Union draws at international level because it has to. It's domestic game doesn't draw, because it can't. Shrinking TV deals and attendances, backward thinking with regards to production, promotion and merchandising. Rules which don't translate to potential new audiences.
Yes there is a World Cup that draws, and honestly, leaguies are envious of that...but not at the expense of the NRL. The NRL is the benchmark for rugby competitions of either code.
It will be interesting to see the effects of expansion and dilution of the rugby world cup to make it more attractive to TV and sponsors. The All Blacks could very realistically break the 1995 record when they play HK next year. Sure union has a bigger global footprint, but Magic the Gathering has a bigger one...my point being..."so what?" And the answer will be, "tv money of course".
Players will chase bigger contracts, but Union of all codes should understand one or two players leaving hardly shifts the hands of the Doomsday clock. For every Mathew Ridge a Christian Cullen is discovered. For every Lote Tuqiri a Greg Inglis etc. Manu was a great contributor to the game and at the peak of his powers when he left...the game has produced a dozen equally talented stars since then. If he comes back, sweet! If he doesn't, sweet! If Clearly leaves, sweet! If he doesn't, sweet!