General RL Discussion!

First topic message reminder :

A thread we're we can discuss our sides, what's happening in RL, the future and everything else to do with Rugby League.

I really hope that Cas can keep up there early form and stay in the top 8.

Totally agree.

This should have been the way for years.

As a Rovers fan, the result in last night's Leeds/Wigan game was what I preferred.
But it was a god awful game, and how Clubb's try us given and not a double movement I don't know.

Admittedly I have not seen the Wigan/Leeds highlights but yes a good result for you eclipsed of course by your great win today particularly in light of the London game.

My question gentlemen is which is the biggest surprise today.

KR 16 Wire 14

Catalans 12 London 30

Toulouse 18 Swinton 20

I know Toulouse had injuries. But to me the Swinton result is the best one.

The Beast wrote:Looks like reserve grades will be mandatory soon.  This will have a big impact on some clubs e.g. Salford, Widnes.  

There are rules with not all clubs needing to have reserves, sorry I don't see the excuse, Bradford and Halifax can so all SL sides should be the absolute minimum and for me you can add academy sides to that too.

The sooner all clubs have reserve sides the better as far as I'm concerned

Widnes have announced that they will go part time for next season. I simply cannot understand the RFL, a club in financial difficulties, no you can't let them go into administration without sanction but they have a 12 point deduction don't keep kicking them by taking their funding away.

Widnes club statement, very honest https://www.widnesvikings.co.uk/news/article/56202/a-statement-from-the-board

The Beast wrote:Widnes have announced that they will go part time for next season.  I simply cannot understand the RFL, a club in financial difficulties, no you can't let them go into administration without sanction but they have a 12 point deduction don't keep kicking them by taking their funding away.

Widnes club statement, very honest https://www.widnesvikings.co.uk/news/article/56202/a-statement-from-the-board

All i can say is that Widnes have done the right thing in the circumstances if i have read this right, but i stand to be corrected if i haven't

To be honest, I think SL and the championship need to go to 14 teams.

You could then have bottom down, top up. And a play off for the other promotion spot.
Plus get rid of the extra games against the same opposition, 26 game league.

Just watched an interest Super League Back chat episode on You Tube with Michael Carter (Wakey CEO), James Ford (York Coach) and Damien Irvine (Bradford Commercial Director).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVgDl9vanvA

I appreciate there was some talk of Wigan/Saints not being shown on TV last night but for my money the rugby KR played was a breath of fresh air and I am enjoying the relegation battle rightly or wrongly more than the race for the top 5..

Interesting comments regarding the affect of reserve grade on Championship teams, no Fev are not breaking any rules but 20.....twenty dual reg players in a season....wow.

Finally some discussion on Private Equity firms looking at "investing" in Rugby League which I think is a potential banana skin, they would not do this for any other reason than to make money.

The Beast wrote:Just watched an interest Super League Back chat episode on You Tube with Michael Carter (Wakey CEO), James Ford (York Coach) and Damien Irvine (Bradford Commercial Director).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVgDl9vanvA

I appreciate there was some talk of Wigan/Saints not being shown on TV last night but for my money the rugby KR played was a breath of fresh air and I am enjoying the relegation battle rightly or wrongly more than the race for the top 5..

Interesting comments regarding the affect of reserve grade on Championship teams, no Fev are not breaking any rules but 20.....twenty dual reg players in a season....wow.

Finally some discussion on Private Equity firms looking at "investing" in Rugby League which I think is a potential banana skin, they would not do this for any other reason than to make money.

For the record I'm in favour of Reserve sides.

Agreed and scrapping dual registration. No problem with loans where injuries occur or in the unfortunate situation where lower league sides cannot field 17 players as has happened a couple of times (Bradford in 2017 for example).

I can't see how it is particularly good for anyone when players end up being shoved around multiple clubs. I also think the Championship at times has been skewed and sides exposed in the middle 8's when they have to rely on their own players.

Blake Austin is included in the England elite training squad. Whilst not 100% sure about this Australia & NZ have had similar situations and it appears to be a factor in most sports. Austin to his credit has given a strong interview outlining his commitment and approached the RFL (not the other way round). Thoughts?

The Beast wrote:Blake Austin is included in the England elite training squad.  Whilst not 100% sure about this Australia & NZ have had similar situations and it appears to be a factor in most sports.  Austin to his credit has given a strong interview outlining his commitment and approached the RFL (not the other way round).  Thoughts?

We are just using the rules the same as the Kiwis and Kangaroos do.

Was at the Workington thrashing of Keighley today (never been before, plus in Cumbria), Workington looked really good, and could have scored a few more. Enjoyable game.

Big losses for the RFL
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49106035

So enjoyed the 1st semi, Warrington deserved the win as dominated field position,and were clinical. But fair play to Hull, gave it a decent crack, just fell short on the day.

Halifax defensively excellent, and played very well, and were a great credit to the club and fans. But never really looked like, and Saints always we're going to win.

Luke wrote:So enjoyed the 1st semi, Warrington deserved the win as dominated field position,and were clinical. But fair play to Hull, gave it a decent crack, just fell short on the day.

After last seasons disappointment's for me Warrington have to win either or both the challenge cup and the grand final.

Luke wrote:Halifax defensively excellent, and played very well, and were a great credit to the club and fans. But never really looked like, and Saints always we're going to win.

I don't think Saints were at their best to be honest

Fantastic gesture from Patrick Ah Van, currently playing for free at Widnes (who are in special measures) and following an injury asks fans who have raised money to support him to give that to the club. Way way beyond the call.

The Beast wrote:Fantastic gesture from Patrick Ah Van, currently playing for free at Widnes (who are in special measures) and following an injury asks fans who have raised money to support him to give that to the club.  Way way beyond the call.

Well done to him and the fans

Congratulations to Warrington.
Challenge cup winners 2019.

Fully deserved, and given the teams recent form surprising win.

Luke wrote:Congratulations to Warrington.
Challenge cup winners 2019.

Fully deserved, and given the teams recent form surprising win.

For me Saints were 2nd best all day

Congratulations also to Sheffield winners of the 1895 cup.

I note as I type Warrington are playing tonight, madness IMO to make them play so soon after the final. I doubt the players\staff have had much if any opportunity to enjoy their success and without that............what is the point?

The Beast wrote:Congratulations also to Sheffield winners of the 1895 cup.  

I note as I type Warrington are playing tonight, madness IMO to make them play so soon after the final.  I doubt the players\staff have had much if any opportunity to enjoy their success and without that............what is the point?

A bit cruel to ask the Wolves to back up again after Saturdays epic

I will admit that I did not see the Challenge Cup final, however this is the rant of the year from Saints Chairman Eamonm McManus, dummy well and truly out!

Eaumonn McManus Post Game Comments

Sorry Sheffield, but congratulations and we'll done.

Don't get the TV schedule, that's twice Warrington got. The Thursday night game after most other clubs got the weekend off. That to me us just no thought or care if players TV scheduling.
And as for McManus, he just comes across as a bitter, idiot.

So confirmed this season already.

Super League league leaders shield winners- St Helens.

Championship league leaders shield winners- Toronto.

Challenge cup winners- Warrington
1895 cup winners - Sheffield.


Relegated from the championship - Rochdale, Barrow.

Luke wrote:So confirmed this season already.

Super League league leaders shield winners- St Helens.

Championship league leaders shield winners- Toronto.

Challenge cup winners- Warrington
1895 cup winners - Sheffield.


Relegated from the championship - Rochdale, Barrow.

Sad times for the fans of Rochdale and Barrow indeed

Happier times for Whitehaven, promoted to the Championship having finished top of League 1, hammering Coventry 0 - 72 on Saturday.

The Beast wrote:Happier times for Whitehaven, promoted to the Championship having finished top of League 1, hammering Coventry 0 - 72 on Saturday.

Great news for Cumbrian Rugby League

The RFL do it again. HOW dare anyone appeal against a ban.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49653441

AND here's an extra £500 fine, for the temerity of not immediately accepting their word, probably ruined their lunch.

The Beast wrote:The RFL do it again.  HOW dare anyone appeal against a ban.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49653441

AND here's an extra £500 fine, for the temerity of not immediately accepting their word, probably ruined their lunch.

I'm surprised that the RFL didn't ask him for a £500,000 bond so that he can play again with the way they act nowadays

Brilliant performances by Saints. But in my opinion topped by Salford and especially Featherstone performances. Salford/Wigan should be a great game. Featherstone after there heroic performance's in the play offs I think will just run out of steam.

Congratulations to Toronto, who's sl top heavy side has finally gotten there. They may even pay off what they owe now.
. meanwhile judging by forums reactions. The rest if the championship is having a party now they've gone, and looking forward to a very interesting and close season. While wondering just how sl will react to Toronto.

Luke wrote:Congratulations to Toronto, who's sl top heavy side has finally gotten there. They may even pay off what they owe now.
. meanwhile judging by forums reactions. The rest if the championship is having a party now they've gone, and looking forward to a very interesting and close season. While wondering just how sl will react to Toronto.

Yes, congratulations to them. Very well played to Fev too, I saw the game last night (having also seen the incredible Men's Shot Put in Doha), they have been superb through the play-offs and defended for their lives last night, leading until just before the hour.

The Championship will be very tight next year, hopefully Bradford will be in it (see the Bulls thread, which might need a change of name).

Congrats to for Salford who after comfortably beating Wigan make their first Grand Final. Who would have put money on that in February? - Not me that is for sure.

Luke wrote:Congratulations to Toronto, who's sl top heavy side has finally gotten there. They may even pay off what they owe now.
. meanwhile judging by forums reactions. The rest if the championship is having a party now they've gone, and looking forward to a very interesting and close season. While wondering just how sl will react to Toronto.

I would like to a few Super League clubs pay off what they owe, but it ain't going to happen any time soon

So the opening games of this season's SL now over.
Toronto look like they're going to struggle, as do Wakefield and Leeds who just looked poor. Saints continue on from last year. Hull FC could be there closest challengers.

And good to see the new rules being totally ignored by players and refs.

As did Catalans who looked dreadful.

In the championship, all the sides you expect to be up there won. And the 2 promoted sides list, Whitehaven's at home to Swinton probably the worst one as they not only didn't score, but lost to a side you would expect to be in the lower half of the table. Bradford lost by 4, Sheffield by 1. In what looks like an open division.

I went out and saw Saints v Salford. Felt a bit sorry for Salford didn't do too much wrong with that weight of possession against you and time created for Lomax to run/pass/kick no surprise at the scoreline.

I read Sonny Bill getting some flak, fans have to understand he has not played RL since 2014.

With their squad (not to mention physical size) Hull FC really should make the top 5 at a minimum.

Several games postponed today due to the storm. The wind and rain here in South Leics. was pretty brutal, anything like that in Yorkshire and this seems a very sensible decision. Travelling on the motorway in that.....no thanks.

The Beast wrote:I went out and saw Saints v Salford.  Felt a bit sorry for Salford didn't do too much wrong with that weight of possession against you and time created for Lomax to run/pass/kick no surprise at the scoreline.

I read Sonny Bill getting some flak, fans have to understand he has not played RL since 2014.

With their squad (not to mention physical size) Hull FC really should make the top 5 at a minimum.

To be honest with the weather its been the last 2 weekends i know its not exciting to watch but you have to play one out football and rely on your opponents making mistakes.

Some interesting results today, Huddersfield's unbeaten run coming to an abrupt halt at the hands of Wigan. Good win for Wakey at Salford following their surprise win v Warrington who were themselves hammered at Leeds.

Certainly not predictable.

Champtionship scores also interesting, Fev beating London comfortably and Fax being York being IMO eye-catching.

League One has kicked off, good win for Barrow at Doncaster.

Might be a good idea for me to put the lights on.......oh well typo's.

Sorry just to mention Catalans winning at Hull is another I would not have predicted.

The Beast wrote:Sorry just to mention Catalans winning at Hull is another I would not have predicted.

Once Israel Folau hits his straps every week its going to beat a devils own job to beat the Catalans

How do you feel about games being played behind closed doors? Interesting comments from Brian McDermott saying suggesting games could be 60 minutes to help complete the season;

Brian McDermott 60 minute games

Please someone stop teasing and make these shirts!!

Concept Shirts

Personally I am against closed door games. But limited crowd, where you allow say a third of your capacity, I think wouldn't be a big problem. And you could still allow for social distancing etc.

Again, the problems for if you lose and consequences a 60 min game makes it a non starter for me.

Luke wrote:Personally I am against closed door games. But limited crowd, where you allow say a third of your capacity, I think wouldn't be a big problem. And you could still allow for social distancing etc.

Again, the problems for if you lose and consequences a 60 min game makes it a non starter for me.

I know where you are coming from, but to get the game up and running again i see no other way

GH1895, The Beast and Luke,

Some good news guys with the season kicking off in just under 2 weeks on Thursday 28 May... early morning your time.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl-draw-revealed-broncos-and-eels-showdown-to-kick-off-opening-weekend-20200515-p54td9.html

It's been tough here without our beloved sport but also surprising how well we've coped. I've been following since the early 70s and never would've thought we'd have a year without RL.

Some good match ups to get things rolling again. I have a feeling the game will come back stronger than ever. I'm actually happy we're back to one ref - speeds things up with less interference. We had only one ref for 101 years or so and it will be like a blast from the past to see that again. If blunders are made then we'll just have to live with it but I'm sure we're all just itching to see some action again.

Take care guys... hope you can enjoy the upcoming games wherever you are.

Pal Joey wrote:GH1895, The Beast and Luke,

Some good news guys with the season kicking off in just under 2 weeks on Thursday 28 May... early morning your time.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl-draw-revealed-broncos-and-eels-showdown-to-kick-off-opening-weekend-20200515-p54td9.html

It's been tough here without our beloved sport but also surprising how well we've coped. I've been following since the early 70s and never would've thought we'd have a year without RL.

Some good match ups to get things rolling again. I have a feeling the game will come back stronger than ever. I'm actually happy we're back to one ref - speeds things up with less interference. We had only one ref for 101 years or so and it will be like a blast from the past to see that again. If blunders are made then we'll just have to live with it but I'm sure we're all just itching to see some action again.

Take care guys... hope you can enjoy the upcoming games wherever you are.

Thank and a warm welcome.

It sounds like your government have done a significantly better job than ours of containing the virus, protecting vulnerable people and the staff caring for them.

Sky Sports will be showing the games, which personally I don't have and I am have spending a silly amount of time working of late. I am hopeful however I can see games perhaps on You Tube (other platforms are available). As a Bradford Bulls supporter whilst saddened at the time to see them go it is good to see former academy products Elliott Whitehead and John Bateman making an impact.

I find your comment on two referees particularly interesting my complaint here is the ruck generally (particularly in the lower divisions) is horribly messy and slow. When I see NRL games it always stands out to me the at tackle areas are much much cleaner, I have been thinking that two officials would help? Perhaps not and maybe there is a different culture in your competition?

Best wishes to you and family and likewise take care.