Shaun Johnson's passion was welcome, though the writer thought his referee comments went too far.
Australia and New Zealand reached both finals; Tonga and Samoa exited the men's semi-finals.
Samoa and Fiji emerged as the strongest women's sides beyond the leading pair.
Robson and Egan were omitted by Australia; Marshall-King and Pheonix Crossland could play for any side except Australia or Fiji.
Tonga and Samoa each had one elite half; Australia and New Zealand had several, some benched.
Adam Gee's "nitpick" style was evident early, but blaming officials for Sunday night's game was disingenuous.
France plans to tour and play Lebanon, prompting calls for a three-game series.
The next World Cup is headed to the United States; Hawaii could attract fans from Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa, as the NRL targets the US market.
England is expected to host the following tournament, and the writer urged it to commit resources to winning.