In todays modern world filled with video conferencing, like satellite links and even cheaper methods of 'face to face' communication such as Skype can anyone give a reason why the RFL has paid for the England coach to fly to Australia - and I'm assuming he would have flown business class - to see the NRL based English players?

what a total utter and complete waste of money.

In this day and age of telephones and video conferencing, why does he even leave his office at all? Or his house?! Wasted petrol money. Wasting OUR money and needlessly polluting OUR planet at the same time!

You're right, you better get on the phone to every club in the football league as well and tell them to recall their scouts and get on Youtube. Imagine, a coach wanting to see his star players before a major tournament! Preposterous!

FFS

I can't understand why he wouldn't just send each one a hand written letter.
All this technology and touchy feely stuff about having to see them and talk to them is all nonsence.
I'd go as far as to say it is witchcraft! Burn him for flying!

In reality
If he flies premium economy it will be about £2,000 (£1,000 in economy)
Lets say he stays 20 days in Sydney at a 4 star hotel. I picked the Menzies which looks quite nice and a junior suite so he is more than comfortable and can entertain in the seperate lounge area.
He has satelite tv so won't miss any rugby. That's another £4,500
Lets say he has a meal out each day but nothing too over the top £50 a day is more than enough and that is £1,000. Should cover him to take the lads out occassionally too.

So all in his trip at premium would be £7,500

That's sounds a lot, but in reality, for preparations for the World Cup, that is pocket money. You can buy him some branded England kit and pay for the lot with Koukash's fine!
Can you imagine how much is being spent on the Lions right now?

Berk