People will say - "so what"? The game has more TV air time nowadays and attendances are up. They have revolutionised the game and, although it may not seem palatable to some, the game has moved forward since the advent of Super League (apart from the Challenge Cup and the Internationals).

Have you been on the singing syrup?

No - i've just read the facts. It's not all rosy though - as i alluded to in my post - the Challenge Cup has sadly been relegated to a "Carling Cup" style comp and the international game has stagnated. Attendances are up. RL has more TV exposure. Fancy a drink of syrup?

The facts are that in this country international success is a major benchmark.

When Super League was introduced all this fitter training was going to make us the equals of Australia in test rugby.

And this at a time remember when we used to run them close in Ashes series.

Now they're light years in front of us.

It was sold as a forerunner to an improved interntional comp. In reality, club comes first - seeing as though that's where the money is (for the clubs). They bang on about expansion as being the key to the future success of the game but if they're serious about this - they have to run this parallel alongside the international game because success in that area too will boost the game. At the moment, there isn't the will amongst the game's rulers or the club chairman to improve in this area. A bit like the footy isn't it?