RIP International League

As an avid fan of international rugby league this pains me to say, but the goings on within the past few days have confirmed what has long been feared; international rugby league is dead.

To clarify that statement, I mean outside of the big three sides (Australia, New Zealand and England).

In terms of those three set ups, the gap between the Kangaroos and Kiwis has perhaps never been closer, with the New Zealanders consistently winning tournaments rather than just claiming the odd win.

England’s international side is chock full of talent with the likes of the Burgess brothers, Gareth Widdop, James Graham and Joe Burgess plying their trade in the premier rugby league competition.

Unfortunately though the events of the past week have dealt major blows to hopes that pacific island nations could ever one day consistently challenge the top three sides.

Semi Radradra was announced to make his debut for the Kangaroos, meaning he is no longer eligible to represent Fiji.

Jarryd Hayne followed a similar path, meaning the two biggest names in Fijian rugby league now represent another nation.

Although I believe Semi should be representing Fiji, I completely understand his decision.

Australia has provided a wonderful life for him and his family and the chance to represent the Roos presents a huge opportunity for both extra riches and rewards.

As the best winger in the game, he has earned his spot and the big money and chance of winning major trophies that come along with selection.

It’s just unfortunate that now Fiji has lost their main man.

As understandable as the decision was, it’s understood and easily justified.

However, Wayne Bennett’s decision to ‘block’ Samoa from selecting superstar Anthony Milford is not only unjustified but shows how weak the ruling bodies are.

If a coach can stop one of his players from representing his nation we have serious problems going forward.

The annual pacific island test is one of the marquee fixtures on the international calendar, outside the traditional tri-nations tournament.

We want the best players available to ensure both sides develop and also put on a great game for their people.

To stop one of the form players of the competition from representing his heritage is a huge blow. What is stopping each and every NRL coach from doing the same?

The game will degenerate into a NSW/QLD cup competition with the odd fringe reserve grader rather than the knockdown, drag em out battle we have seen over the past few years.

Milford was not selected for Australia, due to his Origin ban being carried over, but he should be given the opportunity to play for Samoa.

Bennett’s decision is a selfish one and does nothing for his reputation amongst league fans as only looking out for his own interests.

I’d pay a large amount of money to see his reaction should Des Hasler decide to make James Graham unavailable for any upcoming English fixtures. I’d be willing to wager some of that same money he wouldn’t be happy.

Meanwhile the likes of Adam Blair Alex Glenn and Jordan Kahu are likely to line up for the Kiwis in the ANZAC test.

All’s Bennett is doing is stepping on the small nations to rest one of his star players whilst not being able to do the same against the might of the New Zealand rugby league.

The fact that there isn’t a set up where a ruling can be made to declare Milford available despite what Bennett says, is a joke.

Even FIFA have a rule stating that if a player is not made available for selection for an upcoming international fixture, they are sat out of a club game as punishment.

Even though the above is a very simplified outlining of the rule, surely something similar should be introduced.

Why should the Knights have to make the Safiti brothers available for Fiji while one of the best players in the game has his feet up because no one will stand up to Wayne Bennett?

Until the best available players are allowed to represent smaller nations, they’ll remain just that.

It seems like rugby league officials, and Mr Bennett, are happy with a three-team international set up.

Can’t wait until the next World Cup sees Australia, New Zealand and England dominate forcing people to call the tournament a joke.