To say we should get behind the rugby league world cup?

[EwwSprouts]

Just watching the pundits before it starts and am delighted that all participants, whether male, female or wheelchair users will be paid the same.
www.sportresolutions.com/news/view/equal-participation-fees-for-all-2021-rugby-league-world-cup-competitors

I don't rugby.

Why should I care?

...like...

It's right there in the OP. All players will be paid the same. Unlike many other sports.

I live in one of the host towns. The local schools and clubs are really benefitting... getting equipment, tickets to raffle off, visits etc.

I'm going to Australia v Fiji tonight

@wb3 Because they are leading the way in sporting equality?

@PuttingDownRoots Fabulous!

@SidTwaddell Yes. But I have a soft spot for Samoa since I learned generally within their culture the men do the cooking.

Rugby league is not something I enjoy watching, each to their own though, and I hope those who follow it enjoy the competition.

Glad they are paying everyone the same. Still don't like rugby though sorry.

@PanicAtTheBigTesco Enjoy!

Going back about thirty years I ended up sitting amongst the Kiwis when they came to watch a club match. To a man they were fun but respectful.

agree with this.
also i worry about how blows to the head/face are minimised, normalised, even with gathering evidence of later cognitive deficit.
this is why i do not like women's boxing either.
i think all boxing in its present form should be banned.

Yes. But I have a soft spot for Samoa since I learned generally within their culture the men do the cooking.

That makes up for having one of the highest domestic violence rates in the world.

www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/sep/03/family-abuse-epidemic-uncovered-in-samoa

I am a massive fan of rugby but even without being the work being done to involve everyone is fantastic.

there are also smaller scale physical disabilities and learning disabilities world cups taking place.

@IHateWasps I did not know that. Tragic. I see one cause is religion...again.

@sirzy Sounds super inclusive.

@SidTwaddell Eating words emoji :))

What do you mean "get behind it" OP? There are no shortage of rugby fans, are there? It's not exactly an obscure sport!

@PeekabooAtTheZoo the funding in it is so poor compared to other mainstream sports.
It is definated as the M62 sport. it’s a fantastic sport and I hope this world cup brings more fans to the game.

England men win by 60 points to 6. Great game, Samoa usually much stronger but not today.

If it's possible to get behind it without in any way committing myself to watch any of it, then I'm happy to do so.

@PeekabooAtTheZoo Rugby league not rugby union as played by now royals.

@Untitledsquatboulder Definitely. I take the same approach to England football.

What a game, I am so excited for this tournament

Looking forward to seeing Australia in action, at my teams home ground 😊

Great start for England!

We were routing for Fiji (as were the majority of people at Headingley!) but still had a great night, it was a really great atmosphere. There were a lot of union fans stood around us so maybe some will be converted...

It was great to see a female referee for the England game on Saturday. Would be good for this to become more standard across sport.

It's such a shame ticket prices are so high though!