The NRL is behaving like a spoiled kid – and rugby league does not need it

OK, IT pales into insignificance alongside sandpaper and a cricket ball but the attitude of the NRL towards the England v New Zealand Test in Denver borders on the scandalous.

Both nations are heading to Colorado to face each other on June 23 to showcase what many say is ‘the greatest game’ to a completely new audience.

England are acting as if they are going, New Zealand are acting as if they are going, ticket sellers at Mile High Stadium are certainly acting as if they are going.

Yet clubs in the NRL do not want them to go. Why?

Sam Burgess has led the fightback by speaking brilliantly about the fuss, even wondering if it may be a plan to keep Australia top of rugby league’s international tree.

But should he have to speak like this? He does not need it, he should be able to concentrate on being the best he can be without meddling. James Graham does not need it, Wayne Bennett does not need it. Hell, even the Australian Test team does not need it.

One of the arguments the NRL is throwing forward is the 5,800 feet altitude players will have to cope with.

Er, Burgess has the ultimate answer for that one – he has trained there himself ahead of the 2015 Rugby Union World Cup.

And is the NRL completely forgetting the fact they play rugby union tests in Johannesburg, which is higher, and football World Cup games are regularly held in La Paz, Bolivia, which is definitely higher?

Or are those mere insignificances in a quest to protect what they have and not let anyone get even the smallest slice of its pie?

The NRL is the best competition rugby league competition in the world, with the best players and the most money. Off the field, these groans look nothing short of kids throwing their toys out of the pram.