2020 was the first year since 1976 that Australia didn’t play an international rugby league match. COVID-19 threw the whole season into chaos, and we were lucky to get through the season and have the State of Origin series. Now, the World Cup has been postponed, and international rugby league looks in a bit of trouble.

While I understand the theory behind the World Cup postponement, I can’t help but wonder how Wimbledon and the European Football Championships managed. The South Africa and Argentina rugby union teams are still planning to come to Queensland for the Rugby Championship, and at time of writing, the Ashes is still on.

Anyway, bygones. It is what it is. Still, I think there is an opportunity for Australia to play a couple of test matches after the Grand Final. Now that Moana Pasifika and Fiji have joined Super Rugby, it would be an ideal time to have rugby league test matches against Fiji, Samoa and/or Tonga to remind people the sport is played at international level. Of course, a test against New Zealand would also be on the agenda.

I’m sure the majority of players would still love to represent their country. Newer Origin rep players such as Brian To’o, Christian Welch, Issah Yeo and Kalyn Ponga would all be in line to be picked for Australia, while for James Tedesco or Daly Cherry-Evans, the opportunity to captain Australia would be close to the pinnacle of their career.

Surely the relevant administrations can work out at least one test match to finish off the year, and give the players involved the chance to represent their country.

What do you think? Please comment below.