Rugby league has become competitive – but only in the southern hemisphere

While the rise of Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea is brilliant, the wealthiest investors are in Europe and North AmericaBy Gavin Willacy for No Helmets Required“You all need to have a good look at what’s happened with the international game over the last five or six years,” said Wayne Bennett the Lions lost to Papua New Guinea. “You’ve seen the emergence of Tonga. You’ve seen how much Papua New Guinea and Samoa have improved. So, while we’ve got to swallow a bitter pill as Great Britain, on the other side of the ledger I see the game getting stronger.”Having more competitive teams at the top is undoubtedly fantastic for the world game. For the first time since the late 1970s, the best four sides in the world can – and do – beat each other. “We are seeking to have at least eight fully fledged contenders for every World Cup,” said IRL chairman Nigel Wood this week on the International Rugby League Podcast podcast. With the rise of Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, that is feasible. Related: Future of Great Britain Lions in grave doubt after disastrous tour | Aaron Bower Related: Wayne Bennett has failed as Great Britain Lions coach Continue readingread full article

Source: TheGuardian

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