Adopted Nation for World Cup : Thu Mar 22, 2012 9:41 pm  

Was anyone else aware that as part of their bid to stage a world cup game, Saints have adopted Australia as their nation? We are apparently acting as their home match. I wasn't aware of this. Mike Appleton at Saints has said that other clubs/towns have done the same in their bid.

I know I won't be supporting Australia that's for sure! But I was wondering if anyone else knew about this and what they think of the idea.

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:51 pm  

I'm not sure about this adoption thing but each country is based in a particular town or city and will be using the training facilities there. I think NZ are in Leeds, Scotland are in Cumbria, Fiji in Bolton etc. I know that Ireland will be based in Preston and will use the facilities at UCLAN Sports Arena. I managed to get selected as one of two fans based in Preston who will be on the World Cup Fans Local Advisory Group (FLAG). I believe we meet and come up with ideas for promoting the tournament in our locality, suggest how to get the team involved and generally get the word out there. I imagine there will be a lot of use of social media involved.

I was at the launch yesterday and Pat Richards was representing Ireland. I'll put up a couple of pics when I get the chance.

I'm afraid I couldn't get a decent swing at his bad knee so he will probably be ok for Good Friday

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:54 pm  

It's just a gimmick in relation to where the teams will be based so that locals have someone to support in a neutral fixture. I guess they might go into schools or something on days off. Obviously nobody is going to support the Aussies, it's more for other teams like Tonga and USA who may not have many supporters. It was just part of the bidding process to help drum up interest locally.

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:54 pm  

I'm adopting Australia. 'We' might win a final then.

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:00 pm  

Each team will get involved in promoting the game as well, going into local schools and attending sessions at local amateur clubs for example.

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:42 pm  

Hopefully I'll be watching my team v Australia in Limerick.

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:08 am  

MickeyMo wrote:

You'd have thought that they'd have managed to get an Irish player for their promotion. I heard Billy Slater has an Irish Setter and drank his first pint of Guiness on Paddies day, maybe they could have got him instead.

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:08 am  

Smurf wrote:

You'd have thought that they'd have managed to get an Irish player for their promotion. I heard Billy Slater has an Irish Setter and drank his first pint of Guiness on Paddies day, maybe they could have got him instead.

who did we have at our PR? Rangi? Chris Heighington? not a list as long as some other international teams but we still cant say anything

england team for english players

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Fri Mar 23, 2012 8:22 am  

Smurf wrote:

You'd have thought that they'd have managed to get an Irish player for their promotion. I heard Billy Slater has an Irish Setter and drank his first pint of Guiness on Paddies day, maybe they could have got him instead.

I hear what you're saying but if we want to develop RL in other countries we can't just chuck greenhorns into the national side. I think Pat Richards is more Irish than others you could name though. His parents emigrated from Dublin when they were in their 20s, his sister was born in Ireland and he was born in Australia. He was at the launch because he is probably Ireland RL's biggest name, he wanted to show his support and Preston is not too far from Wigan so it was not too disruptive for him.

Re: Adopted Nation for World Cup : Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:03 am  

headhunter wrote:

It's just a gimmick in relation to where the teams will be based so that locals have someone to support in a neutral fixture. I guess they might go into schools or something on days off. Obviously nobody is going to support the Aussies, it's more for other teams like Tonga and USA who may not have many supporters. It was just part of the bidding process to help drum up interest locally.

Yeah, but Saints have opted for Australia! I mean, aren't we supposed to be revving up to destroy them in the World Cup? I'm bemused we haven't gone for Fiji. They aren't going to have much in the way of support so surely it would make more sense to promote Fiji if any team is going to be promoted? Or just be neutral and encourage both teams to visit schools. Only St Helens could support the team who has beaten the home nation for 40 years. They'll be supporting Leeds next ...