RFL Chief Nigel Wood: International Origin is a hit

RFL chief Executive Nigel Wood has hailed the inaugural International Origin fixture as a success, believing that in defeat Stev McNamara’s England team were handed a proper mid-season test at last.

The game was an intense and absorbing affair which the Exiles won 16-12, clinching victory in the last minute with a George Carmont try, and Wood feels that the concept has a bright future, despite the somewhat flat atmosphere at Headingley.

“There is always an element of uncertainty with any new venture but no one was left in any doubt this evening that the International Origin Match hit the ground running,” said Wood.

“The match made for a terrific spectacle which I’m sure everyone in attendance and the hundreds of thousands of people watching on TV will have appreciated to the full.

“Our main objective was to create a genuine competitive fixture that gave England the intensity they require to prepare for the Four Nations in the UK this autumn and that’s just what we got.

“The thrilling nature of the match, the pace and power and the quality of the skills on display all testified to the calibre of players we have in the Super League, wherever their country of origin.”

The match’s success will face a more formal review very soon, though there has been little from the RFL to quash talk of a possible two or three-game series in the future.

“Whilst we will undergo our normal review process from next week, when full consultation will begin with all stakeholders, there is little doubt that this fixture has longevity,” Wood added.

“The attendance of 14,174 was very pleasing, especially as many of those fans will also be out supporting their clubs over this weekend, and I’m sure we can all look forward to even bigger attendances in years to come.”