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Hope they like pizzas

Maybe other clubs should look at what York have achieved off the pitch and look at doing similar, surely the game would be stronger if every club had Ladies teams, LDRL festivals, strong Foundations doing work with schools and community initiatives, Excel programmes to spot young talent and working with the local amatur clubs etc etc, rather than just concentrating on 17 lads running round the pitch and every penny going into that? What York have done should be the minimum clubs have to do to be a professional club, especially as it's all been done without a money man chucking pots of cash into it. Fans of other clubs having a dig about York doing things properly and being rewarded for it just because their team scored more points on a Sunday is everything that's holding the game back.

Yesterday september 30 in L'EQUIPE the national sports paper, 2 full pages before the match... Incredible but true ! Never seen for 50 or 60 years !

Does anyone know how far Harry lives from Old Trafford?

When Catalans walk out at Old Trafford in eight days time, I would have though the only RL fans not cheering them on will be the respective supporters of whichever team wins the second SF tonight. Oh, and maybe a few small minded "traditionalists". A new name reaching the Final is great news for our sport. A French team winning it would be the greatest thing to happen to our sport since Les Cats won the RL Challenge Cup. I simply cannot understand the mindset of anyone who might think otherwise.

Today a match report full page but with an add on special. Front page above the L'Equipe mast head it highlighted 'Historiques Dragons'. I call that 2 for today. Readers all over France in bars from Calais to Paris and beyond will now know about Catalans Dragons and what they stand for. This story started with the Warrington game earlier but with this week six pages I reckon. Certainly not seen this century. Hopefully the odd post stamp size input has now gone.

Newcastle Thunder will embark on a new era in a month’s time when the club’s first full-time squad since 1999 assembles for pre-season. Having secured Betfred Championship rugby for 2022, the club are switching to a full-time environment for the new campaign with head coach Eamon O’Carroll eagerly awaiting the change. Coming from Catalans Dragons to take the Thunder reins at the start of the year, the previous part-time regime presented O’ Carroll with challenges that he is pleased that he will no longer have to face and has him looking forward to November 1. Reflecting on those challenges O'Carroll said: “The biggest shock was the lack of time you get with squad. We were training two times a week, working with players who were coming to training from full time jobs and also who were travelling over two hours to training, all of which had to be taken into account. “Having so little time together meant you had to prioritise what was most important in trying to make the team better. In a full-time environment, you get to cover most things but in part time you can’t, you have to choose. “Holding my hands up, I probably got that wrong at some points throughout the year, but that experience puts us into a great position going into full time. “As a coach, that experience of part-time has really made me appreciate what going full-time is going to allow us to do and will make us appreciate the time that we will get to spend together in terms of getting better and making sure we’re prepared.” Thunder gained a glimpse into how more contact time delivers improvements in performance earlier in the summer, as travelling players began to stay over in the north east, reducing their travelling burden and exposing them to life in the city for the first time. According to O'Carroll, this hybrid approach was a key ingredient in ensuring the club remained in the Betfred Championship and has played a big part in the immediate futures of some of the new-season squad. O Carroll added “Hybrid was brilliant short term and we had a positive response to it, within the first five weeks of doing it, we won four games. The biggest thing from it was being able to limit the amount of travel that players were doing and the amount of recover we were able to get into the team gave us the biggest gains. “We were also able get the lads out into the city and the region and show them around, so going to the beach to do recovery sessions for example I think has had a huge impact. The lads have seen what a great city it is and experience what it is about. “Some of the players who we are retaining for next season, who have experienced that have decided to move up here and buy houses and make the north east their home, so there’s a real buy in from the players as a result.” “Full time offers the opportunity to get better. We’re going to be able to provide an environment that is going to let the team make the most of the facilities we have. We’re also going to be able to do little things like giving feedback to get better, which really excites me.” Some of that excitement comes from the squad that Thunder are assembling for the new season, with signings and re-signings set to be announced in the coming weeks that O’Carroll credits the ambition of owner Semore Kurdi in bringing these players in. “Going full-time has allowed us to go a recruit a different kind of player than we might have done and has also allowed us to keep hold of players too. We’ve done really well in terms of our recruitment with a good balance to the team. “We have some youth, some experienced heads, some players who have come through adversity and are ready to cement themselves and be part of a club that they can feel like is theirs and some lads with real x-factor. “It’s a squad that will excite people when we start to announce them.”

You need a beard, be about 5foot4, tanned wear a pair of loafers with Chino shorts and a tight t shirt/cotton shirt, this is if you're between 25 and 40 after this you need , a beer belly as well, beard is very important.

Over 6000 this morning …

Before this thread descends into a personal spat, here are a few insights into why York might have been considered as Championship Club of the Year by the panel. The Knights finished a tough and ultimately disappointing season in front of 2,000 cheering fans against London, part of a double-header with the Knights Ladies (about half the crowd stayed for their match against Cas). It didn't feel like a disappointed or discontented crowd.... Perhaps that's because they realised that this was York's 2nd best ever Championship finish, playing in a brand spanking new stadium. It was undoubtedly helped by the presence of 60 under-11s from four local community clubs, playing on the pitch at half time. Home fans would also have been cheered by the presence of three 18 year-olds, all products of the local Community game, playing well for the Knights (all signed on for next year). A fortnight later saw the Knights Ladies miss out by a whisker to Leeds in their bid to reach the Super League Grand Final (having already reached the Challenge Cup Final earlier in the season). That same weekend, York Knights Foundation hosted a national festival of Learning Disability RL at its superb training ground (complete with new G4 pitch) Ultimately, the Knights' will be judged by results on the pitch. The current club owner and management, IMO, couldn't be doing a better job in giving the team the platform to succeed. They also have grasped the nettle that, by helping broaden the base of the game in all its forms locally, it will enormously strengthen the professional club. In a city used to hard selling, the Knights are doing a great job of promoting the club and the game in York, whether through the liveried bus, or the constant bombardment of their social media outlet. There's lots going on, and so much of it is very good.......

19th August L'Equipe gave the treize a full page for the up coming game at Warrington. Yesterday my hopes were raised again with the iconic French sports daily. A full page but centred on Franck Azema a Catalan who played for UTC in 2001 but later made a name for himself as coach at top club Clemont Ferrand. Thomas Bosc spent some time at the rugby union club a year ago and Azema has visited the Dragons training sessions recently. Today absolutely fabulous ! 2 full pages on the game with the XV just one. When was the last time something like that happened. Last century for sure. Everything perfect and included a piece on TO hoping to join the party. This evening Bein Sport 1 will cover the game. It's ideal because the main European soccer is out the way this week and at 8.45pm only Handball on Eurosport in competition. Could have excellent live viewing figures from Brutus..

As these posts all pretty much carry the same sentiment, I'll clarify my points in one. I'll preface this by saying that I think Elstone was brought in as the wrong answer to the wrong question. But that isn't his fault. That's the fault of 11 of the 12 SL club owners at the time, and 11 people who still have their respective jobs and level of influence. The issue with the TV deal was that people saw the current TV (and the current commercial) deals as a failure of salesmanship (that we didn't push Sky hard enough). Ian Lenagan was on record as saying that, even though he voted for it, he didn't agree with the deal because he thought it was too hastily signed. Elstone was therefore brought in to "sell it harder" when the issue was not really that the rights weren't sold hard enough - it was that they weren't valuable enough to generate a competitive auction. I think Elstone understood that point. I think he realised that if he was going to make the TV rights and commercial rights more valuable, he needed to enhance the image of the sport, to get more people watching it and to change the demographics of the people watching it. I think he also understood that the real 'currency' that the sport had to offer was content, and that is should have the mindset of a media property - not a collective of businesses each trying to sell tickets and worrying about "away fans". However, it was never something that he was going to solve in two short years - even if COVID hadn't happened. That's why I think that he, at the very least, tried to do the right things and take the sport in the right direction. He focused a lot on the league's image, he focused on content and storytelling and he focused on making the game more exciting to the casual viewer. But he was hamstrung by people who didn't get that, and people who couldn't understand or accept that these very necessary steps were very much long-term projects. He was trying to convince people whom, for all their time in RL, their focus was on the short-term - for keeping the lights on for another year, for keeping the tax man away for another year, for hitting this year's season ticket target and for wondering how many away fans were turning up. He was always going to face an uphill battle against that short-term mentality. Where Elstone got it wrong, as I mentioned, was with Toronto. His handling of that was poor (although he had no involvement in the decision to promote Leigh, IIRC) and did a lot of damage to the league's reputation as a forward-thinking, growing competition. History will show that Elstone didn't succeed in what he tried to do, but there's no question in my mind that he at least tried to drag the sport kicking and screaming into the right place - and it has made no more progress since his departure to get there.

I know a fair number of people in Carcassonne who support the Dragons as well as Carcassonne XIII. A neighbour of mine has three badges on his car window Carcassonne, Dragons and TO.

Totally agree. If my team weren’t still in the competition then I would be rooting for Catalans as I would have Salford a few years back. Obviously I, like all fans, want my own team to be crowned champions again but the sport is crying out for a new name in lights. I have good friends in Perpignan after some great visits over the years. Proper Rugby League area. Even the traditionalists should find reason to get behind them! If my team has the good fortune to make Old Trafford then I will of course be backing them all the way, I would just be less upset than normal if they lost. It’s some journey Catalans have been on, there are great tales in there if the press are informed and interested - successful expansion club, passionate fans, the young French lads, the stars from around the world who clearly love life there, James Maloney’s Grand Final record. I also really like Steve McNamara’s story. He’s took a lot of stick over the years but he is the only coach of a non English side to win the Challenge Cup and League Leaders shield and is now just 80 minutes away from adding a Grand Final to that. Win or lose I think people should be affording him a bit more respect now

It's not rocket science and doesn't involve any new economic theory. Look at how much money Widnes fans came up with, and are still coming up with. If sky aren't funding us , we need to find new, or old ways of funding. The club needs to look deep into its heart and ask what's our prime, over riding, number one objective. AND START THERE. If those in charge feel that it's survival, then that's the most you will achieve. If it's to get the backing of an entire town, to achieve a following of an entire community, to get the public of Oldham queueing up round the corner on game days paying the market rate, that covers outgoings and wages, that gets them coming into the club bar, happily, I repeat happily, paying £3 a pint. With a minimum of 3 pints post match. Then you've got to start planning on that basis. You all know where I think we should start! We are Oldham. We are in the the earliest film of any rugby match ever, 1901, we were the engine of the RFL for its first 30 years. Let's push the message. Let's get back in town. WE ARE OLDHAM!.

Fair play, that’s probably the game now, better team have the better share of the scoreboard. But… What a season, what a team. Great mix of committed older, senior pros, high potential youngsters who are obviously listening, and quite a few average players who are working bloody hard. Loved it. Even with most of our first 13 out we grafted into the playoffs, and competed. That’ll do me, thanks Tony. Looking forward to 2022, some good talent coming in and another year on the clock for people like Abdul, Milnes and Lewis. Future’s bright! Good luck to Dragons in the final, I’ll buy a ticket and be cheering you on

Oh, and we have a train station too

The award is not for which team has had the best 80 minutes every Sunday, it’s for the club itself. Men’s team - 2nd highest ever place in the championship, first visit to Wembley in 91 years. Consolidated their position as a championship club. 2nd best result against Toulouse, only Halifax pushed them closer (sorry Fev fans). Ladies team - Gone from finishing bottom in previous seasons to challenge cup runners up and play off semi finalists. The team have picked up more wins in 2021 than they did in 2018, 2019 and 2020 combined. Continued good work with the PDRL side , with the foundation (3 foundation players have come through into the 1st team) and with community clubs. Hospitality - most matches have either sold out or been very close to selling out the 500/600 capacity hospitality area. Some clubs don’t even reach that with ‘normal paying punters’ coming through the gates. Attendances - I estimate York have averaged 1800 this season, a drop of 10% from the last full season, at a time when a lot of clubs are posting 40% and 50% decreases. Away support (that old chestnut) has been 50-100 apart from Whitehaven who brought 150 ish and Bradford who travelled in good numbers as usual. We have our club name and colours all over the bus park and ride route between the stadium itself and one of the most visited cities (outside of London) in England, great for exposure. Batley, Halifax, Whitehaven, even Bradford (plus as expected Fev and Toulouse) have all had great seasons on the pitch, if the award was purely for the 80 minutes the men’s team play every weekend then those teams would all be worthy winners and York would probably be 3rd or 4th bottom. However I genuinely don’t know how things are off the pitch for them too, more than happy to be educated.

Saints getting away with plenty at the PTB

We have announced the players at our Club who have resigned for next year which is a formidable 19. We will not announce any new players whilstever we are still playing. No suprise that we are presently concentrating on our big game tomorrow and all the players who have done us proud this season. Whatever other Clubs do I personally don’t care. We do it OUR way and we will respect other Clubs and players whether we are respected or not. Now let’s concentrate on Toulouse !!

Batley (32-12), Featherstone (23-6) and York (21-6) gave TO a decent work out. The bulldogs finished well with wins against Halifax and Bradford. TO have had it tough with all the travelling this year. Saturday will be the first time on the hybrid surface after a break of 18 months and twenty five days. Ironically Batley were the visiors too that day and again competitive. Ahead at the break (8-6) before falling away late on (34-14)

is it just me or is this not a victory already and a time to rejoice against the french ru who tried to kill us as a sport in france with all their dirty tricks for so many years and lost - viva catalan - viva french rugby league - viva league forever- union never

OK Rob you did a brilliant job, keep telling yourself

We're already winners regardless of the result!

I am not familiar with the Oldham area nor am I a roughyeds fan but as an outsider looking in,surely one of the amateur clubs in Oldham,and I gather there are a few would have(I assume)at least enough land where if Oldham RLFC were able to join forces with that amateur club and somehow put a joint case together for funding from sources such as Sport England and the National Lottery for a stadium which is of Championship quality that the roughyeds and an amateur club could jointly use along with the community at large along with a base for say a ladies rugby league team so they too can use good facilities? Have Oldham RLFC tried doing this or not? If not then why? And in my opinion if they have tried doing something like this and failed then they can at least say in public this is what we have tried to do but to no avail. Or am I just talking a load of ?

Already got our tickets near half way line I was thinking about getting me and the missus something from Ebay. I googled 'French outfit' and it looks great.... Have a go.... I'm trying to persuade my missus to wear what comes up

Not gonna get embroiled in ###### for tat ,but bear in mind Tom that Toulouse are Full time ,so it makes a hell of a difference in these instances. Plus it's every 14 days with no game in between.

Great game that, thoroughly enjoyed it and great to see Catalans get to the final, though it would have been equally as good to see KR there. Hull KR are my team of the season in SL, love watching them as a complete neutral. With a few canny additions they will hopefully be as good to watch next season if not better.

I think it's reasonable to point out that we've not been all that brilliant on the pitch, but what the club is doing is awesome. We have a Knights liveried bus running between town and the stadium and it looks mint. The football club would never have thought of that between now and the heat death of the universe.

Well done Dracs ! Fingers crossed for the grand final . I hope too Toulouse going in Superleague and a beginning of resurrection for the french RL.

Good luck in France tomorrow. Hope you show up well.

We that follow the league know it is more competitive, but the reality is, only 3 current clubs have ever won it, and 4 clubs in total. FFS, I think we all agree a new name on the trophy is desperately needed

When is Walmsley obliged to let Pryor out of his pocket?

Sorry, I don't care at all that Roby is a 'crafty old stager' or a 'great of the game'. If he stands at dummy half making the 'six again' signal at the ref he should be penalised and called out on Sky.

On the subject of Rettie, I've missed seeing him in a Batley shirt. It seems likely that we have seen the last of him as a player but I hope that he visits MP from time to time; he has been great for the Bulldogs.

It's a start. I have warm and happy feelings when I think of certain French RU types opening their copy of l'Equipe and having an apoplectic fit at all the positive coverage of the Dragons and Toulouse.

1. When did we get royally shafted? 2. I don't think it is a case of us losing Rettie. 3. As for other signings, I reckon there will be plenty to come from SL into our division. Remember, for us this season isn't over yet!

I think you should definitely go fully dressed.

His level is a lot lower than this. I would suggest North West counties North or South leagues He cost the game millions with his wages and his staffs and what about the reduced TV contract. Wasn't he meant to be negotiating a better TV deal not a reduced one. The Toronto debacle cost the game any chance of breaking into the North American sports market the most lucrative sports market in the world, and who did he recommend to take Toronto's place? He should have been forced to hand back a majority of the money he was paid. Apart from Pizzas he brought nothing to the game

He was earning £400,000 a year! He was a complete and utter disaster. If anything he got off lightly

If you're going supporting Catalan you can't be regarded as a neutral.

Personally I'd leave Holmes out (though he is a game changer in his own right) because personally I believe that we can gain in and around the ruck with Parata's ability to see a gap in tiring defences. We can move Jones, Davis or Halton into the 3/4s if injuries dictate, which IMO is a better option that putting Holmes there if needed. Therefore 3 middles/2nd rowers on the bench for me and given the weather forecast the bigger the better. Therefore my side would be: Walker Hall Welham Hardcastle Gale Chizzy Brown Koppy Jones Lockwood Ferres Halton Bussey Subs Parata Davies Ferggy Cooper Though I can see Ferguson missing out to Field. Field has played well for me this year, but just feel that Ferggy would give us a bit more grunt (dare I say mongrel) if the going gets tough. Just like everyone on here my opinion does matter one jot, but keeps us entertained guessing while @4:30 tomorrow.

Easier and quicker than travelling to Whitehaven

Well said Simon.

I had to cheque but I seemed to recall looking forward to it and tbh it not being a classic! Personally I enjoy P&R as it creates more stories, I dislike people suggesting it is distasteful and we are watching the equivalent of a car crash and celebrating people's misery, this is sport and they are sporting stories. TV and media enjoy these and will always follow these stories, because they make for good sporting moments. But none of that changes the fact that it may not be the best option for RL, where funding is very tight and bridging that gap can be difficult. I do have some issues with closed shops though, I think it removes interest and excitement for a group of clubs at the top and bottom, and I do worry about the coasting of bottom teams. A problem in RL is that we didn't see licensing through well enough. There were some strong signs, but we weren't disciplined enough to demand standards or persevere with it for longer than the 6 years. Personally I can live with the current structure, 12 or 14 teams, 6 team playoff and 1 up, 1 down. And just carry on, year after year.

Catalans too good tonight and deserve their place over the course of the year. A very composed performance. Whoever they face next week will have to play very well to win. A very special night, showing everything good about the sport.

The media in France have a bigger bias against RL than our league loving press in comparison. What it will do is give that region of France that has suffered from poor investment for years a shot in the arm and get more local businessmen and politicians to get involved. In France the political element cannot be underestimated as far as sport goes.

It's a thankless task but one I'm grateful to you and all who put up the match threads

Good point. In future, if I do any of these again, people can look the bloody kick off times up themselves.

Congratulations to Craig Lingard, championship coach of the year