THE England versus Exiles match is another attempt by the game over here to try and replicate the competitive edge of the State Of Origin in Australia – is that an impossible dream?

The State Of Origin is probably an event that a lot of sports throughout the would like to emulate.

It is one of those very rare things in world sport where teammates play against each other in an intensely competitive game that is played with real passion.

But even though the Origin game has been going at that level for a fair few years now, I don’t think when it actually started that it was quite like that.

I think it was only when Arthur Beetson decided to belt Mick Cronin on the chin – and they were teammates – that the whole atmosphere and attitude of the Origin game started.

But it takes time for an event to build up to that level, and I think many sports would want to work out just how you generate that kind of interest, passion and atmosphere – it’s not that easy to do.

I think the concept of the Exiles game is a good thing, and the players certainly seem to enjoy it.

It gives England the opportunity to play some better opposition than just a France side at the moment who have got a number of very good players but not enough depth to produce 17 good players.

The idea is good and in the game at the Galpharm last night there were a lot more young English players getting their chance, so that is good for the game over here.