World Youth Cup?

[East Coast Tiger]

With the tournament (apparently) going ahead in Russia in a few short months has the ARL decided what kind of team they will be sending? There is no Australian U16 side and there never has been and time is running out if they hope to get one together. The first ever Country U16s was selected this week but I don't know of any other rep sides in that age group. With no NSW/Qld 16s as part of a major pathway to Aussie selection how will they pick a side. The Country 16s are supposed to play New Zealand in September which also begs the question will NZ be sending a team? If they're here in September when are they heading to Moscow? I have some major concerns about this tournament. England have apparently pulled out and Wales may not be sending a team. With only 8 teams total it's a bit of a worry.

 

[carlnz]

NZ are not sending a team

 

[screeny]

Why not, carl? Tournament devalued immensely by no NZ presence. Another RL half measure. Geez we're good at them.....

 

[East Coast Tiger]

If England and NZ don't send teams I'll be surprised if it happens at all. This is what happened at the last Student WC. When NZ and Australia pulled out the rest followed and it ended up a three team tournament. Good to see the Moscow Council's support being paid back so well. I doubt anyone in Russia will be willing to help RL now that the big nations have shown they won't provide even the most basic assistance. The YWC was supposed to be a stepping stone to future RLWCs, but then again we've seen how well the RLs have handled the RLWC so far so it shouldn't be any surprise.

 

[carlnz]

NZ's team are going to Australia, i dont know if the NZRL can afford to send them.

 

[East Coast Tiger]

Surely a portion of the $500,000 the Moscow Council paid the ARL (RLIF) to get the tournament should have covered the cost of sending teams over. If not I think the sponsors have been ripped off.

 

[carlnz]

I rather Wales or Fiji go than NZ..simple as they only have enough money for 8 nations

 

[Copa]

An Australian team called "Italy" will be going.