Must say I have to agree with Joan now there's a first, I've often thought that some players who play in the WCC have had nothing to do with the success of the previous season and some who did don't get to partake, a great example being man of the match Mcguire watching from the stands whilst the fella playing just played in the million pound game. ?

That said the concept wouldn't last to long imagine a fully battle hardened Melbourne Storm against any Super League club scary thought.

I always think that the Japanese would be better suited to league rather than union. Smaller in stature but with incredible heart, they would need fewer South Sea Islanders in the national team.

Been mentioned that the WCC could be played on 24/25th February at AAMI Park, Melbourne

I read that 15 of the 17 who played for Melbourne in the GF are playing in the World Cup.

If we were playing this game between the GF's and World Cup how many of those 15 do you think would risk playing in a WCC that isn't that important to them and potential get injured and miss the World Cup?

If you played it straight after the GF's the Aussie teams would look nothing like the 17 who played in the GF.

Yeah a shame RL has allowed union to roll into Japan with no competition.

They would do if there was a real financial incentive. I would not see this happening in a world cup year but any other year with a decent sponsor and a wad of cash, why not?
What about the birds nest stadium in Beijing? Given the amount they are spending on football this would be pocket change.