Saints are the world champions, and rugby league has a chance to build on that World Club Challenge (WCC) momentum.
In this episode, Carbs discusses pros and cons of the current WCC model, the old Super League 97 model, moving the game the end of year, taking the match on tour, a mini tournament style WCC, and even SL champs joining the NRL season.
What is the best way forward for the WCC? Listen in and be sure to give us your feedback on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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[…] Source: Rugby League Podcasting Network 5: CK154 | A World Club Challenge Blueprint […]
Enjoyed the WCC podcast, well done also to St Helens on their victory. How about the following as a possible format?
NRL: Premiers and Minor Premiers to qualify. If it’s the same team (as in 2022), then the minor premiers slot goes to the #2 club (Sharks in 2022). This is similar to the A-League qualification for the Asian Champions League during its early years.
Super League: Two (2) Super League representatives of their choosing (Super League champion, Home/away champion, Challenge Cup winner).
Four (4) team mini-tournament to take place in Australia over three (3) weeks prior to the NRL season, promoted by the NRL as a genuine international championship tournament. Each round of the tournament will take place as double-headers on the host’s home ground, with the head-to-head match between NRL clubs hosted by the NRL premiers. The highest finishing club will be crowned WCC.
Hosting: 2 years alternately in Australia & Europe. The reason for 2y is to provide some continuity for local fans to get behind.
Pros:
Genuine tournament, can be promoted each year, certainty.
Dates blocked out allow NRL & SL to pre-plan tour, itinerary, lead-up schedules, etc.
Like Magic Round, the tournament would be promoted ahead of time.
Cons:
NRL clubs too self-centred to consider playing more competitive pre-season matches, risk injuries.
Damage to the newly established pre-season challenge (not that it really matters).
Admittedly, with such tournaments, it’s often hard to get the big team to take seriously. Take examples of the FIFA Confederations Cup (now defunct) & FIFA Club World Cup (that Euro has resisted FIFA to expland), where European champions often seek to withdraw, or send B-squads to the tournament.
What do you think?