If it was in England and one side hadn't won for 2 straight years (nevermind 7) we'd probably scrap it.

Plenty of people were willing to go to see international RL games when the meant something. They were usually always GB versus Australia Ashes matches or World Cup Finals before SL.

I was part of the record crowd at Wembley for the 92 WC Final. 70k were there. I remember being in the 46k crowd at Old Trafford in 1990 and the 50k there in 1986.

Bring the Ashes back and you revive internationals, eventually. I like the Tri Nations but it lacks the gravitas of the Ashes series.

There was a period I used to travel to every GB international. My brother in law and his mates always went as well and they were not weekly supporters - we all went to Old Trafford in '86. Summer rugby killed tours, and to be honest the difference between our "summer" and winter is now so negligable we really should consider going back to the old timetable (although Sky won't let us).

Exactly.

Until the game expands sufficiently (which it probably never will) the only internationals worth watching are GB versus Oz or NZ.

Not many are fooled by the concept of seperate home international teams in a pretty pathetic attempt to justify a world cup competition

The Exiles was a bluddy stupid idea IMO. Never had any desire to watch a bunch of mostly second rate misfits thrown together to create a pseudo international. Barmy.

The Barbarians works because there is plenty of credible competition and this match then becomes an expected fun exhibition match with lots more risk taken to entertain. The Exiles sadly just becomes a joke.

Going off on a bit of a tangent. Does anyone else feel that it might be time stop playing these "internationals" and even the Magic Weekend at showcase stadia like The Galpharm. The performance of the England side last night was dismal enough without being constantly exposed to row upon row of empty seats - it doesn t exactly add to the atmosphere or to Rugby league's claim to be a major spectator sport and I m sure it just plays the hands of those who continue to see League as a joke sport.It would be much better to play these matches,where crowds of more than 20,000 cannot be guaranteed at smaller more compact grounds like HQ or The Stobart or St Helens new home.At least then it would look as if we have a reasonably well supported game which creates a bit of atmosphere.

I would argue that the galpharm is not a showcase stadia at all.

I think the problem is the dross turned out on the pitch that has no meaning or passion from the players or the fans. HQ hosted last year there was (or appeared to ) be a lot more in attendance at headingley and was still very flat atmosphere. As I said there is no passion in the game because it just doesn't mean anything to anyone.

Didn't get back in the country until yesterday so didn't really have chance to get to the game but watched it on Sky... straight after Game 3 of the Oz Origin series.

The two games were lightyears apart - in fact they polarised the concept of Origin rugby games. On one hand there were two teams who played over and above the normal intensity of their domestic game - giving everything they could possibly give. Proper body on the line stuff with aggression and the odd bit of biff. On the other hand there were two teams that didn't really seem that committed and were afraid to put in any real effort just in case they picked up a knock and couldn't play domestically.

One game had me gripped right to the final whistle, the other I didn't even watch to the end.

As a concept I like the idea but until the players start taking seriously then neither will a majority of supporters.

Have to agree with what others have said on here. Bring back Great Britain and get rid of this England nonsense.
A full blooded test series is what we need, with a bit of edge added to it.
Too many smiles on show during the England v Exiles games. 'team mate turned enemy'? - give over.

But it will be the same Sub Standard Players turning out for Great Britain.

The only thing that will change is the Shirt.

In my opinion we were closest to Australia and New Zealand in the 2003/2004/2005/2006 Era, but that was the Quality of Player which doesn't appear to be there now.

Senior, Gilmore, Carney, Johnson, Farnell, Sculthorpe, Gleeson, Morley, Peacock, Wellens ect.... Now these players were the difference. Some are still playing but are passed International Best.

I'll take anything Jon Wilkin says with a pinch of salt for as long as he tries convincing people that '1eague3' in pronounced 'league thirteen' and not 'one eague three'

The players in this country have never shown any appetite for origin rugby so why should the expect the supporters to?

Only the Yorkshire boys used to take the Roses concept seriously and then they would always be overlooked for rep selection by the Lancashire lads.

Despite the impression you may get reading these forums, Rugby league supporters are no fools. If the Eng;and and Exiles boys had tore into each other like the Aussie do in State or origin the fans would buy in.

We know it's half hearted and watered down.

So are you trying to say that England aren't close to NZ now? Recent results - mainly in the home team's favour - would suggest otherwise.

We are nowhere near.

NZ's record against us in the UK is shocking in the last few years.