I enjoyed that game, glad i set the alarm.

Good on the Cook Islands. One of our boys (North Sydney) are involved. Coach and Physio too.

I think anyone but PNG or France in the 4N is embarrasing

Buggar off! People said Cooks in the Pacific Cup would be embarrassing.
If they are good enough to win it then they deserve to get into the Four Nations.
Embarrassing? Don't you remember France in the World Cup?

They deserve to be there on merit if they win. They would probably beat England if we carry on the way we are playing.

Was about to look for a match report, but no need now. Thanks for the running commentary Bilko, job well done.
Excellent news and could be an excuse to go back to Rarotonga if they get a test series

Being a clown you have completely missed the point as usual, I would only like to see these teams in the 3/4N because they are the only teams with semi-pro domestic competitions, I feel this should be part of the criteria to enter the 4N, IMO straight promotion and relegation from the 3/4N is not a good thing, a "franchise" style set up is whats needed, that would give France say, three years at the big three, without having to drop back down so they can hammer Russia and Serbia next year, in the meantime gaining nothing whatsoever.

I hope the Cooks win it.

It would be a dream come true to visit Rarotonga next year.

they are'nt going to host any games....

This cook islands team is looking a handy bunch of players.

Clown. Missing the point [ias usual[/i?
Dear me Marv. I really expected better of you! What happened to debate?

You see now you have elaborated on your point I can see what you're saying and can perfectly well see the sense in your argument. Let's leave the insults to Leaguefreak and the like.

Shame, for me Fiji were the success story of teh WC and I was hoping they would kick on and become the powerhosue of the PI's. Tough losing players to other teams I suppose.

Think Tonga will have them.

That is the reason why.

Currently

PNG
France
Samoa
Tonga
Cook Islands
Wales
Ireland

All have so much potential as international sides.

Ireland, Wales and France need to play England on a more regular basis and the rest need to play Aus and NZ more often. Then get PNG an NRL team and international RL will look alot better.

I'm a cynical b*stard, funnily enough......and I have be very realistic about the international game for a long time.

A lot of promises, no actual work being done.



I have to say that now, I'm kind of waiting for the bad news. Its all way too good, which is great for the game! I'm just so used to being let down by the games administrators, all this good stuff can't go on forever!


I think what I'd like to see is Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and the like playing Test matches during stand alone State Of Origin weekends. That would be huge for the game here in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

I think its clear France needs a second SL team though. The talents obviously there.

Either that or the English clubs need to do what the NRL clubs do in NZ and pluck out the best 15 year olds and get them into SL clubs in England.

You know to be honest, I think the less input England has on the French, the better.


I've always felt the French "get" how to play this game. I think they have always understood some of the finer points of the game, even if their talent or even their player pool hasn't been capable of playing to the level needed.

I think where France lets itself down is in training, and thats a French thing really in all sports.

I think its interesting that Catalans have no gone to England to look for imports, to me thats a good sign. They have always looked to the NRL, or Australia, even for its coaches.


I think if they have the reason to be fully professional, thats being more SL teams, they will do the job themselves.

The Cook Islands are on a roll!

The run up to the 2013 world cup is very important. The schedules have been set out with all the tournaments. I think LF's idea of Pacific Island tests during origin is just what is needed mid season to strengthen the international game.

I would like to see a few more mid season internationals in Europe to. France England could / should be on a standalone weekend with no SL and that would also give an opportunity for Ireland vs Wales / Scotland or whoever.

Any players we know in this game.

Mike Ratu who is joining Hull KR from Leeds for 2010 scored a try for Fiji.

It's great to see the development of the PI teams, and i've been really impressed with how France have come on (show's how important Catalans are to RL).

We need a lot more international games for the sport to develop, and they need to be televised via something other than Murdoch's empire.

Fair play mate, sorry.

No worries pal



As I said, It's PNG's tournament.

PNG beat Tonga 44-14 to set up a game with the Cooks next week. Menzie Yere scored two tries for the Kumuls.