More Internationals is on the IMG to do list I think.
It would require a break though as the NRL wouldn't release players.
Maybe do it at SoO time.

Wasn`t one of the IMG proposals to align calendars with the NRL so that we can facilitate international breaks?

Yes I think so. I kinda like that.
But I reckon we'd have to go there though.

Indeed

One of the issues with international games, apart from all of the competitive sides are "down under" is that The Aussies are happy with SOO and generally not interested in internationals, certainly not coming over here anyway.

I agree, although I genuinely think since a lot of Samoans and Tongans have pledged there allegiance to their countries, interest in the international game seems to have picked up a little. By putting themselves forward to play for there country, they are giving up the chance to play Origin as well.

It's a tough one.
Mind you, if the Aussies aren't fully on board with the internationals, they wont happen.

I think the Origin criteria only requires a player to have played in either Queensland or New South Wales area before they are 13.

It used to but it has been said a number of times that players playing for heritage countries are giving up that right.

I suspect that will change. The quality of the players in Samoa and Tonga would weaken the Origin brand if they couldn't play Origin as well. It's not as much of an issue at the moment as the players available for NSW are of such high quality, but Queensland doesn't quite have the depth of NSW (despite winning it this year).

I think one issue that could arise is that if players increasingly choose their heritage country, Origin could become a bit of a "white" tournament, which wouldn't be a good look, unless they change the rules (ie, it would become white Aussies and indigenous Aussies only).

Well the BBC talked up Kyle Evans pre match

Not totally sure why, unless it's because he is actually Welsh.

I was there last night and watched him closely, couple of breaks, a nice one in the second half, but nothing that would blow you away. Now I accept the weather was a huge factor as was the service but some perspective with this lad is needed.

I know I keep saying this but he's 32 and is not even in double figures yet for full games in RL. I really admire the bloke for the step up he's made, but unless it's a very cheap deal I can't see the point, certainly not if it meant diverting money from Murphy and Kershaw and Pratt further down the line.

I have to point out that it's nothing like Proctor, he brings 300 games played at the highest level, he brings a wealth of experience to the club that Evans simply doesn't. The only reason Proctor could fail is the Proctor himself, and injuries of course.

Because he's one of the best players in the Welsh team. Why wouldn't they?

Is he?

Don't get me wrong, I liked him the first time I saw him, but it's now OTT imo, you clearly think differently.

If it's any consolation I thought Anthony Walker was Wales best player, clearly not fit enough unfortunately (for well known reason), but he's the best RL player they have,

I've got a feeling we may still sign Evans, but that just a feeling not a fact.

So.....second best player? Still can't see why the BBC can't do a 2 minute profile on him.

I never said they couldn't, I'm just surprised they have gone out on a limb. Be honest for once, rather than points scoring over me, they started bigging him up before the first game started, which I found odd as hardly anyone had seen him play at that point.

Also I don't even think he was second best, last night there were other player out there and they were far more involved than Kyle. The part time Welsh pack stood up toe to toe with the full time PNG players. Now unless the games changed out of recognition that for me trumps any winger any day of the week, yet nobody seemed to mention that. It all went towards Evans and there was no reason for that IMO, he had a good game but no better than anyone else. Admittedly I have not re-watched it on TV and being there live you miss stuff, but as of now I can't see what the fuss is about.

The only thing I can truly say stands out about Kyle is how quickly he's adapted, massive achievement in that respect, though again it's hardly unknown for a RU winger in League is it?

Sorry if that offends you, again.

You said "not sure why".
I'm explaining why.

This England team are playing well, Wane has them playing as a team

They are playing well but god it's boringly one-sided.

I agree. I don't actually think PNG are playing badly. We are just playing unbelievable rugby.

Was never a big fan of Wane as a club coach as he tactics were usually quite negative leading to successful but often dull performances.

He’s ideal for the England job though especially in a tournament where you are going to play lesser nations and wrack up the points.

His attention to detail is second to non and his ability to get the best out of players has endured so far we have been the team to beat.

The reality though is the tournament really starts next week and he and this team will ultimately be judged on how they perform in hopefully the next 2 games.

Yes he does but Australia are the real test, and we've played no team near then yet.

Brandon Wakeham is having a quality game here.

Fiji pockets picked by Grant what an awful decision and the accidental off side from the ref disgusting decisions game ruined

The knock on from the scrum right at the end was the highlight for him tonight.

Someone had a beer?