Leeds Rhinos • England Vs Samoa Test Series

Well, the simple answer to that is - it's never been tried properly. Mid week fixtures with no thought to fans travelling arrangements or player welfare - although even then (as Wane knows) it served a purpose in preparing GB for test football. It's worth mentioning that NSW and Queensland played each other for over 70 years in state games that never caught on with fans. It just took some vision and leadership to bring it alive as a concept. Your point about participation from outside the two counties would be a stronger if these players existed in any great number. But the fact is that at the moment they don't, and the talent they do provide never gets held back in terms of international consideration. Look, I know there are always reasons to believe something won't work, but would you rather take on France in front of 3k in a poor quality game that isn't even televised, and provides zero benefit in terms of prep for 3 tests with Australia, or try and do something different instead?