The home nations thing needs to happen but it probably needs more time, money and effort than the RFL (or RLEF or whoever) can afford to put in. It's a long-term project that rugby league is ill-equipped to deliver.

Money is a huge problem as far as I can see. The England v Exiles game is a gimmick, but if it was a gimmick that made money it's all good. I can't see how the economics work of an international that attracts less than 8k fans and no other gate money coming in to the top-level of the game all weekend.

Perhaps if they were to stick the the Exiles format, there could be a game on the Friday against the Exiles and a game on the Monday against a 'Barbarians'-type side made up of French/Irish/Welsh/Scottish players. One each-side of the Pennines.

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.