World Cup Doubts ?

[G@v]

On returning to the UK from Australia, RFL Director of Rugby Greg McCallum has hinted that future World Cup tournaments could be in doubt. Instead, McCallum believes that the future emphasis of international League could be placed on tours and one-off games. It seems the last World Cup and the subsequent financial disaster has had a terrifying effect on those in charge of the game, and obviously, there's a nervousness about staging an event of this nature in the future. Does a World Cup serve a purpose, or is it too much of a financial risk? Would it be more advantageous if nations like Ireland and Wales toured New Zealand on top of the usual GB Lions tours? Is there more sense in Australia and New Zealand playing the home nations instead of club teams during a Great Britain Test series? If we give up on the World Cup concept I believe we are giving in to those who make a living from denigrating our game. However, I can see some sense in more tours as opposed to a RLWC. The only problem is where do the lesser nations figure in such plans?

 

[imported_Noodles]

My opinion is that the World Cup only highlighted the fact the RL is not that much of world game. I think that a better way of growing the game globally is to have more matches in developing RL areas.
Test matches might be the best games to use, especially considering that they don't seem to attract the large crowds in Australia anyway.
The opportunity for a country to see some of the best players in the world play in a fair dinkum game could attract some interest in the right places.
The game could save face by having a World cup final every few years between the 2 highest ranked nations (no.1 nation to host it).
If say Australia is no 1, the combination of the game being the only time to see the national team live, and the fact that its a game that means something and not just a one off test for no reason, should ensure a healthy crowd.
In turn a big crowd and (hopefully) a close, high standard game will add some prestige to the world cup.
The idea of playing the home nations during a Kangaroo or NZ tours is also a good one. Why not even a test at one of the Scottish or Welsh stadiums, particulary while Wembley is not available.

 

[Bebeto in Japan]

I think Rugby League World Cups are a waste of time and by all figures, a waste of money. They should pour all their resources into development of the game rather than the destruction. Lets face it, the last world cup did more harm than good. How about dividing Australia into NSW and QLD for world cups if they insist on having this meaningless tournament? If Britain is divided into England, Wales and Scotland, I am sure the Australians can do the same for Rugby league's sake. In any case, exhibition matches (or test matches) are the way to go to help Rugby league's development.