Bennett: England to play Mid Year test in Aus 2017 + Broncos for WCC

[Burns]

Bennett on England playing a mid-yeat Test in Australia, against someone who isn't Aus,NZ, Samoa,Tonga, Fiji or NZ

Bennett said: "In the week when New Zealand play Australia, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea are coming. There is a chance for England to be part of it."

He added: "It's not going to be perfect but we've got a great opportunity to play more Test matches."

On Brisbane playing in the World Club Challenge

"We would be keen to travel," said the coach of the Broncos, who beat Wigan in 2015 and 2016.

"The other clubs have all got their reasons but we don't find it interferes with our season.

"We've played in a Grand Final, gone for the World Club Series and started the following year well, so I can't find a fault with it."

Source:http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/37619877

This is all good stuff, the link also has comments on the speculation he would pick Australian born 'Englishmen'.

I'm not sure who England could possibly play. The Pacific Test series should be left as it is currently. England could play against the Cook Islands? The USA?

 

[adamkungl]

Why wouldn't they play NZ?

Aus and NZ aren't playing mid-year (are they?).

I'd assume they wouldn't play Australia due to Origin.

 

[Burns]

AUS and NZ are playing the ANZAC Test?

 

[adamkungl]

Damnit i keep thinking this year was the last one.

Ok then. Still, I reckon they're better off coming down in the standalone Origin week and playing NZ. Seems kinda obvious.

 

[Pommy]

Do we have a stand alone origin weekend next year? Sounds like the perfect time for an England vs Kiwis test in Auckland if the RFL can convince super league sides to release players.

 

[adamkungl]

England should play France and NZ away from home mid-year.

Aus has NZ and Origin as prep.

Pacific islands and Euro nations should be able to fit in 1-2 games mid year for their professionals and as many as they like for their locals and reserve graders.

May
Aus v NZ
Eng v Fra
PNG v Fiji
Sam v Ton

July
(Origin 2)
NZ v Eng
PNG v Sam
Fij v Ton

 

[Burns]

Ah I forgot about the stand alone weekend! Does that start next year?

More so then England, would really like to see teams like France and PNG organise some mid-year action.

Now that I think of it, next year should be the busiest year ever in international league!

 

[Pommy]

England should play France and NZ away from home mid-year.

Aus has NZ and Origin as prep.

Pacific islands and Euro nations should be able to fit in 1-2 games mid year for their professionals and as many as they like for their locals and reserve graders.

May
Aus v NZ
Eng v Fra
PNG v Fiji
Sam v Ton

July
(Origin 2)
NZ v Eng
PNG v Sam
Fij v Ton

Do you think NRL sides are going to be happy to release English players in May to fly to Europe? The NRL players are such a large contingent of the England side now it would be pointless without them.
The RFL can at least try to sell it to the SL teams as it being a great advert for the sport.

 

[roughyedspud]

if england are playing NZ down under in 2018...then it'll be england knights that'll be playing france,wales,whoever...the same weekend

 

[paulmac]

Will have to be one of Italy,Lebanon or Cook Islands.Everyone else has a dance partner in May.

 

[Pommy]

if england are playing NZ down under in 2018...then it'll be england knights that'll be playing france,wales,whoever...the same weekend

Isn't it Saxons?

Actually forget it, I just googled it.

 

[roughyedspud]

wrong code lad...

 

[Pommy]

wrong code lad...

Yeah no idea why I even knew there was a side called Saxons? Its not a code i follow at all. Did sammy boy play for them in his gap year?

 

[roughyedspud]

yep once iirc

 

[thorson1987]

Would SL clubs release players to come down for a mid year test?

Otherwise sounds like a great idea.

 

[deluded pom?]

It's a Bennett wish. Not a confirmation.

 

[roughyedspud]

Would SL clubs release players to come down for a mid year test?

Otherwise sounds like a great idea.

They have no choice under RLIF LAW plus only a handful of ESL based players are required

 

[roughyedspud]

And you are daft if you think wayne bennett won't be telling all the current squad to head down under if they have the option too x

 

[thorson1987]

They have no choice under RLIF LAW plus only a handful of ESL based players are required

Good point. Forgot about that.

 

[Coastbloke]

NRL laughs at "RLIF LAW" all the time..