As a USA Rugby League Fan, I would like to see all 3 Leagues (USARL, NARL & The California RL) work together to build a strong Rugby League Community in the US. This is how I would do that.
The NARL & Cali RL need to accept the USARL as the official governing Body in the US. I don’t think the USARL need to advise the NARL and Cali RL how to run or operate those organisation’s, as long as they operate within the guidelines of the International Rugby League Rules of Law.
I think the USARL are in the best position right now! So what does that mean?, You have an organisation (NARL) that is willing to run, operate and finance a Professional Rugby League Competition in North America who are also prepared to grow the game at grassroots level (which is part of the NARL’s Grant funding criteria per club), and you also have a group in California developing the game in the West.
So then there is the USARL run National Competition which all teams are located in the East (North & South Conference’s). Now for this East Competition, I Think that the USARL should form a Group to run, Operate and Develop the competition in the East and call it “THE USARL ATLANTIC CONFERENCE” (USAC), While the Group in California could be re-branded as “THE USARL PACIFIC CONFERENCE” (USPC).
The winning teams from each conference will play in “THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL CHAMPIONS of RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINAL” (USNC) that could be played to determine the “UNITED STATES NATIONAL CHAMPIONS” and the winner of the USNC can go on to play the “NORTH AMERICAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONS” of the “NARL” in an “ALL AMERICAN SUPER FINAL” with the winning Club being named the “ALL AMERICAN SUPER CLUB CHAMPIONS OF RUGBY LEAGUE”.
A three game PACIFIC vs ATLANTIC Ocean of Origin Series could be created which will also include players from the NARL Competition and also include non-American born Players. I think this idea will create a lot of interest in the Media. For the non-American Players to be eligible for selection they need to have been born in a Country in the Pacific or the Atlantic.
The American All Stars NORTH vs SOUTH game will become two games, one played in the East one week and the other game played in the West the next week. These games will be very important events leading up to the end of year International programme which Will be played as final hit out Game’s for player Selection into the USARL HAWKS Team.
The NORTH vs SOUTH Game will also include top American players playing in the NARL, NRL and Super League. The NORTH vs SOUTH game will be the only way you can be selected for a position on the MIGHTY HAWKS Roster
Having a two game NORTH vs SOUTH Series will crate massive interest for HAWKE selection, the BEST of the BEST on show.
What I have written is fantasy, at the end of the day, all parties need to work together in order for Rugby League to thrive in America.
