langpark

Correct. The only Belgium team that ever existed. Saluzzo Roosters were the only legit Italian team that ever existed. They spent 2-3 years playing in a French regional division (averaging a six-hour drive each way for every away match) before eventually returning to RU. Every other Italian "club" to exist only ever made a brief appearance in that one month summer window when there was no union.

I think the scheduled match in Paris next year is a good start. I see match like this as the "establishment" meeting us dreamers halfway. There is at least some RL presence in Paris, no matter how minimal. So that is something I can get behind. Unlike suggestions of playing a game in Dubai, Bangkok and wherever else, just for the heck of it.

Even more remarkable then!

Interesting stat: Morgan Smithies' try today, was his first-ever in Raiders colours, in what was his 40th match. Nicholson on the other hand, has scored 5 tries in 9 matches.

If the rumours going round now are true, him staying in NRL is now looking the most likely scenario. Very poor from Canberra to not offer him an extension, I have no doubt a few clubs will be interested. I hope he signs with a Qld club.

Papali'i not only recalled for Origin, but is put straight into the starting XIII. For all those who have rushed to call him a has-been, make sure you tune in to Origin 3 and watch him go!

My guess is, it was one of those rare evenings where the weather dropped below 15 degrees and my fellow Brisbanites went into hibernation.

How does that even happen? They announce a sellout but only 80% turn up?

I agree that I would love to see clubs alao investing in youth, however, if signing him is the difference between winning a premiership or not, then you cannot call it a waste of money. I don't watch as much SL as I would have liked this season, but my assumption is that Hull KR fans have been happy with JWH. And maybe he was the difference between winning a CC title and not. I can see Papali'i having a similar impact at Saints. Also for those that are unaware, Papali'i retired from Origin selection in 2023. It's not that they stopped picking him because he wasn't playing well.

Tell me you don't watch NRL, without telling me you don't watch NRL Papali'i is a great value buy. Never gives anything less than 100%. And there are dozens of examples of players (props) who have played their best RL in their early to mid thirties. I have no doubt he will be one of their best if he signs and maybe even still an 80-min player.

I really don't think we need curtain-raisers, BUT.... if there was going to be a curtain-raiser, I'd like it to be the England Academy vs Aus schoolboys. I usually watch them and they always seem to be closely-fought matches, but played in front of small crowds at small venues. So what a treat it would be for the youngsters to play at these three venues and in front of big crowds!

How comfortable is that armchair you are sitting on? You say it as though it's as easy as flipping a switch.

The shared FFRXIII and ERL HQ in Toulouse is very positive news too. That will make ERL eligible for EU grants again, after nearly 6 years in the wilderness.

I guess it all comes down to who is an optimist and who is a pessimist. Salford is an example you could use for a failure. I would look at Leigh as a successful example. What crowds were they averaging before they moved to their new stadium?