Photo: Australian Kangaroos
THE NRL season may have concluded almost a month ago, but the avalanche of rugby league continues with the latest international contests certainly prolonging a long off-season.
While the Aussie Kangaroos are off doing their thing in England against an underwhelming English team, the test matches back here have been emotional and exciting.
Let’s first dissect the Aussies v The Poms. Winning 26-6, the scoreboard in no way resembled Kevvy Walters’ men. In fact, if it wasn’t for the English ref Liam Moore letting the home side lay all over the Aussies in the play the ball, the scoreboard would have reached 50 in Australia’s favour.
It’s concerning to see the state of play in the English Super League when most of the post-match chat was, “why didn’t they play AJ Brimson?” And with all due respect to AJ, I’m not sure he would have made an ounce of difference. England are now an obvious 5th in world standings behind Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga, with possibly the PNG or Fiji teams giving them a run for their money.
The second test this Sunday morning with Aussie ref Grant Atkins officiating should see an Aussie victory by plenty. There’ll be no ‘ambush’ this time around from the English.
As for the Pacific Championship unfolding over the past couple of weekends, it is evident that each nation is obviously getting stronger.
Which is a massive shot in the arm for international Rugby League, as well as next year’s World Cup being played here in Australia (as well as a few games in PNG) the international teams, especially from the Pacifica will be itching to get a crack at both Australia and the Kiwis.
Seeing 45,000 fans flock to Suncorp Stadium last Sunday to watch the Tongans take on the Samoans was something to behold, and something we didn’t think we’d see a decade ago – a test match, not involving Australia, attracting 45,000 here in Oz! How good! The sea of Red and Blue in the crowd had a real ‘origin feel’ about the contest.
So, whilst the Aussies are asserting their dominance abroad against their underperforming counterparts, New Zealand take on Tonga this Sunday with the winner taking on Samoa the following week in what promises to be an extravaganza of international footy! How good!
MG (random Westie) OAM
