2025 Rugby League World Cup fiasco: Symptom of larger problem

Shaun Johnson being tackled when the Cronulla Sharks v Warriors on 13 September 2020.
Photo: Photosport

Opinion – Those familiar with the orchestration of international rugby league were unsurprised by the turn of events earlier this week. France pulled the pin on hosting the 2025 Rugby League World Cup after the French government demanded a guarantee the event would not result in a financial loss – a guarantee the French organising committee were unable to provide.

The French government did their best to get the tournament over the line, but despite granting additional time and financial support, the France 2025 board of directors still failed to meet their conditions.

Unfortunately, the international game has a history of appearing amateur on the world stage.

The international rugby league awards were held shortly after the world cup last year. Kiwi Joey Manu was presented with the prestigious Golden Boot, but it was a photo taken at the event which got people talking.

The awards were held in a small room with drab carpet, bad lighting, a backdrop so small it’s almost hidden and no dress-code.

One take on the international rugby league awards in 2022.
Photo: Twitter

It should have been an elegant night, celebrating rugby league’s best of the best, but instead it was an embarrassing reminder of why the international game is often not respected. Compare the ceremony to the glitz and glamour of the NRL’s Dally M awards and it’s like night and day.

The NRL knows how to showcase rugby league with flair. Every aspect of the competition is meticulously thought out and well executed. It’s no wonder the best players in the world flock to play for one of the 17 clubs.

They are well aware they orchestrate the most competitive competition in the sport and are a leading force in the game. Many players and administration alike, view it as the pinnacle of rugby league. A Kangaroos test doesn’t compare to taking out an origin series and a world cup doesn’t come close to winning a grand final. It certainly doesn’t help that Australia’s wins are often predictable and consistent.

Because the NRL controls the schedule and contracts of a large proportion of professional rugby league players, the international game is at their mercy. If no space is made for tests throughout the NRL calendar, they simply cannot go ahead.

The inaugural 2019 Oceania Cup was contested by six teams and saw the Great Britain Lions play for the first time in over a decade. It was a prime opportunity for international rugby league to make a comeback after the financial disaster that was the England vs New Zealand test match in Denver, USA.

Unfortunately, the Kangaroos prioritised State of Origin availability over a clash with the GB Lions – only participating in the Oceania event after the NRL grand final.

Legendary coach Wayne Bennett was at the helm of the Lions in 2019 and didn’t mince his words when asked about Australia’s snub.

“That’s what we should be doing. Australia and New Zealand, in particular Tonga, Samoa, the Pacific Island nations – they don’t have an Origin series.

“If Australia don’t want to participate at the end of the year at certain times then that’s their prerogative,” Bennett said.

“We all need to keep international football strong and it’s certainly in a good place at the moment and getting better.

“We need to play in these competitions and the players need to be exposed to it. It’s all upside as far as I’m concerned.”

The green and gold side were handed a wake-up call when they did eventually participate with Tonga claiming a historic win which some have branded the greatest upset in rugby league.

NFL Super Bowl champ Reggie Bush’s take rugby league.
Photo: Twitter

NFL Super Bowl champ Reggie Bush’s take rugby league.

Despite the knocks and disadvantages, rugby league is a phenomenal game, and it thrives when in the right environment. Whenever someone comes across the sport for the first time, they’re in complete awe and shock at the athleticism and brutality.

There’s no better example than former NFL Super Bowl champion Reggie Bush coming across a highlight-reel on Twitter of New Zealand Warriors legend Iafeta Paleaaesina earlier this year.

“Now this sport is crazy! Lol! Running like that with no helmet is nuts.”

If rugby league was put on the world stage, it could gain a cult-like following and have countries and athletes around the world wanting to compete.

For rugby league to gain the recognition it rightfully deserves and for the international arena to grow, Australia and the NRL would not only have to be 100 percent behind it, but they’d need to be a driving force.

* Tiffany Salmond has a background in journalism, reporting and producing with a passion for sports broadcasting, rugby league and human interest stories. She will be attending the 2023 Rugby World Cup and will be reporting on all the action for RNZ.