Who would have thought that after last years debacle the RFL would still press ahead with its disastrous International Origin match!
You’ll have better luck putting a bet on Kentucky derby horse racing than you will predicting what the RFL does these days. The powers that be in England carry on these days like a crazy person that doesn’t realize they are actually crazy.
The idea that the RFL will be able to sell a game between an England team that won’t have all of its best players, and a a busted, old looking team of imports…..well, is it any wonder the media pay zero attention to this abortion of a content?
The original concept put forward by the RFL for this contest was that it allowed the English side to come together and play at a higher level than they could get from playing France, Wales, Ireland….or any other international teams close by that the RFL like to ignore. That is all well and good, but when every single one of your best players are not taking part in the game, it kind of defeats the purpose.
Then there is the Exiles team….
Once upon a time you could have put together a team of Super League Imports that would have given England a little taste of a higher level of competition. These days, the Exiles team looks like a cross between a seniors side and a NSW Cup team!
Take a look at these bludgers:
Louis Anderson, Daryl Millard, Zeb Taia (all Catalan Dragons), Chris Bailey, Antonio Kaufusi (both London Broncos), Michael Dobson, Mickey Paea, Cory Paterson (all Hull KR), David Faiumu (Huddersfield), Blake Green, Pat Richards (both Wigan), Rhys Hanbury (Widnes), Brett Hodgson (capt), Joel Monaghan, Michael Monaghan, Trent Waterhouse (all Warrington), Lance Hohaia, Willie Manu, Tony Puletua, Iosia Soliola (all St Helens), Kylie Leuluai, Joel Moon (both Leeds), Heath L’Estrange, Manase Manuokafoa, Jarrod Sammut (all Bradford), Mark O’Meley (Hull), Justin Poore (Wakefield).
What the hell is half an England side and a few blow in’s going to get out of playing that group right there?
Brett Hodgson will captain the side because yes, he is still playing, and the game will be played on June the 14th and Warringtons Halliwell Jones Stadium.
You should find something else to do that night…
Don’t know how Brett Hodgson hasgot in?! He’s been poor this year! Shoud be brett kearney !! been great!
That is a sad looking side, but the saddest thing is it may very well beat the English side