Seth wrote:
They just have far greater numbers playing the game at all levels, its that simple.
Is it that simple though? I mean, it's certainly not that simple when you look at other sports. England has a lot more people playing football than Iceland does, but that didn't stop us losing to them at the last Euros. And I'm sure that New Zealand doesn't have more people playing RU than every other country, but that doesn't stop them from being the best. Yes, population size and the number of people playing the game are definite factors, but I don't think that's the only reason. Unless RL is somehow different to other sports in that regard.
Maybe the NRL and Origin are better preparing the Australian players for the big games, I dunno.
Or maybe the best athletes and most talented sportsmen in England are choosing to play other sports instead of RL.