Shaun Wane admits he is questioning his decisions following England’s Ashes defeat at WembleyCredit: SWPIX.COMWELCOME to 2026, a year marked by the Rugby League World Cup.
This is a crucial time when the England team—apologies to Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, but you won’t be competing—should be the main focus.
The England team should be the top priority as rugby league approaches a World Cup yearCredit: SWPIX.COM
However, there isn't even a training session scheduled before the team heads to Australia.
A decision needs to be made soon regarding a potential coaching change.
Nonetheless, the focus should not be solely on Shaun Wane’s future; instead, we should emphasize a fresh approach to Test rugby.
England is the most significant brand in rugby league. Wigan should be prominent in Wigan, Leeds in Leeds, and KR and FC in Hull. England should resonate everywhere.
Imagine being Dave, a digger driver from Dagenham.
Would you care much about clubs mainly located in the M62 corridor? But would you be invested in England’s success?
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That should be the primary concern—the casual fan who recognizes England over St Helens, Castleford, and Wakefield—and there are many of those fans in the north.
Unfortunately, the sport has ceded too much power to the clubs, and there are now two additional teams in Super League.
I hope I’m mistaken, but the promotion of Bradford, Toulouse, and York seems likely to turn the bottom three into a bottom five.
And the most compelling stories are happening outside the top tier.
Will the Australian takeover of London Broncos finally establish them as a serious contender as they remain unbeaten in the Championship?
England prepares for their quest for glory in Australia with limited preparationCredit: SWPIX.COM
Will Salford’s resurgence under a group led by former player Mason Caton-Brown, after a tumultuous 2025, be triumphant or will it fizzle out?
Regardless, the prevailing sentiment among fans there should be ‘something is better than nothing.’
Wane has called for more high-quality, intense league matches as the gap between Super League and the NRL was exposed during the Ashes series.
Will expanding the competition to 14 teams enhance the quality? I certainly hope so.
Would I be surprised if it doesn’t? Absolutely.
Will there be a shift in attitude toward making England the pinnacle of the sport? Unfortunately, I have my doubts.
Table of Contents
- Welcome to 2026
- Focus on England
- Casual Fans Matter
- Club Control Issues
- Stories Outside the Top Tier
- Future of Rugby League
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup?
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup is crucial as it serves as a platform for the England team to showcase their talent, making it a focal point for fans and the sport alike.
How does the current club structure affect rugby league?
The current club structure has led to a concentration of power within the clubs, which can overshadow the national team's prominence and affect the overall growth of the sport.
What changes are expected in the Super League?
There are discussions about expanding the Super League to 14 teams, which could potentially increase the quality of competition and address the gap between the Super League and the NRL.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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