Just out of interest, would you both feel the same way if the club you support had won jack all in the time you've been watching them?

Well Leeds only really started winning anything 15 years ago, won jack all in my life time up until that point and feelings have always been international glory over club. Nothing i would have liked more than seeing us take out a series or WC during the period 90-95 when we were very close.



Each to their own though and i can see where you are coming from.

I believe so. We have not even beaten the Aussies in a single game in 11 years.

Yes. I support the game first, the country second and Saints third. I felt that way before 1996 too, up until which time Saints' main role seemed to be to lose to Wigan in finals.

Country by a hair, especially if we beat Australia in the final, it would be country by a distance if Sinfield were still captain, or if Leeds were not going into a potential transition period



Also, is it just me who feels less of a connection to the England team since we got an Aussie coach and put Heighington in the team?

I feel the same and my club haven’t exactly been successful in the 35 years I have been watching them. The ultimate for me would be to see England beat Australia in a World Cup Final with an English team (no silly heritage players) and an English coach.

I do not give a monkeys who the coach is he can be from outer Mongolia for all I care what we want is to win the world cup for god sake

It would be fantastic to see England win either the World Cup or 4 Nations.

However, the international program is still a sideshow tagged on at the end of the season and rightly or wrongly, it just doesnt have the same kudos as the Grand Final.

IMO, this is down to lack of publicity and utter lack of build up within the media and for this world cup, the total apathy from the Aussie public.

I think John Kear's observation was right, when he said , that for the Aussie fans, the World Cup comes third (behind SOO and Club Rugby.

Only when the international games are elevated above all the club and SOO, will THe World Cup be the pinacle of the sport.



It would be really interesting to hear the players perspective, although, when they are allowed to change coultry every season, it really doesnt help (even though this has turned Tonga into contenders).

Country, I'll support my home team through thick and thin and would still make the 370 mile round trip the same number of times even if we were in championship 1. However even if your team is in the doldrums special games do come around every now and again, be it beating the local bin dippers on the other side of town, an unexpected win against an in form high flying side or just a bloody good match with an exciting finish.



Exciting national games and one that really gets the juices flowing are rare as rocking horse and frankly if we can shut the Australians up and the game gets national coverage in the sports section of the news even if only a minute that WC win would be worth a hell of a lot, and worth a lot to all clubs.

I love the growth of international Rugby League ... but my club is my first love... always!

You only have to hear the crowds and sense the atmosphere to tell you how bothered the fans are about internationals.

The Aussise dont really give a damn (maybe because they know they are going to win), England are apathetic (as they know that they may get second spot, if they are lucky), Kiwis, seem to just enjoy their "footie" .

The real passion has come from the fans of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, where they know and expect their side to fight to the last whistle and it's been superb to witness this at international level.



Have to say that the Aussie fans haven't done justice to the comp (again, because they know that they will win at a canter).



There is real passion among club supporters and a sense of "duty" when turning up to internationals.



A winning team would probably change this for England, lets hope they start to click.

I hope the Aussie squad have this attitude too





Although they are favourites without doubt, I have seen better Aussie squads than this and they will have to bring their best if they are to get through NZ and England/Tonga.