by self interest. RL today is all about profit I saw an old interviewwith Ken Arthurson from the mid 80's saying how Australia would never turn their back on France.....how times have changed.

No, Mortimer toured only in 1982. That player is the Qld half Greg Oliphant who was playing with Redcliffe at the time.

No, they have other sports that interest them.

The Australian players are from top Greg Oliphant, Craig Young and Bob Fulton.....not sure of the one in bottom left corner in number 4?

No obviously not. Was thinking more of their back catalogue would be interested to see what they had.

I use to buy matches from this company. Just wondering if they are still around?

Exactly

They win it however Huddersfield, salford, castleford have gone close.

Surely having a champions league style Challenge Cup will just have all the big boys making the final. Getting a one off upset is what makes the Cup great.