Bamford, who also coached Wigan and Leeds, says the English game is in desperate need of help.
"After watching the World Cup, I honestly do not think any single English player would be named in a world team, and this is criminal. But the truth of the matter is we just aren't good enough," he said.
"We are no further on than we were 25 years ago. We've been watching Super League for the past 12 years, and most of us thought we were getting better. Tony Smith led the national team to a 3-0 series win over the Kiwis, and this appeared to be the yardstick, but it's another false dawn.
"Not being able to compete with Australia and New Zealand has put us very low in the nation ratings. The type of football Tonga, Fiji and Samoa play could also be too much for us, and this really worries me.
"We are far too blasé, thinking we can beat anybody, and it's obvious Super League is not as good as it is cracked up to be.
"But I just wonder what do the bosses of Super League really want? Are they content with the success of the competition?"
Bamford wants to make changes to the Super League that would help British players improve on the international stage.
"We have to look beyond the weekly competition," he said. "I would allow just two overseas players in Super League, and they would have to be quality ones at that.
"I would have none at all in National League in order to develop home-grown players.
"A message must go out to our clubs not to bring over any more stiffs from Australia. These players are coming here to simply top up their retirement fund, they might be in their 30s, but they know they can get by because the competition is so easy.
"During the World Cup, Paul Wellens, the Saints full-back, was found out due to his clear lack of pace - he's a good player in Super League, he's possibly one of our better players, but imagine what an impact the Australian full-back, Billy Slater, would have on Super League - he would have a field day.
"What greatly annoys me is the fact a lot of people who are now watching the game have only really watched our game since Super League started. They can't remember the great players, the legends.
"The World Cup should be a very big learning curve. We have to put things right quickly."
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
In order to improve the British game, the RL should schedule an annual match between England (or GB) and an overseas x111 from the Super league clubs. This would give England a better chance to see just how strong they are against quality opposition.Games vs France ,Wales etc. don't provide enough competition and lead to false hopes. Torred
Don't stop making a noise Maurice, hopefully everyone knows its right, all except the short sighted directors who are on ego trips and wouldn't have the faintest clue what makes a good footballer. Its got to come from the heart not the pocket, we have to foster our own, sadly we're almost at a stage where we have a whole generation of footballers that have no idea what creates success. We have to somehow instill in the up and coming kids the same passion and desire to be the best, as was evident in players like Watson, Bishop, Turner,Boston, Murphy, Gregory, Hanley and Schofield. How many English lads really believe they could cut the mustard in the N.R.L.? Why aren't we breeding lads that want to prove themselves against the
best.
Adrian Moreley says it hurts like hell but thats all talk. If it really hurts so much then why isn't he honest with everyone about reality. He knows full well how tuff the Australian competition is, and knows he came back on a four year superannuation deal when the best he was offered in Sydney was one season. Making tuff decisions is what they
do to stay out in front. It looks like your the only voice Maurice, we need passion,vision, direction and dedication not superleague hype and Eddie and Stevos trype.
"Keep on shakin the bush"