Quote: St pete "I just don't see the big deal about your game and Wigans game to be honest. Sky keep barking on about it but they are basically just a friendly game and Imo a disruption for you both.
If saints wasn't playing for the WCC then I'd not want us to play in the world series. It's just pointless and could be costly if any injuries occur.
I don't think the Aussies want to be here either tbh as Brisbane only bringing 18 players over whicj just shows they ain't bothered.
Like I said, if we wasn't playing for WCC Id rather saints not be in it.'"
I am a bit surprised on your comments, your posts are generally well balanced and thought through.
The issue here is not the individual game itself, but the prospects of getting an enlargened WCC going. RU profits considerably from international matches which rake in huge amounts of money. Cricket only survives over here because of international games and receipts. So we badly need international matches to bolster the finances of the game. These matches have only come about because several club chairmen went over to Oz and pleaded with them to give this format a go. If it is successful and they see revenue can be earned from it, we have a chance to grow the competition and make it more meaningful.
You have to remember that Oz clubs don't view the current WCC particularly seriously. It interferes with their pre-season and they come over here only only partly match fit. If they did decide they wanted the trophy / title, it would be a long time before we saw an English club winning it.
So let's just enjoy the novelty of playing an Oz team, support the WCC, and hope it fires some enthusiasm for more games against Oz clubs.