The complete demolition of a sorry Scottish outfit by the National Rugby League-experienced Kangaroos side raises questions as to how the development of rugby league globally has affected the competitiveness of countries competing in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup.

Unlike rugby union, where countries like Argentina and Japan had the competitiveness to pull off miraculous upsets over the All Blacks and South Africa respectively in recent years, rugby league does not seem to have the same depth.

Something is lacking in rugby league to make it a competitive sport globally. That is, the concentration of specialised and skilled players that only play in the National Rugby League.

Although it is also a professional league, Super League is a step down from the NRL.

After witnessing the sad thrashing of Scotland, many have already concluded that the world cup will most definitely be won by Australia as hot favourites.

However, that would be determined by the efforts of the two other first tier nations New Zealand and England. Dark horses Samoa and Aussie slayers Tonga may have a limited opportunity as well to stake their final claims.

It is saddening that the rugby league cannot create a reform similar to the one Super rugby created, one that allows for a competition to be run in the Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere respectively.

If such were to take place, we would see an improvement in the skill set and exposure of players in Test rugby league.

Australia won the last two world cups because they run the most competitive rugby league competition in the world.

Australia could win the world cup with its fifth option.

One option would be a competition that included Pacific Island countries such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Island, Samoa, and even Solomon Islands.

There would be tougher competition as exposed players would now be rubbing shoulders with the best in the NRL and learn to develop their skillsets around a broader competitive environment.

Scotland may have lost that game hopelessly, but they are not to blame for a well-equipped Australian unit. That boasts some of the best players in their generation.

106

Join the conversation

Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.