General RL Discussion!

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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.

[quote="tigerrobins"]Good win (if fairly lucky ), on Sunday. Again the result is more important. But win 2 more and I think that will be use up. Which will see 2 SL sides again in the million pound game. Also credit tor London & Halifax who have performed well in the 8'shield without quite getting the results.

Typical of Bradford,  wait to get relegated then start winning . I don't agree with Chambers that the reason they went down is because of the impending court cases (it can't have helped, but still).
Would imagine most clubs in league 1 will be glad, just because they might get some financial help through the gate (Keighley'so board must be creaming themselves). And maybe this could help Bradford as they can't get any lower.

Yep, one more win for the million pound game a second unless results go away from you should see you promoted, easy in a single line sentence!! Good luck though, I am hoping you make it. Following the Leigh defeat Catalans are now under a lot of pressure, they should be Fax.......well they HAVE to beat Fax.

Yes Bulls two wins against Oldham and Swinton the latter I think was a reaction to games where they have been roughed up and the players have basically said OK enough is enough have some of this. On to January for IMO a crucial employment tribunal decision, you are right the club NEEDS to be able to start again but if 40+ people win unfair dismissal & TUPE claims against the new co. with costs.................uuuuuuummmmmmm it can still get worse.

Big win for Rovers today, which gaurentees us at least a place in the mpg.

Next week fixtures fall well for both the super & middle 8's. In the super Wakefield & Hull are at home to Saints & Wigan respectively. 2 home wins will see themore virtually into the semi's.
And in the middle 8's Rovers face Widnes at home, we're if we win we are gaurentied promotion. And after Widnes'so big win at Leigh today, Leigh travel to Warrington for what is a massive game for them.

Bradford continue there form since relegation with another impressive win at Sheffield. Can't help but feel if they can keep most of this side together,next year could be a good year for them.

We looked really solid yesterday (5 minute blip in the second half aside) and gives us a bit more confidence for what will undoubtedly be our biggest challenge in these middle 8s so far at your place on Saturday. It was a shame to have picked up the two injuries we did (story of our season tbh)

Would I be correct in saying that you go up if you beat us Saturday? Makes our job that bit more difficult but hopefully we can get another W and we both end up being in SL next season

gazzyD wrote:We looked really solid yesterday (5 minute blip in the second half aside) and gives us a bit more confidence for what will undoubtedly be our biggest challenge in these middle 8s so far at your place on Saturday. It was a shame to have picked up the two injuries we did (story of our season tbh)

Would I be correct in saying that you go up if you beat us Saturday? Makes our job that bit more difficult but hopefully we can get another W and we both end up being in SL next season

From what I understand you played well yesterday, and looked good. We also played and looked fairly well, Featherstone pushed us especially in 1st half. Sets everything up for what should be a big game saturday, in what is our biggest game also.
Should we win we go 4 points ahead of you, which puts us virtually up (not sure about points difference), following week we're at home to Catalan need to win these games, as can't see us winning at Wire.
Funny enough wouldn't be surprised if you beat us, but obviously hope we get the job done.

Sorry GazzyD, if Warrington beat Leigh then we do only need to win one of Widnes or Catalan.
Be interesting if it is Catalan who go down. Most Championship clubs would be dreading that with Toronto coming up.

Also wish Dennis Betts wold shut up, Franchising didn't work last time, sor why do people think it will now. I also don't understand why he thinks Leigh or Widnes would get a franchise. Given that Toronto, Tolouse and the interest bein going shown by other places in setting up a club. We all know the RFL wiLloyd favour them all over so called traditional clubs.

The Beast wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:Well done Hull FC, on retaining the challenge cup (bit like buses, don't win at Wembley ever, then win there twice in 2 years). I think it was a good but not great final, hull deserved it with a good defence and excellent kicking game from Snyed.

Spot on. 100% agree

Same here, I thought Watts & Taylor were superb down the middle.  Am I the only person who thought the second half Wigan no try (Tony Clubb) video ref decision was a good call?  For me Tuimavave was trying to hold him up, the ball coming loose he is tried to twist away, no attempt to strip the ball.

Lots of empty seats, perhaps due to Wembley's debenture scheme?  Or of course that a lot of us are starting to feel the pinch of rising prices.

On your last line i think a combination of both, but it does seem to me as though the challenge cup and the final itself has lost a bit of glamour.
I think it needs a little rejig and one i would bring in is to have as many Super League teams as possible drawn away when they the cup on what ever round it is and this would increase the chances of an upset and increase interest in my opinion.

As people know I'm a big fan of the 8's comp. And next week shows why after Widnes's win today.
The super 8's has 3 games that will decide who the last 2 teams in the semi's are (thoughave sky have ruined it slightly by making sure they're all played on separate days).
And as for the middle 8's. Leigh travel to London knowing that a big win could give them home advantage in the mpg. And then on Saturday Widnes travel to Catalans in a mpg before the mpg, as the winner stays up.

The franchise system very rarely matche'd this excitement towards the end of the season.

tigerrobins wrote:As people know I'm a big fan of the 8's comp. And next week shows why after Widnes's win today.
The super 8's has 3 games that will decide who the last 2 teams in the semi's are (thoughave sky have ruined it slightly by making sure they're all played on separate days).
And as for the middle 8's. Leigh travel to London knowing that a big win could give them home advantage in the mpg. And then on Saturday Widnes travel to Catalans in a mpg before the mpg, as the winner stays up.

The franchise system very rarely matche'd this excitement towards the end of the season.

A very good point, crunch games are much more exciting albeit they are sometimes low on quality probably due to the stress concerned. The game imo is however in decline I'd vote for SL 1 & 2 with P&R with Sky showing both divisions, not perfect but we'd have an element of tension but clubs perhaps more comfortable to take the time in developing home grown talent.

The Beast wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:As people know I'm a big fan of the 8's comp. And next week shows why after Widnes's win today.
The super 8's has 3 games that will decide who the last 2 teams in the semi's are (thoughave sky have ruined it slightly by making sure they're all played on separate days).
And as for the middle 8's. Leigh travel to London knowing that a big win could give them home advantage in the mpg. And then on Saturday Widnes travel to Catalans in a mpg before the mpg, as the winner stays up.

The franchise system very rarely matche'd this excitement towards the end of the season.

A very good point, crunch games are much more exciting albeit they are sometimes low on quality probably due to the stress concerned.  The game imo is however in decline I'd vote  for SL 1 & 2 with P&R with Sky showing both divisions, not perfect but we'd have an element of tension but clubs perhaps more comfortable to take the time in developing home grown talent.

IF they went that way. I'd personally do it as 2 14 team divisions, keep the bottom 4/top 4 play off to decide relegation issues between the 2, and possibly a top 6 play off system. Keep the shield for bottom division rest off.
And possibly all rest of the teams in championship. Play each other home and away, and the current league 1 system for promotion (top up, next 4 in play off).
Keeps the excitement of p&r, plus play offs. And provides interest.

As for the game struggling, I know that sky pay the piper, But SL moving most games to thurs/Fri hurts not only away fans. But home fans who don't live in the team towns, or have other things to do. Once people stop going for whatever reason, it's harder to get back going.
Although the way that most sides play, with massive forwards and the 5 drives and a kick style more prevalent (and Rovers played this alot this season), can stop people wanting to go. Which is why Castleford not only deserved the title but a lot of neutral fans wanted them to because they play an entertaining expansive game, that's a joy to watch.

Also congratulations on Bradford'S big win today. I know it's to late, but it must be nice to finally get a big win, provides some hope (Bradford and hope in pretty season, not been there for what 2 pretty seasons).

Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

tigerrobins wrote:Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens  (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

I was worried for Widnes who to me had the feel of KR from last year i.e. injuries/bad luck/bad news (Rangi Chase) however well played, first win in France.

I am thinking with home advantage Leigh will be favourite next weekend, if Catalans do drop the nightmare for the RFL will start, I would not be surprised if the Championship is re-structured with clubs losing revenue with few away fans from Toulouse, Catalan, Toronto + no Bulls or KR. The word is that a number of chairman would like Bradford to stay purely for the revenue.

I hope Cas win, best team by a country mile this year, Luke Gale I suspect Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

The Beast wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens  (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

I was worried for Widnes who to me had the feel of KR from last year i.e. injuries/bad luck/bad news (Rangi Chase) however well played, first win in France.  

I am thinking with home advantage Leigh will be favourite next weekend, if Catalans do drop the nightmare for the RFL will start, I would not be surprised if the Championship is re-structured with clubs losing revenue with few away fans from Toulouse, Catalan, Toronto + no Bulls or KR.  The word is that a number of chairman would like Bradford to stay purely for the revenue.

I hope Cas win, best team by a country mile this year, Luke Gale I suspect Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

You forgot to add London. I have heard that there IS going to be restructuring in the championship (and when you look at the players Bradford are getting, they must of heard). But if I'm honest I would not be Happy if they stayed up, just because of the money. I know the club has been messed around alot,etc etc. But surely what happens on the pitch has to be a major part of what happens, otherwise what's the point of the sport. I remember the start of SL, when it was all about grounds,where the club came from etc, it was a mess and I nearly walked away. I know this is a naive view, and I'll be annoyed and fed up when licensing comes back, but then clubs can't complain if they're not in it, you have to have a buisness plan is know. But when that's the major part of the sport, and the playing side doesn't matter, what's the point? Why would fans invest moneye and watch sone thing that has no meaning?

I would like a Cas/Hull GF, Hull fans to talk about how it's there year, and there wins against Cas, and how they hold a hoodo over them. Then Cas to win by 20 (not that I'm bitter,Jealous or anything).

tigerrobins wrote:

The Beast wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens  (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

I was worried for Widnes who to me had the feel of KR from last year i.e. injuries/bad luck/bad news (Rangi Chase) however well played, first win in France.  

I am thinking with home advantage Leigh will be favourite next weekend, if Catalans do drop the nightmare for the RFL will start, I would not be surprised if the Championship is re-structured with clubs losing revenue with few away fans from Toulouse, Catalan, Toronto + no Bulls or KR.  The word is that a number of chairman would like Bradford to stay purely for the revenue.

I hope Cas win, best team by a country mile this year, Luke Gale I suspect Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

You forgot to add London. I have heard that there IS going to be restructuring in the championship  (and when you look at the players Bradford are getting, they must of heard). But if I'm honest I would not be Happy if they stayed up, just because of the money. I know the club has been messed around alot,etc etc. But surely what happens on the pitch has to be a major part of what happens,  otherwise what's the point of the sport. I remember the start of SL, when it was all about grounds,where the club came from etc, it was a mess and I nearly walked away. I know this is a naive view, and I'll be annoyed and fed up when licensing comes back,  but then clubs can't complain if they're not in it, you have to have a buisness plan is know. But when that's the major part of the sport, and the playing side doesn't matter, what's the point? Why would fans invest moneye and watch sone thing that has no meaning?

I would like a Cas/Hull GF, Hull fans to talk about how it's there year, and there wins against Cas, and how they hold a hoodo over them. Then Cas to win by 20 (not that I'm bitter,Jealous or anything).

I don't think anyone would (or should) be doing Bradford any favours, it would be more a matter of other clubs wanting them in due money, personally I would prefer to be in Champ. 1 where the club should have been at the start of the season. Bradford have made some good signings however to the best of my knowledge most (probably with the exception of Chisholm) are part-time and a number of players are leaving e.g. Joe Lumb,James Mendeika,Omari Caro who were full time.

I do agree with you the results should be the main factor, licensing certainly takes away the fear of relegation, I am still hopeful that the RFL can create a two division system with P&R which is a compromise but as it stands relegation to the Championship could for some clubs be fatal. Not an easy balance, for me it comes down to the fact there is not enough money in the game.

The Beast wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:

The Beast wrote:

tigerrobins wrote:Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens  (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

I was worried for Widnes who to me had the feel of KR from last year i.e. injuries/bad luck/bad news (Rangi Chase) however well played, first win in France.  

I am thinking with home advantage Leigh will be favourite next weekend, if Catalans do drop the nightmare for the RFL will start, I would not be surprised if the Championship is re-structured with clubs losing revenue with few away fans from Toulouse, Catalan, Toronto + no Bulls or KR.  The word is that a number of chairman would like Bradford to stay purely for the revenue.

I hope Cas win, best team by a country mile this year, Luke Gale I suspect Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

You forgot to add London. I have heard that there IS going to be restructuring in the championship  (and when you look at the players Bradford are getting, they must of heard). But if I'm honest I would not be Happy if they stayed up, just because of the money. I know the club has been messed around alot,etc etc. But surely what happens on the pitch has to be a major part of what happens,  otherwise what's the point of the sport. I remember the start of SL, when it was all about grounds,where the club came from etc, it was a mess and I nearly walked away. I know this is a naive view, and I'll be annoyed and fed up when licensing comes back,  but then clubs can't complain if they're not in it, you have to have a buisness plan is know. But when that's the major part of the sport, and the playing side doesn't matter, what's the point? Why would fans invest moneye and watch sone thing that has no meaning?

I would like a Cas/Hull GF, Hull fans to talk about how it's there year, and there wins against Cas, and how they hold a hoodo over them. Then Cas to win by 20 (not that I'm bitter,Jealous or anything).

I don't think anyone would (or should) be doing Bradford any favours, it would be more a matter of other clubs wanting them in due money, personally I would prefer to be in Champ. 1 where the club should have been at the start of the season.  Bradford have made some good signings however to the best of my knowledge most (probably with the exception of Chisholm) are part-time and a number of players are leaving e.g. Joe Lumb,James Mendeika,Omari Caro who were full time.

I do agree with you the results should be the main factor, licensing certainly takes away the fear of relegation, I am still hopeful that the RFL can create a two division system with P&R which is a compromise but as it stands relegation to the Championship could for some clubs be fatal. Not an easy balance, for me it comes down to the fact there is not enough money in the game.

I agree about there not being alot of money in the game, and also about it not being a favour to Bradford. I just think it's laziness by chairmen that rather than promote there club, the game etc. And bad management by the rfl, who time and again show that all they really care about is SL.just really on Bradford. Look at York who achieved a crowd of over 2000, v Toronto after excellent promoting by both clubs. In my opinion if Bradford start in the championship, they will once again be papering over cracks, and that lead to problems in the first place.

Licensing in my opinion, leads to laziness and boring standard of rugby. You need in any sport excitement, thrills major games etc. Licensing doesn't provide that.
My other fear as I've said before, is that we'll dump aloud of new franchises in there, that's not ready or able to continue if they fail (ala Paris ).
Still I could be wrong. By the way you may have noticed I've changed my username to my actual name.

Luke wrote:Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens  (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

Cheers mate. Great effort from the lads. All dug deep and easily up there with one of the biggest results in our history

Now to put this year behind us and crack on building for next

gazzyD wrote:

Luke wrote:Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens  (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

Cheers mate. Great effort from the lads. All dug deep and easily up there with one of the biggest results in our history

Now to put this year behind us and crack on building for next

What you expecting from next year? I'm fully expecting us to be in the middle 8's again.

Depends what happens between now and february. With the current squad then it wpuld be unfair for widnes fans to expect anything different from this year as injuries aside we've not got the best team anyway

Tend to agree with you, other than Cas, Wakefield, Possibly Saints your would expect quite a few sides looking at a squad overall. So hard to tell what to expect.

I think we need about 7 new players with a lot of players leaving

It's hard to tell with Rovers, most of the squad are still from our last SL time, with quite a few young players. I expect another 4/5 signings on top of Masoe & McGuire. But I also expect alot of departures 3 have already gone).

Bradford, have signed Matt Garside today, I am expecting some more departures soon too i.e. Scott Moore, Ilness Macani, Colton Roche & Ethan Ryan. Joe Lumb is leaving, to the best of my knowledge Keightley.

"By the way you may have noticed I've changed my username to my actual name.

Luke"

Funny that my user name is already my actual name

That's given me so many strange images, most of which I didn't need. Thanks a lot for that 

Leeds win a tight game against Hull to reach there 10 grand final. Obviously I don't support either side. But I would just like to say COME ON CAS.

gazzyD wrote:

Luke wrote:Widnes win (congratulations Gazzy). So the Mpg game next weekend will be between Leigh & Catalans.

And the super 8's play off semi 's will be between Castleford v St Helens  (for the 4th time this year?), & Leeds v Hull fc?(also for the 4th time this year).

Cheers mate. Great effort from the lads. All dug deep and easily up there with one of the biggest results in our history

Now to put this year behind us and crack on building for next

I can't see any other outcome than Widnes struggling again next season, unless they can find some money and sign some class players

News from Bradford Bulls Forum, Ralph Rimmer in attendance, I am taking this from twitter feeds so it is a bit mixed up, there was a media briefing pre the forum;

1, The club is preparing to play in Championship 1, no reprieve from relegation. (Sounds like the division will be more a traditional each team playing each other twice than this year however there may be fewer teams.)

2, Planning on a squad of 30, two more announcements this week.

3, Geoff Toovey's future discussed when he returns to the UK in November.

4, Discussions on if/how Odsal can be developed will commence shortly.

Ralph Rimmer;

RFL looking to move out of Red Hall, Bradford one of five sites being considered.

Quietly confident that there is no merit in the employment claims against the Bulls

Very keen that Bradford are not given favourable terms and that other clubs are watching developments

Apparently things became heated when fans asked questions and Mr. Rimmer perhaps wisely left behind things got over-heated. Fans laughed when he described the RFL as very professional.

It might sound weird but I for one am pleased the club are in Champ. 1 and not some contrived way to stay in the Championship.

In my opinion they need to start in league 1, fresh start and get everything sorted. 

The thing about odsal is intresting. Do the rfl still own it? If they do, that with the redevelopment would cost a hell of alot. Is that money Bradford. Plus there's still the rumours Richard dunns sport center or Horsfall stadium.

Still, must be good to hear some positive news, or some news.

That it pretty well as I see it Luke, a fresh start from ground zero and the club can compete on a level playing field, just the employment tribunal to get through. No-one will be surprised to hear that the fans main axe to grind with Mr. Rimmer was staying in the Championship and the 12 point deduction this season rather than Champ. 1.

James Davies has re-signed and they now have Mikey Wood on a season long loan from Huddersfield.

Bradford City Council own the land, the RFL own the lease. AFIK the clause that means Rugby has to be played there ends in 2018 or 2019 fueling speculation about the ground and as you mention a smaller new ground on the Richard Dunn site, time will tell.

Luke wrote:In my opinion they need to start in league 1, fresh start and get everything sorted. 

The thing about odsal is intresting. Do the rfl still own it? If they do, that with the redevelopment would cost a hell of alot. Is that money Bradford. Plus there's still the rumours Richard dunns sport center or Horsfall stadium.

Still, must be good to hear some positive news, or some news.

Agree.

So the 2018 seasons started this weekend. Saints looked very impressive v Cas. And it's easy to see why alot of people think they're going to win the league leaders shield. Salford & Catalan look like they could struggle. Otherwise no surprises.

Result of the weekend was Toronto. With a very impressive win at Leigh.
Again no real surprises in the championship.

Thank god it's started again , winter is getting harder to get through. Not helped with a lack of news from or about the game.

Luke wrote:So the 2018 seasons started this weekend. Saints looked very impressive v Cas. And it's easy to see why alot of people think they're going to win the league leaders shield. Salford & Catalan look like they could struggle. Otherwise no surprises.

Result of the weekend was Toronto. With a very impressive win at Leigh.
Again no real surprises in the championship.

Thank god it's started again , winter is getting harder to get through.  Not helped with a lack of news from or about the game.

Toronto do look like the team to beat this season, and people said they would struggle after the loss of them 3 forwards after the training camp problems

Melbourne win the World club challenge 38-4.

Didn't watch it. But from what I gather, Leeds played fairly well, Melbourne are just a class above any other RL side at the moment.

I haven't seen it either but was not surprised in the slightest at the result.

I am sure this has been covered but what are Wigan doing out there, didn't make the SL semi-final, rewarded with a trip to Aus, cobblers.

Very much looking forward to League 1 kicking off, can't go to York on Sunday who are expecting a 3k attendance, their biggest for years. Even game for me, York have some very good players including Ben Cockayne.

In a way it's an ideal start for Bradford. Tough game against a side who should also be up there away. Means you have to hit the ground running. Which in league 1 you need to do.
Think like you its a pretty even game. Both sides have some good players (Greg Mcnally is an excellent signing). Just fancy Bradford.

Luke wrote:In a way it's an ideal start for Bradford. Tough game against a side who should also be up there away. Means you have to hit the ground running.  Which in league 1 you need to do.
Think like you its a pretty even game. Both sides have some good players (Greg Mcnally is an excellent signing). Just fancy Bradford.

With there worst problems behind them we hope, if they hit the ground running they will walk National League 1

George Hotel1895 wrote:

Luke wrote:In a way it's an ideal start for Bradford. Tough game against a side who should also be up there away. Means you have to hit the ground running.  Which in league 1 you need to do.
Think like you its a pretty even game. Both sides have some good players (Greg Mcnally is an excellent signing). Just fancy Bradford.

With there worst problems behind them we hope, if they hit the ground running they will walk National League 1

Hopefully (for me) but I think it will be a lot more difficult than some think, it is more of an even playing field with most of the squad now part-time.

Phew, York 20 Bulls 22, game streamed live via Proper Sport/Facebook. I managed to catch the last hour of a very entertaining game, Bulls nicking it with a 45 metre penalty as time expired. Harsh on York who deserved at least a point, the club marketed the game strongly and were rewarded with an announced attendance of 4300!!!!!!! Assuming this is correct there cannot have been many better attended games in League one for a long time.

Just to add Barrow who forced a draw with Toronto last week have beaten Leigh, very impressive.

The Beast wrote:Just to add Barrow who forced a draw with Toronto last week have beaten Leigh, very impressive.

Somehow i don't think Toronto will be the force some expected them in the championship, but will still finish in the top 4.I think we can forget Leigh for the time being.

Looks like we could be wrong Beast. This league 1 lark looks easy. Great start, good squad and coach. Things are looking up for you at the moment.

As for Rovers, pretty much were I expected them to be. It was always going to be a struggle and I never expected us to not be in the middle 8's.
As for the rest of SL, other than Saints (who have been fantastic), no one else has hit the ground runninfloor.
The intresting division is the championship. Leigh Struggling, Halifax carrying on from the end of last year, Featherstone continuing there format from the last 2 years. London, Toulouse & Toronto looking good. Could be the most comparative league.

Off course all this is being ruined by not knowing what the format is for next year. So not knowing what the end of this season means.

Luke wrote:Looks like we could be wrong  Beast. This league 1 lark looks easy. Great start, good squad and coach. Things are looking up for you at the moment.

As for Rovers, pretty much were I expected them to be. It was always going to be a struggle and I never expected us to not be in the middle 8's.
As for the rest of SL, other than Saints (who have been fantastic), no one else has hit the ground runninfloor.
The intresting division is the championship. Leigh Struggling, Halifax carrying on from the end of last year, Featherstone continuing there format from the last 2 years. London, Toulouse & Toronto looking good. Could be the most comparative league.

Off course all this is being ruined by not knowing what the format is for next year. So not knowing what the end of this season means.

Good start for the Bulls, perhaps slightly fortunate to win at York but a great performance at Keighley who were very competitive at Odsal in a pre-season friendly. John Kear is arguably the perfect fit in the circumstances.

Saw a bit of your game at Catalans, to be honest both teams were poor, the game awful. I have not changed my opinion in the current structure any club without a major injection of funds likely from a wealthy backer are going to struggle year one back in SL. If you have the chance to see Saints, Danny Richardson looks a very good player.

Shocked by Leigh's start, they really cannot afford to lose more than 2-3 maximum to make the top 4 which at the moment looks like a mountain to climb something is clearly wrong somewhere. London are flying, hammering Toronto and Batley, long way to go of course.

The Beast wrote:

Luke wrote:Looks like we could be wrong  Beast. This league 1 lark looks easy. Great start, good squad and coach. Things are looking up for you at the moment.

As for Rovers, pretty much were I expected them to be. It was always going to be a struggle and I never expected us to not be in the middle 8's.
As for the rest of SL, other than Saints (who have been fantastic), no one else has hit the ground runninfloor.
The intresting division is the championship. Leigh Struggling, Halifax carrying on from the end of last year, Featherstone continuing there format from the last 2 years. London, Toulouse & Toronto looking good. Could be the most comparative league.

Off course all this is being ruined by not knowing what the format is for next year. So not knowing what the end of this season means.

Good start for the Bulls, perhaps slightly fortunate to win at York but a great performance at Keighley who were very competitive at Odsal in a pre-season friendly. John Kear is arguably the perfect fit in the circumstances.

Saw a bit of your game at Catalans, to be honest both teams were poor, the game awful. I have not changed my opinion in the current structure any club without a major injection of funds likely from a wealthy backer are going to struggle year one back in SL.  If you have the chance to see Saints, Danny Richardson looks a very good player.

Shocked by Leigh's start, they really cannot afford to lose more than 2-3 maximum to make the top 4 which at the moment looks like a mountain to climb something is clearly wrong somewhere.  London are flying, hammering Toronto and Batley, long way to go of course.

Bradford are odds on to win National League 1 and will do.

Couple of early round Challenge Cup upsets to mention. Well played Whitehaven and York beating higher division opposition in Dewsbury and Swinton respectively. Workington pushing London all the way, 20 - 22.

Lucky enough to be out and saw on TV Leeds v Cas. 23k at Leeds Soccer Ground, fantastic game well played to both sides a great advert for the game. Were you watching Eddie Hearn?

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:

Luke wrote:Looks like we could be wrong  Beast. This league 1 lark looks easy. Great start, good squad and coach. Things are looking up for you at the moment.

As for Rovers, pretty much were I expected them to be. It was always going to be a struggle and I never expected us to not be in the middle 8's.
As for the rest of SL, other than Saints (who have been fantastic), no one else has hit the ground runninfloor.
The intresting division is the championship. Leigh Struggling, Halifax carrying on from the end of last year, Featherstone continuing there format from the last 2 years. London, Toulouse & Toronto looking good. Could be the most comparative league.

Off course all this is being ruined by not knowing what the format is for next year. So not knowing what the end of this season means.

Good start for the Bulls, perhaps slightly fortunate to win at York but a great performance at Keighley who were very competitive at Odsal in a pre-season friendly. John Kear is arguably the perfect fit in the circumstances.

Saw a bit of your game at Catalans, to be honest both teams were poor, the game awful. I have not changed my opinion in the current structure any club without a major injection of funds likely from a wealthy backer are going to struggle year one back in SL.  If you have the chance to see Saints, Danny Richardson looks a very good player.

Shocked by Leigh's start, they really cannot afford to lose more than 2-3 maximum to make the top 4 which at the moment looks like a mountain to climb something is clearly wrong somewhere.  London are flying, hammering Toronto and Batley, long way to go of course.

Bradford are odds on to win National League 1 and will do.

If they play as they did against Keighley then yes they will be tough to beat, repeat of the Hunslet game on Sunday and they will be rolled over by Oldham on Friday, very average performance, John Kear not a happy camper at the post match press conference.

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:Just to add Barrow who forced a draw with Toronto last week have beaten Leigh, very impressive.

Somehow i don't think Toronto will be the force some expected them in the championship, but will still finish in the top 4.I think we can forget Leigh for the time being.

The key for me is that Toronto of course have not played any home games, it will be interesting to see how they and other sides react when games start in Canada.

The Beast wrote:

George Hotel1895 wrote:

The Beast wrote:Just to add Barrow who forced a draw with Toronto last week have beaten Leigh, very impressive.

Somehow i don't think Toronto will be the force some expected them in the championship, but will still finish in the top 4.I think we can forget Leigh for the time being.

The key for me is that Toronto of course have not played any home games, it will be interesting to see how they and other sides react when games start in Canada.

Good point

I couldn't go to the Bulls/Oldham game as the ko was moved to 6pm. I have just watched the game on-line, a good win against a good side albeit not an attractive game aside from a length of the pitch try of the season contender finished by Dane Chisholm.

Sorry to have a pop at officials but Oldham got away with everything but murder in the rucks which were a shambles. The captain was warned easily 5 times, two team warnings but no yellow cards!! The off-side rule was ignored, at one stage in the second half the first receiver was getting the ball with a defender literally feet away. 4k in attendance if the RFL want more something needs to be done imo. Apparently we have the same ref on Monday's Cup game at Hunslet, sorry but I would not travel for more of the same.

Rent a gob Brough get a 3 game ban and guess what for?
https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/43803302

TV games for the next Rd of the challenge cup have been announced.

Sky games are Featherstone / Hull (thurs), Leigh/Salford (fri).
BBC games are Castleford /St Helens (sat), Warrington /Toronto (sun).

The other games of the Rd are - Hull KR v Wigan, Widnes v Leeds, Catalan v Whitehaven, Huddersfield v Wakefield

Luke wrote:TV games for the next Rd of the challenge cup have been announced.

Sky games are Featherstone / Hull (thurs), Leigh/Salford  (fri).
BBC games are Castleford /St Helens  (sat), Warrington /Toronto  (sun).

The other games of the Rd are - Hull KR v Wigan, Widnes v Leeds, Catalan v Whitehaven, Huddersfield v Wakefield

Possible upset in the making, Fev v Hull FC?

George Hotel1895 wrote:

Luke wrote:TV games for the next Rd of the challenge cup have been announced.

Sky games are Featherstone / Hull (thurs), Leigh/Salford  (fri).
BBC games are Castleford /St Helens  (sat), Warrington /Toronto  (sun).

The other games of the Rd are - Hull KR v Wigan, Widnes v Leeds, Catalan v Whitehaven, Huddersfield v Wakefield

Possible upset in the making, Fev v Hull FC?

If Hull underestimate them possibly yes although they really should know better Fev have a good side.