Roar Guru
Some observers have said that without numerous leagues around the world on par with the NRL and the Super League, international rugby league has no real future.
They point to the fact that the vast majority of the quality players who represent nations other than Australia or England all learned, and ply their trades in, those two competitions.
For some, this melting pot of performance is seen as an obstacle to the game’s international growth. Others have the opposite view.
The flow on successes and international attention as generated by last year’s World Cup, and this year’s Four Nations tournament, are proven evidence that the contrary belief is prevailing.
Whether one wishes to admit it or not, international rugby league seems to be heading in a positive direction. Just how to ensure it stays this way, remains the big question.
Here are some short term and long term ideas, and possible predictions, worth consideration in moving the international game to higher levels.
The main emphasis with these ideas is that they tap into what already exists in the rugby league world.
Double headers seem to be a highly under-utilised promotional method. Preludes to Test matches, State of Origin and blockbuster NRL and Super League games could certainly handle second tier Tests and amateur club matches.
Some of these ideas have immediate merit while some definitely require longer term planning. It would be harsh, however, to say that any of them are impossible.