A few things I missed previously. It was great news that we were able to secure the 2013 Rugby League World Cup to be hosted away from Australia. While it was a massive success, the same ingredients need to be applied on this side of the world to develop expansion.
The news that the 2013 tournament will consist of twelve teams, an increase of two on the 2008 World Cup, was greeted warmly by senior member of the trade press. Twelve teams will eliminate the need of a "super pool" in the early stages of the tournament, but I feel this is the wrong option for the RLIF to go in keeping every single game as competitive as possible. The presumed format of four groups of three will mean the big three of New Zealand, Australia and England are separated along with whoever the fourth ranked team are in the RLIF Rankings. Qualifiers will then be dispersed or drawn into the four pools containing one of the major teams.
While the planning is in its very early stage, the news of the possibility that certain games may be used as double headers to attract audiences is very good news. Attendance figures was one of several key factors in the 2008 tournament, with more fans turning up than what was expected to make it a successful tournament. Double headers means that fans will be more inclined to attend, as they will be watching two games instead of one big game in the early stages of the tournament. The like of Australia V Scotland at Warrington might not seem attractive as a contest, but double it up with New Zealand V Fiji no the same day at the same venue, for example, and the punters are getting value for money.
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