Agreed.
I felt crushing dissapointment after every defeat by Australia and NZ since I started supporting Leeds back in '82. I never considered who was selected for GB/England before I bought my match ticket. If it weren't for all the one club bile spouted on places like the VT after international defeats or the constant reference to the "international form" of current SL players I would still be 100% behind the boys. I guess I'm down to 80% now. Even I'm human.
I gave up going to international games after a particularly appaling performance at Wembley back in the late 90's (memorable only because part of the satdium was being refurbished or something and it looked like the game was being played in a building site). Even then I remember cheering when pan face rumbled over from 5 yards out. I think these days more people would be hacked off because a Pie player had scored.

That England football team is so good though that Lampard hasn't a chance of getting in the team. Oh...hang on a minute?

Yes, I have heard this theory talked about.

I just don't see the motivation for these players to get stuck in and give our boys a proper good go. Unless we are going to throw some cash at them. And why would these former Aussies/Kiwis want to help England be mre competitive?

That would still be a no contest, England will get demolished.

Perhaps that explains why I tend to stick to this board where I kindof know everyone and feel safe and warm. Even RhinoNeil loves me really.

Well they wouldn't want to "help" would they?! They WOULD however, like to get one over on England. Given that they're all from countries that love getting one over on England. Hence the motivation for giving our boys a proper good go.

Plus there's pride at stake. Delaney defending against Hall?! Morley trying to close down Briers kicking game? Tomkins trying to defuse a Richards bomb? They'd all be well up for it!

Edit - I do realise Delaney would be hard pushed at getting into said team!

Likewise. The VT seems to be a place for non stop bickering, my club is bigger than yours tosh. Your alright tvoc

Boom.

It's England and i'll be supporting them no matter what my opinions are re-coaches or the players selected.
Not expecting to win but wanting to win are 2 totally different things.

Yup. In fact, when the nancyball millionaires get embarrassed by the likes of the Faroe Islands these days I also quite enjoy that.

Rubbish thread this.

Quite and I think that is the point the OP is making.

You just know that if by some miracle our boys do anything decent this place will be awash with morons from cas/Wakey/Hull/Huddersfield who won't care about celebrating Eng;ands success but will want to revel in the fact that it was achieved without many Rhinos players.

Sadly, it's not a scenario I am losing too much sleep about.

don't think we'll win a game to be honest. Hope i'm wrong but it aint looking good really. Also think Gaz Ellis should have been captain!

Personally, i dont care, international RL doesn't appeal to me.