Rugby League

[EDJOHNS]

Very disappointing result today for England. I didn't watch the game as I was watching Darlo and I didn't bother taping it as I thought we would win comfortably. A missed opportunity.

Oh Pete a really awful day for you. Thankfully most of us don’t give a toss about the egg chasers.

So sad when people can be so dismissive of a sport they clearly know nothing about.
All you can see locally is Yawnion. Get yourself up to Newcastle and see the hardest game in the world played to a decent standard.
Better still Get yourself tickets for "Magic" 3 top-class matches for £20, and if you don't know the rules no problem, ask any fan from any club and they will all be happy to chat with you and explain the game

[robsraiders]

A new season almost upon us, so lets get this thread back up and running.
I have just watched St Helens beat St George of NRL in Australia, and though the opposition are not the strongest, Saints won easily, a bigger task awaits next week v Penrith, don't think they will beat the NRL champs though. Poor choice predicting that they will win Super League again (hope I am wrong, we need a competitive League).
Hopes for me are that Tigers are competitive and in the top 6, a Challenge Cup win would do fine in a rebuilding season.
Thoughts from the usual suspects please !!

[EDJOHNS]

A new season almost upon us, so lets get this thread back up and running.
I have just watched St Helens beat St George of NRL in Australia, and though the opposition are not the strongest, Saints won easily, a bigger task awaits next week v Penrith, don't think they will beat the NRL champs though. Poor choice predicting that they will win Super League again (hope I am wrong, we need a competitive League).
Hopes for me are that Tigers are competitive and in the top 6, a Challenge Cup win would do fine in a rebuilding season.
Thoughts from the usual suspects please !!

I know pre-season games are not a great indicator but having watched KR beat Leeds last week I am super confident of our best season for many years.
We now seem to have not only a first 17 but enough backup so that when the inevitable injuries hit we can still cope.
Keep your eye on Top Opacic for Man of steel contention.
We have the usual "easy" opener v the pie eaters on Saturday and it is on channel 4 if you are interested.

[EDJOHNS]

I took a survey yesterday afternoon about the proposed changes to SL and 1 of the questions was who would b relegated and who come up this season.
Like most I think Featherstone will come up but I rather bucked the trend thinking Leeds may struggle again.
Watched them last night and they were if anything, worse than they were last week against KR.
Many people think that when we get the grades through Leeds are an automatic "A" grade. Not so sure myself. Particularly if they go down as 1 of the criteria is owning the ground, which they don't.
Also noted that FC are "a shoo-in" for "A" grade while KR will be a "B". Again, not so sure it is right. We own our place while they rent, and we have a lot of work planned, and Pearson has not retracted from his statement that they will have to leave the MKM by the end of this season as he can't afford to keep paying for it and as yet, no word on where they could move to.
While I love the jungle I do not see any way Cas can be allowed to continue as a SL team playing there unless they rectify the pitch size, and how the hell do they do that?

[Darlo_Pete]

A disastrous start to the new SL season for Wigan, as we lose to Hull KR. I still think Wigan will do well and end up above HKR. But fair play to them for creating a buzz in the city and generating a capacity crowd.

[EDJOHNS]

A disastrous start to the new SL season for Wigan, as we lose to Hull KR. I still think Wigan will do well and end up above HKR. But fair play to them for creating a buzz in the city and generating a capacity crowd.

Capacity has now gone up to 11,500 as people on Craven street now count towards the total so 1400 is short of capacity.
A good game, but you were well beaten. Not sure what evidence you use to think you will finish above us on that game. Mind you, injuries have already hit us with Kennedy definitely out and Hall, Sue and Scruton doubtful for Thursday night.
I also watched all the televised games over the weekend and went to see Dull v Cas. I have to say that all clubs seem to have stepped up pre-match entertainment. If this is down to this new mob ruling the roost then they are off to a good start.
The Aussies made me laugh after the Penrith Saints game. Coming out with "it was only a friendly" etc. The players sat crying on the pitch at the end did not seem to agree. Others claim it was only their second "friendly" while the Saints are halfway through their season !!!!! Shows how arrogant and dismissive they are that they did not even check how many games the Saints had played this season !!!!

[EDJOHNS]

Posting this at half time and we are well in it.
I have said so often that Thaler should never officiate a KR match.
PLEASE EXPLAIN

"There is a challenge in the air, but we will not bother with that"

That when not 1 but 2 Salford lads hit 1 of ours on their line when he has caught the ball and goes to throw it backwards !!!!!

[EDJOHNS]

Well, 4 men changed because of injuries and an outstanding performance by KR.
Com's saying Salford were "A bit scrappy", but we made them that way.
We defended well when they were on top first half but they just could not handle us second half.
Back-to-back wins in the first 2 games for the first time in 16 years. A happy Robin here.

[Darlo_Pete]

Some shocks tonight, Leeds winning controversially with a last minute drop kick at world champions St. Helens & Leigh winning at mighty Hull KR. Of course Wigan have put behind them their early season opening loss, with 2 wins in a row and not conceding a single point in either game.

[robsraiders]

Lee Radford sacked, no surprise as losing first 3 games, not sure who is available but cannot do any worse, never really thought LR was the answer.
Season at present looks like a relegation battle, though Leeds turned it round last year. COYF

[Darlo_Pete]

Yes I was really shocked, to sack your coach after 3 games is a bit drastic in my opinion.

[EDJOHNS]

Lee Radford sacked, no surprise as losing first 3 games, not sure who is available but cannot do any worse, never really thought LR was the answer.
Season at present looks like a relegation battle, though Leeds turned it round last year. COYF

I am not surprised Pete went that way but shocked you have said it Rob.
He wasn't sacked.
Pure and simple it was a joint decision. He is moving to Aus in a few month's time and his heart was not in Cas any longer for personal reasons.
I did not think he was a good fit at Cas and was delighted with the way he was taking Dull down the table.
If he should have gone in the winter is a moot point as he told the club of his move down under before Christmas.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... SQxSON_-XU

[EDJOHNS]

PS, with Andy Last taking over you are in big, big trouble.

[Darlo_Pete]

I think it was a bit harsh, as 2 of their 3 games were against St.Helens & Wigan.

[EDJOHNS]

I think it was a bit harsh, as 2 of their 3 games were against St.Helens & Wigan.

What was harsh exactly? It had nothing whatever to do with results so far He wanted out and was talked into staying before Christmas.
His family have not been to games since the middle of last season because of things said by fans.
He has a job offer that he has accepted starting in October.
He felt he could not get the players "UP" and he took a lot of flack over Westerman that went way over the top. (Check out "Love rugby league" for 1 to see what I mean).
Who the hell would want to manage a club whose players go on a 15-hour bender just a few days before the season starts?
I think you know I have a long-standing soft spot for Cas, but they are a club in BIG trouble from top to bottom.
I will lay a big bet they will not be a Superleague club from 2025.

[EDJOHNS]

Posting this before the hearing !!!
We were told that SKD has been done for "violent contact" that the ref did not see, nor did the lino.
Had no idea what he did until I just watched this video
If you click the
"Posted without comment" "view" you can see what he has been done for.
This is a guy who has played at the top level for 16 years and has never been done for anything violent in all that time.

Judge for yourself. I see players from every team do that every week. It is clear that SKD tries to help him up but stops as soon as told there is a problem.
By the way, he got straight up and played on. No physio on the pitch no stoppage. Nothing !!!!

In your honest opinion is this a 5 game ban???????

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/willie-p ... sNV_SXHN24

[robsraiders]

Lee Radford sacked, no surprise as losing first 3 games, not sure who is available but cannot do any worse, never really thought LR was the answer.
Season at present looks like a relegation battle, though Leeds turned it round last year. COYF

I am not surprised Pete went that way but shocked you have said it Rob.
He wasn't sacked.
Pure and simple it was a joint decision. He is moving to Aus in a few month's time and his heart was not in Cas any longer for personal reasons.
I did not think he was a good fit at Cas and was delighted with the way he was taking Dull down the table.
If he should have gone in the winter is a moot point as he told the club of his move down under before Christmas.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... SQxSON_-XU

Ed your attitude and way you speak to people on this thread is likened to DarloGramps, always right and anyones opinion against yours is shot down.

I may not be on the ball and know everything happening in the world of RL, but I said Radford was sacked because the article I read on RL News said...
Lee Radford sacked by Castleford Tigers

Shock news came this morning when Castleford Tigers announced that Lee Radford had been relieved of his duties. Just three games and three losses into the season was enough for him to be removed.
So no need to come high and mighty with me thank you.

[EDJOHNS]

Lee Radford sacked, no surprise as losing first 3 games, not sure who is available but cannot do any worse, never really thought LR was the answer.
Season at present looks like a relegation battle, though Leeds turned it round last year. COYF

I am not surprised Pete went that way but shocked you have said it Rob.
He wasn't sacked.
Pure and simple it was a joint decision. He is moving to Aus in a few month's time and his heart was not in Cas any longer for personal reasons.
I did not think he was a good fit at Cas and was delighted with the way he was taking Dull down the table.
If he should have gone in the winter is a moot point as he told the club of his move down under before Christmas.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/le ... SQxSON_-XU

Ed your attitude and way you speak to people on this thread is likened to DarloGramps, always right and anyones opinion against yours is shot down.

I may not be on the ball and know everything happening in the world of RL, but I said Radford was sacked because the article I read on RL News said...
Lee Radford sacked by Castleford Tigers

Shock news came this morning when Castleford Tigers announced that Lee Radford had been relieved of his duties. Just three games and three losses into the season was enough for him to be removed.
So no need to come high and mighty with me thank you.

Totally apologise. No way was I being superior. Simple frustration at the way it was put over on multiple sites and copied then becomes 100% fact, which is not the case.
While I don't know Radders other than to nod in passing I have known a number of his family since I was a kid in the city in the early 50's and it is common knowledge in the city he wanted to leave and was held to his contract and then just a short time later this garbage. No one seems to take notice of the "by mutual consent" bit, but in this instance, it really was.

[EDJOHNS]

In other news and further to my earlier comment. SKD gets 4 a match ban.
To put that in context, Conrad Hurrell got 2.
The powers that be really are not fit for purpose.

[comeondarlo]

What a strange start to the season!!

[robsraiders]

A much needed win by Tigers 14 v Leeds 8, lads put in a shift hopefully we are moving forward after a dismal start, awaiting news on the new Boss though

[EDJOHNS]

A much needed win by Tigers 14 v Leeds 8, lads put in a shift hopefully we are moving forward after a dismal start, awaiting news on the new Boss though

Game just finished at Wakey.
No fears Rob. You ain't getting relegated this season. I jest you not that Rochdale in league 1 are better than this lot. By far the worst side I have ever seen in SL !!!

[comeondarlo]

A much needed win by Tigers 14 v Leeds 8, lads put in a shift hopefully we are moving forward after a dismal start, awaiting news on the new Boss though

Game just finished at Wakey.
No fears Rob. You ain't getting relegated this season. I jest you not that Rochdale in league 1 are better than this lot. By far the worst side I have ever seen in SL !!!

Totally agree, before the season started I was interested to see how Leigh got on. I saw them as the obvious candidates for relegation although ‘on paper’ they looked strong. Having seen them now, they ain’t going anywhere.
It’s goodnight to Wakey I fear!

[EDJOHNS]

A much needed win by Tigers 14 v Leeds 8, lads put in a shift hopefully we are moving forward after a dismal start, awaiting news on the new Boss though

Game just finished at Wakey.
No fears Rob. You ain't getting relegated this season. I jest you not that Rochdale in league 1 are better than this lot. By far the worst side I have ever seen in SL !!!

Totally agree, before the season started I was interested to see how Leigh got on. I saw them as the obvious candidates for relegation although ‘on paper’ they looked strong. Having seen them now, they ain’t going anywhere.
It’s goodnight to Wakey I fear!

I agree. While not a fan of Beaumont he built a side to start last season then when it looked clear they would go close to being promoted he took any doubt out of it by demolishing that side and rebuilding with class. I never thought they would struggle this season and was impressed with the way they played at our place, though I thought we were unlucky to lose to a last-minute try. The first time they led. What they did show was a willingness to fight all the way.

After reflecting on last night I have to say I am somewhat disappointed. The game was over and done with after half an hour, and while I did not enjoy the drubbings we handed out in the Championship in 2017 we missed the chance last night to fill our boots and turn our points difference into something to make people sit up. Back in the top 4, but when you look at our PD we are way behind the other 3 who better us.
An unusuality is that more teams have a positive PD than negative at this point.

On a different topic, we lost Ryan Hall to an HIA last night after just 30 seconds, and in the 6 games played so far that makes 9, yes 9 who have gone on to miss the next game because of an HIA. I wonder if anyone else has lost half that many via the HIA. We certainly are keeping our record of having massive game unavailability because of injury!!

[comeondarlo]

Rhinos Jekyll and Hyde performances continue, great win this after!

[EDJOHNS]

Rhinos Jekyll and Hyde performances continue, great win this after!

Good game. I certainly enjoyed it.
Also much prefer watching games on 4 to Sky. A far-slicker, less biased presentation.

[Darlo_Pete]

Great result in the Borough derby last night, although the injury to Jai Field would have put a dampener on the celebrations. It;ll be interesting to see how the other games go this weekend.

[EDJOHNS]

A rather mind-blowing fact from our just-finished match v Leeds.
Leeds scored a try after 45 minutes.... It was the first time in the entire match they had made our 22
Their second try came on the third trip into our 22.
Can't remember ever being so dominant against Leeds.

PS Jordan Abdull Kicks people to death !!!!!!! A couple of them tonight came down with ice on them.

[Beat Pete to it]

Gonna have a quick bit of dogging next weekend in portdarlo when I'm knocking on people's doors trying to sell them double glazing.

Then up to Carlisle to see me bit on the side

[EDJOHNS]

Sad to see that Luis Johnson has joined Cas for the rest of the season.
The lad has had a long break with injury but you have a good player Rob.
Once again the RFL letting the game down. Meant to have reserve-grade sides yet we have only managed 1 game so far this season with clubs not being able to put out a side.
League 1 and the Championship would not do this lad any good so it is either loan him out for games or let him sit in the stand.