John Drake

It's explained here. As for 'European', had to include that in the title or I'd have had some pedant moaning every time someone posted a thread about a Super League game involving Catalans Dragons or a Championship game involving Toulouse. As for the French forum on here, it is mainly in French. Nice for those who speak the language, not much use to those who don't but who want to discuss French RL. So those people can do that in here instead. This is not rocket science.

Following the recent debate and inconclusive poll about what topics should or should not be discussed in this section of the forum, I have decided this section of the forum should be renamed: The UK & European Rugby League Forum The place for general discussion about the Super League & the Co-operative Championship competitions, plus general UK & European Rugby League matters in association with Rugby League Express. That covers the vast majority of stuff that gets posted in here already, and should cause the minimum of confusion to anyone already using the forum, or to new members just joining in. As the site has a dedicated Australian RL forum, inherited from rugbyleague.org 18 months ago and the regulars on there are quite happy with it, it makes sense for everyone else to join in with them on there to discuss Australian RL from now on. If it is a bit quiet at the moment, then hopefully it will get busier once everyone gets used to using it more often. If anyone isn't happy with the above, well I'm sorry, but that's tough. It's just not possible to suit everyone all the time and I'm giving up trying. This is the best compromise I can come up with that causes the least disruption. I'm sure everyone will get used to it after a while, and if anyone really really hates it, then there are lots of other forums out there that may suit you better. Try those instead because we won't be re-opening the debate on this issue on here again. As ever, there will be 'grey areas' and matters arising from time to time where it may not be 100% clear where a particular topic should be discussed. Hopefully these will be few and far between. In these circumstances, the moderators will use their discretion and move threads accordingly. If in doubt, please post your topic where you think it is most appropriate, but don't complain if the moderators should decide to move it elsewhere. Thanks for your support.

Oh I can. More than once! Between my first full season of watching them in 1982 up to the birth of the Bulls brand in 1995, Northern had some really barren years that make the past couple of seasons look like a picnic. Lowlights include getting stuffed at Odsal by Hull in front of a crowd of less than 2,000 during the Barry Seabourne coaching era. Almost managing to lose a Cup tie against Highfield under the dreadful tenure of Aussie coach Ron Willey. The cries of 'Willey Out!' during the game being the only thing that lightened the mood that day. And best (worst) of all, the debut of our

The derby game is a big part of Rugby League folklore and arguments rage as to which is the biggest and most significant clash of neighbourly titans. In our next issue, Rugby League World will wade right into the middle of the debate. Hold onto your scarves it could get lively! We'd also like to hear from you... Which is the biggest derby game in Rugby League and why? Is it all just about attendances or is it something else? What makes a derby game so special? What are your lasting derby day memories? Are they the games you most look forward to seeing all season? We want the truth so don't hold back! Send your comments to feedback@rugbyleagueworld.net The sooner you get your thoughts in to us the more chance you have of them making the magazine. If you'd like to have your picture in the magazine alongside your comments feel free to send us a mugshot.

Aaaaaaaand locked.

Good egg!

Try this: http://www.totalrl.com/storefinder/nfrn.php

Fear not! You can order a single copy to be delivered by post anywhere in the UK, postage free, from here. If you like what you see, you can then order a subscription which works out even cheaper, and on direct debit is only

I'm locking this before you make an even bigger fool of yourself than you have already. It's time to let the appeal run its course now.

Anyone got it yet?

Statement from The RFL and BARLA on the community game season The RFL and BARLA have agreed to work closely together to find the best possible way forward for the sport following the Community Board

9-4 to the 'Ayes' so far. Anyone seen it in the shops yet? If so, go and liberate a copy from the evil clutches of your local newsagent. The price of its freedom from shelf tyranny is only

If you buy 10 we may be able to afford another cup! Just buy one copy, but tell nine friends to buy it too. In fact, everyone on here buy one copy and tell nine friends to buy it too!! Word of mouth, that's what we need. Lummee, three people have now voted 'nope' in the poll. Why not, you bounders???

It does! I can sleep easy now. I hope the wholesalers don't muck things up and delay it appearing on the shelves on time as they have been wont to do in the recent past. It really should be out in all the usual places on Friday morning. Please report back if any problems. Ta.

Would it make you more likely to buy it if it did?

Lordy. 80 people have looked at this thread, and only 5 are committing to buy the mag. C'mon you other 75, treat yerselves.

Oh. If anyone at all had bothered to report t'other thread I'd have pulled it sooner. No one did. Not one person. Not even the person who is now complaining about it restrospectively. As soon as it was brought to my attention, it did get pulled. Gimme a break, eh, guys. I've a magazine to get out these days. Can't spend all day reading everything that's ever posted on here. If you see something you don't like, forthaluvogawd, report it at the time, don't sit there seething about it and do nowt, just expecting me to see it, cos the chances are, I won't. Anyway, moving back on topic. Gareth Thomas. He's in RLW on sale tomorrow. Did I mention...? It's good. Please everyone, go out and buy it. I thang yew.

Me too.

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD

Couple of paragraphs at the end. It's not the focus of the feature, which is more about why he has decided to play RL so late in his career, what he knew of the game before joining Crusaders, what he thinks of it now, whether he'd encourage other union players to switch codes, why he doesn't do 'the Ayatollah' anymore, his first hand experience of the relationship between union and league in Wales, why he'd like the chance to play international RL for Wales and what he thinks of the possibility of RL introducing its own version of a Barbarians team. And other stuff. It's good. Rugby League World - More Info

Forget that. He's in Rugby League World tomorrow. Buy that instead.

By pure co-incidence, Gareth Thomas is interviewed by Jamie Jones-Buchanan in the new issue of Rugby League World on sale Friday 2nd July. It is well worth reading. Not only for Gareth's totally positive opinions about Rugby League and why he chose to take on the challenge of playing League so late in his career, which makes up the bulk of the feature, but also for his frank conversation with Jamie on the subject of homophobic abuse and his view on how the RFL deal with it. Jamie also has some interesting comments to make on the subject of racism in Rugby League.

I'm a bit late in the day on this, but I watched Slumdog Millionaire for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and I have been enjoying the film soundtrack CD (yes, I know, a CD, how old fashioned of me) since then. Paper Planes by M.I.A. is my favourite track on it.

Anyone stuck at home due to the weather, feeling bored and looking for something to do, why not fill out the League Express Readers Survey! You've got till Thursday this week, and you could win tickets to the WCC between Leeds & Melbourne.

Hi Could everyone who uses the forum please take a few minutes of their time to read the Terms & Conditions of Use on here. I've had a few ongoing problems reported to me as the Site Admin, that are putting not only the continued existence of this section of the forum dedicated to Batley Bulldogs at risk, but the entire TotalRL.com forum. It is not appropriate to use multiple registrations, anonymous pseudonyms and web based free email accounts to post potentially libellous accusations about named individuals on here, under any circumstances. Anyone found to be doing so will be banned without warning in order to protect the forum as a whole - not just this section of it - from legal action. Sorry for the heavy handed tone. It isn't aimed at the majority of forum members who use this site for the purpose it is intended for, and within the rules. Please help the moderator(s) and myself to keep the forum alive for the benefit of genuine Rugby League fans by using the 'Report' button anytime you see anything that you feel is inappropriate or against the Terms & Conditions of Use. Thanks