Didn't get back in the country until yesterday so didn't really have chance to get to the game but watched it on Sky... straight after Game 3 of the Oz Origin series.

The two games were lightyears apart - in fact they polarised the concept of Origin rugby games. On one hand there were two teams who played over and above the normal intensity of their domestic game - giving everything they could possibly give. Proper body on the line stuff with aggression and the odd bit of biff. On the other hand there were two teams that didn't really seem that committed and were afraid to put in any real effort just in case they picked up a knock and couldn't play domestically.

One game had me gripped right to the final whistle, the other I didn't even watch to the end.

As a concept I like the idea but until the players start taking seriously then neither will a majority of supporters.

Have to agree with what others have said on here. Bring back Great Britain and get rid of this England nonsense.
A full blooded test series is what we need, with a bit of edge added to it.
Too many smiles on show during the England v Exiles games. 'team mate turned enemy'? - give over.

But it will be the same Sub Standard Players turning out for Great Britain.

The only thing that will change is the Shirt.

In my opinion we were closest to Australia and New Zealand in the 2003/2004/2005/2006 Era, but that was the Quality of Player which doesn't appear to be there now.

Senior, Gilmore, Carney, Johnson, Farnell, Sculthorpe, Gleeson, Morley, Peacock, Wellens ect.... Now these players were the difference. Some are still playing but are passed International Best.

I'll take anything Jon Wilkin says with a pinch of salt for as long as he tries convincing people that '1eague3' in pronounced 'league thirteen' and not 'one eague three'

The players in this country have never shown any appetite for origin rugby so why should the expect the supporters to?

Only the Yorkshire boys used to take the Roses concept seriously and then they would always be overlooked for rep selection by the Lancashire lads.

Despite the impression you may get reading these forums, Rugby league supporters are no fools. If the Eng;and and Exiles boys had tore into each other like the Aussie do in State or origin the fans would buy in.

We know it's half hearted and watered down.

So are you trying to say that England aren't close to NZ now? Recent results - mainly in the home team's favour - would suggest otherwise.

We are nowhere near.

NZ's record against us in the UK is shocking in the last few years.