del capo

If the authorities at the RFL were ever asked about their priorities I would be upset if they ommitted clubs such as these two from the top of their list. As Chaucer famously noted ' from little acorns mighty oaks grow....' They need to be carefully nurtured. Border heartlands in one case , re- seeded innner city suburbs in another. A population to go for in both. And above all else FACILITIES to be seized and prized. They don't make land anymore , and certainly not pitches on which to play. I went down to the NCL Div 1 game at St Pats yesterday. They entertained Stanningley from Leeds in a sunny , open game, played in good spirit and at a level to be expected from sides such as these. Field in excellent condition. a camered Ref ( who I think was Touch judge for friday's Wigan / Cas match ) and his assistants all did well. Close at half time , Pats showed greater determination and fitness in the second half before Stanningley rallied later to finish down by 38 -18. But back to my initial point about facilities. St Pats have two fields on site and 4 changing rooms, which is not enough for them. Their girls sides are exploding in numbers and they are seeking to re-launch their teenage boys sides , essential for the future of both the professional and their own club . New facilities to incorporate female needs ( more toilets and individual showers ) and another field an obvious target. And they are not alone among the many bigger clubs facing similar issues. Another priority without doubt for that RFL list...............

Yes they can. The rule provides only for a 'first call' for the heritage club on that player. If they chose not to use him the club cannot then block his use by any other. See Appendix 4B - 9 , 10 and 11 of the NCL competition rules as well as the registration form itself. The NCL committee wrote that rule with input from the RFL who have now rolled it out nationally and I have no doubt that that is how it will be interpreted

And that is why the rule is framed as it is ' in the first instance '. That player is now available to any other club that feels he can be of use to them.

This change is for lads who want to play and for whatever reason cannot get a run out. I really do not care which was there heritage club but hope that they would want to go back there first before seeking a game within TGG. As for that Keighley guy , big high fives from me . Far better than trodding the all too familiar route of going to local Ra Ra.......

As of tuesday evening 17 players across all 4 Divisions are taking advantage of the dual registration system. This compares to just 3 in NWM League and 2 in YM League last year.

There was I believe a full council meeting yesterday. The crucial issue is one of funding from central revenue. How much are in particular League 1 clubs promised for the future ? Wasn't it circa £25k this year ? If that was to remain or better still improved then there should be no problem with the number 12 for league 1. Absent a maniac millionaire wanting a new sports toy ,Tier 4 has the clubs in existence ( no capital investment needed ) who can match most league 1 outfits both on and off the park. For those who detest our beloved M62 corridor maybe just think a bit wider or even outside the box. The SCL are getting better ( didn't Skolars retain their RFL membership when they moved across? ) and the Forces are clearly also competitive. That twelfth spot wouldn't necessarily have to be permanent - it could even be rotational. Our game seems sometimes to lack flexible thinking.......

The NCL launched the Community Game today and I wandered down to Twist Lane Leigh to see the tussle between two of the all time Greats - Leigh Miners and Wigan St Patricks , both now re adjusting in a Division below that that they had for so long occupied at the very top flight. Billed as the ' Battle of the Borough ' this did not disappoint. A lack of feeder players from juniors over the recent years caused the Visitors to struggle to even put out a team until last week - a lesson that NCL management have been hammering- all clubs need to take note - the kids are so vital - but a mix of youngsters and Old Guard turned up on a heavy pitch to produce a truly compelling game. No one would have argued with a draw but no doubt the Wigan side happy with a last minute 2 point penalty kick. The officials did really well with the new interpretations. Two touch judges and a camera ref is clearly the way to go. Obviously instructed to ease the new interpretations into place , most infringements involved improper play the balls. Few issues with arm pit level tackles. Club house packed. Double whiskey a decent £4.50 . Ground improvements - sheltered spectators area and on field grub shed - as well as pub style feel to the lounges- make for a welcoming visit. Have a look if you get the chance. Looking at the scores in the NCL today listed so far the vast majority of games have been excellent contests. We're off ! Next week I go to Bentley in Doncaster who entertain Hensingham from Cumbria. Heartlands extremes meeting at another new official clubhouse opening .One not to miss you South Yorks faithful..... As one who was privileged to be at WCC , we are ' moving all up '. Glass more than half full for the Community Game 2024

Milnes played 21 times for Siddal last year. Maybe just coming home ? This is all about giving players game time not available to them in the semi pro game . Whitton wanting a run out in West Yorkshire rather than Cornwall probably fits that bill....

Eastmoor have withdrawn to regroup in Yorkshire Mens League. That's where Elland also play. Rylands play in the North West Men's League. Gateshead Storm appear to have returned to the North East League, though mostly playing now at junior levels. North East OA is not as healthy as it once was.

Weren't Wigan the first SL club to name their fans as 18th man on the team sheet ( and then sell them loads of shirts ) ? Worked tonight....

Complaints against match officials becomes a disciplinary issue.

I wonder if she has ever had cases up before Richard Thompson the District Judge for criminal matters in Preston who hails from Hull and ran the line in last year's 2023 Grand Final...........

Maybe realism is breaking out ! This is the toughest game Wigan have had to face in decades.

As to (b) they most certainly do. See C2: 12 and C2;13. Whether they have the balls is quite another matter.......

It was you that raised the issue of Toulouse. I merely said that they would not be involved in any Euro Comp as suggested by Game caller because by 2026 I expected them to be playing in SL . Neither Championship nor Elite 1 sides could afford to be part of any form of a Euro Competition without massive external funding. The RFL cannot find any of that at present. Nice idea but definitely for the medium to long term in tray. The top of Elite 2 in France ( thereby entitled to promotion to Elite 1 ) gave up on the annual challenge between them and NCL Champions years ago because they could not afford the costs even at home..... and our own clubs jib at travelling to Cornwall.....