Wigan Warriors coach's revolutionary solution to international problem - 'I would personally like to see it back'

England's 40-8 victory over France in Toulouse last weekend was probably the only positive aspect, with several off-field problems in the lead-up to a fixture that failed to secure national TV coverage in the UK.

A lowly crowd was a further kick in the teeth for those passionate about the international game, which seems to have lost the interest of those on the other side of the world.

Peet is desperate to ensure the efforts of the players are rewarded with a pathway to the very top of the sport, and remains 'frustrated' at the current situation.

"Everyone I speak to, certainly within our club, shares that frustration," he said. "I think it's for the owners and the CEO's and those at board level to try to impact, and hopefully they can work with the RFL and see what more we can do.

“I think we’re all honest enough to know it’s not what we want to see when we’re watching international games. When these players have worked to reach what is the pinnacle of the sport, you want them to be playing in front of big crowds on television. When that doesn’t happen, you’re disappointed for the players more than anything.

"As a coach...obviously (England coach Shaun) Waney is a close friend, as are quite a few staff from the England set-up, and we all want the same thing. We all want to see England, the international game, representative rugby league doing well on the biggest stage it can be.

"How we get there, that's for the administrators of the game - on both sides of the world - to get together and try to sort out. But it certainly does need looking at."

When asked whether, as a top Super League coach, he had any input in the decision making, Peet replied: "I have my own opinions, and I'm sure there's probably reasons why they couldn't be implemented at the moment.

"I know we've committed to games against France at the moment, and once we've committed to do that, I think it's important we stick to that. But I would personally like to see the Lancashire-Yorkshire fixture revitalised, and given another go.

"A stepping stone for an England shirt would be great for so many players, it would get more coaches involved as well. The fact is we took a game to France, and the fans didn't come out, for whatever reason.

"So I personally would love to see the War of the Roses back, but I also understand there are reasons why I'm in my job and other people are in other reasons, and there may be reasons why that can't happen."

The War of the Roses was once a huge presence on the fixture list in the 1980s, but lost significance and relevance as more and more clubs were pulling players out for selfish reasons.

Speaking with his Wigan hat on, Peet does not feel that would be an issue if it was brought back - and properly factored into the schedule.

"I think as long as it's a free weekend, it could work," he added. "We don't make a habit of pulling players out of international fixtures, and I know our lads would want to play for their county - and the staff as well.

"It's important there's a pathway for not just players but also staff, and more coaches would have access to that representative arena. Potentially, you could also have games at Under-21s, Under-18s, Under-16s, and the ladies as well.

"Listen, this is just me talking as a fan at the moment...and it's just one idea that might help the situation."