theswanmcr

Spooky - I was just thinking the exact same thing. Its now the old fashioned case of how do you deal with a bully… you can’t persuade them or coerce them. They will do what they want and then blame you for their actions. Eg we were reasonable and ‘requested’ you to postpone it, you didn’t postpone it as we ‘requested’ so we’ll teach you a lesson. It’s the old Bill Hill jokes about America and Jack Palance

Yes that’s all part of the package on offer.

No he’s not according to this https://www.rlwc2021.com/about/board-&-governance

This is not a good look and not very promising at all

That’s a really good point. The new statement definitely hints that others need to be persuaded with the mention of misinformation etc.

I for one can’t stand the emotional rollercoaster that is this thread! A high as Tonga player says he’s playing, back down as ‘not good’ what someone is hearing, Pacific meeting but no comments is a good/bad thing. The only certainty is that Gould will continue to be an unspeakable swear word! It’s the hope that kills you eh

Yep after a week of ‘stuff the lot of them and let’s keep going’ I fear too that is exactly what is going to happen. They will keep their close friends close and will have every bribe, sorry ‘incentive’, thrown their way while we sit helpless thousands of miles away. I too hope I’m wrong. Tomorrow we will find out for sure one way or the other. If they do fall under the NRL spell then I like many others am done with rugby league.

No I realise you that - and think that sadly that is how it will pan out. Good on you looking for an upside in this - and I guess eventually we wilL all need to do this - but hard at the minute. They have all the cards and know that very well.

Oh how kind of you them to invite us having screwed the World Cup and international rugby league because, well because they can. They don’t want ‘Tonga v Samoa in Leeds’ (to quote Phil Gould) and have no interest in our but if the world or any other outside their own backyard and neighbouring islands. Fuming and sad that the fait accompli is nearly here.

Some really good comments and thoughts from everyone. The big problem now is that even if it postponed what is to stop this happening next year? They’ve already shown they will do whatever they want and whenever they want and could easily pull the same trick again. To go ahead though we need 1) All nations at full strength with cast iron guaranteees 2) Govt support - this will be key… how much do they want this to happen to show that we are ‘open for business’ and do they support it if we run without Oz and NZ. I expect there’s some serious talks happening/planned for next week there.

Oh how funny would that be. We can then offer them the chance to come over here and safely finish the comp - give them full and sole Covid-friendly access to Underbank Rangers to host all games, including global commentary by Mick Gledhill - provided of course that they compete in the World Cup. Sorted.

They are, sadly, clearly already doing just that. Read the quotes from the Penrith coach on here… https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/07/23/final-decision-on-world-cup-expected-next-week/ Basically saying that I’m sure they will understand when we tell them that they can’t go to the World Cup. It is absolutely blatant and despicable.

Where is this mentioned (I can’t find anything online). If that happens then that really is curtains for the World Cup.

Yep agree with that. Really needed RLPA to come out all guns blazing. That statement won’t change a thing.

Indeed. The sheer and stupid arrogance of the man is almost breathtaking in its brilliance. They couldn’t even keep up the pretence for 24 hours that it is about COVID and not about resting players.

Interesting… will the RLPA be timid and know where their pay check comes from (as NRLhope) or will they go guns blazing at the appalling lack of consultation? More fun to be had over the coming days!

I agree with you gavin7094*

You are Pete V’landys and I claim my prize (a season ticket to next year’s 37 game State of Origin series).

So do we just continue to pander to Australia for ever more! You have a big list of very acceptable reasons earlier why they shouldn’t come… and that would be fine but it’s all just an excuse. I suspect that as ever they will get their way but it stinks, is dishonest, does not take into account players views and is selfish in the extreme.