It's definately more marketable.

However, as I mentioned on a previous thread about GB, these folk pining for its return dont realise what's in front of them.

It's all the same team with a different shirt.

Whereas in RU the Lions have a genuine representation from each of the four nations.

This is one reason why it is so key that Ireland, Scotland and Wales improve, then we could have a strong international comp with the home nations one year, one with Aus & NZ another, world cup the next and then a genuine GB tour to complete the 4 year cycle!

A long a distant dream, but a nice one none the less

This non-story has already been discussed at length on here.

Yes, you keep saying that but you ignore the reasons why the current England squad would also mostly be the GB squad, whereas in the past it would have been made up of several Welsh players and the odd Scottish and Irish player.

It's because, if they can qualify, all the best players now opt for England as the only competitive home nation, whereas in the past they could play for their home nation of origin while still having the option to compete for GB on tours and for the Ashes.

That's precisely why having no GB weakens Wales, Scotland and Ireland, while essentially turning England into GB. Without the history and prestige GB holds, of course.

I see your point. There is no doubt players pick England in order to compete against the best However, I think one of the big things to combat this would be to put a rule in place that once you play for one nation you cant select another.

That would mean that Ireland would now have Chris Bridge, Ben Harrison, Micky Mac etc

Scotland would have Brough and Ian Henderson

Wales would have great youth coming through.

It really weakens the developing countries when you can play for one on your way up and another when you make the grade

but none of those players are Irish, and neither of those players are Scottish. finding a Wiganer with a grandparent from Dundee doesn't represent development.

I agree, but its one thing questioning the eligibility rules and another choosing to switch when a better nation comes calling

Making your decision final, as I believe it is in football (may be wrong) would be a big help in spreading some of the talent around, not all, but some

Surley a more profitable tour would be to play an 3 test Ashes series against Australia and one game against NZ? I hope they have got that the wrong way around!

That tour sounds superb!

Then in 2015 The Kangaroos tour UK, playing GB, France, Leigh, the Super League and Challenge Cup Winners.

That would be ace.

I'm sure he said 3 NZ and 1 for Aus and I just presumed it was against 2 NRL teams cos he said 8 games but only mentioned 6 international fixtures. It could be NSW and QLD or even QLD Cup/NSW Toyota Cup teams for all I know.

Also said that Nigel Wood wasn't a big fan of the Four Nations but wanted to bring Tri-Nations back, as it was a lot more popular and profitable, with a 4th international team playing against Aus/GB/NZ on a bye weekend when 2 of the other 3 nations are playing each other.

For example if Aus v NZ was the Tri-Nations fixture for that particular weekend, then GB would play PNG in a one off test meaning that teams like PNG are still getting top international footy. Then weekend after if Aus v GB then NZ would play PNG.

That 4th team would be decided by Pacific Cup or Euro Championships for NH Tri-Nations.

IMO its sounds a cracking idea. Think it was in the Sydney Morning Herald paper but could be wrong.

It's a bit unfair making them play Widnes twice but I'll take it!