Lowdesert

I agree with that to an extent and there is no sensible reason to discount some of the uk imports the NRL scoops up. I just don’t think the UK game it is in Vlandys sights right now. That could be just for the dealings he has seen in the uk from afar.

They (Fox/NRL) seemed to pick up on showing the Eng/Samoa tries as they happened and also highlights and the full game on YouTube - all before the RFL/SL got out of bed to post them, so there must be an interest.

To Australia?

I would swap the Perp/TO venues around as the Catalans wouldn’t go for that!

I think it would be the wrong time, what with a) the push to make sure clubs stay in SL and b) clubs not releasing better/niggle or slightly injured/key players.

Yes, I read this earlier in the week and doubt the long game (regarding euro/uk) is being considered much at present, other than the NRL/Vlandys immediate needs. Given the weakness, financially, of the uk game it would be all give and no take back for him imo.

Thriving?

If that was to happen, it would be better if it was played across France. It might not be the level of competition we need but it would benefit the long term development within Europe. We can’t sit on our hands and expect change to come to us.

The only way to turn this on its head is to plan a SH tour in 2025 and win. Whatever opportunity can be arranged, or drops into our lap in 2024, we have to play games.

I don’t think they would have given it a thought whilst wooing potential USA partners and planning how to use 600m aus dollars in PNG.

It isn’t. This situation has been coming for several years and I’d be amazed if it wasn’t in the RFLs risk planning. Thinking about it, maybe I aren’t surprised.

None of that would have influenced the NRLs decision makers.

I think it’s more that the NRL has the influence over nations dependant on them as well as a toothless quango that is the IRL federation, rather than our efforts.

How can the French coaching set up be none existent with Toulouse Olympique and the Elite Competitions going on?

What say Tonga are now added to that group, leaving England to make their own plans? Simon Johnson looking to IRL and RFL Commercial. Deary me.

We are witnessing some serious power at play here. Building RL into the PNG school curriculums as well as deflecting China’s political influence in Cairns. Amazing times.

Yes, i agree - I should’ve rephrased ‘pack’ to middle. It makes sense as you cannot have superstars all over the team. He chases down, put his body on the line, gives everything right up to interchange and seems totally committed. That is, to me, giving 100%.

Not as a prop but as a pack/bench player he absolutely does. Chases lost causes, tackles anything and gives 100%. I am far from a saints fan btw

I am in France and don’t use a vpn so didn’t watch live but what hit me was that the NRL were showing the tries on video, minutes after been scored. Match stats given after the results published and now full video’s available of the series. Sure, we can get some of that on iPlayer but that discounts fans and clicks worldwide.

I think the questions that should be asked/should’ve been asked were around the 24k that attended in 2013 and 2014 that then dropped to 17.5k v NZ in 2018. The same questions might have been relevant to the last WC here also where we got 18.5k at Sheffield against the 7k at Hull for the Jamaica game. I don’t agree with cutting Hull out. Two clubs bringing 18000 in regularly together shouldn’t be ignored but the reasons why, records/findings from wash up meetings considered, promotions successes etc etc should absolutely be. How does 24k get to 7k? How have we allowed that to happen? There should be the expertise within the RFL and SL to nail these attendances. Sales driven strategy, incentivised people, promotion packages for hosting clubs, working with local industries and nationals….imo. As you know I’m not in sales or marketing but big drops in attendances seem to be taken quite lightly.

The NRL are using the same format as they consistently do in all their match reports but the Fox one seems different. NRL are now showing full match replays of the series too. RFL and Superleague not showing anything.

Jack Welsby tackle efficiency included

https://www.nrl.com/draw/internationals/2023/round-4/england-v-mate-maa-tonga/ Nothing on Superleague or RFL websites that I can see.

I can understand Leeds, for the Jamaican games but I would have thought having another nearer Birmingham would’ve seen a larger attendance at the time. Amazingly, England v Greece brought 18760 at Bramall Lane.

Stand corrected mate edit: seems Jamaica didn’t get many species through the gate but the NZ game brought the most, so based on other stadiums: Attendance: 6,320, at Headingley, Leeds. Attendance: 6,829 at MKM Stadium, Hull. Attendance: 5,006 at Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.