England great Adrian Morley demands more Tests after World Cup exposure
ADRIAN Morley believes the World Cup has proved internationals are the way to grow rugby league – just as England’s 2023 series with New Zealand is under threat.
SunSport understands ‘complications’ are likely to see the Kiwis stay in the southern hemisphere next year after initially agreeing to tour.
Adrian Morley wants more international action in rugby league after World Cup exposureSWPIX.COM
It is believed an alternative has been lined up by bosses on this side of the world as the 13-a-side code looks to build on the popularity of the World Cup.
More than 40,000 people watched Shaun Wane’s side in Newcastle and London, well away from the sport’s traditional heartlands.
And England legend Morley says that has proved beyond doubt the way to truly grow the game here – and there should be more of it.
He said: “The more times England gets exposed to the better teams – Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia – they’ll improve.
“I certainly think the players showed they could challenge and we have improved as a nation.
“But we should know what’s going on. It’s great they do the World Cup but we should know when we’re touring or when other teams are touring.
“That’s definitely something that needs looking at.
“The World Cup’s showed that international rugby league definitely has a place. It’s been very well organised and attended and the viewing figures are very healthy.
“I just think England had an off day against Samoa in the semi-final. It does happen in rugby league and sport.
England crashed out of the World Cup with a semi-final loss to SamoaSWPIX.COM
“The form they showed in the tournament certainly wasn’t that performance they put in on Saturday – yet they still could’ve sneaked it.
“But they just weren’t good enough. The defeat is such an anti-climax. The final won’t be the same without England being there.”
Meanwhile, England’s next Test has been confirmed against France at Warrington on Saturday, April 29.
The women’s side will play first at 2pm before the men at 4.30pm in the match that was put forward as part of IMG’s ‘re-imagining’ of rugby league on this side of the world.
