Rugby league opinion.

 Now that Rugby League in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres have had there champions crowned its time to take a breath and step back and review the season that just was. there was a lot of drama on and off the field. primarily with covid issues stopping and starting play. i for one was very grateful that here in America Fox Sports was able to place some NRL matches on their more primary broadcasting channels in FS1 and FS2, something the AFL has actually been enjoying getting their style of footy out to the masses here. unfortunately Super League was a bit more of stretch to watch. Chris Reid who is the Central American Rugby League founder and also the master mind behind California Rugby League , was gracious enough to answer a few burning questions I had. hope you all enjoy!

LLR- Now that the NRL and Super League have ended, did the season play out the way you thought it would, with the exception of Covid issue. 

CR- The season seemed to be turned on its head after the COVID break. I believe the implementation of the 6 Again rule (where a ref will call 6 again for minor infractions instead of a scrum) was the catalyst for the sudden change in some team's fortunes. The Brisbane Broncos totally collapsed, the Panthers went on a ridiculous undefeated run and the Titans also finished very strongly with their new coach.

LLR- What are some key storylines fans should keep an eye on in the off season?

CR- Hopefully there's not too much controversy this off-season. The Titans are really building a great squad for next year with David Fifita moving from the Broncos. Cameron Smith's decision on whether he will play on or retire will be the big story. I'm very interested in seeing where Benji Marshall ends up.

LLR- There's always great debate on which is better, NRL or SL. which is better and why?

CR- NRL by a long way. The NRL is very competitive. There has only been one team that hasn't made a grand final in the NRL era (since 1998) and 12 different winners. Super League has only had 4 winners in that same period and one of those teams has since been relegated. Super League has an image problem in the UK. I believe classism is still a huge problem they can't shake.

LLR- The growth of rugby league in North America was dealt a significant blow by the Super League in not admitting the Toronto Wolfpack back in for the 2021 season, what is your opinion on the issue, right move or no?

CR- Definitely the wrong move but it's not hard to see why it happened. The structure of giving the governing body a single vote, equal to one club is ridiculous. Then the rest voted on self interest. TWP wanted their fair share of revenue and the clubs didn't want to give it up. It's small minded but predictable.

LLR- I was listening to a Podcast a while back and Sonny Bill Williams was mentioned, the guest they had on brought up that he (SBW) is past his prime and has become an overrated player over the last few years. What are your thoughts on SBW ?

CR- There's not much to say about SBW that hasn't been said. Supreme athlete. Monumental drive. Pure professional. He's obviously a tremendous physical specimen but these days that's only 30% of it. Just to make an NRL squad is something most people will never achieve let alone winning two premierships and playing for your country.

There's no doubt he's past his prime. It happens to just about everyone at his age. It's a tough sport that takes a toll on your body.

LLR- What is one thing that the IRL is doing correctly in growing the game?

CR- Not much if I'm honest.

LLR- The New Zealand and England test match played a while back in Denver was a success , unfortunately overshadowed by the failure of the company that staged the event , should more test matches be played by well known Rugby league nations in developing League nations?

CR- Absolutely. Why not NZ v Tonga in Hawaii? How about Italy v Ireland wherever there are large amounts of expats or strong histories of migration from these nations. It's not rocket science. I believe it could be great.

LLR- Thank you for your time once again, any final words?

CR- Thanks for having me. Get out there and support the minnow nations. That's the future.