londonrlfan

Sad that they've caved into the NRL bullies and they've destroyed the sport, confirming the NRL are bigger than the sport. Anyone who thinks there will be a World Cup in 2022, or even 2025, is delusional. This was never about covid.

We need more "non RL" people involved in the sport, like Richard Lewis was.

That wasn't his fault. Let's not pretend that the Aussies haven't been threatening this for years. Just this time, they haven't got their own way (yet).

Why do I get the feeling he'll be this year's Sally Bolton? Hopefully he will stay in RL. Well whatever happens now, at least we shown a bit of balls and came out fighting. In previous years, we'd have just cowered to the demands of the NRL and cancel the tournament straight away.

The NRL can't even grow in Australia! Where are the sides in Perth and Adelaide? But they're going to grow the sport globally? What have the NRL ever done to grow RL globally? They have the biggest market in the world on their doorstep and have done nothing. Even the AFL have gone to China. The RFL, while not perfect, have done far more for the sport. Brought French, Welsh and Canadian clubs into the professional game. Brought Serbian and Russian clubs into the Challenge Cup. Agreed to take internationals to the USA. The RFL funded RLEF has resulted in the global spread of RL over the last decade. Maybe the RFL should take over running the IRL?

Are the NRL really delusional that they think having Australia as the only country playing RL will enable their brand to grow? Australia has a sport that only they play in AFL and it is not a blip on the world sporting radar. RL spreading globally would help the NRL grow stronger commercially.

I'd agree that was the end point for them. Let's look at the Australian "roll of honour" over the last 5 years: 2016: Ended the 4 Nations in favour of 3 tests series and NRL run 9s tournament 2017: Ran the RLWC at a loss putting back development of RL across the globe 2018: Tried to sabotage the Denver test, resulting in the 2025 RLWC not happening in US/Canada 2019: Refused to play GB, despite begging for them to be brought back 2020: Refused to play at all 2021: Trying to destroy a RLWC which would have brought £25m to the sport

It was obvious from day one that it was never about covid. They're just embarrassing themselves now if they keep pushing that narrative. Just come out and be honest that they don't want international RL to exist.

Australia losing to NZ and Tonga has taken away massively from SOO. How can origin be the "pinnacle" when Australia aren't even the best?

Spot on and echoes what I've been saying for years. The NRL want to destroy internationals, as they see it as a threat to their beloved NRL and SOO, even though it's the same sport. They will come for SL next, as they don't want any competition. I've been saying for years they want to be like the NFL, the only problem is the NFL is a global product and the US is a much bigger market than Australia. They're essentially a poor man's AFL now.

They don't want internationals played period. They just want NRL and SOO. Good luck with that when the best players leave for union in droves.

2023 is the Union World Cup, so it'll have to be moved to 2024 instead.

I'm not suggesting that. We got 20k in Coventry before, so why not go back?

There won't be any money if the WC doesn't go ahead.

Well because you seem to be against the idea of playing NH teams more. I was just wondering what you would think the way forward is.

Without internationals, the RFL will be in an even worse position.

And what do you suggest instead? No international RL = no RL How much did the first 4 Nations make out of interest?

Sometimes you have to make a loss to start something. No one immediately starts out with a huge profit. Advertising and sponsorship would help cover the shortfall.

So what do you suggest instead then? Sitting around waiting to see if the NRL say yes?

It was small time, because the RFL made it so. Playing at Anfield, Wembley, Old Trafford, St James', Olympic Stadium is what makes international RL look important.

Again, this would be in a major 4 Nations type tournament, not a one off friendly. My issue with playing in London, is the RFL only advertise in Wigan and Hull to RL fans, who are aware the match is taking place already. You need advertise it in London and be smart with advertising. RL fans might not be interested as they think it'll be one sided, but casual fans wouldn't have a clue. They'd just see England v France and assume it'd be a good game as France are a big sporting nation. Plus playing at the Olympic Stadium draws people in as it's seen as an event. I don't see why it wouldn't do as well as playing Australia and NZ. But we won't know without trying.

You do realise most of those were small time matches played in park fields? You give them big games in proper tournaments and more players will start "putting their hand up" (as the saying goes).

It won't be cancelled, but we need to plan for life without the NRL for future internationals and tournaments. They have held IRL back for too long now.

England v Australia at Wembley 2011 42k, England v NZ Wembley 2013 67k, England v NZ Olympic 2015 44k. How did any of them struggle to get 30k? You underestimate Londoners. We turn up to watch sport, regardless if we're 'experts' in the sport on not. France are a big name in sporting terms. It's not like playing the Cook Islands, is it?

Oh I agree, the Olympic Stadium is awful. Unfortunately, there aren't any 30-35k stadiums in London, unless you opt for somewhere like Crystal Palace, which is a complete dump.