Yeah like anything the RFL do is ever "genius" give me a break. The running of our game is the laughing stock of sport.

What was the original concept?.

A 21st century "re-visiting" of the old "Other Nationalities" clashes - that were a staple of the international scene in this country for many a year either side of the Second World War.

These were fiercly contested matches that along with games against a strong French side were ideal preparation for a Lions tour, or the visit (for a full test series) of one of our Antipodean cousins!!

Of course this was back at a time when international recognition was the pinnacle of any sportsman's career - and the idea of 'taking it easy' on your club team-mate in a 'rep' game, to avoid injuring him, would have been as alien a concept as an uncontested scrum!!

As for asking the fans to pick the team......just goes to show how seriously the RFL/Sky rate the concept!!

Are fans being asked to pick the team or just send in what would be there idea of what would be the best team?.

jc go to the rfl website and follow the links to the exciles game,you choose your team you want england to play against and for your time and effort they will knock a fiver off your entry,and the coach picks 9 players and the rest is picked from the votes yep its like fookin x factor

It seems people like the idea well 12 million watch x factor each week so perhaps its just me

What they should do is o the whole hog and you make the subs with the red button or better still you ref it from the red button during the game

I fear for our game.....international rl rip

If France are not good enough to play the best of British SL players why not have them play the best of British from the Championship?

So the old "Other Nationalities" games were a waste of time, a complete failure, and nothing good ever came of them?


Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

If you say so, who am I to argue with you and your obvious immense knowledge of RL history.

But those games surely got scrapped for a reason Nik?

they got scrapped when the import 'ban' came in late 60's early 70's, but at the time they were only a minor game on the international front as we usually beat the Kiwis and the Aussies hadn't taken up 'total Rugby' back then.

waste of time are international mid-season matches, just another reason to complain about the national team when they lose

Decent idea and would be a good game but as usual with the RFL... Too rushed! No time to Market / think out the plan so will struggle.

If announced at the start of the season would be much better IMO.

The fans aiding selection is used down under for their 'all stars' game and seems to work alright.

Sorry to say, but most other sports don't put League in a high enough regard for it to become a laughing stock.

ATEOTD the French and the home nations don't provide a strong enough challenge for the England,GB team to prepare to play the Aussies, Kiwis , so if this achieves what is required then fine

Then you have to look at what the French and home nations need to build , playing the England 2 nd team ( Knights ) will not achieve that , a Championship select of English players should play the home nations and France over the course of the season , it would provide good competition and something for Championship players to aspire to

Bang on the money, if there is one thing the RFL can't do, it's promote the game. Which is a bit of a shame given that is surely one of their core jobs?