England ditch idea of touring Pacific Islands

It is a blow to coach Steve McNamara who will now have to settle for a trimmed-down itinerary here as he plots for the major 2013 event.

England were already looking at limited possibilities for 2012 opponents given Australia’s decision to give their players an extended break in the build-up to the World Cup.

They had, instead, hoped to arrange a trip which would incorporate teams such as Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea but Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood conceded yesterday such a move would neither be “practical or economic”.

Memories of Great Britain’s ill-fated 1996 tour of New Zealand and Fiji, when some players were sent home early because finances fell short, are still too fresh to risk that again.

Fears there would be no international football at all the year before the World Cup have been allayed though.

Instead, the RFL are close to finalising details on a northern hemisphere tournament which is likely to incorporate England, France, Wales and possibly a nation such as PNG or Fiji.

Wood hopes soon to unveil a 22-month programme, which is likely to include two games against the Exiles next year, building up to the World Cup which will be hosted here in the autumn of 2013.

“The international programme is taking shape; England will be participating in international football in 2012 in the northern hemisphere,” he said, before admitting Australia’s insular attitude has been an issue.

“The RFL’s policy on the primacy of international football is not necessarily shared by everyone around the world.

“The NRL have issues of their own to work through but hopefully the new administration will have a more enlightened attitude.”

A new commission set up in the Australian-based NRL should give clubs more power and, in turn, Wood hopes that will not only increase their appetite for international football but also improve chances of developing the stagnating World Club Challenge.

Leeds Rhinos will play NRL champions Manly Sea Eagles at Headingley Carnegie in February, the 13th year in succession Super League’s victors have hosted the event which has traditionally created little interest Down Under.

While the English game is keen to raise the profile of that event, perhaps turning it into a tournament in its own right involving top teams from both competitions, or moving it to a neutral venue like Dubai, they have consistently struggled to find encouragement from Australia.

“We can dream up as many initiatives to take the World Club forward but you’ve got to have someone to dance with,” said Wood.

“The NRL have got to come to the table with a vision of how international club football can go forward.

“Whether it’s a multi-team tournament, alternating venues or it goes off-shore where there’s some corporate dollars, someone has to make it happen.

“In truth, every attempt we’ve made over the last few years to try and promote a debate about the destiny of the World Club Challenge has always been difficult to get an attraction.

“We place higher value on the World Club Challenge than Australians do and that’s evident in most of the discussions we have.

“Some of the changes in the governance of the game over there, with more authority and power probably back in the hands of the clubs, might mean that they are more open-minded.

“To be fair, Andrew Hill, who has just joined their executive team, has grabbed hold of it and there is probably more energy and endeavour there than in the past.”

The RFL have revealed that the media profile generated from this autumn’s Gillette Four Nations was increased by 38 per cent from the previous time the tournament was held in this country two years ago.

It is a considerable improvement and it is imperative the good work started – both on and off the field – is continued in the coming months.

While ultimately England disappointed in their Elland Road final loss against Australia, Wood believes the competition was a success and sees reason for optimism ahead of 2013.

“The tournament to a large extent exceeded all expectations off the field as much as on it,” he said, during yesterday’s media briefing in Leeds.

“That was really important to us as the second half of the domestic season was blighted by some of the off-field things like licensing.

“It was really important we finished the season strongly. The Super League play-offs achieved that once they got going and there was a real good finale to the season.

“It was vital we then had an international programme that sent everyone into the winter with a bit of a spring in their step and a bit of optimism.

“Wembley worked terrifically well, Wales turned up and played in all of their contests and didn’t let anyone down while the England matches were terrific and the final was a very good spectacle.”

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