Whats the point of this? So the NRL can make more money? Not really a whole lot of use for the Northern Hemisphere game really, just seems to relegate the prestige of SL further.

International tests are far more important than what is a parochial game between two states in Oz coming over here for a gimmick game.

If the NRL want to play a game over here in Wembley, then have a test and build up the international game rather than the NRL brand.

I'd go watch SOO at Wembley without a doubt. I also don't see how it can detract from the "prestige" of Super League - we all know that the NRL is tem times the competition that SL is.

Tests are important but would they be viable each year? I don't think they would against Australia. We don't see any reason to play France through arrogance but its the same with Australia and England. They are too strong for us to a extent than we are for France. No one is interested in regular mismatches. Now and again yes, but not every year. I think we should play NZ more reguarly though if it can be financed. That may at least provide competitive games and alklow England to develop.

How about making it a double header with England v Exiles?


On second thoughts...

I like it. I'd try and go and having a sell out at Wembley would help raise the games profile in London (and beyond).

I do wonder whether the NRL should be the ones to take over the running of the London Broncos. I'd hope they could get it going in the right direction, one way or the other.

Agreed. This is all about the NRL. It will do nothing for Super League or the international scene was so ever.

I like the SOO brand but I would purposely avoid this due to the arrogance of that article, they can go screw.

Your attitude explains why British RL is so impoverished. The NRL and their clubs are a business and must constantly look to strengthen, ok after their players and maximise their revenues. If they see a market at Wembley and can tap into sponsorship from more global brands as a result then good luck to them. At the same time they could raise the profile of RL in this country and London in particular which could have some positive effects on our game.

The question you should be asking is why aren't the RFL or our clubs capable of growing the game? I think Leeds has a big role to play - the one decent sized and economically successful city to boast a succesful RL team. Also a city wihout a premiership football team. Leeds should be attracting serious sponsorship and really driving the British game forward. If they can't no one in the North can.

I dont think anyone thinks it wouldnt probably be good for the NRL, i just cant see how it is good for RL in this country?

It just cements our position as poor relations and takes cash that could be spent in the UK game and gives it to the NRL. If the NRL were to give us the TV and Ticket revenue from this game i would agree, but they arent. Its a money making excercise for them which damages our brand and does nothing to develop the game here.

Nobody who doesnt already know of RL is going to be attracted to the game by a one-off game between two states in Australia being played at Wembley.

What cash would it take out of the British game?

the cash that would be spent attending that event and then used as an excuse for not attending a british RL event.

Two points there:

1. Most of the tickets would be sold in London and the home counties and so not affect British RL.
2. How many people when they go to a Test match or cup final then stop going to watch their own club to compensate? Not many I reckon.

I think your assumptions are a bit of a stretch. I can’t see that anyone except existing RL fans would buy a ticket for an SoO game in the UK, if you aren’t an RL fan, you wont really know what SoO is, so why would you go?

Secondly most clubs fans buy season tickets so what you are proposing isn’t really necessary. For most people this event would be the cost of another trip to London, another expensive wembly ticket, another hotel etc. I can well imagine that a fair few of those who would go to Origin would choose to do so at the expense of something like the GF or CC final