I haven't got a lot to say but it's New Year's Day, the RU thread has started, so it seemed time to get us on the board too.
The big story of the year is whether Toronto Wolfpack make it to Super League, and then whether their success to date triggers further expansion in North America.
Meanwhile without quite as much fanfare Toulouse Olympique were close to making the promotion play offs last year and again their continued success is vital for the future of the game in France.
The despair in the title is two fold - England went close in the World Cup final and will be keen to test themselves against Australia again. Except they can't of course, because Australia can't be arsed with international RL so we've got a three game home series with New Zealand instead.
Meanwhile Castleford had their best chance of breaking the big clubs' hold on the Super League title, and will do well to go as close again.
As ever the action off the field will be as entertaining as on it. All the time I've been aware of RL it has been a sport that can be seen to be simultaneously contracting and expanding at any one time, and the next few years will be vital for the long term future of the sport. There needs to be a proper long term plan for international RL, the ruling bodies need to decide how best to manage the Pacific nations and North America, in terms of both international and club football, and then actually go through with the plans.
The big story of the year is whether Toronto Wolfpack make it to Super League, and then whether their success to date triggers further expansion in North America.
Meanwhile without quite as much fanfare Toulouse Olympique were close to making the promotion play offs last year and again their continued success is vital for the future of the game in France.
The despair in the title is two fold - England went close in the World Cup final and will be keen to test themselves against Australia again. Except they can't of course, because Australia can't be arsed with international RL so we've got a three game home series with New Zealand instead.
Meanwhile Castleford had their best chance of breaking the big clubs' hold on the Super League title, and will do well to go as close again.
As ever the action off the field will be as entertaining as on it. All the time I've been aware of RL it has been a sport that can be seen to be simultaneously contracting and expanding at any one time, and the next few years will be vital for the long term future of the sport. There needs to be a proper long term plan for international RL, the ruling bodies need to decide how best to manage the Pacific nations and North America, in terms of both international and club football, and then actually go through with the plans.
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