I agree with oxford - the crowds and atmosphere at games will always be far bigger and more of a draw for TV audiences (and therefore sponsorship) when we get performances on the field right.

I have reservations about moving to England as well, but frankly who cares what us older fans think? I've sat through quite a few GB games with zero atmosphere as well (particularly against France).

Australia tends to have the same problem in reverse - people simply assume they will win (and easily) so crowds are small and not hugely into the game.

The RFL seriously needs to capitalise on this WC. I'd really go so far as to tear up the existing international calendar except for the next WC. England need some home games against either Aus/NZ next year. Given Australia's attitude I'd focus on the Kiwis, bill a series as a grudge/revenge thing and start marketing it today.

They should be doing it right now whilst they've got senior ARL/NZRL people in England, about to witness a huge game in front of a big crowd in a big stadium. Strike whilst the iron's hot.

Agree about a NZ 3 Test series in England.....but where would you play them?

Don't be fooled into thinking Wembley is an option just yet, but I see no reason why you wouldn't fill the DW, John Smiths and the KC....the GB v NZ Tour in 2007 delivered 58k over 3 games...I see no reason for not getting that to 75k with 100% sold out stickers up.....
I'd also like to see the Kiwis bring the NZ Maori with them and they play the Knights mid-week at maybe St Helens/Warrington/Odsal/Craven Park......
A couple of revenue generating tours like that each at the Aussies would be asking to join in.

gutterfax - agree about not going too OTT on Wembley/Cardiff etc. If you could get 3 x 25k and packed stadia the atmosphere would be fantastic and a real spectacle on TV. That's what we need to recreate ASAP.

An absolutely massive if, but IF England internationals - at least against Oz/NZ - start to be seen as events, as they clearly have at this WC, there's no reason why over time you couldn't move to bigger stadiums and fill them.

....totally agree.
The trick is to get BBC to cover the 3 games LIVE on BBC......and the timing will be crucial, as "Auntie" has deals with regard to the home nations (excluding England) for their Autumn internationals, so 1.30pm or evening KO's or Sundays at 3pm......fill the stadiums, then step up to Bellend Road, Stamford bridge/white hart lane and maybe even OT....build it up as a must see tour and the best way to shorten the off season.....within 6 or 7 years you could look at Wembley for the opener confident of 60K+......it would be a 10-12 year programme, but if you stick at it.....it could become a massive thing.

You have to consider the "event" as well though. Thisis a world cup, world cups are exicitng by their nature and easy to hype. Ashes series for Rl fans also have a long and distinguished hyperbaility. As yet we haven;t created a sustained three test series v NZ type event. We can and should be it needs a strong marketing plan and a long term committment. I actually think the 4nations has had its day and would prefer to see us go back to tours and test series rather than 4 nations tournaments. Would also give more oportunities for NZ/Eng/Oz to play other nations whilst on tour and to fill in the gaps by playing other nations if they are not involved in a tour.

Say NZ toured GB and France next year. Australia could play PNG, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga at the same time in those nations with a couple of games in Oz.

Why not see who wants to bid to host the 3 games in the UK? It puts the onus on the host city to get involved in the marketing and makes it easier to reach "locals"......ticket prices are important too....keep then at under a tenner for the cheapest with further discounts for 2 or 3 game purchases and "sell then through the amateur and semi-pro clubs with incentives for them to promote them". I'd also look to get a naming sponsor for the series......their logo everywhere on BBC FTA TV has to be of value.
The real hook for the next few years is watching this England side progress and get better.........

Am I right in thinking England ( or GB ) won't have a meaningful game in this country now for 2 years ? If so, it's a shame we can't strike while the iron is hot with some decent games next year !!

Whilst i agree with other on here that we should push on with England rather than mess about... i do feel very strongly that there should be a new logo (and mascot) ... the current one looks like something you'd see on the shirt of an EDL supporter rather than a world class athlete

3 years mate, the 2016 Four Nations.

Totally agree about the badge, you see loads of cheap t-shirts in Asda that have almost the same logo. The old England badge prior to England becoming the full Test side wasn't too bad. Also having 3 lions on the crest does tap in to some of the football and cricket support.

I'm not keen on the new badge for similar reasons. I remember last year when I was at uni going to meet four other students who I had been put with to do a presentation. I was in a rush so put an England RL hoody on as it was the first thing that came to hand. It turned out they were all international students, I was paranoid about coming across as some scouse skinhead!