We really need to have a decent international calendar next year.
There is usually a week at the start of the season when only some SL clubs play in the CC. That weekend could be used for an international.
I think the current format of magic weekend should be scrapped and replaced with a 9"s weekend and the last slot on each day is an international test match (France v Wales on Sat and England V exiles on Sunday). With this format clubs could still commit players to the 9"s competition and at the same time release players to the international games.
The 9"s competition would be a great showcase for players like Mamo, Ashton that have blistering speed to showcase the game, if played at the etihad then some 9's games can be played at the campus stadium next door.
I suspect one of the proposals to come out will be a midweek 9"s competition to try and emulate the 100 cricket format
There is virtually a blank weekend for the Challenge Cup final. We could slot in an international on the Sunday after the final but obviously wouldn't include players from the clubs involved in the final.
The SL clubs need to support the international game as a win for England in a credible world Cup might take sponsorship to the next level from mushy peas to Fray Bentos pies or pot noodles.
