Reports have emerged off a possible hybrid rugby match between the Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand All Blacks in Tokyo, estimated to generate $50 million.
Both nations are expected to pick up a handsome $10 million, with each player receiving a $600,000 cut of the pie.
It’s an untapped partnership which could reap enormous rewards for both codes, and could even help to revive Rugby Australia.
The match would unite supporters of both codes, with the potential for TV ratings that could rival State of Origin, or the AFL and NRL grand finals.
It could also be just what rugby league needs to gain a foothold in the lucrative Japanese market, after their national team – the Samurais – narrowly defeated Hong Kong 24-22 over the weekend.
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There would be a plethora of scintillating match-ups across the park.
Michael Morgan comes up against Beauden Barrett, with veteran Cameron Smith taking on the All Blacks’ explosive young hooker Asafo Aumua. Josh Dugan could get a shock if he were to come up against Sonny Bill Williams, while Ngani Laumape and Matt Duffie could transfer their rugby league skills over.
Just don’t ask Brad Thorn where his allegiance would lie.
The rulebook might prove a head-scratcher, though.
Thirteen players (six forwards, seven backs) will be allowed on the field, with seven reserves. Each team will be in possession of the ball for 60 seconds, with two referees game (one from each code). When attacking out of your own half, league rules will be enforced, while union laws are in place in the opposition half. Lineouts will have six players with no lifting.
Tries are worth five points while conversions and penalty goals award two points, and field goals one.
It’s been tried before with great success, after Western Suburbs Magpies defeated Randwick Galloping Greens 47-19 at the old Parramatta Stadium in 2015.
If it becomes a success, why not expand the concept? Imagine Wayne Bennett’s England coming up against Israel Folau and the Wallabies. Or how about a club series featuring games such as Canterbury Crusaders versus Wigan Warriors, Brisbane Broncos versus Saracens, and Scarlets versus Toronto Wolfpack.
Imagine the fanfare surrounding a game between the Fijian Drua and Papua New Guinea Hunters!
Hybrid rugby still remains a pipe dream, but it could soon become a reality and a precious commodity to both codes.
Roarers, would you be excited to see the world’s best in rugby league and rugby union go head-to-head?
warugbynut
Guest
That highlights the differences between the two games, every position in rugby is technical................So you cant win with 15 full backs and call it anything like rugby. ...............sevens maybe.the scrums are at least a little familiar and if you eliminate the breakdown.
ClarkeG
Guest
Interesting but not sure what the Middlesex 7s and the HK 7s has to do with the Bath Wigan match. I'm not sure Tatupu even appeared in the 7s. And I'm pretty sure Quinell appeared in the final so yes he did seem invisible to you. You probably missed him because he didn't score a length of the field runaway try.
Muzzo
Guest
I knew that was the problem JP! That is why your NRL coaches/ scouts, make the annual trip across the ditch to pinch from our nurseries, as in school boy rugby, isn't it?
piru
Roar Rookie
... article's a week old mate
Marto
Guest
Give it a rest Piwu..If it hasn't sunk into your skull now. it never will.
JP
Guest
Rocky Elsom was a reserve grade player at Canterbury Bulldogs,that became captain of the Wallabies,.,HAHAHHAHA.Cliff Palu reserve grader at St George, Wallbabies legend.Ryan Cross waltzed straight in.hahaha.Same with Sailor Tuquiri Walker and Blacklock .
JP
Guest
Lumape centre. former warrior walked into the ABS this year.
JP
Guest
Kangaroos 11 World cups Kiwis 1 World cup Kiwis cant play League, best they stick with union.
JP
Guest
I think the fatty rugger props would struggle to get back the 10 meteres every 6 tackle set on defence.Also can you imagine TinyTom Robertson asked to do 2 hit ups in a set ?? .hehe. Also Ned " FLANDERS".Hanigan would be carted off in the first carry,If he did do any carries that is.
Marto
Guest
but but but but but.. Izzy Folau was an average Kangaroo.. but but but....he is the Wallabies best player. ....but but but
Rory
Guest
It'll NEVER happen.
Milan
Guest
They get to you every time Piru lol
In Brief
Guest
Half of the NRL is made up of rugby union juniors poached from Aust. & NZ school boys. The number of park rugby (union) players that have switched to league and walked into first grade is astonishing.
In Brief
Guest
In league you have more time, space and less pressure. You also play without risk. It's easy to look good 10 metres from the defensive line when you have guaranteed possession.
Pickett
Guest
The only thing I know about that game was that John Skandalis played for Wests. He must've been close to 40 at the time. And from the scoreline, Wests still won comfortably? Is it on you tube? There was nothing in the news about it in Oz.
Pickett
Guest
@ Piru Dream on son
soapit
Guest
jacko what is your theory why the union guys switching has stopped? it would seem fairly obvious that people will often follow the path of highest chance of reward.
Chris
Guest
Much prefer seeing the All Blacks play the Wallabies in Rugby League rules....saying that would like to see 2 NFL or even CFL teams play against each other in Rugby League rules.
john williams
Guest
all these league fans who say they would win look at bath wigan match in this decade ithink it was usa rugby played usa league in a game of league and a game of union and won them both .just goes to show you can find wins for both sides anywhere I think league fans underestermate just how physical union is watch all blacks south Africa last test and wedel sailor said the hardest hit ever felt was put on him buy French flanker serge betsen I think his name was. and a lot aussie league scouts chase junior nz rugby talent now not league talent.Also brad thorn said the to most physical games he has played are all black sa matches and stae of origin and could not rate one above the other
rebel
Guest
That's just a marketing article.