hunsletgreenandgold

You don't get many players who have played 100+ NRL games who aren't quality. I agree there's been plenty of less experienced NRL players who've come over here and been very average, but equally there's plenty who've done great and so much so it's earned them a second chance at the NRL. Nobody is pretending these players are world class and the SL certainly isn't in a position to take any player from an NRL team if the team see them as valuable - none of that means these players aren't going to be quality at SL level though. Time will tell and I for one hope all these players that come over from the NRL are successful because it'll hopefully encourage others to follow to strengthen our competition.

Average in NRL = amazing in SL. That's the general rule. Must admit I don't often watch GC Titans games so not sure how he's been playing last couple of seasons but saw him a lot at NZ Warriors where he had a massive impact.

Aim is quite simple really - do it all again. Not necessarily unbeaten but retain everything. If we're definitely included in the CC draw aim will be to progress to a stage where we could beat a semi pro side.

Ha he's fine, just hyperextended it a bit but will always look bad when you're 20st!

Thanks HW. Like I said earlier in the season, I think we've certainly benefitted this year from a few sides doing a bit of rebuilding and that's not to take anything away from our lads as I think we'd have won the league regardless. But next year will certainly be interesting - West Hull and Siddal got stronger as the year went on, the Cumbrian sides are always going to be there or there abouts, add into the mix Thornhill who will be extremely competitive and you've got the recipe for a great season in 2019. For us the mission is simple and the boys are hungry for it - do it all again.

You're possibly right and I certainly don't buy into people saying he didn't care as he knew he was leaving. His reaction at the end of the game showed just how much he did care - however, whether he was so upset because they lost or because he knows he should've done a lot better for the Lineham tries I guess we'll never know.

Looks like it's going to be a cold and wet one... Not sure it'll make a difference in terms of suiting either side but with Miners v Milford first, depending on how heavy it is might be a muddy one for the second game.

Maybe back in 50s 60s that was true but since football really took off (arguably the 70s in Leeds) it's always been football over RL and I can never imagine a day when that balance will be redressed. That's not to say RL can't get more popular in the city again, just no point comparing it to football because it's streaks ahead.

Hull is a city I'd definitely say RL is more 50/50 with football. Maybe someone from Hull can comment more fairly but they support 2 SL sides which in itself shows how popular the game is there. Not reading too much into Hull City's low attendance's this year as I know that's more of a boycott because of the ownership of the club.

Not a chance it's anywhere near 50/50. You might not agree with my small pockets comment either but I've spent most my life in Hunslet and even there it's 50/50 at best with football and in terms of RL being more concentrated to the south and west you only need to look where the majority of the clubs (junior and senior) are located to work that out - I'm not saying there's no Rhinos supporters from other parts of the city but certainly not in any great numbers. I raise the point so often because people shoot down the idea of pro RL teams in cities like Manchester and Liverpool, stating they're 'football' cities and my point is so is Leeds but it's plenty big enough to accommodate the best supported RL club in the Northern Hemisphere.

Leeds has always been predominantly a football city. RL is only popular in small pockets, mainly in the south and west of the city and even there it's by no means the favoured sport.

No.

Regarding Leeds - yes they will return. For Leeds to still finish top of the pile attendance wise with the season they've had and almost half the stadium closed for parts of the season, is a minor miracle.

It's just baffling to me how for all his attacking prowess, he's genuinely one of the worst defensive fullbacks I've ever seen in SL, let alone the NRL. The embarrassment if, after tonight's display, he gets an award called Man Of Steel.

🐸☕️ Anybody still feel like arguing this point? It'll be painful viewing in the NRL when NQ Cowboys are on.