I think if we are to see true growth internationally of our code some measures need to be put in place now to ensure we can continue on with the sudden surge of our great game.
Personally I think the RLIF and the appropriate bodies should really be looking to strengthen the game in the following countries:
France, Russia, USA, South Africa, Argentina, Lebanon and Japan.
By strengthening the game in these nations, I mean all efforts should be made to see these nations fast tracked to a truly competitive level. If these nations can be developed I believe they can then assit the other nations in there particular region.
Here in an example of what I believe should be happening:
BIG 8:
*Australia
*New Zealand
*England
*Japan
*Russia
*France
*South Africa
*USA
From there, each of these nations should be assisting teams in their region. eg.-
AUS- Fiji, New Caledonia and PNG
NZ- Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands
England- Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Holland
Japan- Singapore, China
Russia- Ukraine, Georgia, Lebanon
France- Italy, Greece, Serbia
South Africa- Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria
USA- Canada, West Indies, Argentina
If we could create the situation where by these SUPER 8 were able to compete on an even level with each other and then they could lend their vital knowledge and resources to assist with the smaller nations close by. It all makes sense, yet I understand the financial plight associated with this. However, if the RLIF was to focus mainly on these countries and then have those countries claim responsibility for the lesser nations then I think it could work. That way the RLIF is not forced to feed everyone. Then again the smaller nations could revolt the lack of support then from the RLIF and this is not something the RLIF or the fams wish to see.
It is a delicate situation, nbut imagine is those 8 nation were to be gievmn everything needed to compete at the top level of our game? Imagine going to the SFS to see Australia play the USA and not knowing before hand who was going to win. Or going to Old Trafford to witness England playing Russis in front of 50 000 people?
That is my dream and all signs lately are giving me more hope everyday of seeing this become reality.
Personally I think the RLIF and the appropriate bodies should really be looking to strengthen the game in the following countries:
France, Russia, USA, South Africa, Argentina, Lebanon and Japan.
By strengthening the game in these nations, I mean all efforts should be made to see these nations fast tracked to a truly competitive level. If these nations can be developed I believe they can then assit the other nations in there particular region.
Here in an example of what I believe should be happening:
BIG 8:
*Australia
*New Zealand
*England
*Japan
*Russia
*France
*South Africa
*USA
From there, each of these nations should be assisting teams in their region. eg.-
AUS- Fiji, New Caledonia and PNG
NZ- Tonga, Samoa and Cook Islands
England- Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Holland
Japan- Singapore, China
Russia- Ukraine, Georgia, Lebanon
France- Italy, Greece, Serbia
South Africa- Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria
USA- Canada, West Indies, Argentina
If we could create the situation where by these SUPER 8 were able to compete on an even level with each other and then they could lend their vital knowledge and resources to assist with the smaller nations close by. It all makes sense, yet I understand the financial plight associated with this. However, if the RLIF was to focus mainly on these countries and then have those countries claim responsibility for the lesser nations then I think it could work. That way the RLIF is not forced to feed everyone. Then again the smaller nations could revolt the lack of support then from the RLIF and this is not something the RLIF or the fams wish to see.
It is a delicate situation, nbut imagine is those 8 nation were to be gievmn everything needed to compete at the top level of our game? Imagine going to the SFS to see Australia play the USA and not knowing before hand who was going to win. Or going to Old Trafford to witness England playing Russis in front of 50 000 people?
That is my dream and all signs lately are giving me more hope everyday of seeing this become reality.