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Rugby League has been in the doldrums on the international stage, and still is. But in 2013, we will see the current, and first time, World Champions play in the opposite hemisphere.
We will see more teams than ever play for the World Cup (which I like to call Lorelei). And Rugby League will be in it’s heritage home.
This will be the greatest World Cup ever.
The World Cup will have it’s knockers, but, truth be told, this one will have the intensity that deserves a four-year build up.
New Zealand are looking forward to it to justify their win at Suncorp; England want to win at home in front of their fans; and Australia want to win back the cup (Lorelei) they have held since 1975.
And, probably the greatest part about the World Cup, Papua New Guinea have the opportunity to show the Rugby League World how League should be played.
The minnows are looking stronger and stronger every year.
Wales showed the UK that missing the World Cup doesn’t mean they are any worse than the others when they took out the European Cup.
Lebanon continue to spread the word of Rugby League to the Middle East North Africa region and they seem to be building a great grassroots base which will mature in the next four years.
The Americas seem to be going forward in long strides very quickly. USA. are getting closer to a professional era, with their international team looking stronger with every AMNRL game.
They even have college footballers changing to League to represent their country. Apple Pope (of Jacksonville Axemen) came over to Australia to gain greater learning of the game.
And Jamaica are showing how flair in League is how it is meant to be.
There are some disappointments.
With Russian Rugby League falling into the Abyss, it seems that Eastern Europe will miss out once again. Although, Serbia are showing some initiative with pushing ahead in their own competition.
France seem to be struggling and no one east of Hull seemss to be able to make any in grounds into the strongholds of the European Super League.
With the negatives noted, the 2013 World Cup should be a great contest. And Australia do not seem to be a given to take Lorelei home this time.
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