England's 82-0 victory over France prompted criticism of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup's format.
The tournament has 10 teams, down from 16 in 2022; Wales, Scotland, Italy, Greece, Jamaica and Ireland were excluded.
All six nations had failed to progress beyond the group stage at the previous World Cup.
"So Scotland, Wales, Italy and Ireland don't get to compete in this World Cup, but a poor man's England win by 80 points… it's a joke this," Scotland winger Lachlan Walmsley posted on X.
"I want to represent my family but can't. What a waste of time."
The four-time Scotland international, who will join Bradford Bulls in 2027, said Scotland's 2022 match against Fiji finished 30-14 and argued the format was moving the international game backwards.
Five-time Italy international Ryan King backed Walmsley's criticism.
"Thank f(***) someone said it, whole set-up is s***," King commented, also highlighting opportunities lost by emerging nations and their players.