Bennett doesn't rate England in World Cup final

.......both the English League & Union sides are coached by Aussies - this must be a first in respect of being concurrent i.e..

Everyone uses (the) media for their own purposes. Bennett is just more aware of his motivations for it which suggests that he is very much his own man.

Is there even an argument in there? There are a lot of things that are more important or popular than a rugby league Test match. That doesn't mean that people won't watch it though...

What you're saying is wrong. Super League games, for example, have more viewers from outside the north of England. I'd imagine that this will be the case for an England World Cup final appearance. One does't need "rocks" in one's head to acknowledge these basic facts. Oh, and they don't have to get up very early either. Kick off is, I think, 9.30am local time. Your last paragraph is meaningless. There'll also be no Premier League games, Union Test matches or Ashes cricket on at the same time... And, even if there were, an England World Cup final win over Australia on the latter's home soil would still make a huge impact.

Bennett: I like to use the media for my own purposes but can I be bothered to talk to the media for the fans of the game. Nope.

Except, Maestro, that even when there's plenty else sport on, rugby league still manages to get whopping ratings, doesn't it? And, anyway, what's stopping non-sporting programmes getting huge ratings? There's no law that says they can't.

Im not doubting it will be shown throughout England. Its only some in the north that would get up and watch it is what im saying. You have rocks in your head if you think otherwise. The Ashes, Premier League, Union Test matches are all more important sporting fixtures going on over there and here this time of year which will be in the limelight.

Aussie games be they NZ/Australia, Origin or everyday NRL games are better reported in England than they are in many Australian Capital cities.

What makes you think that an England win would have "zero traction" in England, Zac? The final is to be televised live on BBC1 and, unlike so often with the game in Australia, it will be shown live across the country. For some reason, there are still so many Australians, especially those whose information has been garnered from rugby union or Aussie Rules sites, who believe that this kind of game will be shown only to the "north" of England. It has never been this way. An England victory, as unlikely as that may be, would have a major impact. And, even then, it would barely scratch the surface of what a successful England team could do for the health and welfare of the international game at large.

There is nothing else on as far as sport goes at the this time of year on FTA TV which is why they left the big gap so understandably good ratings. Funny one person claiming the crowds are bad because of a surfeit of RL and then another claiming the TV ratings are good (why because there has been a surfeit of RL?). Which is it?? Too much RL or just enough..

From what I read early on, the ratings for Ch7 have been surprisingly good and crowds were reasonable given the time of year this comp has dragged into. I've enjoyed Lebanon's games so much I even started to have a grudging respect for Robbie Farah (oh no, wash my mouth out with soap). Hodgson will be a huge loss to England, his injury coincided with their drop off in execution and discipline. He was making breaks, directing their traffic and making quality tackles. Sam Burgess still looked restricted in his movement despite his gallant efforts and when the pressure came on late his little brother coughed up the usual passes. I expect a similar result to the ashes test, poms right in the mix for 2/3 of the game, then fold like a pack of cards. Ricky Stuart will be cursing the World Cup, Hodgson doesn't look like being back before August and the raiders are a bit thin in the back up hooker ranks. Wonder if they'll rethink the release of Baptiste, Garvey doesn't look like a first choice hooker.

"I really haven’t had a good look at Australia" Yeah sure Wayne.

I don't know what people expected the crowds to be. In regard to the game at Suncorp on the weekend; You are almost two months removed from the NRL Grand Final - people need a break already, you are playing at a ground that has already had what 20 professional games this season? And if tickets are available are you going to buy a ticket to the Semi Final or a ticket to the Final (when there a greater than 90% chance Australia will play in both)?

Why would he play Woods given how RCG played???

Even if only 'the Qld and NSW media' report on it? (rolls eyes)

Defensively England look solid and there was only a small margin between the two sides a few weeks ago. If England can score a couple and maintain that defence then they have a chance of winning, certainly more than in previous tournament meetings.

Doesn't this just sum up the state of Rugby League. Australians going for England "for the good of the game".. An England win will get zero traction over there atleast if Australia win there will be something in the Qld and NSW media

I hope so...

I wouldn't be surprised if the semi against Tonga was his last international match - will he even be fit for the final?

Thta's what worries me. I wouldn't be surprised if the World Cup Final is his last international match. For his sake, and England's, I hope he goes out a winner.