31/10/2026
🏉 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2026 – WHAT A MISSED OPPORTUNITY!
We’re almost three weeks into the Rugby League World Cup, and to be fair, it’s been a pretty disappointing tournament so far. Not many close games, too many one-sided contests, and very little excitement.
But what disappoints me even more is how this World Cup has been organised.
Games are being played in Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Newcastle, Wollongong, the Gold Coast, Perth, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
Yet not a single game in Adelaide or Melbourne. Seriously?
I understand taking games to Perth, especially with the Perth Bears entering the NRL. That makes perfect sense.
But how can rugby league constantly talk about growing and expanding the game while completely ignoring two major Australian cities?
Melbourne has an established NRL club, and Adelaide is a market where rugby league should be trying to build support and attract new fans.
Instead, we’re taking World Cup games to places where rugby league is already well established.
How is that truly spreading the game?
A World Cup should be about more than just playing matches. It should be about introducing the sport to new audiences, inspiring the next generation and growing rugby league nationally.
Adelaide and Melbourne deserved an opportunity to be part of this tournament.
You can’t claim to be growing the game nationally when you’re leaving major parts of the country out.
🏉 GROW THE GAME. DON’T JUST PREACH ABOUT IT!
