State of the Nation – Rugby League World Cup countdown gathering pace after testing 2020

THERE is plenty to be grateful for in the rugby league world as it approaches 2021.
England head coach Shaun Wane is preparing for the World Cup but is yet to take charge of the national team. Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire.England head coach Shaun Wane is preparing for the World Cup but is yet to take charge of the national team. Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire.
England head coach Shaun Wane is preparing for the World Cup but is yet to take charge of the national team. Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire.

Firstly, it should be rejoiced that we arrive at the advent of a new year with all our clubs simply still intact.

A few months ago, as the pandemic took its vice-like grip, there were genuine fears from many in the game that some clubs might not actually emerge at the other side.

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Thankfully, that does not seem to be the case aside from the obvious exception of Toronto Wolfpack whose much-publicised issues, unfortunately, made it nigh-on impossible for them to continue.

That said, obviously the 12 months ahead will not be easy as everyone continues to battle with the brutal financial implications forced on them by Covid-19.

Betfred Super League clubs, for instance, owe a rebate on their Sky Sports deal from this year and they head into the final year of the current broadcast contract fully expecting to be receiving much less again in 2022.

Everyone, then, will be hoping that the delayed start of the 2021 season – Super League begins on March 11 – will be long enough to see fans finally back in stadiums for the first time in 12 months.

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Put like that – no paying supporters watching games, enjoying hospitality, buying matchday beers, food and merchandise for an entire year – and the stark realities of Covid truly hits home.

However, 2021 is also, of course, World Cup year with England (predominantly the north) staging the event and looking to make it the biggest and best yet.

Organisers have done so much wonderful and, at times, ground-breaking work in the build-up to the tournament which is due to start with England v Samoa in Newcastle on October 23.

Is it folly to hope things will be back to ‘normal’ by then and St James’ Park will be a 52,000 sell-out, kicking off five weeks of a joyous celebration of all things rugby league?

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Perhaps. But imagine the scenes if we can get to that point and how it would be savoured.

News of the various vaccines now being deployed is certainly music to the ears of everyone, not least the RLWC2021 organisers who have had to contemplate contingency plans of delaying the tournament until 2022.

Ordinarily, this article would involve assessing England’s progress in the year just gone and how they are expected to fare in the 12 months ahead.

But England have not played in 2020. Indeed, given Great Britain were reformed last year, England have not actually been in action since 2018.

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It is hardly ideal preparation especially given new coach Shaun Wane has still to take charge of a game.

Still, all nations are in a similar boat and, as ever, looking at the calibre of players at his disposal, there is the usual surge in excitement this could finally be the year in which a side from these shores wins the World Cup for the first time since 1972.

If Wane can assemble a team that can prosper where the likes of Alex Murphy, Mal Reilly, John Kear, Phil Larder and Tony Smith all failed, he will undoubtedly become a legend overnight.

Clearly, there will be a changing of the guard with previous captains Sean O’Loughlin and James Graham having both now retired, joining the likes of Sam Burgess who was captain in the 2017 final, lost just 6-0 to Australia in Brisbane.

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But there is plenty of talent eager to impress and confident in their ability to flourish at Test level. The obvious fear, though, and one which is so often the case, is that cramming so many domestic games in first to help pay those bills will leave many jaded or busted.

That said, cost-cutting has not diminished some clubs’ ability to buy big for 2021 with plenty of NRL talent flying over.

Hull KR fans will be cheered by the capture of players such as Ryan Hall, Korbin Sims, Brad Takairangi and Albert Vete while incoming coach Ian Watson has been busy overhauling Huddersfield Giants.

The Betfred Championship, though, should be exciting, too, with so many clubs aiming high, illustrated by the quality of applicants to replace Toronto.

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Leigh Centurions eventually won that race. Hopefully, rugby league races well in 2021.

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