mrfranco

I think some people have really hit some nails on the head here. Three key points for me: 1. Is there actually any truth to this? We've had TNT and others (e.g. DAZN last time out) wheeled out before when the clock on the TV contract was starting to run down, but I'm not sure there was any real interest from them at the time. 2. All things being equal, Sky's reach is much bigger, especially if TNT is losing the EPL, so you'd be better off with them. But any TNT interest is of course very useful in terms of making Sky try a bit harder with their offer. 3. If we did end up on a TNT Rugby channel instead of Sky (but with some terrestrial coverage still), I do think it would be interesting. I do think that there really is scope to get RU watchers interested when they stumble across an NRL or SL game or two, esp during their off season. I think it actually could be a way to attract a new audience... and if we also get a well-run Broncos in SL, maybe even to start getting some new people to games eventually.

Have you told the Euro13s guy that?

Oh, I thought you were quoting "I'm not upset because you presented a ridiculous argument "

Do you see the proposed Wigan v Warrington game in Dublin next year as a positive for the game in Ireland or an irrelevance?

Apparently he is in the meeting, so I think you'll be right

Did anybody *not* see this coming??

This unusual structure actually sounds like the best system that fits within the 21 games and 5 weeks framework. So it won't be this.

Seems almost doable... give the two existing professional South Wales rugby clubs a place in Super League, with current home bases, owners, sponsors, etc., central funding from SL TV deal, plus backing from the NRL or its clubs to provide some extra funding and establish proper player pathways (which the NRL clubs would then benefit from in the medium-to-long term)... All very alluring, but even forgetting the issue of whether enough of their fans would ever go for it to make it worthwhile (how many Wigan and Warrington fans would go and watch their old clubs if they suddenly joined the RFU structure), it's all pie in the sky stuff, sadly.

Looking forward to the series in Dublin, Denver and Dubai in 2033...

The relevant question for the Western/Perth Bears is, do those old South Melbourne fans in Melbourne support the Sydney Swans and go and watch them when they play in Melbourne, which presumably happens quite a lot? If they do, that's the precedent the NRL are looking to emulate with the Bears. If the above is true, it would also be interesting to know if the South Melbourne fans in Melbourne are only the oldies who remember the team being based there, or if the (now Sydney-based) club still attracts next generations of fans in Melbourne.

I think we should bring back Wire v Leeds finals

12 SL clubs coming in at the last 32 stage, rather than last 16 stage, is a good thing - for income for lower ranked clubs, for less fixture fatigue as you say, for the romance of the cup, for the cup not being almost a straight SL shootout - but the balance seems a bit wrong here. Perhaps all SL & Champ entering at last 32 stage would be more sensible, leaving room for 7 qualifiers from below that. SL clubs and top 4 of champ seeded to play away as this year.

Well, the coach said he thought the club was finished if it left Plough Lane, so it seems if they make the start line it will be in Wimbledon (or without the coach?)

Seems like a great solution to me, and I'm sure if it were put seriously on the table, Wigan would do all in their power to make it happen... but like you say, it's about the will from the other side. The Twitter comments are full of people saying how Penrith shouldn't do it because it would disadvantage them to lose a bye week...

Did this get outlawed?