Receiving various criticism and scrutiny, the Rugby League World Cup captures the attention of viewers around the world, whether that be in a positive or negative way.
If your like me, every time you heard someone complain about the World Cup, part of your blood boiled inside as you gritted your teeth.
I for one, loved watching the successful World Cup, and not just because of the win for Australia but also due to the fact that it was just amazing to see so many countries playing the greatest game of all.
With many describing the World Cup as ‘a waste of time’ due to the results dished out by an excellent Australian side, there may be a glimmer of hope just around the corner for rugby league fans.
That is the 2014 Four Nations tournament.
With RLIF Chairman, Scott Carter, already confirming prior to the World Cup that the highest finished Pacific Island nation would compete as the fourth nation of the competition, the Four Nations tournament is looking to be one of the closest and most exciting in its history.
Although you may argue that Fiji were one of the many teams to be dominated by Australia, there is no denying that the sport is catching fire over there and it showed as they finished in the top four in the World Cup for the second straight time.
As a fan of all types of rugby league, whether it be club, state or international, the new addition of Fiji to the Four Nations makes me extremely excited and hopeful for the coming future of international rugby league.
And maybe, just maybe, the negative lights critics’ shine over international rugby league, will be put out – or at least dimmed.
Chris
Guest
I like the idea of combined teams also. Maybe Italy an France could give it a go as well. I enjoyed watching the USA during the World Cup and would be good down the track to seem them involved too.
Ian
Guest
What about a five nations. Australia, New Zealand, England, pacific Islands, celtic barbarians (amalgamation of Scotland, Wales, Ireland). May work until those, at present, minor league countries gain more talent and experience. Inclusivity would help the game expand in those nations...... Perhaps?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
15 of the Fijians were actually born in that country,and that is keeping it real.
Nick
Guest
Rugby League is a terrific product and extremely entertaining for a sports fan from a non rugby country, the more quality games played on the international stage, the more it will grow. Rugby Union has already laid the groundwork in the Rugby countries, it's always possible young kids will start to consider it.
Nick
Guest
I can't wait for the Four Nations. The more the Kangaroos are challenged, the better they'll get. England are a terrific side and I said from the start they had the strongest forward pack in the RLWC, I still back that. For the Kiwis, players like Mannering, SBW, Foran, Shaun Johnson, Roger Sheck, Isaac Luke and JWH are world class and I'm looking forward to some of them moving to Union just to put the quality of international league into perspective. Fijians, most of them are born and raised in Fiji, the ones that aren't, well no one seems to care in Fiji, same as no Italian caring about their Rugby team coming from Argentina, Australia and NZ, just let them be represented.
Keeping it real
Guest
Maybe they can actually pick a team of Fijians born in Fiji rather than a bunch of NRL players that masquerade as Fijian nationals.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
State of Origin is a good series but as I have said many times before, every argument for Origin can also be applied to international league. The ONLY difference between the two is that Origin has received support to help it grow.
Epiquin
Guest
Yeah Australians hate going to Fiji. Who would want to live and work in a tropical paradise?
Pot Stirrer
Guest
+1, i know its a rugby union term but they could call themselves the Pacific Barbarians
Quentin Conners
Guest
Not sure how well a Fiji side in the NRL would go as they woul struggle to gather stars from Australia as living in Fiji, id imagine, wouldn't be the most desirable move.
Raugeee
Guest
Hear, hear. give our Pacific brothers a real shot. With their natural football ability they would soon be challenging the major powers.
Raugeee
Guest
I reckon a Fiji side in the NRL. and a combined Pacific Islanders in the Four Nations.
Quentin Conners
Guest
That would be a very good idea I think. Would make a very competitive team as well as encouraging and promoting the game over in those countries.
David Hayward
Roar Pro
Same for the Rugby Championship & Bledisloe Cup!
cwrigh13
Guest
Good article. I would like to maybe see a combined Pacific Islands team in the Four Nations.
londonleaguie
Guest
Well said. Fed up of people slagging off the tournament, if you don't like it, then go away. Why aren't people saying get rid of Origin? It's been won by the same team every year, yet apparently it's the highest standard.