Niels

Thanks Damien, yes I am finding there is. But it doesn't differentiate between a missed payment and fraud or even a jail sentence. Hastings said they couldn't re-instate but we could take a new Policy. However when we got the quote it was £600 more because of their cancellation. It was my own mistake. I just didn't realise how much these companies financially punish people.

I just remember Eddie Hearn making similar comments when he gave views about our game. He made comparions with Snooker when Steve Davis and then Stephen Hendry were dominant. Or Tennis, the top players who win all the time such as Djokovic have a lot of followers. I usually support small teams so it's not something familiar to me.

Surely the most iconic national side not winning an International tournament again would be damaging? We need a strong Australian side as much as Rugby union needs the All Blacks.

I thought it was a good thread and as nobody else had chosen Australia I would make a case for them.

Australia. Because I think it is always good for a sport to have an outstanding team or player.

Does anyone know about car insurance please? I missed a payment due to illness and Hastings Insurance have cancelled my Policy. They won't accept anything except for me to start a new Policy. Will it affect my credit rating? Will I have to declare it for a new Policy? Thanks.

I have been very impressed how Leigh fans here have been very eager to give credit to Batley. It shows real appreciation of the game, especially when it is your moment of triumph.

Congratulations to Leigh. It was a great final. One that as a Batley fan I was very pleased to be involved with. Good luck in super league.

But that was regarding an appeal against a conviction for aggravated sexual assault against a woman. It isn't a suitable subject to make a joke or sideswipe about, especially for a CEO. There was an article about it in the Observer today. It is just creating bad publicity the longer he remains.

There was an article in the Daily Mirror about it today. I saw the video for the first time. Disappointingly, some attendees found the remark funny and laughed. I think someone should have spoken up at the time. There must have been plenty of officials there with enough seniority to do so. Even a gentle riposte would have been better. It would have been uncomfortable for many attendees I imagine. If he is genuinely sorry then surely he would offer his resignation. To continue seems to be compounding it for all of us.

This is a great crowd for on effect a division 2 match, albeit a final. It shows that small towns do attract spectators given the correct format. Which stand are the Batley supporters in? Is it the left behind the post?

10/11 for either side -40. Although Leigh are 1/150, Batley are only 12/1. I am not sure about the 40 start. I saw the Leigh v York game last night on tv. It wasn't really competitive and I got the impression Leigh had a lot more gears. However I think Batley will be more aggressive and tackle better than York were able to.

He obviously thought it though, which is concerning in itself. I would like to think it was challenged at the time. I think that someone who has worked for the International game and is paid extremely well should be capable of knowing what is appropriate.

I haven't understood it all to be honest. Are you able to do a summary please - I remember you did one for me on some Brexit issue which was surprisingly well balanced. It sounds as if you see positives for Batley and other teams?

I understand your point. I think the key point is the comparisons are not identical and the strengh of the teams is a variable. Therefore it has to be subjective. Also there is never a second chance if you lose at home to 5th.

I understand your point but I am not sure. This year Wigan had to beat a team in fifth at home, who had had a tough game in France the week before and had lost players. Previously they would have had to play a hard game at St Helens, then having probably lost, played Leeds on more equal terms with players possibly suspended or injured. I think Wigan fans may like to think it is harder to excuse their failure to reach the final this year.

I think he meant it is easier for the first and second placed teams. Instead of a tough game against each other, and then a further one for the loser a week later, they only need to win a home game now.

I thought the St Helens fans in particular were fantastic tonight. For me, Jonny Lomax summed it up perfectly when he described the working class bond of the team and town. He really understands his own fans which seems to really motivate him and his team to play to the limit. I really enjoyed the game. I don't think the result was ever in doubt except for during the half time interval,but it was exciting and skilful.

I think his mother was Irish so he was eligible. It's good to see Michael Ward from Batley in the team. He has had a great season.

It was a great rendition of Jerusalem. Very stirring.

I mentioned on another thread, his attitude after he was injured in the semi was outstanding He was cheerful, positive and uplifting. Then in the semi itself he was a water carrier so that he could encourage and advise his team mates.

For me, Brodie Croft's absence was far more regrettable. He was in fanstastic form and we will never know unfortunately what would have happened had he played. It was also sad to see Brodie upset, but he reacted superbly. He set a fantastic example by bringing the water on and encouraging his team mates. I think Leeds have to respond the same way and just forget about the Knowles controversy and play their own game. Conversely it might work against St Helens, sometimes these things do.

I watched my first game on Sunday, York v Leeds. I enjoyed it very much, though I was disappointed that the team playing the most rugby in my view lost. I was surprised there wasn't much discussion on here about it only 13 posts, 3 of which were mine and 4 from Futtocks. I'm not making any point, I was just disappointed there weren't more fans to debate some of the decisions with. Especially as York had what the summarisers thought were 2 good tries disallowed. Maybe posters didn't realise there is a seperate women's forum?

Also there was no promotion for a number of years. I remember Sheffield won it twice in a row as they beat Batley in their second final. However they were the only consecutive winners that period, I think.

I think it is the correct choice, for me he has been player of the year. Field has been fantastic also but I think Croft has the extra quality of bringing out the best in team mates not as talented, as well as being superb individually.