I guess the big discussion if it is a ten team competition is this
What would be the impacts of marginalising the game in the USA and Russia. What is the global impact? If we are just picking countries with professional players why have qualifyers?
The RLIF has to weigh the benefits of the 10 supposed top player strongest nations v distribution and competition for places. How tough would a Wales v Ireland qualifer be if only one knew they would qualify. If all the PI nations knew there was only one spot, how great do you think the P Cup tournament would be. How enthusiastic would the Eastern European countries like Holland, Germany, Georgia, Serbia be if they have to beat Russia to qualify. How much harder will the Russians work to hold their regional dominance.
I disagree with even the higher ranked countries getting in easy. I think a little bit of pain of not qualifying would do the world of good to the PI nations and Wales or Ireland.
There is money to think in qualifying too. Why should the US have to travel to Europe to qualify? It makes no sense.
If we are going to have a ten team WC (not teams from the same region cup) lets not have all the teams in the comfort zone in qualifying, and make it a World Cup. We are going to have the same problems as Union with some countries not being competitive. But let's be honest here, only 3 teams have a chance of winning. Wales, Ireland or any PI nation will not beat the big 3.
If we want our game to expand (even if slowly) we must make it a World Cup. This is the only time I would agree with Union.
Hopefully the RLIF will make some quick decisions so countries can plan for qualifying and the next WC.
I still reckon holding the WC in 2009 is a better idea to get it away from the Olympics clash.
Finally, the grouping would look like this. How the qualifying games would be played would be up to debate.
Australia, NZ and England automatically qualify as top 3 nations at the last WC.
(one qualifier from each group)
West Europe 1 - Wales and Ireland
West Europe 2 - France and Scotland
Asia - PNG, Japan, Singapore
Americas/Africa - USA, West Indies, Argentina?, Chile?,South Africa, Kenya?
Eastern Europe - Russia, Serbia, Georgia, Holland, Germany
Southern Europe - Lebanon, Italy, Greece, Morocco
Oceania - Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, New Caledonia, Niue, Amerika Samoa, Fiji
It will be interesting to see which way the RLIF goes.
What combination looks more attractive in terms of public and fan interest
1. Australia
2. England
3. New Zealand
4. France
5. Papua New Guinea
6. Lebanon
7. Ireland
8. Tonga
9. Wales
10. Cook Islands
or
1. Australia
2. England
3. New Zealand
4. France
5. Papua New Guinea
6. Lebanon
7. Ireland
8. Tonga
9. USA
10. Russia
Cheers!