Injuries temper ratings winner
By Dean Ritchie
December 2, 2004
IT was among the most watched matches in league history but debate raged last night whether yesterday's international between Australia and the US should have been played.
In a staggering first half, the unheralded and amateur US Tomahawks led 24-6 at halftime and were poised to cause one of the all-time great upsets.
But the smiles on the Australian players' faces in the first half disappeared and five second-half tries saw the visitors end their Tri-Nations campaign with a 36-24 win.
And millions of people through America and Australia watched the match unfold.
The game, played in Philadelphia, was broadcast live in prime time on Fox Sports World throughout America into 20 million homes.
Ratings in Australia - despite the match kicking off at 11.45am - were also strong, with official figures to be released today.
A slightly disappointing crowd of around six to eight thousand attended the match at Franklin Field in freezing temperatures and with rain falling through the second half.
But injuries to Bulldogs forwards Willie Mason and Mark O'Meley flung open debate over the merits of yesterday's international.
Mason injured his foot scoring the try which finally gave Australia the lead in the 64th minute. He could miss February's World Club Challenge against Leeds in England. And O'Meley, who already required elbow surgery, is also likely to miss the Leeds match after injuring his knee yesterday.
Asked was he a supporter of yesterday's expansion match, Bulldogs chief executive Malcolm Noad said: "On what I have found out about our injuries I'd have to say no.
"There is a question mark over such a game although it is spreading rugby league around the world. It is probably the wrong time to ask me."
Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald added: "I'm not a supporter. I don't think we can expand our game internationally other than in PNG and New Zealand."
However, the comments of Noad and Fitzgerald contrasted with those of Sharks general manager Steve Rogers.
"I am supportive [of the expansion match]. It is important we try and develop the game in all areas," Rogers said. "If America ever gets a grasp on our game they will be a real player.
"I'm at a loss as to why they haven't already given that they love brutal sports and we've certainly got that."
Australian captain Darren Lockyer spoke for the rugby league world by admitting he was stunned at halftime.
"They surprised us a bit," Lockyer said. "We had our work cut out in the second half."
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley described the event as a "success".
"What the Americans learned tonight will help them in their eight-team competition, which will be increased to 10 teams next year," Annesley said.
"I am satisfied with the night. Let's just see what the wash-up is."