Quote: Cruncher "The Aussies' attitude to the WCC is always an issue. There's a degree of defensiveness in it, I suspect. It's like they always get their excuses in early in case they lose. But it hardly helps if the English clubs and their fans take the same approach.
In an age when we're trying to promote the game internationally, the WCC should be a great fixture. Despite the Aussies always claiming they didn't take it seriously, there have been more great games than duds when that fixture has been played.
But much as I revile the attitude that "our domestic season is more important", there's no point in it if neither are going to try very hard.
I'm proud that Wigan at least have always done their best to make this fixture a big event.
And on that subject, no team can claim that it's the best in a generation unless it has tested itself against the other contender for that title. In 1994, that invincible Wigan team proved beyond question that it was THE BEST by beating the all-conquering Brisbane in their own backyard, in front of 50,000 people. I'm surprised, frankly, that Saints would happily miss this opportunity to put themselves on the same 'legends' shelf.'"
Not sure if you are talking in general overall but I don't understand what you mean by the part in bold. From a Saints point of view we have always taken it seriously too. Going back to 2007 we beat Brisbane and then 2015 we were hammered by a great Rabbitohs side (admittedly the 2015 Saints side was a poor one). In 2020 we gave a great performance against the Roosters and were narrowly beaten and then we were unable to play for 2 years due to Covid
I think the fact we are going to Australia signals our intent. The fact we are playing a friendly over there the week before means we won't have jet lag as an excuse as it seems we will be out there for two and a half weeks at least.
So we aren't missing an opportunity at all?