I'll start with a negative first. Then finish on the positives as I think they are the most important hereNegatives

1. Crowds - yes I know that the crowds in Australia have been poor. But I think a lot of that is also down to poor stadium allocation. For example, France vs Lebanon was played in a 25k stadium in Canberra and 5K turned up. This should have been played in an area with a high percentage of Lebanese Australians such as Sydney in a 10-15k capacity stadium. Would have attracted more spectators, a better atmosphere and the grounds don't look as empty. Also hosting the England vs Lebanon match at the 45k Sydney Football Stadium was an absolute brainfart. Realistically how many people over in Aus are going to watch that game? Similarly I don't think Australia vs Lebanon will fill half that stadium so pointless having that game there too. I think we got this right in the 2013 WC making use of Rochdale's links with Fijian RL players by hosting a Fiji match there, also making use of the smaller Workington ground (yet situated in a big RL area) for 'lower' matches. Yet seemed to sell these out. And matches like Scotland vs USA were played in Salford (12k capacity) and a 6k attendance. It all just seems like there is no thinking behind the stadium allocation.

2. Home Nations - so far the home nations have performed shockingly. England haven't looked good yet although I will hold judgement on them until the QF's. However Wales and Scotland might as well have stayed at home. On paper they don't have bad teams but they have been so poor is ridiculous.

3. Blowouts - compared to the 2013 WC there have been some absolute blowouts so far. However I expect the QF's and SF's to be more competitive this time around and there won't be a repeat of the AUS 62-0 USA (QF) and AUS 64-0 FIJI (SF) in 2013.

Positives

1. PNG Home Games - the decision to give PNG 3 home matches in the group stages was bang on (maybe there is brains in the organisation after all). The two games so far have been fantastic! And if PNG do get to the QF's I would swap their match from Melbourne (against England) to PNG. Yes it will put us at a disadvantage but if ENG vs AUS cannot generate a buzz at Melbourne then ENG vs PNG won't. So move it to Port Morsby and I guarantee that will be the game of the QF's!

2. Pacific Nations - they have all been fantastic! I feel for Samoa, there were so competitive in the 2014 Four Nations but the emergence of Tonga and the resurgence of PNG coupled with the high flying Fijians has seen Samoa become the 4th best Pacific Nation! However either one could upset the Tier 1 nations.

3. Ireland - personally I expected them to be the worse performing of the home nations but they have played extremely well, a good win against Italy and although I haven't watched the PNG game I'm assuming they must have played well for it to have only finished 14-6!

4. USA - although they have been spanked, I like that the majority of their squad is American and they are using this as a way to expose their players to a high standard. Shame that they finished 5th in 2013 and probably 12th here. But at least they have been slightly better than Scotland and Wales. They have great development opportunities between now and the 2025 World Cup. Hopefully the inclusion of a New York team in 2019 helps to kickstart RL in that country!

For the future I would like to see the Pacific Islands host home games the next time the World Cup is down under. I have personally seen first hand the passion Fiji has for rugby so for them to host a couple of home games in Suva would be massive! It would be packed out and I imagine Samoa and Tonga would be the same. Also I hope when GB or England tour down under we have one or two test matches against PNG in Port Morsby as really think we need to be taking good rugby there and make sure PNG eventually become the 4th nation which can compete with Eng/Aus/NZ on a regular basis.

We need to be careful that is doesn't become a bane to play, like a game that no one really wants due to costs and low crowds numbers and clubs start not being interested.

We should consider rewarding good work in areas with a WCC like Toronto for example, although not in February of course... lol

So, what would everyone's 'World cup dream team' be?

if we want it to take off need to showcase the sport. Apparently they're looking to turn there league professional, which would help.

If you are taking international's over, I think you have to include USA otherwise there won't be any intresting. If England v New Zealand, why not have USA v Canada before hand (both games together would be about an average NRL game).

Maybe for a one off time take magic weekend there?

If we are just relying on a couple of clubs there, the world cup would be a bust. And if we don't show teams like Tonga/PNG etc. No one will show up for there games.

I agree don't over do it, but slowly build it up so when the WC's there they're primed and ready.

The WCC should be 2 weeks after the GF. Then as you say could move it around. Toronto 1 year, France, Italy PNG etc. Use it as a showcase.

[i
William Slater

Jermaine McGillvary, Kallum Watkins, Joshua Dugan, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck,

Michael Morgan
Cooper Cronk

Jason Taumololo
Samuel Burgess, Boyd Cordner
James Graham, Cameron Smith, David Klemmer

Interchange

Honourable mention: Gareth Widdop, Kevin Naiqama, Akuila Uate, Suilasi Vunivalu, Garry Lo, Tuimoala Lolohea, David Fusitua









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