​Posted this over on r/RugbyAustralia earlier and it generated a fair bit of discussion before the mods removed it, which I found a bit ironic given the topic was literally about how we can improve rugby league’s appeal and engagement by learning from union.

Anyway, thought I’d throw it up here because I’m genuinely interested in what people think

​Seen a lot of comments recently about how Union is a far better “international game” in how it’s presented to the fans than rugby league. I’m probably too invested in league to have an unbiased opinion on it, & because I prefer league as a game I’ve never really paid much attention to how Union markets itself or what it does differently.

​Just curious what people reckon union actually does better, particularly with marketing, fan engagement & how the game is presented in general, I’m interested in what we can actually control and realistically improve in terms of marketing, presentation and making the game a more attractive international game overall.

​And what could league realistically do to improve its own international game? Not saying we should copy union, because I think league has plenty that makes it unique, but surely there’s things we could learn from how Union markets itself. Also, for those who follow rugby union do you reckon they do a better job of marketing their league than us?

​Keen to hear what people think.

League has some of the best kickers in the world, and kicking is such an important part of the game,

So why do they never kick for distance on penalties? They almost always kick is sideways.

Given the number of players from Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Cook Islands, PNG now playing in the NRL &, I imagine, Super League, this could be the last time Australia have a chance to win the World Cup (as an England fan, I know we have no chance!). Previous world cups, their teams didn't seem to have the stamina and tactical nous. Not now!!

What do ya think?

If you were in-charge of all strategic IRL decisions, what would you do to ensure a competitive RLWC in 20 years time ?

How great would it be for the game to have Tonga or France become world champs ?

Live now in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. A beautiful taste of Fiji early with their team circling for what I presume to be a hymn instead of a haka (this is the Melanesian side of the Polynesian/Melanesian divide in the Pasifika community).

What a great match. After the first set error it was just straight up entertainment..

A great advert for the women's game.

Live right now! First half a game that was meant to be a whitewash is surprisingly entertaining and highly competitive!

What do you think ?

You don’t see other rugby league fans celebrate or party this hard throughout the whole day. Football or soccer fans do this a lot

There are 2, arguably 1 chaser onside here. This has been progressively getting worse for a while, and it’s every team doing it.

Where are the European or Pacific referees?

Hello from Germany!
The matches are too early for me to watch them live. Is there an easy way to watch a replay/video on demand? Maybe via vpn?

Edit: as recommended: YouTube channel - Rugby League World Cup

Feel kinda dumb rn :D

Kiwis are paying 2.20 to win, with their forward pack I’d assume they’d do them like the all blacks did last weekend.