I understand where people are coming from with regards to this, and wanting Australia's dominance to end as soon as possible for the alleged "good of the game".
But the flip side is that its this exact attitude that gives off the perception that Rugby League lacks passion and credibility on the world stage. We often talk about the media's poor attitude towards internationals, but this topic is where the fans fall short in my opinion.
People need to see this World Cup for what it is - a building block for the future. Who wins or loses overall doesn't mean squat at this stage when you look at the bigger picture. Apart from the fact that fortunes in sport generally work in cycles, notable strides have been made in recent times to improve our game internationally and give more opportunities to lesser nations. This work will continue to be done despite any attempts by the media to shape peoples opinions to the contrary, and eventually the results will speak for themselves with a much more solid, workable and indeed competitive international scene.
In the meantime, supporters need to get behind their nations and not let up. As Australians, we need to influence each other and the broader public by getting behind the Roos in the same way we do for our other national teams - making going to see the Roos decked out in your green and gold and Aussie flags one of the "in-things" to do.
All the rest will take care of itself over time.
But for those of you who choose to set aside national pride for the sake of a faster change in perception of our international game, although I understand where you're coming from, I believe it does the situation no favours. Plus, you're missing out on what the World Cup and supporting your country is all about.
