gingerjon

Not sure about this specific one but some comments from clubs, players (etc) do sometimes sound like they’re mardy about something said on here. Rugby league is a very small world.

Diminishing returns. The drop off in delivery, ability and ambition since 2016 is startling.

Disappointing to see it being played at Huddersfield’s ground.

The evidence we have, including all recent non World Cup years, is that they aren’t prioritising internationals and are certainly not working to get a series of big and sellable events sorted.

It’s not done this way because, on the evidence and experience we have, the Ashes series does not, at this point in time, exist.

Genuinely difficult to see which ground they could have used at short notice that would have been appropriate or affordable. But a shame all the same.

Currently employed by Sheffield until his appeal is heard, is the last update. That may not be accurate but is the most recent thing I can see.

Teams outside the heartlands are always guests whose appearance is, at best, tolerated.

Yes, get rid. We don’t want their stinking coverage. Or, more rationally, the results and fixtures are third party stuff reskinned for the BBC site. And if you think RL is uniquely poorly served then have a look at any other sports you know enough about and look at their results and fixtures. Cricket is particularly weird.

The main aim is existence.

I either underestimated Midlands or overestimated Siddal because I thought this would be close and Siddal would fancy it.

1,600 viewing. Good numbers.

At the moment, it's playing remarkably similar to the "we'll definitely be playing New Zealand in a three match series" of 2023. Which may, of course, explain the reluctance to even confirm an outline.

You left uni years ago so it's a sad reflection on all of us. Good to know, though!

Is anyone on this board even in that demographic? By which I mean, would we know if they were or weren't doing it and/or were doing it well or not?

Getting to the start line was challenge one and that’s been accomplished. Beyond that, it looks like it’s going to be a struggle.

Lots of errors from both teams. Hard to judge how good either really are on these performances.

Nice to have clips of tries and action at half time rather than a screen sayings 'We'll Be Back'

Now on the BBC Sport main page. I think it arrived shortly after the live coverage started.

Bingo.

You don’t understand what removing something that was a part of the old format has to do with the format?

Eight games, which all seem to end up counting for something, no teams getting a second chance in the Europa League, and then four knock out rounds including the final. That doesn't feel particularly bloated.

Agreed. The previous end of year series was a nice wind down after the crowning of a champion, the current actually crowns the champion. It is not a change of emphasis. It is a change of purpose.

The last report was that the RFL were preparing a business case so I'd assume that means that zero is confirmed as there's been no solid update since. The women, if they play, will be curtain raisers and we'll have all the quotes about how it's such an honour to play at a big stadium.

The Sportsman Communications Limited was dissolved last year.