On one hand, we hear Jonathan Thurston cautioning his team-mates about commitment. On the other, coach Tim Sheens is concerned about his players’ motivation.
My question: why is Saturday’s one-off Test between Australia and New Zealand being played at all?
This game may well be a sell-out in tropical Townsville but seriously, does anyone really care if it takes place or not?
I think that, at best, interest in such a ‘nothing’ game is moderate.
The players aren’t up for it. It’s two weeks after the grand final, a time for holidays after a long and gruelling NRL season spiced with three tough Origins.
Sure, I’ll watch it. League is my favourite sport and if it’s on the box, I feel obligated to flick the switch and see what eventuates.
But I am not exactly hanging out for it. If there were a blackout, for example, I doubt that I’d go hunting around for a battery-powered radio to keep up with the action.
A power failure might seem like a good time to take the cocker spaniel down to the park for walkies. Such quality time might be much more beneficial for both parties.
Can someone please tell me why this game is taking place? Is it a Channel Nine thing, a staple offering stitched into the network’s contract? Is it giving coaches Tim Sheens and Steve Kearney something to do after their club teams failed miserably in 2012?
If you could ask the players the meaning of such a late, late show – with nothing really riding on the outcome – would they answer with any level of passion that it’s what they play for, and could become one of their career highlights?
I guess some purists may declare that this one-off Test is necessary to help keep the flame of international rugby league flickering.
Well, the Kangaroos played the Kiwis in the annual ANZAC Test and fulfilled their end of the bargain with a convincing win.
If there is a blowout victory to either team on Saturday, I believe that would actually cheapen the concept of Trans Tasman battles, causing more harm than goodwill.
Overriding all of the above, a major injury or two to superstar category players could prove disastrous for a club (or State) team in season 2013.
While I am on the subject of ‘nothing’ games, I’d like to see the World Club Championship games between the NRL and Super League premiers given the heave-ho.
Playing a pre-season game in the northern hemisphere is clearly a tough task for any Australian outfit, premiers or otherwise.
The financial benefits are negligible, the logistical problems of getting to and from England are immense.
And the results almost always go to the home country premiers. It has become a no-win situation for the Australian clubs.
Am I alone with my thoughts or are Roarers enthusiastic/fired up or disinterested/ambivalent about watching the Kangaroos and Kiwis at play?
And should the farcical WCC continue or be canned?
solly
Guest
You need matches to mean something. Set out a structure that has games leading to something. The adminstration must create some kind of drama or tension through the existence of the match itself. Have a second-tier 4 Nations-style tournament attached with NRL/Super League matches (or even State of Origin). The winner of the tournament then takes on Australia, New Zealand and England in an annual top-tier 4 Nations tournament at the end of season. Over time, I think that such a structure (no doubt with some tweaking that takes into consideration the different hemispheres) would create much more awareness and appreciation of international rugby league.
Kegel Jelq
Guest
To any rational mind, this series will be placed into the same bucket as the Ireland/Australian international rules series. RL just never did grow from within it's heartlands.
Renegade
Guest
If your trying to find the kangaroos some competition by suggesting that.....you've failed miserably!
Renegade
Guest
That's cause no one cares about the dragons, we're talking about internationals here....FYI - slater lost to the sharks as well.
Leo
Guest
Not trying to start anything just trying to get some facts straight. What does 2001 got to with it? I bet you the All Blacks and their fans wish the Wallabies had the Bledisloe cup in 2003 in exchange for a chance against England for the 2003 rugby world cup final. Who won the Tri-Nations last year? That's right it was the Wallabies. lol
Anakin
Guest
How can you say Bath struggled for ascendency when they won the union match (and it actually was a 2 game challenge) 44-19. For the Leaguies, Wigan won that match 82-6. In Jan 2003 st helens and Sale played a game of two halves, with Sale running out winners 41-39 (each team scoring ONLY when playing under their respective codes rules) .. again highlighting how different the two are.
Col Quinn
Guest
PJ, you are so wrong. The Vipers played in the Queensland Cup for 2 years, 1996 and 1997. I also recall them playing a few games in the Panasonic (Mid week) Cup.
Tigranes
Guest
I've heard some scary stories about PNG fans threatening players with spears...
Tigranes
Guest
And thirdly its the Czech Republic...
PJ
Guest
No they didint
Zippa
Guest
Always trying to start a code war arent you Leo. The fact is the Kiwis v Kangaroos tests in the last 7-8 years have been a lot more competitive than the very one sided Bledisloe cup. Was it 2001 the Wallabys last had the bledisloe cup. The Kiwis have won silverware against the Kangaroos in 2005, 2008 and 2010. If there is room for a very predictable one sided bledisloe cup then there is certainly room for International RL test matches.
Emric
Guest
I went and looked that game up - interesting - Wigan were clearly the more professional side and Bath were struggling in both games for ascendancy.
Leo
Guest
I have seen worst performances from the Wallabies before 2012 against the All Blacks so I don't know what your on about. The All Blacks have play the Wallabies more times than the Kangaroo's vs Kiwis and I can also remember the Kiwis getting thrashing by Australia by 50 points nearly every year in the ANZAC game
Leo
Guest
90% of the provinces in New Zealand don't see the All Blacks games live.
Col Quinn
Guest
When the Kiwis win on Saturday, A lot of people will care. RL needs Australia to lose. Also, Tim, I am inclined to agree with oikee that too many in RL are Sydney centred. (Just went outside and checked that the sky is blue, agreeing with a QLDer!) The fact that the test is a sell out in Townsville should push the ARLC to have more Tests, including a Lions tour, in regional Australia. Jealousy at the exciting response will bring RL tests back to Sydney.
Anakin
Guest
Wigan RL and Bath Ru tried a similar experiement years back. They played (half?) a game of each others rules. little surprise Wigan dominated the RL half, and Bath did likewise in the Union. The games are poles apart!!
Blacklisted
Guest
And yet the last RL World cup made a handy profit, and I'm sure its not the only one that did. So please don't BS..
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
I'd prefer they played the Test Match where the 3rd SOO is currently scheduled. The game would be intense with selection for the Aussies coming from the previous two hard fought SOO clashes. The Kiwi's players would be itching to have a crack at the Aussies at that period of the year. Imagine if the 3rd SOO decider was being played this weekend. It would be enormous. If there was a dead rubber, then just forget about the 3rd match. That's how it should be anyway.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Great idea Emric. Make it a game of possession with 14 players per team. When you're in your own half play to Union rules. When you're in your opponents half, it reverts to four tackles and League rules.
Emric
Guest
If the Kangaroos are that good get them to switch codes for an afternoon and take on the All Blacks.