Why isn't the Rugby League World Club Challenged played in Australia instead of England ?

Question

Just wondering, ok i know Rugby League was actually invented in England and originally known as "Northern Rules" as a break away from "Rugby", but for years now the English have been pathetic! Why not reward the World Champions by staging this event in Sydney as an annual "Test". Not as a end of season trip away on the booze in a freezing cold bloody England?

Answer 1

Originally the competition was run in pools in both hemispheres but it never captured the imagination of the people and attendances were rotten.

It's run in the UK because of sponsorship issues. That could change if it ever became popular enough to be backed by a multi global company.

Answer 2

attendences and sponsorship is alot higher in england it has been offered to the aussies on many occasion but they just seem to want an end of season booze up.

Answer 3

Wigan won it in Australia a few years ago

Answer 4

It's all about the TV audience.  If it was played over here the Northere Hemisphere simply wouldn't tune in.  Sponsors can't and won't take that kind of risk when there are greater numbers watching over there.