International Pacific Championship

[Cces]

The competitiveness in International Rugby League is well overdue & won't last so I'm going to enjoy it while I can

 

[sup42]

Watching tonight's games with my bro and his missus who is an O.G. Fern.

Can't argue with her about League, she knows way more than I do about league, having played, captained, coached at the highest level there is.

I like going over when the Ferns are playing, that is the big game in their house, not the after games, the women's game.

Coincidentally before I met my Sister in law, I was a long time follower of the Ferns, quite a few tough Wahine I worked with were Rep players, so it was kinda cool ending up related to a true legend of the Women's game.

Hoping Samoa smash Australia tonight and do a number on them.

 

[Wahs Up TV]

I think the main issue with international footy is access to all the best players. If SJ TOhu Luai plus more were available you would be able to really build credibility and interest.

The other thing should be suspensions. NRL players should be suspended for NRL games. Likewise for internationals.

I think the womens game is probably the only unadulterated comp yet that could probably build a genuine international profile without the stigma. Its probs the only way we see a bigger profile globally but the NRL looks like the only one capable of doing this, it would be in their best interests long term but we will see the short sightedness of the clubs and state leagues will limit this potential impact.

 

[sup42]

Internationals are back.

The Tongan people brought them back.

The mere fact we are having this tournament and a test series in England are thanks to the arrival of Tonga and their supporters.

The Samoan people have picked up that torch and carry it too.

When the NRL saw the crowds at Mt Smart test matches, when they saw the social media parades, they woke up finally $$$ and here we are.

I said this would happen even before Tonga brought it to life, this is my life long soap box finally going from dreams and rants to reality.

New Zealand took an interest in League when the first tests were played on television and that interest peaked during the Graham Lowe era.

Then the Winfield cup came along and the game really took off here.

The Warriors and State of Origin dual handedly destroyed the interest in the Kiwi league team, fans were split off into sections, they either stopped following league because the Warriors sucked, or they took more interest in the overly promoted and hyped SOO than they showed towards their national team.

My main fear for this tournament is what happens if Australia go out early. What will the NRL do? based on their history the concept will be killed off to protect their SOO brand.

 

[sup42]

Ferns and Roos are looking very disjointed, not surprising without prep.

Ferns are doing well overall, well in this, our kicking game I am thrilled to say is nice.

 

[Cces]

It'll be a real test of character for the Ferns from here. I flicked it on late but they're their worst enemies

 

[The Warrior Waka]

Mele Tufunga is the women's Mal Meninga lol.

 

[jonesy101]

Nathan-Wong has provided some spark in the second half.

 

[sup42]

Looks like four years of living in fear for marginalized NZ.

 

[Defence]

The most amateur thing about international footy is that we have Australian refs controlling all Australias games.

 

[KPWarrior]

Just caught the last 20 mins or so of the Ferns game, great defensive effort, struggled to get out of their own half from what i saw, respectable scoreline in the end.

 

[Wahs Up TV]

Didn’t mind the ref it was the bunker I think it was Klein again when it should’ve been a dropout. We looked like a team that hadn’t played together. Should be better by the Melbourne Test.

 

[Teets]

Anyone know why Gayle Broughton not selected?

 

[JaggedJ]

Well......this game is a waste of time.

 

[enterthewarrior]

Samoa are gonna get a hiding

 

[JaggedJ]

Leilua proving that pure dumb runs in the family.

 

[JaggedJ]

Would love to have some Hammer speed on our team. That's insane.

How must the Cowboys feel? Ponga - nah. Hughes - we good. Hammer - we prefer glue.

 

[Naumaifooty]

Would love to have some Hammer speed on our team. That's insane.

How must the Cowboys feel? Ponga - nah. Hughes - we good. Hammer - we prefer glue.

Kikau... Brandon Smith.....

 

[Wahs Up TV]

Reminds me of many an Anzac test. Origin combos v makeshift spine with no experience playing together. same old story unfortunately

 

[Defence]

Would love to have some Hammer speed on our team. That's insane.

How must the Cowboys feel? Ponga - nah. Hughes - we good. Hammer - we prefer glue.

Drinkwater is awesome too tbf