And who was taking about the Exiles?

Have a look at page 1 of the thread.

But you were answering to the point that 80k wouldn't attend NSW vs England in Sydney by comparing it to the Lions.

On the topic : Aussies wouldn't turn out for NSW v England because they see representative RL as a joke when it's outside their own country - the purpose of origin there is the rivalry between NSW and Queensland, whilst they couldn't care less for England RL.

I was specifically pointing out that a large number of people turned up for a state vs. international game. Do you disagree with that? I think it contradicts the claim that Aussies won't turn up for a (meaningless) state vs international match. What do you think?



That's the same point that CGD was making, and it seems to come from the same assumption that the Aussies aren't interested, and will never be interested, in anything other than what's already put in front of them. But, as Ganson's Optician pointed out on page 1, even SOO in the three-game format wasn't welcomed warmly, initially. People said it wouldn't work, and the early attendances were pretty ordinary (19k at Lang Park in 1982). It's not as though SOO made it to where it is - selling out ANZ - without a lot of hard work and promotion. So, even concepts that people might be sceptical about can become successful. I think you're being too pessimistic, and underestimating Australian fans.

Even if we accept that all Aussies think of rep RL as a joke, we're hardly going to change anyone's mind without attempting to improve the quality of international RL. And, FWIW, the Aussies I work with aren't RL fans and couldn't give a toss about SOO but - where they'd be bothered at all - would be interested in internationals.

Hey look I'm not suggesting Aussie fans will never be interested, but the way to get them interested is to continue to grow the international game rather than manufacturing silly concepts IMO.

If you say "Aussies wouldn't turn out for NSW v England because they see representative RL as a joke when it's outside their own country", you sort of are





How do you think we could do that? Which of the completely non-silly concepts of the Exiles, Four Nations, and France internationals grew the international game and improved the quality of the competition?

I happen to like the Exiles concept, but there are two glaring problems with it: half the England team are down under, and the better Aussies earn more at home, these days.

To improve, I think we'll need better opposition, and we need to get the first-choice squad playing together. I don't think England playing QLD or NSW is a silly concept (and neither did the recent Lions tour organisers, though YMMV), and it would fulfil both of those requirements.

1) I said the Aussies wouldn't turn out if it happened now. Maybe if we beat them in the World Cup they will sit up and notice us.

2) England should play New Zealand and the other Pacific nations, which would be of actual benefit to the international game whilst providing a challenge.

I don't see what playing the Aussie heartland regions does for improving our international game OR helping England improve?!

I take it back - you're not pessimistic





That would do me. We'd still have to take the team down under for it to be feasible and, as they would be proper internationals, the Australian clubs couldn't refuse to release players.



Better quality opposition and a chance to get the full squad together. Both of which would also be achieved by playing NZ and the (stronger) Pacific islands.

Your mixing up too many concepts. I'd love us to play a 'Lions' tour again in RL , playing club and lesser rep sides midweek . Do it every 4 years and it would be great. England playing and getting stuffed by NSW or QSL? No ta it would be even more embarrassing than the normal bitchslapping we get from the Kangaroo's

As for Burgess and being an Aussie? His choice I guess but it shouldnt matter if you get a passport or not , once you've nailed your colours to a mast you should be forced to stick with it. Moving international 'allegiances' just makes RL look even more of a joke.

They get 40k a game for playing SOO, I'd want to play it as well if I was in the NRL!