JohnM

That syndrome gets everywhere.

I also don't want players who are fine to be unnecessarily missing games. Easy-peasy. Don't play dead , don't cheat.

Apologies for not being able to contribute for the past few days. I've been bound by a New RFL NDA but given the deliberate leaks from the RFL this week, I consider I'm no longer bound by the terms of the NDA. So here goes: I've just spent three days as the guest, one of several in fact, of the New RFL as part of their promised consultation with the fans. There were 10 of us altogether, meeting in strict secrecy in the back room of the Gob and Vomit on Manningham Lane. We discussed the reasons behind the coup, the plans to move to 14 teams next season, the termination of the IMG contract, the decision to make SuoerLeague a recovery, rehabilitation and feeder league for the NRL. At the celebration dinner last night, over a delightful bowl of cuppa soup followed by grilled shoe leather, washed down with a bottle of Chateau Nuit St. Melbourne ( a peppermint flavoured red with a bouquet like a Beamonts armpit), we prepared this statement for release this weekend, a GameCaller exclusive. It reads "We the fans, are in entire agreement that the new people at the RFL are the best thing that has ever happened to rugby league since 1895 and that under their leadership, the sport will go from strength to strength. We commend their objective, strategy and tactics to the entire fan base.". Disclosure: this is total male genitals. But then I didn't make this mess. You all know who did.

Somehow, I think there's more to come. Are there any visa issues, for example?

I expected this to emerge at some point. As long as those partaking know the risks involved, I see no reason why it has to be policed. Same with coal mining, working in match factories in the 19th century, opposition to seat belts and more.... So what ARE the risks?

Which adds to the IMG view of expansion to 14:teams - eventually, when ready This move now, means that the conclusions of the review were DEFINITELY pre-ordained by the plotters before their coup.

History 101. 1. When and why did Wood join the RFL? 2. When and why did Richard Lewis leave? 3. When and why did Sally Bolton leave?

In my view, this move will have a significant and negative impact on our ability to compete succesfully at international level. I think we need to see MORE home-grown players rather than fewer. Long term, we need to generate an ambition in youngsters to take a practical, achievable and well-paid pathway right through to representing their country. If there are fewer opportunities to play in SuperLeague because of this relaxation, young players may re-examine their priorities.

This is triggered by Cerulian's post elsewhere about this serious problem. The recent "changes" at RFL may have overshadowed the difficulties faced by our sport over impact injuries, especially head contact (accidental, poor technique or worse). Where are we up to with legal action, research etc? What position are the new people at the top taking?

But... But.... It must be good news in the brave new world of RFL and fan consultation.

Carnage!

Not taking anything away from Leigh's on-field performance here but Farrell has definitely lost the edge as both an individual player and as a team captain as the on-field leader. Certainly on his performance in this one game, Smith won't make the England team for the first test, either. A real off - day plus he seems to have joined the ranks of players using unimaginative kicks on the 4th or 5th tackle. Add to that, the difference between the low number of Leigh interchanges and the high number of our interchanges seems to indicate something. Not sure what, though.

Makes a change from blaming the cyclists.

David Millar in particular provides an insight into the strategy and tactics deployed in each stage. He does get somewhat excited in the last 500 metres, though. Cycling's answer to Peter O'Sullivan.

Reading some of the earlier rants from some posters is almost as entertaining as the game itself.