didn't they have 2 weeks in oz? it was something like that.
the point was two weeks of training together yet they were a shambles.
this season it's no better. there should still be some semblence of a game plan.
to be frank we look a disorganised rabble

I think people have a finite amount of money now, and rising prices in the cost of living is making more people pick and choose what they spend their money on. And watching something as dour as England France is not up there.

I agree that a successful international team would be good for crowd figures BUT I think the wider issue of clubs spending on international talent in order to survive in pre licence SL has blunted the development of home players to such an extent that a period of regrouping is required.

Hopefully being given four years to develop home grown squads will enable more SL clubs to contribute to the pool of talented players available to our international team management.

Issues with the current international series aside, you appear to have some personal issues with Tony Smith. Might I ask why?

The Kiwi side that GB beat - with the benefit of home advantage - was nowhere near as strong as the side that went on to win the World Cup. IIRC they had something like a dozen players missing for one reason or another, not something that hampered them at the WC.

Who benefits from that full round of club fixtures (well attended or otherwise)? The clubs.

And where does that benefit end up? In the pockets of the players.

A well attended international series puts money back into the development of the game at all levels. A relatively well attended weekly round (which basically means one where both Leeds and Wigan are at home, otherwise it's much less impressive) puts money in the hands of the players and the taxman.

Which should be a priority for the future development of the game in the UK?

nothing personal. never met him. i'm speaking as i see his record and the sides he produced. in 2004 i have given, and will continue to, give him 100% praise for that season. after that he seemed to change as a person and a coach. arrogance? over confidence? i don't know. i know he got rid of all the coaches and brought in yes men.
he had the world at his feet but somewhere along the line he changed .

and not for the better

You called him a pr1ck earlier.

Since 2004 he has won a WCC, GF, CC and a test series.

doesn't mean i have to like or rate him. sorry if this doesn't meet with your approval

I'm very liberal Tad, everyone is entitled to an opinion however wrong it is

Well we'll see, Ganson is reffing on Saturday now, so no excuses. [url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8326203.stmhere[/url

thats good. everyone should be enitled to an opinion mate

Typical Aussie ignorance.

At least the RFL/IRLF haven't done their usual convent girl impression and just bent over and allowed the Aussies to appoint their own referee(s).

World Cup Side.

Hohaia; Perrett, Mannering, Ropati, Vatuvei; Marshall, Fien; Cayless, Leuluai, Blair, Fa'alogo, Harrison, Smith Interchange Luke, Eastwood, Rapira, Manu.

Game 3 v GB 2007

Sam Perrett, Shontayne Hape, Clinton Toopi, Paul Whatuira, Taniela Tuiaki, Lance Hohaia,Thomas Leuluai, Roy Asotasi, Dene Halatau, Fuifui MoiMoi, Simon Mannering, Frank Pritchard, Jeremy Smith.

Replacements: Greg Eastwood, Louis Anderson, Sam Rapira, David Faiumu.

I dont think you can really compare the two do you so why keep banging on about a win vs the weakest side ever to tour from NZ?