Dunbar

Yep, we absolutely should be.

Sorry, who, or what, is the cruelty man?

Bit of Keystone Cops to finish the game.

So Leigh are buying their kit from a different supplier. I bought some McDonald's for my daughter and a friend yesterday, does this mean I am partnering with a multi-billion dollar global business.

Super League players showing up really well in this game.

That's a good try.

This is the time of year when I have to explain to my wife that while I said last week was the Grand Final, the final game of the season, and I absolutely can't miss it, there are still games this weekend that I have to watch. I will work out how to approach next week when the time arrives.

I like this blue and black Fiji jersey.

For anyone watching the coverage this morning. No, Corey Parker, it did not make sense. It was a terrible explanation.

Ah yes, next week.

That 2018 series is the last time England Academy played the Australian Schoolboys. I don't believe they have played New Zealand either. I try not to get frustrated with how our game is run, I don't need the anxiety, but if I did...

Five years ago I started a long term thread to watch the development of Tom Dearden and Harry Smith after they played each other in the 2018 Academy/Schoolboys series. Unfortunately that thread has been archived so I can't add to it but today Dearden scored on his Kangaroo debut against Tonga and Smith was the England player of the series last year against the same opposition (and winning all 4 trophies this year). I would say they are developing very well.

The game was very similar to the England games last year (in particular games 2 and 3). Loads of go forward from Tonga and plenty of power running but no real threat against a well organised defence that is prepared to get plenty of bodies in the tackle and defend their line.

That reminds me, will have to get the fruit and nut bars in in time for the England game tomorrow.

Took a day off work to watch this in peace. Looking forward to it.

According to the BBC website, there are no Rugby League games being played today.

I would love to see this squad against the Kangaroo and Kiwi squads that have been selected this year.

Yes, those two may be similar. But neither were anywhere close to the incidents where people are saying players are potentially staying down to try and 'win' a penalty.

Yes, it was covered in detail. Can be summarised by saying two tests are better than none.

Indeed. This made me laugh when I saw it (apologies to everyone for taking it wildly away from topic but it is funny)

I can’t agree with this take. The incident involving Charnley is a million miles away from those where people are frustrated that a player will hold off from playing a ball until the video ref has taken a look at a possible high shot.

From the squad, I would go with the following: 1. Jack Welsby 2. Dom Young 3. Harry Newman 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Matty Ashton 6. George Williams 7. Harry Smith 8. Ethan Havard 9. Daryl Clark 10. Luke Thompson (suspended for the first game) 11. Junior Nsemba 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Victor Radley 14. Danny Walker 15. Tom Burgess 16. Mike McMeeken 17. Morgan Knowles Obviously Mikey Lewis is the one that is difficult to leave out. If Lewis had dominated the Grand Final then I would have him in but Smith was excellent and the man of the series last time so keeps his spot for me. I can’t find a bench spot for Lewis as I would rather have a specialist 9 on there alongside 2 middles and a back row option. Havard and Thompson were immense in the Grand final while the back row is big and mobile and Radley offers a link play. Burgess plays off the bench most the time these days and adds impact while McMeeken has been good for England and versatile. I plumped for Knowles over Lees as he can cover 13 as well as the front row and Radley can shift to an edge. I suspect that Wane will have Hill, Lees and Bateman in his pack though.

I think it is a strong looking squad. Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves) John Bateman (Warrington Wolves) Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Daryl Clark (St Helens) Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves) Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins) Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors) Chris Hill (Huddersfield Giants) Morgan Knowles (St Helens) Matty Lees (St Helens) Mikey Lewis (Hull KR) Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors) Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons) Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos) Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors) Kai Pearce-Paul (Newcastle Knights) Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters) Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors) Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders) Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors) Danny Walker (Warrington Wolves) Jack Welsby (St Helens) George Williams (Warrington Wolves) Dom Young (Sydney Roosters)

Hurray for Nathan Cleary for helping to save the World Club Challenge. As Lorraine said about her son Marty in Back To The Future, "isn't he a dreamboat"! (Although I do have to point out to those who haven't seen it, Lorraine didn't know Marty was her son at this point... it's complicated).

This is what I found with a quick Google search: 2020: average 400,000 (closed doors) 2021: average 300,000 2022: peak 471,000, average 424,000 2023: peak 377,000, average 267,000 2024: peak 479,000; average 374,000