BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys recently revealed that some NRL clubs were worried about sending their players to the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the season in the United Kingdom.

As always, the NRL has more power than the game itself.

They are worried about player fatigue.

Happens in a World Cup year, yeah?

If NRL clubs attempt to block players from representing their countries at the World Cup than there should be some repercussions.

The players themselves should fight the fight themselves.

Go on strike for the remainder of the NRL season.

Imagine that!

We are already down a dark, dirty black hole in the NRL in 2021 with the rule changes that have drastically morphed the sport.

It’s unwatchable most of the time.

We all know the NRL is very insular – too big for its own pants.

But how dare they try and kill the World Cup?

V’landys isn’t totally against some of the NRL’s biggest stars boxing, ironically, but quite possibly against promoting rugby league in England where the game originated.

“It isn’t just about concussion,” V’landys said on June 18 about the boxing event planned for North Queensland late in the year.

“It worries me considerably. It is any hit to the head. If you get hit to the head consistently, it will cause lifetime damage. It doesn’t have to go to the stage of concussion. It is just hits to the head. If they are boxing in the off-seasons that is a concern to us because they shouldn’t be doing it.

“You can’t stop an individual’s right to do what they have to do but for their own health and welfare, they have to consider that — they have to consider that playing rugby league and doing boxing as well could have lifetime ramifications.”

Mate, stop.

If the boys want to box than they can represent their countries at the World Cup.

According to World Cup officials, Australia and New Zealand are yet to commit to the tournament.

“Our primary focus remains to deliver the Rugby League World Cup this year, as planned, and constructive progress has been made this week,” organisers said.

“We are realistic about the complex challenges we are facing in these unprecedented times, including the international travel arrangements and quarantining of athletes and staff from the Southern Hemisphere.

“In the interests of delivering clarity and certainty to everyone involved in staging the tournament, a final decision will be made as soon as possible.

“However, we have made it clear that our decision making will not be dictated by deadlines if further consideration is required.”

You know what?

If the Kangaroos and the Kiwis don’t want to be there then stuff them.

The rugby league world still spins if the NRL blew up tomorrow.

Replace Australia and New Zealand with two other countries.

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Just the other day, a Wimbledon crowd went up as one, applauding the lady that helped bring their COVID numbers down.

Crowd.

Major point.

Who are these people in the southern hemisphere to kill a World Cup?

Some people in Australia and New Zealand need a reality check.

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Athletes in far more important world-wide events are going to Japan to compete at the Olympics.

Yet a few rugby league players can’t travel to England?

They are blowing smoke up their own arses.

@woodward_curtis