Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Fri Jul 30, 2021 3:03 pm  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58024695 "The 16 clubs are united that it is in best interests of player health, safety, wellbeing and the international game for the World Cup not to proceed in 2021," the NRL said in a statement. "The support not to play is based on the high Covid-19 infection rate in the United Kingdom and onerous biosecurity and quarantine protocols that would be placed on all players having just completed a lengthy period away from home during the NRL Telstra Premiership. "The 16 clubs support the World Cup being delayed until 2022 where it is expected there will be less risk to player health and safety and a stronger competition." Let's ignore the "stronger competition" in 2022 comment, because the only thing "weakening" it is you won't come, so ego ego ego I'd rather call your bluff on this one. Full strength not Australia teams which Australia hasn't stolen all the best players from would be a delight to see. In my opinion, the reasons are those which give plausible deniability, based on available facts, but ignoring the truth behind the decision, and on the basis that the ARL/NZRL did not consult the RLIF before they made their statement, nor consult with the players association before speaking for the players, I feel underwhelmed at their likely sincerity. But there are two concernsthey give, the infection rate, which is too high because of our incompetent government, but they could address through covid secure bubbles which the RLWC organisers are providing, and they are organised by the same people who successfully organised the bubbles for touring Test cricket teams earlier in the pandemic. If they felt they were not secure enough they could have worked towards a resolution through discussion, instead of saying Nah we're out we don't need to discuss it. The other concern being the quarantine/biosecurity being too onerous, and players being away from home for a lengthy period. Again ignoring that most NRL players seasons finish many weeks before the world cup, so they could do something before the world cup, and they could quarantine with their families on return, again like other sports are already doing. The NRL could even pay to make this more fun and luxurious for NRL players of all nationalities if it was so concerned with PLAYER WELFARE (instead of say, getting them back for week one of pre season).

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58024695 "The 16 clubs are united that it is in best interests of player health, safety, wellbeing and the international game for the World Cup not to proceed in 2021," the NRL said in a statement. "The support not to play is based on the high Covid-19 infection rate in the United Kingdom and onerous biosecurity and quarantine protocols that would be placed on all players having just completed a lengthy period away from home during the NRL Telstra Premiership. "The 16 clubs support the World Cup being delayed until 2022 where it is expected there will be less risk to player health and safety and a stronger competition." Let's ignore the "stronger competition" in 2022 comment, because the only thing "weakening" it is you won't come, so ego ego ego I'd rather call your bluff on this one. Full strength not Australia teams which Australia hasn't stolen all the best players from would be a delight to see. In my opinion, the reasons are those which give plausible deniability, based on available facts, but ignoring the truth behind the decision, and on the basis that the ARL/NZRL did not consult the RLIF before they made their statement, nor consult with the players association before speaking for the players, I feel underwhelmed at their likely sincerity. But there are two concernsthey give, the infection rate, which is too high because of our incompetent government, but they could address through covid secure bubbles which the RLWC organisers are providing, and they are organised by the same people who successfully organised the bubbles for touring Test cricket teams earlier in the pandemic. If they felt they were not secure enough they could have worked towards a resolution through discussion, instead of saying Nah we're out we don't need to discuss it. The other concern being the quarantine/biosecurity being too onerous, and players being away from home for a lengthy period. Again ignoring that most NRL players seasons finish many weeks before the world cup, so they could do something before the world cup, and they could quarantine with their families on return, again like other sports are already doing. The NRL could even pay to make this more fun and luxurious for NRL players of all nationalities if it was so concerned with PLAYER WELFARE (instead of say, getting them back for week one of pre season).

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Fri Jul 30, 2021 6:39 pm  

As quoted elsewhere. "The Anzac's who died at Gallipili must be turning in their graves at this cowardly act by the NRL clubs"
The modern Australians don't appear to have the courage of their forefathers that's for sure. How unaustralian is that lacking courage.

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:02 pm  

Huddersfield1895 wrote:

As quoted elsewhere. "The Anzac's who died at Gallipili must be turning in their graves at this cowardly act by the NRL clubs"
The modern Australians don't appear to have the courage of their forefathers that's for sure. How unaustralian is that lacking courage.

Gallipoli was Winston Churchill's handiwork...and interestingly, more Irish died on those Turkish Hills than Kiwis, but hey ho. let's not let facts get in the way of copywriters eh
This has nothing to do with courage and more to do with the mighty dollar and I genuinely hope that the IRLF do not sanction any internationals for the ANZAC sides this year. The NRL have got their own way now and nobody should be in any doubt who now runs the game.

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:10 pm  

orangeman wrote:

Gallipoli was Winston Churchill's handiwork...and interestingly, more Irish died on those Turkish Hills than Kiwis, but hey ho. let's not let facts get in the way of copywriters eh
This has nothing to do with courage and more to do with the mighty dollar and I genuinely hope that the IRLF do not sanction any internationals for the ANZAC sides this year. The NRL have got their own way now and nobody should be in any doubt who now runs the game.

Just for the record more British died than the Aussies and Kiwis and French put together, but the point i was making was the Aussies always refer to Gallipili as a show of their courage.

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:51 pm  

Huddersfield1895 wrote:

Just for the record more British died than the Aussies and Kiwis and French put together, but the point i was making was the Aussies always refer to Gallipili as a show of their courage.

Define "British".....a fair few welsh, Irish and Scottish battalions were thrown onto those rocks...., but I digress. ANZAC day is used to commemorate the Fallen of ALL wars.....like you do in the UK on Remembrance Sunday.

The NRL have had their way.........I for one am disgusted at how the Kiwis fell into line and I've made that clear to my Kiwi mates here. How the AB's can be travelling around Europe and North America whilst our League Players are wrapped in cotton wool makes League look very foolish

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Sat Jul 31, 2021 1:37 pm  

Sadfish wrote:

Back onto WC2021 please.

Sure, but just a reminder that you blamed the "pandemic" and referred to the WC2021 in the same post?
Just debating it, that is all.

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Sat Jul 31, 2021 3:48 pm  

Why are we comparing the Anzacs not playing in a world cup to WW2? It's ridiculous

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Sat Jul 31, 2021 8:01 pm  

The NRL can ROT IN HELL.

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Sun Aug 01, 2021 12:43 am  

Huddersfield1895 wrote:

Just for the record more British died than the Aussies and Kiwis and French put together, but the point i was making was the Aussies always refer to Gallipili as a show of their courage.

More like show of stupidity by that racist murderer Winston Churchill!

Re: Australia and NZ withdraw from world cup : Sun Aug 01, 2021 7:33 am  

What is this thread about again?