Australia and New Zealand pulling out of the World Cup under the smokescreen of Covid concerns betrays the self-interest of southern hemisphere powerbrokersIt has been the overused catch-cry of the Rugby League Twitterati of late that the game is dead or, at the very least, breathing its last. It is typically nothing more than a look-at-me moan that shows little understanding of the sport’s history in either Australia or the UK.There is one element of the game, though, that is very much at a crossroads following Australia and New Zealand’s decision to pull out of the Rugby League World Cup later this year, for this is the culmination of a long-held disinterest-bordering-on-contempt Australian rugby league has held for the international...
Decision to pull out reflects administrators’ shortsighted prioritisation of the NRL but hope could lie in a revolt by playersFor anyone with even a brief knowledge of rugby league’s recent history, the only surprise about the announcement that Australia and New Zealand have backed out of this autumn’s World Cup is that none of this is even a surprise any more.Rugby league is a sport that makes constitutional crisis its modus operandi, and the long-held belief at the Rugby Football League that their counterparts in the southern hemisphere hold the international game in utter contempt became a brazen reality when confirmation came that the Kangaroos and Kiwis would not be travelling to these shores. Related: Fears rise over Super League...
The 2017 knockout stages could be the most exciting yet but the international game remains undervalued, particularly in the northern hemisphereAs the World Cup enters the knockout stages it is difficult to gauge the mood surrounding what should be the sport’s most important and prestigious tournament.While things have played out largely as expected, it is the feelgood stories that will live longest in the memory. Whether it is the way Papua New Guinea have proved to be such wonderful hosts, playing in front of sellout crowds in Port Moresby, Samoa and Tonga’s spine-tingling pre-game tête-à-tête or the encouraging progress of some smaller nations, there is much to sit back and smile about. Related: Rugby League World Cup has been snubbed...
The Kangaroos’ 14-8 win over New Zealand was their fourth under the experienced coach as they took another step towards the Four Nations titleBarring a huge upset against England in London next weekend, Australia have booked their place in the Four Nations final with a 14-8 victory over New Zealand.Who can stop this Australia side? Since Mal Meninga has come on board theKangaroos have romped to four straight wins, three over the Kiwis and one overminnows Scotland. They have racked up 110 points and conceded just 26 in anumber of dominant performances in both hemispheres. Related: Australia defy New Zealand grandstand finish for Four Nations triumph Continue reading...