Auntie Linzi Morris

I know there's something of a ban on criticism of officials on here, but is it permitted to question Hicks' ability to read a game and suggest that as a consequence every game he referees lacks any rhythm whatsoever?

Standards have improved every year. The level of entertainment and skills have not. This, in my opinion, is one of the sport's biggest challenges to address in the near-term. I'm fed up of seeing 17 homogeneous second-rowers grinding out five drives and then a kick. The game needs to recreate a place for sheer speed and silky, evasive attacking skills.

If Perenera is good enough to referee an NRL game then he is able enough to referee a World Cup Final. What's different? Besides, there'll be very few penalties awarded in the final as per the usual instructions.

Idiot. For such a poultry amount too. Well, somebody had to start the ball rolling.

Men against boyos.

If the referee is going to be under instruction not to give penalties, then any NEUTRAL referee could do the job.

All fair points. Please understand though that my point was merely a suggestion as to what might happen, not a recommendation. If Salford's Super League place was bought, not necessarily by Toronto, then the players could also be part of the deal. Not all of them may want to, but I'm sure they would rather represent a North American club for a Super League salary than a drop to the Championship or League One. There have been some very recent examples of clubs moving and merging and also credible stories of approaches being made to relocate current Super League outfits. If I was involved at Salford and offered a few million I think I'd give it serious consideration. Not saying this is what I think might or should happen, just throwing it out there as a possibility. By the way, I wish Toronto only the very best and am extremely keen to see them successfully competing in the top tier at the earliest opportunity.

Could Salford "sell" their Super League place to, for example, a North American city and then start again with a clean slate in League One?

I like Eric!

It's unbelievable that so many people fail to see Catalans' potential relegation as a backward step and a hugely disappointing outcome for the sport. Rugby League cannot afford the potential loss from its top tier of a successful and financially viable expansionist club. Over a decade's worth of hard work would be completely wasted. It's a crazy structure. The RFL could well have seen Leeds get relegated last year and one of Warrington or Catalans this year; whom some sources quote as the three clubs with the biggest turnovers. I know I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said previously, but professional sport has changed and none more so than rugby league. This is a sport that can no longer afford in so many ways a relegation threat that will so negatively affect the thinking and actions of those in charge of the Super League clubs.

I too wondered about him. I know he was definitely going to sign for the season (or two) after his brief stint but his neck injury forced his retirement, so I don't think the usual upheaval debate would necessarily apply. Realistically though, it must be a heck of a lot easier earning a living as a pundit than it would be a head coach. As for assistant, Leeds Wire has been a little bit naughty with inside information earlier in the thread!

His time, overall, at Warrington has been a success with the three unforgettable Wembley victories the stuff that lifetime memories are made of. I used to look on with envy at the Grand Final each year with only minimal hope of ever seeing my own team in its spotlight. But I haven't yet been brainwashed by Sky that that one match defines your season. Warrington have had some great seasons during Smith's time and I can't imagine a better season than 2011 happening under the current salary cap restrictions, a season when we didn't even reach one of the two finals. But 2017 has been very, very poor. You would think that the threat of Championship rugby would be enough to instill some commitment and urgency, but even our Qualifiers' form has been far below what that squad are capable of. Add to that some indifferent, at times puzzling, acquisitions in recent years and Smith's retention for 2018 just wasn't possible. Even if the new coach were to be victorious at Old Trafford in a year's time, they'll have to go some in my mind to match Smith's period. It's definitely time for a change though. Just the assistant to move on, an intensive pre-season and 2018 just has to be better.

You're not being serious are you? £315k is too much for anyone. Nobody needs that much, it's obscene. You could employ three, perhaps even six, highly skilled and capable people for that money. And the buffet costs would stay the same. (Well, everyone else is having a go.)

For a club with seven overseas players already on their books I find those signings really disappointing on a number of levels. (I acknowledge that not all of those seven might be there in 2018.) All clubs should agree reduced set limits phased in over time for the general health of the game in this country.

Powell has a terrible track record for that kind of tackle. I'm very surprised that Tautai didn't get a charge too. Looks like he got away with it because he didn't do it hard enough! I've never really understood why the RFL Disciplinary publish details of incidents that don't result in a charge. Seems rather pointless.