Luke Dorn loves the concept of the International Origin match, even if he will only be a spectator.
Harlequins full-back insists Exiles will be going all-out for victory
The International Origin match is a great concept for all concerned (except for France, but more on that issue later).
The game on June 10 gives England a chance to test themselves against a proven team who will be going all-out to topple them.
They get a fixture that will be competitive, rather than something to run in a half-century of points against below-par opponents. What would such a one-sided result tell Steve McNamara about his side before the Four Nations?
Instead, they've a game that they've got to win - a defeat would be a blow to their confidence and raise doubts ahead of the end-of-season internationals.
Yet they know they will be coming up against a group of players, some of whom could still be playing State of Origin back home, who will be hell-bent on winning - no Australian ever wants to lose to an Englishman at anything.
The experience of getting picked to play representative football, no matter whether it is at home or abroad, is something that is always special for an Aussie.
I know I would have loved to have been part of the Exiles' squad.
Sadly my chances were always hampered by the fact I was up against two superb players in my position; Brett Hodgson is a former Man of Steel while Brent Webb is one of the best No.1's about.
It is a credit to the standard of Super League these days that there are so many quality overseas players to pick from - none of those selected in the Exiles' squad are simply over here to pick up the pay check.
There is, though, one drawback. In previous years the mid-season fixture had been against France, and it doesn't say a great deal for the development of the sport now that those games have been scrapped.
If the likes of France, Wales and Scotland aren't getting the chance to test themselves at the highest level, how will they ever improve?
Roses battles
The International Origin idea will perhaps raise thoughts of a return to the Roses clash between Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Personally, I'd like to see that concept return, because the passion amongst the spectators is still there (I never, ever hear either those from the white or red half say anything good about their rivals!). That same passion, that same type of rivalry is what makes the State of Origin series so special Down Under.
If it returned it would give 34 players the chance to press their claims, perhaps leading to some surprises, as they are all trying to prove themselves in the spotlight.
Back in Australia there is a City v Country game that is (though not so much these days due to the early deadlines for naming squads) seen as a trial for New South Wales.
The changes to the schedule may mean it's not quite as competitive as it used to be, but the match still gives youngsters a real taste of representative footy.
I still think the sport of rugby league here in the UK needs something like that.
The Exiles idea is another good move by the Rugby Football League, who has always been willing to try things out in the hope that it will give the sport an added boost.
Rugby league in this country is competing against so many other sports throughout the season, so it has to try and make itself unique and find a way to get some column inches and air time away from its competitors.
