It's funny that should be mentioned 're the Aussie's I watch virtually every nrl game each week on prem sports and the commentators do mention on occasion that a particular player may be playing in this year's wc but there is always a slightly dismissive quality to the comment. I'm sure it would be different if it were hosted in Australia, not a dig at the aus, but they would put more iinto it if they were getting more from it.
I think that now more than ever the aus really need and perhaps want a genuine challenge at international level to spark some interest.