Surely rugby league’s power brokers must realise by now that it is the international version of the game that will secure the code its future.
Forget the naysayers who mock rugby league for its supposedly limited market. Even supporters will cry out that there are only two Australian states and a few northern England towns.
And yet those two states are able to generate a $1 billion dollar deal over five years. The few northern England towns, despite decades of go nowhere management, still find the resources to provide a fully professional league for its players.
International rugby league need not be the master of the universe in order for it to be successful. But it does need enlightened direction and management in order to cement itself within a competitive world market.
If one doubts the nature of this world market, consider the simple fact that Glebe, still one of the most successful clubs of all time, no longer exists. Glebe, like a host of other suburban clubs, died because ultimately, they were unable to make themselves relevant as the game’s boundaries expanded.
Fast forward 100 years and consider that along with the New Zealand Warriors being a major element in the NRL’s commercial footprint within the region, Papua New Guinea now has a team in the Queensland state competition and there is talk of a Fijian team doing the same in New South Wales.
Like it or not, rugby league is international.
As the Super League in the UK gets its own house in order, it takes no stretch of the imagination to see that the Super League may very well do to Europe what the NRL is doing to the Pacific.
Currently, a French team, the Catalan Dragons competes and during last year’s World Cup, the fledgling Italian league made the comment that it was their long term goal to have a team competing in the Super League.
A pipe dream perhaps but the delicate, worldly lines of Super League’s inevitable future can be seen.
Back in Australia, the staging of the State of Origin is a money spinning NRL all-stars concept that still works. It won’t be going away soon. Last year’s World Cup and this year’s Four Nations, however, have shown there is the potential for more.
In order for this potential to be realised, in order for the international element of the NRL – and rugby league in general – to be satisfied, the game’s administration must look forward and embrace the world.
Breeze101
Roar Rookie
Yeah but Rugby Union has achieved what league could only wish of. All Blacks vs USA Eagles played at NFL stadium sold out!! over 61,000 plus, prime time on NBC Network just under a million viewers in America alone which for Rugby Union was a huge success. Twice Rugby test matches have sold out in USA & broadcast. USA Eagles on a regular basis get an average of 10 - 20 thousand for test matches. Rugby 7s inclusion in the Olympics has also made big in roads in USA. Rugby Union is the fastest growing team sport in America as for the result in Chicago fans didn't care it was about growing the game & getting people interested in Rugby!! Please league can never catch Rugby Union on the international stage goodbye!!
shaw
Guest
All blacks v USA was most one sided game in any sport all year that was a joke
Cathar Treize
Guest
Even mainstream press are beginning to recognise rugby league development. More union people are head in sand stuff, the quiter we can go about our business. This on Sierra Leone rugby league: http://asia.eurosport.com/rugby-league/rugby-league-grows-in-sierra-leone_sto4476949/story.shtml
Parra
Guest
Agree. Perhaps further expand the concept to include a second tier 6nations with relegation promotion to the top tier. That way all 12 nations have something to play for. Each year both tiers could rotate where they play, Europe,pacific Dubai etc thereby increasing exposure. You also get regular internationals played between euro and pacific nations. This would also remedy the situation where euro nations qualify for the top tier that are clearly not ready. For example, Scotland have won the right to play in the four nations next year but are not up to standard. Under the new format they would likely stay in tier two and another stronger nation, fiji perhaps will get promotion. This will ensure only the strongest nations compete at the same standard.
Swamprat
Guest
Internationally rugby league is a joke. At the last "World Cup" the USA was represented by Australians because the Americans weren't considered good enough. If that is not farcical my behind is a Fire Engine. Until that desperation to be seen as a real International sport is eradicated Rugby League will go nowhere. The game is great , it's just run by 12 year old retards.
Cathar Treize
Guest
I remember a couple of South African rugby union posters who were apt at dismissing the potential of rugby league in South Africa. Must have been teens given their lack of knowledge about South African athletes who have starred in rugby league & some who became legends in their adopted towns: http://www.sarugbyleague.co.za/hall-of-fame.html
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Straight out of that long playing vinyl record, that has been in existence since the 60s Jake.How historically original of you..Years of research or just mind numbing inertia.?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
You're right, of course. France, Italy, Lebanon, Czech Republic, Wales, Greece, Fiji, Canada, USA are not of this planet.
Go warriors
Guest
Margaret have you not been watching the four nations. Most games have been thrilling games that have gone down to the wire. Yes by adding more teams there could be some lopsided games but how else do these nations improve. No other sport worries about one sided games so why should we.
Margaret
Guest
Just what we need lopsided games and clubs not letting their best players play
Go warriors
Guest
I agree This four nations has shown just how good international rugby league is. I agree with the other article that the four nations should be expanded to a 6 nations. I would also love to see the likes of the USA, Canada, Jamaica and South Africa included in tournaments or at least be included in the qualifying process.