Over the past three years as I’ve watched this great game of rugby league I’ve noticed that the mainstream rugby league media looks for things to complain about.
Whether that be the refs, crowd sizes or just reporting fake stories, it will sadly never stop because of the culture around it. I’m starting to get sick of these crisis merchants.
Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield, Josh Massoud and Danny Weidler are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these crisis merchants.
Something that caught my eye late last night was I saw a video that the Daily Telegraph put out. The video had Bulldog Ritchie and Paul Crawley talking on a panel about the Denver Test and the value of the Kiwi jersey.
Of course Bulldog Richie took the stance that the Denver Test doesn’t mean anything and something along the lines of how players could get hurt for a meaningless game.
If he really feels this way, why isn’t he against Origin or the Tonga versus Samoa game in Campbelltown? But then I realised who was saying these things. Bulldog Ritchie, another one of the crisis merchant brigade.
Now that rant is out of the way, here’s why the Denver Test is a great thing and why I can’t wait to go.
I’m a huge American league fan and I’ve been watching for over three years and it has become my favourite sport over college football.
I love this game and it has become a big part of my life. I’ve met so many great people that I’m glad to call friends and have helped me learn the game these past three years.
When I heard that England and New Zealand were going to play a Test match here in the States I was ecstatic and I booked my ticket right away. But when I see these so called experts say that the Test is meaningless it really hurts me and I know it hurts the English players too.
Sam Burgess and James Graham have been pushing for this really hard because playing for their country is everything for them since it’s the only rep jersey they can get.
The Denver Test will be great because it will expose my fellow countrymen to the greatest game of all: rugby league.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Great entertaining match Ben in Denver. Interesting to hear how it rated on CBS ,which BTW is not in Wigan.
In brief
Guest
Funny, I didn't realise Wigan was in the States. But Nice try chump?
Justin Kearney
Roar Rookie
Great article Ben. Have a great trip mate!
DCG
Guest
Since discovering rugby league seven years ago, we can't even watch the (yawn) NFL. NRL and Super League players are the toughest, best-conditioned athletes on the planet.
Nate Gladdin
Guest
Awesome to hear that people care about the growth of the code here in the States! These types of matches help bring awareness for those of us that are here & want to grow the game.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Hey Ben, The comments about the test being meaningless are more referring to the amount of players from NZ pulling out through injury, some being legitimate and others well, questionable. I definitely agree that the Denver Test is important, but only if we expose Pacific nations through it. They are the heart and soul of international footy who would do anything to be given an international platform such as the one in Denver.
Ben
Roar Rookie
Thanks! I will certainly write about it when I get back. I know I probably should follow the Wolfpack but I only follow the NRL.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Half your luck Ben, enjoy the occasion. Here’s hoping it’s a great event worthy of an article about your experience. Do you follow Toronto Wolfpack in the uk?