We need to win for people to take international rugby league seriously, whether that be fans, UK media, the NRL, or potential sponsors. I'm going to worry about losing players to the NRL later (i'd rather that, than lose them to union) - that's part of a bigger problem for SL and a lot of fans wouldn't like what really needs to be done to make RL in this country stronger (franchising, mergers, and a reduction of teams in SL).

If you were the aussies or the national press, why would you care about a final that we're odds-on to lose and haven't won for generations. Until that happens, the current coverage is as good as it's going to get.

Come back on Saturday afternoon after we get beat. Then we will really see who the muppet is.

FWIW I'd love us to beat them but it just aint gonna happen.

A win wouldn't be any kind of miracle cure for any of the ill's within RL. However, it would certainly liven up the game generally.
Imaging the next 4N or World Cup if the Aussies do get beaten (I know they have opted out of the next 4N but, you get my drift).

It would bring some welcome positive news for the sport and most of all, remove the fear factor, when playing against them.

Will it increase ST sales for next season, probably not.
Will in increase the "brain drain" to Australia, probably
Will it increase sponsorship within the sport, probably not.

However, as a proud supporter of English (or European) RL will if make me feel phenomenally good, YES.

Come on England !

In a one-off game, in the game of your life, in a big final, anything can happen.

Second Division Southampton v First Division Manchester United and relegated Wigan Athletic v Premier League champions Manchester City in association football to name but two big finals where the underdog has won. And we are closer to Aus than Sts and Wig were to United or City in either of those finals.

If England win on Saturday then it will be a golden opportunity for the RFL to reform the Super League setup and bring back franchising, with P & R restricted to the Championship and League One. Then the promotion of Toronto and Toulouse, and perhaps London, to Super League could become a UK and perhaps even world headline grabbing event, especially with the prospect of the future arrival of New York and perhaps Montreal being mentioned.