marklaspalmas

If I post without my reading glasses on, there's no telling what name that cup'll have.

Up the Lions! All the best for 2024. You're in the 1885 quarterfinals which is more than we can say for us

I've got that book on my Amazon 'to buy' list. Let me know what you think of it. If it's 51st in your 'to read' list, I'll wait........

Every year? You only came back up last season.

Wow, that is some awkward shoehorning you're doing. I'd best leave you to it.

Aye. Let's hope your wildly overoptimistic last line works for at least a few months to give us a bit of a break to watch some rugby league.

I think that would be the ultimate action. Like a team that's spent 25 years of good TV money on importing players whilst playing in a dilapidated stadium in front of suboptimal crowds in a hotbed area of the sport. That sort of thing. Until we reach that drastic point of extracting the urine completely, I'd prefer all clubs being clear about what needs to be done to maintain levels they've achieved onfield. That way the sport can avoid the charade of playing a season full of matches before tossing out a club they known a year in advance is going to be tossed out.

Neither. Present the new standards required, watch clubs adapt and grow. Take action if necessary.

Such a relief that we'll all know the results well before the finals. Thrilling for the fans.

.

Not really. It was chaotic and confusing and people still don't know how it will work. Put the systems in place, the best 12 clubs will emerge. No need for some flawed arbitrary judging competition

There'll be enough clubs off the pace at the dawn of the new age whenever it is. There are six top clubs and six more making up the numbers. Much better fir me to concentrate on the processes rather than artificially deciding winners and losers before kickoff

I disagree. It's controversial because it's wrong. Their algorithms for assessment are wrong.You don't pick your "best" clubs. You set up systems, explain new methods, impose them, fine tune them and the top clubs will become apparent. Much less conflict, confusion, controversy. If they had done absolutely nothing with grading whatsoever, Wakey would replace London in 2025 anyway and that's what they wanted.

Alleged at this stage

IMG were rightly criticised for the mess that is their grading system. It's biased, flawed, divisive and unhelpful. IMG are rightly praised for their work on digital platforms, social media output, marketing and promotion ideas. The big question for me, given the fact that all the good stuff was desperately needed and is their area of expertise, why didn't they do all that first and give all clubs a couple of years to respond before categorising everyone onto the Haves and the Have Nots?

Farrar? Ah. I was trying to spot from this photo, and I think that's him at the back which would make sense. Can't see JB.

Dissent

FWIW does anyone know who was 18th man for Rovers at Thatto? Was it Bussey again?

Oh yeah, of course.

For a Challenge Cup match? I doubt they'd want to get any of their squad cup-tied.

No match this Sunday, and if we don't beat Keighley it'll be another while until the league programme starts, so it'd be best to go all out to win this one if only for the sake of match practice. Victory v Cougars will mean Rovers the have a week off (1895 QFs) and then another Cup tie, then the league programme starts at Batley. Then another week off (unless we've won our possible 5th round tie) then Wakey, our first home league game of 2024 on Good Friday.** At Keighley, Greg Minikin will be out suspended, and one assumes Dean Roberts too. The break this weekend (an opposed training run v Dewsbury is planned) will give various players the chance to get fit/fitter. Reynolds with his hamstring (is it?), Jack Bussey, McKenzie Yei and Jack Arnold. Then there's new arrivals Jayden Tanner and (presumably) Wellington Albert. So, plenty to look out for. Keighley had to come from behind to win at Hunslet by 8 points. Not sure if that's much of a guide to their 2024 squad. ** what away to organise a fixture list eh? Away draws in the 5th and 6th round of the Cup could see us play SEVEN successive away games before our first home fixture.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/1895-cup-quarter-final-draw-details-confirmed-ahead-of-next-weekends-final-group-stage-games

Aye

Wait, that was our excuse......