So its less than 24 hours...

[Nz]

Its less than 24 hours away from the World Cup and i for one feel no more excited than i did yesterday, or the day before that for that matter. I spoke to a friend on the phone who breathes Rugby league, and his first response to me was "what world cup?... oh thats one ..."

The fact of the matter is that this World Cup, like the last one, bears striking similarities in terms of media attention and just the overall general feel for the tournament.

I for one will be going to the games, but in a way, all this drama surrounding eligibility rules and whatnot has given the game a 'commical' feeling, which is by no means good.

Usually through sporting events such as the Rugby Union World Cup and Soccer World Cups, there is a certain hype and atmosphere. This tournament lacks all that i'm afraid.

I am a big believer in Rugby League, hell i want it to succeed on the international stage. I just hope people like Donald Trump come to the game and really see its true value, although i can't see this happening.

So where will you be spending your time through the World Cup? What will you be doing?

Nz~.

 

[roopy]

You must be running around with your eyes closed and fingers in your ears.

That, or you live in NZ or something.

I'd have liked a bigger buildup, but it has been strong enough, and a few good games will really kick it off.

 

[The Tank]

I've got to admit I'm not as excited as I thought I would be, especially after hearing Nein won't be showing games live (sort of brings down the tournament a little).

 

[miguel de cervantes]

I'd rather there was little build up and hype followed by cracking footy rather than the opposite.

I'm excited and there are only snippets of "web build-up" here in France to go on.

Allez les bleus!

 

[screeny]

I'm as excited as a 14-year old in a whore house.

I can't comment on the build-up, or lack thereof, but some people in Australia are saying it's been good and thorough while others are saying it's been non-existent!

I read the Aussie papers everyday and there seem to be lots of WC articles in the online editions.

I recall being underwhelmed by 2000 build-up. All the player swapping and the crap England team and the weather and the massive barrage of negativity launched by the UK media. Seems to me that most stories have been positive, overall.

 

[Arucard]

Im really excited!

I remember looking at the RLWC website over a year ago looking at the countdown clock with 400 odd days to go, thinking its nearly here....... Just looked again and its almost go time!

Been in NZ the past week for the Tonga test and have seen alot of RLWC ads on sky.
Just watched those Fiji ads with the players talking about what they take on the field with them and reminded me of the last team huddle the Samurais had before the USA qualifier match.

Getting goosebumps just thinking about it all.
Will be flying to sydney on sunday morning, Cant wait!

 

[Chook Norris]

i'm more excited than i thought i would be tbh

true about nein delaying the games .. downgrades the WC by heaps

 

[deluded pom?]

I spoke to a friend on the phone who breathes Rugby league, and his first response to me was "what world cup?... oh thats one ..."

Next time you meet up place a mirror over their mouth. They are obviously showing signs of fatality.

 

[Nugby]

I'll be there Sunday; I'll be there Monday, I'll probably head out to Samoa Ireland the following Wednesday. The only things dampening my spirits aer Channel Nine as usually screwing over Rugby League supporters and Tuiaki and Moi Moi not playing at the moment.

 

[adamkungl]

I'm pretty hyped. Moreso than for an ordinary game. Looking forward to some footy!

 

[bulos01]

the weekly sport mag in london had 2 articles on the rl world cup. thats 2 more than they normally have.
me and my friends will be waking up at 6 to watch every game
very very hyped

 

[nadera78]

I'm as excited as a 14-year old in a whore house.

.

I hope things last a little longer than that would!

 

[8Ball]

Looking forward to it. This is the beginning of rugby league fulfilling its potential.

 

[mikdalton]

the weekly sport mag in london had 2 articles on the rl world cup. thats 2 more than they normally have.
me and my friends will be waking up at 6 to watch every game
very very hyped

Don't want to dampen your enthusiasm but it only kicks off at 9 tomorrow. Thought I'd save you some sleep.

I'm a lot more excited than I thought I'd be. I'm not usually a fan of the World Cup, but I think it will go well and at the very worst its like a glorified Tri-Nations which itself is not a bad thing.

 

[The Tank]

A little more excited today. C'mon England!

 

[cumberlandsashes81]

Next time you meet up place a mirror over their mouth. They are obviously showing signs of fatality.

:lol:

Yes, Nz, I'd be checking your friend's vital signs...

Anyone who lives and breathes Rugby league should be jumping out of their skin right now (as well as occasionally stopping to check the score between Lezignan and Avignon in the LER 1)...

Personally, I feel like it's Christmas Eve - and, believe me, I'm a really, really cynical bastard normally...

 

[christopher]

I can't wait...

should be a great month

I finish uni in two weeks, i have a preliminary job offer at an excellent publication (well for first real placement anyway) which is pretty close to being done and i can begin my path towards supporting rugby league in the press.

not only that, but having good weekend tele on is an excellent excuse to stay home and do uni work!

I think this tournament has been promoted quite well. I would give it a B overall. Many things could be done better, but overall they have certainly put the effort and money in.

The covergae has been good too. Nothing like what rugby union receievd in the lead up to the 2003 tournament. but lets not kid our selevs, league is along way behind union in the international scene, althoughn union is not nearly as international as its supporters would like to claim.

The 2008 Rugby League World Cup needs a few things to be a true success.

1 - Australia to lose in the Final and lose one preliminary match. Rememeber the hype regarding international footy after Aus lost 2005 tri Nations?

2 - Benji Marhsall to be a star of the tournament. His highlight reel antics will bring accumuilated support from casual watches as the tournament goes along. The press love Benji and will hype up anything he does.

3 - England to win the tournament. Europe is where the money is.

4 - Either Tonga or Samoa to be the fourth semi finalist and put up a real good fight. This will develop the island's playing culture and that is where superstars of the game lurk dormant.

5 - D Boyd and K Hunt 'scandal' to be resolved early on well afetr the tournament. The press is slaivating to report the findings and see how it affects the team.

 

[NK Arsenal]

Woke up this morning feeling great