I think it could be done without affecting SL. As it seems likely we will drop down to 12 clubs, that means 2 less games freeing up 2 weeks. The exiles game was on a free week this year so we would only need to find 2 more weeks to hold a 5 nations.

Is there enough Aussie talent playing in SL to maybe form an Australia 'select' team? They could play in the green and gold and it would mean more to them than a fake exile team?

Just a thought

What was noticeable last night was that the team spirit within the team was much improved on previous England teams in the past. There was no inclining of the "Leeds players not liking St Helens players, who don't like Wigan players" that dogged the last WC squad. Some of that must surely be down to the players spending more time in camp and to that end, I think Exiles has served a purpose that Yorks / Lancs never did or could.

The fundamental problem is the talent pool of players in Europe. Aside from small pockets of England and France, RL is not played by the quantity and standard of players that are needed to create competitive teams in Ireland, Wales, Scotland or anywhere else in Western Europe. That leaves England / the RFL with two options for competitive opposition; either travel to the Southern Hemisphere to play Australia / NZ / PNG, or make up an opposition. One is a logistical nightmare, the other is full of flaws.

Until the game grows significantly outside the north of England and south of France, there isn't going to be a strong, credible opposition to England within Europe. It's a long-term campaign which will require a lot of long-term commitment, perseverance and investment. Unfortunately, the game doesn't have the cash to invest, it doesn't have a good track record when it comes to perseverance and large sections of the supporter base won't accept 'long-term' projects. It also leaves open the question as to who England play in the meantime and, unfortunately, the Exiles is the best option available at this time.

is that your whippet I hear barking?

That will never happen though, the distance is too much for a Mickey Mouse game and it would not be a Test match so the NRL Clubs are never going to even consider it.

Get another French Club into the SL and persevere in building France as a worthwhile opponent.

There is more to this than simply trying to create a decent team for England to play. It's about trying to develop the international game as a whole. To do that teams need to be playing regularly.