ArthurClues wrote:
Well, the simple answer to that is - it's never been tried properly. Mid week fixtures with no thought to fans travelling arrangements or player welfare - although even then (as Wane knows) it served a purpose in preparing GB for test football. It's worth mentioning that NSW and Queensland played each other for over 70 years in state games that never caught on with fans. It just took some vision and leadership to bring it alive as a concept. Your point about participation from outside the two counties would be a stronger if these players existed in any great number. But the fact is that at the moment they don't, and the talent they do provide never gets held back in terms of international consideration. Look, I know there are always reasons to believe something won't work, but would you rather take on France in front of 3k in a poor quality game that isn't even televised, and provides zero benefit in terms of prep for 3 tests with Australia, or try and do something different instead?
I’d rather we do England V France properly and not have it has a Curtain Raiser for s championship game.
It’s not as simple as looking at SOO and saying they made it work the rivalry between the two states just doesn’t exist between Yorkshire and ‘Lancashire’. How many times do you hear crowds chant ‘Lancashire’ Yorkshire yes, but never the other way round.
Also on SOO wasn’t Australia RL played as two state Leagues for a lot of the time enhancing the rivalry?
