It has been a hugely impressive Four Nations tournament. Six out of the seven matches were very competitive from the beginning to end and before the tournament no one would have predicted that. An average of 40 points scored per match and 7 tries per match made for a very entertaining and pulsating tournament. New Zealand throughly deserved their victory and despite the notable absentees I do not think the tournament suffered too much. I honestly feel that there were plenty of positives to take from the tournament.
Firstly, the performance of the Samoan team was incredible and I just hope the momentum can be maintained and Australia/New Zealand do not poach their best players. Along with the other Pacific Island nations they need regular International matches to improve and grow the game. There is a fantastic opportunity for Rugby League in the region to really stamp its authority and make itself the game. Rugby Union is not particular strong and there is no doubt that the players are more suited to Rugby League. It is now up to the authorities to create clear pathways and structure for these nations so that they can all develop and close the gap on the top 3. There is no doubt the quality of players that come from the Islands and no reason why these nations can not be a major force in International Rugby League. I know the NRL have launched their Pacific Islands Strategy and I really hope that this is a success.
Secondly, I am very happy that New Zealand won the final. They are a quality side who has improved massively over the past 10 years having now won 4 major International tournaments in that time. Also given the fact that Australia did not have a full strength side it would have been awful for the game had they won the tournament. Their interest in the International game would certainly have suffered further and led to further ridicule of its state. At least now Australia know they need to be at full strength to win international tournaments - something that has not been the case in the past.
A negative for me was the performance of the England team. Yet again they played the role of the 'nearly men'. It was incredibly frustrating for fans to again see opportunities missed. The loss of Sam Burgess was huge but whether his presence would have changed matters we will never know. For me Steve McNamara is a problem and should be replaced. He is the Steve McClaren of Rugby League. We do have some terrific players like James Graham however other 'stars' like Sam Tomkins were disappointing. I was looking for an improvement in his game after a year in the NRL but I did not see one. He looks far too light and still vulnerable under the high ball. I do still live in hope that one year I will see England win a major International tournament.
Another sad sight was some of the crowds however I am aware that some of the matches were played in 'non Rugby League areas' and so it is understandable. Although having said that an average gate of 20,000 per game is 'good' for Rugby League. Hopefully this will also improve in the years to come specifically looking at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Also the news of a second New Zealand side possibly joining the NRL in 2018 is positive and will spread the game outside of Auckland.
Going forward I am hoping that the new International calendar from 2018 will be announced soon. This 12 year calendar will hopefully provide a clear structure and schedule that will benefit all nations so we do not find ourselves in a situation where nations go years without a match. This is totally unacceptable and I am praying this will soon be a thing of the past.
Next year New Zealand are touring England and this is fantastic news. Hopefully we will see three awesome test matches in front of full houses. The sooner the dates and venues are announced the better. I hope they do it early and really market it. The Rugby Union World Cup will be on a similar time so they will need to work overtime to get it noticed nationally. I have little faith they will but one does live in hope. I know the Rugby Union World Cup will be everywhere and more than likely just to rub it in the likes of Kyle Eastmond and Sam Burgess will be poster boys. However the Rugby Union World Cup final is on the 31st of October. Now hopefully the League tests can be scheduled to go into early November. The Super league Grand Final is on October the 10th so at least two/three weeks off before Internationals will mean they should not face direct competition from the Union.
With regards to other off-season internationals for the emerging nations I am not aware of ANY that are currently scheduled. This cannot stay this way.
For example - My idea:
- Scotland should be playing Samoa in a three match series
- France should be playing Fiji in a three match test series
- Ireland should be playing Tonga in a three match test series
- Wales should be playing Papau New Guinea in a three match test series
and possibly Italy should be playing the Cook Islands in a three match series.
Also they need to think outside the box. I would advocate having Australia go to emerging Canada/USA to help drive interest, similar to New Zealand in the Rugby Union earlier this year going to the USA. They want a year off - fine - but make them do something positive. Having recently read of Canadian ambitions they would surely welcome such a visit. Also it would be a nice build up for the 2017 World Cup for both USA and Canada who hope to qualify. Just an idea but one that people should be talking about.
Also they need to think outside the box. I would advocate having Australia go to emerging Canada/USA to help drive interest, similar to New Zealand in the Rugby Union earlier this year going to the USA. They want a year off - fine - but make them do something positive. Having recently read of Canadian ambitions they would surely welcome such a visit. Also it would be a nice build up for the 2017 World Cup for both USA and Canada who hope to qualify. Just an idea but one that people should be talking about.
Now ideally the 3 match test series would take place in the European nations however I would not mind them going to Pacific Islands if they are able to accommodate them.
This I think would be a great off-season International schedule. All of these sides need regular international matches and by playing their southern hemisphere counterparts. I am sure it would make for great viewing. A three match test series could also gather media attention and will have a greater impact than a one off test match. Get the venues right and the ticket prices right and hopefully we can get some very exciting matches played in front of full houses.
Samoa would have the chance to maintain momentum and to 'go on tour' which is an experience that all ex-internationals be them English, Australian or a New Zealander enjoy. I really think this is a culture that should be endorsed. We saw how good it was in local communities when these sides arrived at the Rugby League World Cup last year. While there they can visit schools, local clubs etc and help spread the game in Scotland. All of the sides could easily do this in those nations. This would also get media attention.
Also for Scotland they face a Four Nations in 2016 and need matches and who better to play than Samoa. A side that have just performed so well in the 2014 Four Nations. It also helps to generate local interest a year out from the tournament and gives them a chance to test venues and attract new fans. Scotland will probably be out of the Rugby Union World Cup by then and as long as the tickets are marketed properly and reasonably priced people will come. There is also a real chance for coverage on the Scottish BBC channels. Avenues I hope would be explored. Honestly this tour would be a win-win for all concerned.
It is a great dream of mine that this will happen despite having little hope it will happen. It is a fantastic chance that can not be allowed to pass. All of the nations will benefit hugely.
I am also an advocate of a mid-season international break where home nations can play each other. This would need to be worked into the already full schedule but I feel given the restructuring of the League this is a possibility.
I am positive looking forward for the game in 2015 and beyond. There is no doubt it faces major challenges but for probably the first time in my life the game is going forward. The right questions are being asked and ideas are being offered that will help the game both domestically and internationally. Losing the likes of Sam Burgess, Sonny Bill Williams and Jarred Hayne is tough for the game but the reaction is the key now and I feel that the game is getting stronger every year - maybe not at the rate I would hope but it is improving. Hearing of 7,000 people watching Canada play the USA in Canada is positive for the game. I just hope that countries like Canada who are clearly making huge progress and are very ambitious are helped. I also recently read of their ambition for having a side in Championship 1. Without doubt there is a huge market in that region. It should be explored to the max which for me brings in another issue of TV coverage of NRL / State of Origin and Super League being given to emerging nations to help drive support. Just another idea that needs to be addressed. I want the State of Origin series to be accessible all over the world. What better series to introduce a new audience to then that? Also having South Africa, a Rugby Union dominated country, interested in hosted a World Cup is great. Their bid came completely out of left-field but should be welcomed. In the long term I would love to see it. Maybe in 2025/2029. The plan should be to award it 8 years in advance so that a serious 8 year strategy can be put into place. I also believe that the revival of GB Lions will come and that will only be positive for the game. So there is plenty to be positive about despite many in Rugby League only ever wanting to be negative about the future.
Personally I am going into the new domestic season looking forward to the new league structure and the expanded World Club Series. Just now hoping for an announcement of the post-season Internationals.....but will it come?
