England great Adrian Morey calls for more testing after World Cup exposure

Adrian Morley believes the World Cup has proven that international competition is the way to grow rugby league, just as England’s series against New Zealand in 2023 is under threat.

SunSport understands that “complications” will likely keep the Kiwis in the Southern Hemisphere next year after initially agreeing to tour.

It looks like the 13-a-side code will be built on the popularity of the World Cup, so it’s believed that alternatives are lined up by the bosses on this side of the world.

More than 40,000 people watched Sean Wayne’s team in Newcastle and London, away from the sport’s traditional hubs.

And England legend Morey says it has proven beyond doubt to be a way to truly grow the game here.

he said:

“For sure, I think the players have shown that they can be challenged, and we have improved as a nation.

“But we should know what is going on. It is necessary to know whether

“It’s definitely something to watch.

“The World Cup has shown that the International Rugby League definitely has a place.

“I think England took a break against Samoa in the semi-final. That happens in rugby league and sport.

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“The form they showed in the tournament certainly wasn’t their performance on Saturday, but they managed to sneak it off nonetheless.

“But they weren’t good enough. Defeat is such an anti-climax. The final wouldn’t be the same without England there.”

Meanwhile, England’s next Test is confirmed to be against France in Warrington on Saturday 29 April.

The women’s side will play first at 2pm and the men will play at 4:30pm in a proposed match as part of IMG’s ‘re-imagining’ of rugby league on this side of the world.