Buzz: An open letter to the IRL

Sam Burgess is tackled by New Zealand's Elijah Taylor, Ben Matulino, Bryson Goodwin and Simon Mannering. Source: GLYN KIRK / AFP

THIS is an open letter to the board of the International Rugby League.

Gentlemen, congratulations on staging one of the greatest internationals in the history of the game on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium

I enjoyed the England-Kiwis match as much as any State of Origin game or any grand final.

It was an absolutely magnificent showpiece of skill, sweeping ball movement, intensity, courage and excitement.

The try Panthers centre Dean Whare set up for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was as spectacular and as stunning as anything you will ever see.

Shaun Johnson celebrates his winning try with team mates. Source: Getty Images

We will be watching it on YouTube and talking about it for years.

Sam Burgess turned in one of the greatest front-row performances from an English forward in international football.

Sonny Bill Williams was just Sonny Bill Williams - simply sensational.

James Graham and Gareth Widdup showed why they are both regarded as world class players.

JOIN BUZZ AS HE BLOGS FROM 10AM

Shaun Johnson showed why he is the game's next boom halfback with the awareness, the step, the acceleration and the speed to score the last try and then calmly convert.

Compare this to the penalty goal shootouts we so often see rugby union Tests. Or nil-all draws in soccer internationals.

You guys should put this game be on a DVD and show it to the world as there could be no better advertisement for the game of rugby league.

New Zealand rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams gets the ice ready after a bruising win over England. Source: Supplied

People who have never watched the game will immediately become fans.

As for the second game guys, the Kangaroos against Fiji, I can't comment because I refuse to sit up in the wee small hours to watch any sport when you already know the result.

Australia has now won its last four games by a combined score of 210-2. It's just embarrassing.

The purpose of this letter is to point out ways to improve the game at an international level without subjecting hapless, outclassed opponents to meaningless floggings.

Andrew Fifita of Australia bursts through to score a try against Fiji. Source: Getty Images

A World Cup should be all about the high quality and standard of the Poms v Kiwis blockbuster.

Instead of exposing the minnows every four years, they need your full time funding, attention and support.

Has an NRL side ever toured Fiji, Tonga or Samoa?

Surely you could stage NRL pre-season trial games in the Pacific Islands, just like we do in Tamworth, Wagga and Coff Harbour.

If we are to stage a Manly v Canberra NRL game in China next year, why not in a developing rugby league country?

Clubs too should be encouraged to bring more Fijian players into the NRL competition.

Give salary cap discounts or exemptions to clubs that sign players from Fiji.

Fiji's Kevin Naiqama reacts at the final whistle after his team was beaten 64-0. Source: AFP

The only reason England and the Kiwis are so competitive now is because their players are hardened by the weekly demands and professionalism of NRL football.

In the meantime stage your World Cup every four years but restrict it to the best of the best.

Eventually, if you guys can get the development right over the next decade, we'll have more competitive countries and more magnificent games like England v New Zealand.

Maybe even a Four Nations tournament with a competitive Fiji, not a side that gets belted by 60. That should be your aim.

Regards, Buzz.

HIGHLIGHT I

The Ashes annihilation of England at the Gabba with our oldest and most experienced players leading the way - Brad Haddin, 36, Mitchell Johnson, 32, and Michael Clarke, 32.

HIGHLIGHT II

The last five minutes of the Sydney FC v Wellington game at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night was absolutely brilliant edge-of-your-seat sport.

HIGHLIGHT III

The Kiwis-Poms semi-final was the best rugby league international I've seen in more than 10 years.

LOWLIGHT

The English commentators at the rugby league World Cup. They were disgracefully biased.

LOWLIGHT II

The Kangaroos have now won their last four games at the World Cup with a combined score line of 210 points to two. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

ZIP IT DAVE

Dave Warner's insulting comments about the English batsmen at his Saturday evening press conference were unnecessary during the first game in a five-match series.

Save it until after the series when it can't be used as motivation.

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