AND STILL England players are having to justify the proposed Test against New Zealand in Denver as the NRL keeps its heels dug in.
SunSport understands nothing really came from a meeting where Rugby Football League officials fronted the NRL and its clubs as opposition to the June 23 match remains.
However, representatives from the New Zealand Rugby League are set to provide further assurances, explanations and evidence to the Rugby League Players’ Association to back up why they should be allowed to play.
As ever, the most impressive people throughout what is becoming a mess are the players themselves.
James Graham certainly backs it, saying: “There’s so much riding on this, we’ve got to get it over the line.
“I want to see the international game at the forefront of our game and this Test for us English lads and the Kiwi boys has the potential to be our State of Origin.
“We have got the opportunity to go and play in the United States in front of what I am being told is going to be a packed Denver stadium.
“People want to take that away from us. I get their reasons but we want to play.”
On the pitch, Graham and England team-mate Gareth Widdop continue to impress as St George-Illawarra remain unbeaten after beating South Sydney 16-12 in a match Sam Burgess missed through suspension.
But like so many things, it is off the field where things happen and former Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown certainly hit the headlines after a dig at Brisbane and England chief Wayne Bennett over his time at Newcastle Knights.
The Aussie once claimed Luke O’Donnell should have knocked Ryan Bailey ‘out cold’ after the Giants beat Leeds in 2011. Seven years later he was at it again when talking about Bennett, an outburst for which he has since apologised.
And expect one player to return from the NRL as former St Helens man Joe Greenwood continues to be out if Gold Coast Titans’ side. Leeds are linked with a move for the back-rower.
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