“He’s basically given the code both fingers,” Geyer said. “I hope it’s the last we see of him. That comment was as subtle as a sledgehammer. It’s not what you say but how you say it. If that wasn’t a two-fingered salute to rugby league, I don’t know what it is. Let him go and try and play in his World Cup.”
Another mate of mine, News Corp’s Brent Read, couldn’t have agreed more. “That’s just a shot at rugby league. It’s pathetic … To say ‘a truly international stage’, give me a break. You’re leaving the game, go.”
But what about you, Troy Grant, chairman of – no really, this body does exist, cause I looked it up – the “International Rugby League”. Coome on Troy! After Lomax’s two fingers, can you at least give it to him, with both barrels, one for each finger?
“It’s nice to hear about Zac’s dream of representing the Wallabies,” the former leader of the NSW National Party said, “which comes less than two weeks after losing his court case to play with Melbourne … His departure from international rugby league is of no consequence – and he will have no impact on rugby union, and … ”
And thank you, Troy, that will be all. For you all get the drift. And social media was much, much worse – none of them printable here.
Why? Let’s face it, all because Lomax told the truth.
Ireland’s James Bentley breaks the tackle of Jamaica’s AJ Wallace to score a try during their Rugby League World Cup match in Leeds.Credit: Getty Images
When he talked about showing his wares on a “truly international stage,” what the hell else is rugby union, if not that, most particularly when compared to rugby league?
Oh, do settle down. We’re dealing in the realms of truth, remember?
Honestly, honestly, honestly, do you really believe anyone is fooled into thinking the Rugby League World Cup is actually international? Oh, we know. You’ve had teams from Italy, Greece, Lebanon, Scotland and – my own favourite – Jamaica, being represented in your quadrennial World Cup, when they’re not cancelled.
But will the witness answer the question?
Canterbury celebrate their golden point victory over the Dragons in Las Vegas.Credit: AP
Do you think anyone is fooled? Of course, you don’t.
But at least playing in Las Vegas counts as international, yes?
No. But yes, yes, yes, I know. The last version was such a success, you are boasting that the boss of the Las Vegas Convention Authority wants you back!
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Whoopdy.
Whoopdy who?
Whoopy de bloody do!
Of course he wants you back. With Australian fans spending $100 million there, rather than here, why wouldn’t he want you back? That still doesn’t truly qualify as the international stage but …
But you want to talk TV ratings?
I do too! When Las Vegas was just getting under way, the worst of the Fans With Typewriters claimed – and I’ll never forget it – that up to 100 million fans worldwide would be tuning in, and that America would be taken by storm. But do you know how many American residents tuned in to the three matches for this year’s extravaganza? I do.
Pick me, sir! Pick ME!
So when Lomax says he wants to play on a genuine international stage, why wouldn’t he.
The answer is, 12,000, 6000 and 2000 viewers respectively, according to some alleged US-based number crunchers.
I said, are you getting the DRIFT yet?
You just can’t make this up. Well, you lot try to, but I am calling you on it.
So when Lomax says he wants to play on a genuine international stage, why wouldn’t he?
The Rugby World Cup, to be held in Australia in 2027, will be made up of genuine rugby nations. A total of about 750 million people will be watching. Without exception, every Rugby World Cup has been bigger than the one before, and this one is breaking records for ticket sales at this stage of proceedings (750,000 thanks for caring).
So, I repeat, why wouldn’t Lomax choose to show off his fabulous wares on a genuine international stage, just like Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is doing and Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton have so recently decided to do?
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I know, I know, it hurts. It is the worst of times for you. But embrace the age of wisdom – there will be more defections, and there is nothing you can do about it. Reject the age of foolishness, which is carrying on every time one of yours leaves, to become one of ours.
Embrace the epoch of belief that maybe, one day, Las Vegas will get better, and you might be able to get as many as 4000 Americans watching the third game! And accept that the epoch of incredulity for the rest of us is over.
For we no longer believe your nonsense. There will be seasons of light and darkness to come, but if this is the winter of despair, too bad.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
