MSW87

I’m not debating this. I noted in my original post (pg. 49) that this is sport and all part of the experience. However i do lament the failure of British/ English rugby league to grasp opportunities to inspire and grow engagement/ enthusiasm around the game. In this instance because we didn’t show up - subsequently beaten by the better team, this in contrast to 2013 where we turned up against NZ, were evenly matched only to be undone by a piece of individual brilliant.

I would agree the BBC have done a wonderful job of coverage; the women’s, PDRL and Wheelchair game has certainly benefitted, my argument is the coverage and discussion generated by and England Australia final would have been far greater for the sport and reached a non-core audience. Instead, the final will register little beyond the core audience. An opportunity lost.

Another heartbreaking result. Beyond the game itself, what hurts the most is we have twice had opportunities to capture the public imagination at a home World Cup (2013/2022) and fallen at the semi final stage. In 2013, the manner in which we lost hurt - but the fact that it was two world class teams, going toe-to-toe and leaving everything on the pitch still left me with a feeling of pride. This time, while I acknowledge Samoa have world class players, England didn’t perform. Samoa were deserved winners but we have passed up a golden opportunity to generate interest in the sport. Rugby league in the UK seems to have a spectacular ability to take every chance it has to promote, grow or show the sport in a positive light and send it up in smoke. I normally try to grasp a positive but on this occasion i’m bereft. I am afraid my seat for the final will remain empty. The Rugby League can have my money but I’m not sure i can give them my heart - it aches too much. I hope the sands of time lessen the pain but in hours that have passed since the game it isn’t getting any easier. I know this is why we watch sport and hope that one day it makes the highs even sweeter, and the perpetual suffering as an England and GB fan is part of this experience, but the impact is has to the growth of our great sport is something I struggle to bare.