Smith points to scheduling in Super League v NRL debate

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats head coach Brian Smith has pointed to Super League‘s scheduling as a reason behind the NRL‘s 3-0 whitewash in the World Club Series.

The Super League sides, Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and St Helens, were well beaten in the World Club Series last weekend against the NRL‘s best in the shape of North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters. 

Since these games, much talk has been about how far the Super League is lagging behind the NRL, and Australian Smith has offered a possible reason as to why. 

“English rugby league just does not generate the same level of intensity as the NRL because it is too lopsided and the scheduling is a serious factor in that,” Smith told the BBC Sport website.

“Someone in power needs to recognise you can’t keep having lopsided contests and get players to develop. You can’t expect English clubs to do well when there are so many inequalities in the planning.”