I'm very pleased to see that the concept of biennial Rugby League World Cups, alternating between the hemispheres, has the support of Smokey TA. I hope the idea can really gain some traction. The enormous opportunity that Rugby League, in its own particular circumstances, has is staring us in the face. Just look at what is going on just in Europe below the top level and consider the on-going boost that would be given by guaranteed biennial World Cups [urlhttp://www.rlef.eu.com/index.php[/url

All ideas and arguments attract some antediluvians who do not need to be accorded any weight. All I'll say is that seven series in the last ten years doesn't and hasn't detracted from the prestige and passion of the Ashes in cricket for example.

Oh do sod off.

Talking of the right amount of international rugby league, it was interesting to read the following about Gus Risman (part of the RL bronze sculpture to be unveiled at Wembley on Saturday):

"He played in five Ashes series, home and away in 1932, 1933, 1936, 1937 and 1946 (the last aged 35 – another record)."

i.e. there were four GB v Australia Ashes test series in five years in the 1930's (and it wasn't quite so easy to travel in those days)!