EastLondonMike

Maybe, but it might also be the truth. Sad to see him go whatever his reasons. Japan is an amazing place to live.

From what I’ve read it sounds like Manu wants to experience living overseas with his young family. It may be a narrative the Roosters are keen to push, but sounds like that was his primary motivation. Playing union while out there and pulling in some cash will no doubt help though too. He’ll likely be back inside two years.

Edit.

Sad news. Turned that Cas team into a real dangerous side. RIP Darryl

Great effort from Wigan. Plenty of guts, but do feel Penrith can feel a bit hard done by - and not just on the obvious calls that went against them, but, as has been said, with all that possession and all that field position they had the chances to win it

Didn’t look like a try to me, but think Wigan need to get the ball in the hands of Wardle and Keighran much more - preferably when they have some time and space

Wigan looked vulnerable for the past 10Mins or so. Fatigue really setting in. Still think Wigan have to move this team around to stand a chance of winning. Going toe-to-toe will play into Penriths hands.

A vocal crowd could be the difference. like a few on here - head says Penrith, heart says Wigan. looking forward to see how the young English players go against the Panthers. Smith, Wardle, Byrne.. will be a great test. think Wigan will need to shift the ball wide often and move this Penrith pack around.

Good thing about all games being shown - you can switch over. Now watching Broncos - Dragons.

Jesus Christ. The ref and video ref have really made their lives very difficult.

And tomorrow night in the WCC that contact won’t likely even be penalised.

You can’t send a player off for a head clash.

Someones been drinking. The lazy nature of the comments that have been aired is evidence enough. They have no idea at all about the RL landscape in the UK. The comments made about winter and players playing short term stints in each comp are so basic and without any real thought.

I think Superleague is in the best position it’s been in to grow and breakout since the advent of SL in 1995. IMG are doing a nice job, and providing the game stays focused and looks to build year on year I think we’ll do well. Obvs it can’t happen overnight but provided we are patient it will come. As this is RL in the UK there’s every chance selfishness from some within the game may slow this down, but here’s hoping it won’t. despite the current efforts of IMG and RL Commercial - and the clubs, who have upped their game off the pitch, and kudos to them for doing that, I do however feel the overall quality of player playing in SL and coming through the club pathways does need to improve. IMO, of course. If we can get to a point in the next couple of seasons where the product on the pitch is improving year on year alongside the work being done off the pitch the game will be in a great place to - dare I say it? - genuinely fulfill its potential.

Will Pryce getting some game time and looking comfortable from the highlights. Scored a try and set up another with a nice kick. not sure how many of the English newbies played in this weekends games. Don’t think Smithies played, or KPP.

“All packaging and no product” - Kyle Amor. Perfectly summed up.

Really positive and exciting news. To have games consistently on the BBC, both SL and Challenge cup for men and women, is huge, and something the game can really get behind. We really have a great base to start building from now.

I do hope they have a strategy for original content to be featured on the app also. Not just highlights and “classic” games. I think growth and eventual success will rest on what additional programming they can produce/feature.

Great to see the continued upward curve of all things SL related. I mentioned on a previous thread it does feel like we are going on an positive IMG led journey with RL now. Lets hope that continues. Im not sure I'll subscribe to a full season - but for the big games and play-offs/GF - I'm sure i'll subscribe for a month long package or game day package. Will be interesting to see what the balance is between a month long subs on SL+ and NOW TV.

I think it’s smart, and aligning all three versions of the game is a no brainier. I assume a new Betfred Superleague lock up logo will be revealed for SL launch. The current one featured on the SL website still featuring the current/previous typography would obvs not be consistent with this new update to the branding. Overall I like it. And feels like IMGs presence is finally starting to show through. Feels like a journey has definitely started.

Sad news. Far too young. RIP.

Saw this too and piqued my interest. Looks like only some clubs gave some genuine input. Always thought a RL version of the NFL Combine could be quite interesting. Testing strength, speed and fitness, with a competitive edge - as an event pre season. Doubt clubs wouldn’t get behind such a thing, but from a fans point of view i think it could be fun.

One from History, Harold Wagstaff debuted at 15. But not the youngest to debut, according to Wiki - Harold Edmundson being the youngest, also 15.

Didn’t Andrew Ettingshausen make his debut at 16? He was still at school, I remember that.

All Black Caleb Clarke training/trained with Souths too - likely nothing in it as it was actively promoted by both club and player - but interesting none the less.