For gods sake. Didn't they used to play exhibition games against SL clubs before a test series? Surely that would make more sense, and dare I say it, a few fans might actually turn up

Could well end up lining up something like

1. A. Minichiello (Roosters)
2. Mantellato (Knights reserve winger who had his debut this year, top point scorer 2012 in the NSW cup)
3. Berrigan (Raiders)
4. Nero (Salford?)
5. Tedesco (Tigers fullback)
6. Campese (Raiders)
7. Gower (Knights)
8. Snowden (Knights)
9. Humble (Panthers)
10. Laffranchi (St Helens)
11. M. Minichiello (Titans)
12. Guerra (Roosters)
13. Ciraldo (Panthers)

14. Mauro (Salford)
15. ?
16. Reithmuller (Cowboys Backrower)
17. Rovelli (Mackay Cutters, ex Warrior and Cowboy)


With a few other possibles knocking about like Trimarchi (ex-Crusaders) etc before you even need to look at the 2 domestic comps.

Before the whole country selection debate starts again, bare in mind Union have done it for years with their developing nations, as has cricket.

It doesn't make it any less annoying though, I wonder how many of those players even speak Italian

probably more than Wales have Welsh speakers

Including an ex-Italian international in RU in that very squad. If anything they're worse than us, but they make money out of it rather than complain.