Rugby League

[south_tyne]

I wondered if there were many other folk on here interested in rugby league out there? I am a regular contributor to the football thread, and there is also an NFL topic and other sport-relates ones, so hoped to get some discussion going on the superior rugby code if there is interest....

 

My own team are Bradford Bulls, due to family connections in that fine city, and I also have a soft spot for York too, so follow them. Bradford have certainly been through the mill in recent years but are now on the up again and hopefully will be back in the big time very soon. I love following the Super League and always watch the weekly highlights show on the BBC with Tanya and enjoy the wonderful commetary from Dave Woods and co on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. It's exciting times for the sport, with Toronto Wolfpack hoefully garnering international interest, this new team in Ottawa (via Hemel Hepstead!!), lots of British interest in the NRL, then the return of a Great Britain side after a long hiatus and a World Cup all to look forward to!  

 

Interesting games last night, with both Hull teams taking a beating, although KR did well against St Helens. There was also the 'golden point' winner for Leeds on Thursday which provided an exciting end to the game. We have the Challenge Cup to look forward to over the weekend as well - Bradford have Keighley Cougars, which should be interesting, and it's also live on the BBC tomorrow afternoon. 

 

Anyway, it would be good to get some discussion going if I am not a lone voice in the wilderness! 

[NorthBrit]

You are not quite on your own, south-tyne.    Leeds Rhinos are my team.   The way they are playing the less said the better.

 

I also like to see the results of Dewsbury Rams.   They were just Dewsbury when I watched them play.

 

Then there is Toronto Wolfpack.   I hope they are promoted at the end of the season.

 

 

[Andy 53B]

You're not alone, although after last nights drubbing at the hands of the Wolves, nuff said!

[woodyfox]

Hull KR season holder here... ...for my sins!

[doilum]

Almost 60 years watching Castleford. No comments on current performance but good to see West Tigers top the NRL for the first time.

[cb900f]

I'm an armchair fan of the team that everyone loathes.

 

Pete

[south_tyne]

5 hours ago, NorthBrit said:

Then there is Toronto Wolfpack.   I hope they are promoted at the end of the season.

 

 

Thanks all for your replies.... pleased to see I am not alone!! 

 

I too would love to see Toronto in the Super League next year. They blew it last season mind, in just about the most terrible game I have ever seen(!!), but I am pleased to see these attempts to grow and spread the game. London Broncos deserve their spot though and have started quite well; they will certainly not be pushovers. 

[APOLLO]

Being a pie eater Wigan RLFC was always my team. I don't follow them much these days, I dislike both summer rugby and Wigan's new stadium at Robin Park - as fine as it is it's a football stadium in reality, and has little "atmosphere" compared to the old Central Park stadium (Named after the Great Central railway who sold the land when the planned extension north from Wigan Central was abandoned so the story goes).

 

For me the the golden years were 1987 to the last game at Central Park in 1999 (nearly 20 years ago !!).

 

With my mates we went to many games, a lot over in Yorkshire, where there was never an easy game. Went to Wembley (and won) eight times on the trot (or was it nine ?). A bag of Pooles pies and onto one of the four or so special trains Wigan NW to Wembley Central, left and round the corner into Barratt's Bar, an Irish pub with superb Guinness !! 

 

Highlights for me over the years were

 

Wigan V Halifax at Wembley final - My first Wembley and last year of standing room there.

 

Wigan V St Helens Wembley final - Wigan 27 St Helens Nil - Talk was of Murphy (St Helens coach) being arrested at half time for breaking into a cigarette machine - his excuse he needed ten players in a hurry !!

 

Matches at Castleford - A couple of pints in "The Early Bath" pub - They opened up the room upstairs when Wigan played - allways a hard match there.

 

Leeds - The Skyrack pub, and the one across the road, I still don't know what a Loiner is !!

 

Halifax - The old ground at Thrum Hall, a snowstorm at one end of the field and sunlight at 'tuvver !!. At another match there Brendan Hill put on a stretcher then falling off  it - Ouch - big cheers from the Wigan end there !!!

 

Hull - Both grounds, Always hard matches, a long way home if we (rarely) lost.

 

Bradford on a foggy night - match abandoned at half time !!

 

Wigan v Workington - a Wembley qualifying match, and one of Martin Offiah's first matches for Wigan. He fluffed a try, and a local turned to us excitingly exclaiming "Four hundred and forty thousand pounds you've paid for him and he can't hold a ball" - My mate quickly replied "We didn't buy him for his rugby skills - he buffs up well and looks superb  photographed alongside the many cups in the trophy room" - Speechless !!!!

 

Of course many matches at Salford, St Helens Widnes and Warrington they were hard local rivals. 

 

I miss the old Boxing Day and Easter Derbys between Wigan & St Helens - pubs and grounds in both towns were always packed, good games also. New Years day for the brave was another Derby, The Locker Cup Wigan v Warrington - 'owt above t'grass was the rule there !!!!

 

Wonderful days -- Though I'm just not into the modern game though, for me the good times are history.

 

Brit15

[south_tyne]

12 hours ago, APOLLO said:

Being a pie eater Wigan RLFC was always my team. I don't follow them much these days, I dislike both summer rugby and Wigan's new stadium at Robin Park - as fine as it is it's a football stadium in reality, and has little "atmosphere" compared to the old Central Park stadium (Named after the Great Central railway who sold the land when the planned extension north from Wigan Central was abandoned so the story goes).

 

For me the the golden years were 1987 to the last game at Central Park in 1999 (nearly 20 years ago !!).

 

With my mates we went to many games, a lot over in Yorkshire, where there was never an easy game. Went to Wembley (and won) eight times on the trot (or was it nine ?). A bag of Pooles pies and onto one of the four or so special trains Wigan NW to Wembley Central, left and round the corner into Barratt's Bar, an Irish pub with superb Guinness !! 

 

Highlights for me over the years were

 

Wigan V Halifax at Wembley final - My first Wembley and last year of standing room there.

 

Wigan V St Helens Wembley final - Wigan 27 St Helens Nil - Talk was of Murphy (St Helens coach) being arrested at half time for breaking into a cigarette machine - his excuse he needed ten players in a hurry !!

 

Matches at Castleford - A couple of pints in "The Early Bath" pub - They opened up the room upstairs when Wigan played - allways a hard match there.

 

Leeds - The Skyrack pub, and the one across the road, I still don't know what a Loiner is !!

 

Halifax - The old ground at Thrum Hall, a snowstorm at one end of the field and sunlight at 'tuvver !!. At another match there Brendan Hill put on a stretcher then falling off  it - Ouch - big cheers from the Wigan end there !!!

 

Hull - Both grounds, Always hard matches, a long way home if we (rarely) lost.

 

Bradford on a foggy night - match abandoned at half time !!

 

Wigan v Workington - a Wembley qualifying match, and one of Martin Offiah's first matches for Wigan. He fluffed a try, and a local turned to us excitingly exclaiming "Four hundred and forty thousand pounds you've paid for him and he can't hold a ball" - My mate quickly replied "We didn't buy him for his rugby skills - he buffs up well and looks superb  photographed alongside the many cups in the trophy room" - Speechless !!!!

 

Of course many matches at Salford, St Helens Widnes and Warrington they were hard local rivals. 

 

I miss the old Boxing Day and Easter Derbys between Wigan & St Helens - pubs and grounds in both towns were always packed, good games also. New Years day for the brave was another Derby, The Locker Cup Wigan v Warrington - 'owt above t'grass was the rule there !!!!

 

Wonderful days -- Though I'm just not into the modern game though, for me the good times are history.

 

Brit15

 

Lovely memories there Brit15, thank you for sharing. It's the local rivalry and interest that make rugby league so special for me. I am a Geordie, but have strong family connections in Bradford, hence being a big fan, and look on it as so special. The 'family' feeling in the sport is like no other. We have been lucky enough to host the magic weekend in Newcastle for four years and it is a wonderful occasion. The way fans from different clubs mix, socialise, support each other, drink and share, without any hint of trouble or aggro is an example to other sports, notably football. It is such an inclusive, welcoming and accessible sport. 

 

Unlike you though, I do love the modern game. I think it is so fast and exciting, unlike that other form of rugby, which I find boring, attritional and turgid! (Just my humble opinion)

 

Looking forward to watching Bradford in the Challenge Cup this afternoon. 

[APOLLO]

The modern game is OK, perhaps it's just me !!

 

We also went a couple of times to the Gateshead stadium, a match between the Wembley and League winners if I remember correctly at the very end of the season.

 

I fully agree re the family feeling, I don't think we ever encountered ill feeling etc towards us as Wigan fans anywhere, and vice versa - the pubs over in Yorkshire were always friendly with superb beer. On the pitch though the claret flowed often !!!!!

 

Brit15

[NorthBrit]

I have been to Wembley once,  1958  --  Wigan v Workington Town.    Who should I support.  Both were very good sides.  The talk was of Ike Southward of Workington Town  and Billy Boston of Wigan.   I chose Wigan.

 

A great occasion  (no matter the score).   Wigan won 13  -- 9.

 

The only time I have supported Wigan 

[doilum]

Sadly, the Early Bath is no more. Little brother was treasurer at Lock Lane arlfc when they converted it to their clubhouse. Many happy memories of our extended family Christmas party upstairs. It was said that good Sunday home fixtures against Hull, Halifax and Wigan just about covered the annual overheads. Dad was the headteacher at the school over the road and had taught several international players including Roger Millward and the Bath was our place for a quiet pint most Tuesday evenings.

[south_tyne]

3 hours ago, NorthBrit said:

I have been to Wembley once,  1958  --  Wigan v Workington Town. 

 

It would be great to see a Cumbrian team in the Super League. If I remember rightly, Workington had one season in mid-1990s (the first year of SL?) but haven't been back in big time since. 

[doilum]

16 hours ago, south_tyne said:

 

It would be great to see a Cumbrian team in the Super League. If I remember rightly, Workington had one season in mid-1990s (the first year of SL?) but haven't been back in big time since. 

It's a hell of a trek just for their local derbies. I have been to Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven and three visits to Barrow. In 1970 we went by train. Ours consisted of around 25 multiple units  which were coupled into a single train. The first dozen were loaded and the train moved forward to load the rear half. I think they split the train on arrival at Barrow for unloading. We had to hang around town for an hour or so as our friends were on a second loco hauled train.

[south_tyne]

1 hour ago, doilum said:

It's a hell of a trek just for their local derbies. I have been to Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven and three visits to Barrow. In 1970 we went by train. Ours consisted of around 25 multiple units  which were coupled into a single train. The first dozen were loaded and the train moved forward to load the rear half. I think they split the train on arrival at Barrow for unloading. We had to hang around town for an hour or so as our friends were on a second loco hauled train.

 

It is. They are getting a new stadium over there, part of the World Cup bid, so with any luck it might kick-start a revival.

 

I remember there being a lot of publicity on our Look North news when Workington played the then PSG side over in Paris! The brave new cosmopolitan world of Super League but sadly it didn't last (for either team). 

 

Just as an aside.... In my football life, I am a Gateshead FC season ticket holder and for the Boxing Day/New Years Day reverse fixtures in the National League we are always paired with the 'closest' team. For a few years we played Barrow........ now the trip from Gateshead to Barrow is pretty epic at the best of times, never mind at Christmas! By public transport it is nigh on impossible within a day! I wonder whether someone in the league HQ just looks at a map and thinks.... "that looks close".... It might be relatively so as the crow flies but logistically it is a nighmare journey! I did trek across twice for games and spend two exciting New Years Days in Barrow.... I've done some silly things for the love of football  Thankfully we now have Hartlepool for company for our derby games!

Edited April 1, 2019 by south_tyne
Spelling

[south_tyne]

Just caught up with the highlights from last week's games. The finale to the Leeds v Castlesford game certainly was something. Mind Cas will be kicking themselves as they had the opportunity to snatch it in normal time after a great comeback. 

 

What do others think of the golden point sudden death? There's no doubt it certainly adds to the excitement to the finale of a game. Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with a draw but it does give a bit of drama and anything that builds interest in the game is a great thing. Obviously the unfair aspect comes with one team winning the toss and possession but there is no real alternative option. 

[Andy 53B]

I really like the idea of golden point, although it will often depend on who wins the toss. I do wonder whether the reason it was brought in is for the North American market. The RFL are trying to expand in this area and the North Americans don't like draws!!

[south_tyne]

18 minutes ago, Andy 53B said:

I really like the idea of golden point, although it will often depend on who wins the toss. I do wonder whether the reason it was brought in is for the North American market. The RFL are trying to expand in this area and the North Americans don't like draws!!

 

I have wondered that too... The American's just don't seem to get the concept of draws do they!

[Andy 53B]

You want to see them trying to understand a 5-day test match cricket game, which could still end in a draw!!

[south_tyne]

18 minutes ago, Andy 53B said:

You want to see them trying to understand a 5-day test match cricket game, which could still end in a draw!!

 

Very true! Although to be frank, baseball can be equally as mind-boggling and the depth of stats and data do rival cricket for complexity. The games can also be never ending in order to find a winner in the final innings...! 

[south_tyne]

It's been announced this morning that Brian Barwick will be leaving his roles with the RFL, Super League and 2021 World Cup. Seems somewhat strange timing, principally for the organisation of the latter - I wonder if his resignation will have any impact in the short- or long-term. 

[Guest]

Hi Just seen this, Another Cas Tigers fan, As doilum say's no comment on current performance, but we'll bounce back! 

 

Gary

[south_tyne]

2 hours ago, Gary J said:

Hi Just seen this, Another Cas Tigers fan, As doilum say's no comment on current performance, but we'll bounce back! 

 

Gary

 

You seem to be playing quite well though but have just had a few disappointing results? Last Thursday must have been gutting mind!

[monkeysarefun]

Is this open to Sth Sydney Rabbitoh  supporters  too? 

(Although the off-season antics of many NRL players has been particularly turgid this year, maybe they should be banned from owning mobile phones with cameras...)

[south_tyne]

2 hours ago, monkeysarefun said:

Is this open to Sth Sydney Rabbitoh  supporters  too? 

(Although the off-season antics of many NRL players has been particularly turgid this year, maybe they should be banned from owning mobile phones with cameras...)

 

Of course!! I love a bit of NRL action and there is obviously a lot of British interest at the moment with quite a few players having made the journey across to the promised land to play!