The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
They are.
It's a hard one to compare the two as international RL never clashes with the Club season in which there are only two fully pro comps in the world. NRL season finishes and everyone is available for someone these days and it's good for them. The RLWC has 5 sides that can win it now when it was 2 for the last 40 years and really 1.
The Clubs definitely pressure some players when they are coming back from injury etc to not play but the windows are simpler and there isn't as many governing in the way. International RL also isn't going to push back on the NRL if the NRL said something so Tonga and Samoa with 90% of their players in the NRL have the backing of Dad.
This could all shift though if we get a Tonga v Samoa RLWC final. Aus, NZ and Eng will demand they go tier 1 which then means players must chose either a country or play SOO. Play SOO and then your'e eligible for Aus only.
It's a hard one to compare the two as international RL never clashes with the Club season in which there are only two fully pro comps in the world. NRL season finishes and everyone is available for someone these days and it's good for them. The RLWC has 5 sides that can win it now when it was 2 for the last 40 years and really 1.
The Clubs definitely pressure some players when they are coming back from injury etc to not play but the windows are simpler and there isn't as many governing in the way. International RL also isn't going to push back on the NRL if the NRL said something so Tonga and Samoa with 90% of their players in the NRL have the backing of Dad.
This could all shift though if we get a Tonga v Samoa RLWC final. Aus, NZ and Eng will demand they go tier 1 which then means players must chose either a country or play SOO. Play SOO and then your'e eligible for Aus only.