And from Accrington apparently.

GET HIM IN..!!!

What? No it couldnt have contained Benji Marshall and Cam Smith. The exiles are a group of overseas players playing in Super League. England is a nation of English rugby league players.

Yeah, a club.

A chief executive and decision makers working specifically for Great Britian Rugby League Club.

The coach and players are further down the chain. It seems like the coaches and players of England Rugby League actually run the club themselves.

Looking on the bright side, this was a much better workout for England than a 60 point stroll against Wales or France. Whilst the intensity was not as high as it might have been, the defence certainly got a decent workout and generally looked pretty solid. The attacking play was, as many have said, uninspired, and the selection of Sinfield at stand-off is a major cause of that. I also didn't think too much of Robinson, who reminded me of Higham with his constant scooting. On the plus side Sam Tomkins looked something like an international class full-back, and James Graham was indefatigable as always.

Worth another go next season, I think.

Hang on!! That's Cas lining up for last weeks game against huddersfield isnt it?





EDIT: Third from the right is a ringer for Gary Bennett!!!

The crowds looked bigger than that for both of our recent CC games at Sheddingly v Leeds (excluding the one that clashed with the cricket), yet hetheringtons calculator gave sub 10k crowds on that occasion! Makes you wonder with 50:50 gate receipt shares.

Me thinks the RFL have done the opposite with this one to make it look more credible, in the same way as there was never 9.5k on in Montpellier IMO.

you could tell a game 2 days later was on their minds aswell..

the good old RFL!

Game would have been better if they'd played on a free weekend their heads will have been on the SL games.

I also agree with the cheering georges try though I think that's more of a thong about George being so liked and likable rather than simply being wigan over England IMO.

Agreed....

The only reason I cheered Georges try is because -

1. It was class, he took 4 players out with one step


2. The treatment the Tomkins brothers got off 'England' fans.

Wigan > England.

And thats the exact reason international RL is a joke.

People putting club before country. Not supporting the games fully, therefore not going to the games, therefore low attendances, no media interest (some papers had a 5 line column on the game). You should always have England before Wigan or any other SL club.

Look at RU, Cricket, Football. Country is always before club. Wonder why our game is considered a joke at international level? Little or no fan interest in it.

exactly can you imagine Chelsea fans cheering if Torres scored the winnner in the last minute for Spain against England?

Would never happen. We cant just rely on the RFL to try and make international RL a success in Britain, the fans have got to help also.

After last night though despite loving the success of the game, I fell out of love with England RL a little. I don't want to be a part of it when we have fans like that, I won't enjoy going to the games. I would rather be going to Wigan games where we support the team for at least 65 mins (before any other fans get a joke in!).

Come 4nations time I will probably be right behind England but right now I'm just more bothered about Wigan. I have always cared more about international rugby but after last night Im just not as bothered as I was, I still want to watch it and enjoy the rugby but as for supporting England over Wigan, I think last night switched my views slightly.

Saying that, I love that we are hated! I think it's brilliant! I can't wait for the Leeds game at home.

But... it wasn't that long ago that Wigan fans were booing their own off the pitch. I'm not going to let a minority ruin watching my country for me just as I didn't and won't let the moaning twonks at Wigan ruin supporting my town, my team.

that was for a poor performance not for turning up

I remember a certain United song that had Ronaldo mocking England.

How many United fans are actally English though?

Back on topic and in regards to the game I think based on a purely playing perspective the Exiles idea worked.

The game last night was 20 times better for us than what the French games have been.

I just hope the RFL really stick with the plan and let it grow from here. Next season let's play it somewhere like Wire or the new grounds at Saints or Salford and see what we can do.

It's an idea that works.

I was trying to say I won't let anyone whether by way of booing, whistling or cat calling stop me watching my country or the club I love.

With you there priestman. As I posted somewhere else:
A standard alone weekend, no Super League games. Cheaper tickets including deals for families, groups and amateur clubs. Incentives for amateur rugby league clubs to sell tickets. Move game away from Headingley. If possible have no Championships games on same weekend, at least not within 100 miles of chosen ground.

Why not just play on a Wednesday instead of a stand alone weekend?

Alternatively, if we want to make it into a 3 game season, instead of the Magic Weekend you have Wales/France, Scotland/Ireland, England/Exiles + a 9's tournament to replace the current format.

2nd game on a wednesday or a stand alone weekend midway through the season.

3rd game week before the grand final (minus those appearing)

I wouldn't have it on a Wednesday because a) people have work the same day and the day after and b) I want the players' minds to be 100% on the Exiles game. Some mentioned that there were players keeping something for their club game. Wednesday to Friday/Saturday is short enough fir that to happen again.

This is the thing we've finally got the right concept and now it's time to tweak it using a plethora of ideas like the ones above.

Scary to think both teams could be a lot stronger as well which means the standard should improve.

Personally I'd get rid of the fan pick gimmick. I'd play it on a stand alone weekend and maybe have the knights squad play France on the same day.

One thing is for sure the RFL can't screw this one up.

Yes they can................