Lowdesert

I think it’s important to have the 13. It has been used to differentiate the 2 French codes. ‘If’ they can get traction to do this it will hopefully strengthen that league further, so they can stand alone, barring Catalans, and grow.

I agree. Lezignan are a very young side but are starting to get some confidence. Not short of enthusiasm either. If their right side starts to fire they could cause an upset to those above them. Going to be an interesting run-in. All down to the coaching now!

I don’t think you are mate. They are extremely picky sometimes. Plus the lectures! Frustrating.

Ended up a tense finish. Watched the 2nd half this morning.

Sad, I know, but I watch most matches in silence mate, so I didn’t know that. Elite has upped the ante with the number of games shown but just needs a little more quality.

3 cracking tries on the trot to finish the half by Lezignan.

Won’t start in 2024. Dominic Baloupe (taking over from Lacoste) - That included improving managerial, commercial and communication skills at clubs; building a viable and sustainable financial model and engaging with local authorities to improve facilities. Good news. Let’s hope it ain’t a pipe dream. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/french-elite-championship-set-for-revamp-as-nation-moves-towards-professional-top-flight-with-hopes-of-putting-sport-back-on-the-map

When Gibson began getting players to buy in with what he wanted for success, they weren’t the best athletes at all. Most were tradesmen, labourers, etc etc. His mantra for hard work made them. Since, say, 2000 ish, the NRL have realised indigenous Australians, , samoans, Papuan's, Tongans are supreme athletes and gave them opportunity. We are trying to get a stronger France whilst Scotland, Wales and Ireland are left to themselves. Not on my watch Jack. But this is the essence of growing the game. Make the game something young people want to do and play. Develop and nurture them. Give them pathways which also benefit them in their future. This imo is our single biggest challenge.

We were well beaten in 82 and the same in 86. The years, imo, when we lost being competitive, were when Jack Gibson introduced new training techniques, focused on strength, fitness and defense being key. Aussie teams bought into it, England carried on believing in training twice a week and the magic sponge. When Larder did his research and brought his coaching manual out it was late 80,s followed by the RFL coaching scheme and then players went full time the horse had bolted. We’ve come close since and again, imo, are very slowly catching up but the current attitudes to international RL and a pathetic quango we call the IRL are essential hurdles we need to get past.

Err…. Yes! They also wanted to call it Radders the Radiator but Lee told the otherwise

Julia Lee used to referee in Hull in the mid/late 80’s but in youth! Not sure when she stepped up to OA. She works, or used to work for the RFL. Could be wrong but I think she went to Oz and became the first, or one of ‘em, female ref there. Good referee.

Yes, the disrespect shown by the Tongan coach and I’m pretty sure the ‘motivational arrangement’ had an effect. Not the sole cause. The GB tour is always used to hammer WB but he only had what the clubs would release. Secondly, selection of that group included 5 other UK coaches. Lastly, WB has openly said he would never have made some selections if there were better options I.e Bateman. Not withstanding that, we can’t compare SW v WBs career achievement at this level. I would give SW a few years yet and it’s clear that the international agendas might affect meaningful competition for him.

I read a piece about the new radiator mascot has generated big interest. Apparently Paul Heaton is interested! Must be Happy Hour. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/hull-fc-set-name-viral-9068893

V’Landy update. 5 years plan, numbers, benefits and visa. https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2024-the-numbers-behind-las-vegas-gamble-peter-vlandys-comments/5b759610-fb5c-4548-bad7-4f7880ce5b61

I think this is still under discussion with the French. Certainly there are restriction streaming in France, whether that’s Fire, NowTV, whatever. You can jump round it with a vpn though. The other option will be (if not agreed between UK and France) is that a deal is made through French tv company. Then you will need to bite the bullet and get a French aerial/internet/satellite link. Unfortunately, if you don’t speak the language it will be tough at first. The Marie, wherever you are going will help. Pm me if you need and I will help if I can.

A couple of points regarding Wane. Firstly, I don’t think his approach of whipping the team up into a frenzy ala the ‘disrespect’ theme shown against Tonga, will have the necessary impact v Aus, NZ or will be able to be maintained in a WC. Certainly worked v Tonga! Secondly, neither will bringing SAS type motivators the day/afternoon before a big game as in the Samoa semi final loss, where it was clear that the England players were out of gas. In my opinion attributed to Adrenalin issues. No doubt he deserves to be in post after Tonga but imo Bennett’s approach of man management would win more for us in the long term Wanes.

Ah. Steve Brady tweet from Catalans media.

Thanks G. I’ll give that one a miss. Can't find anything on the FFR13 website.

Got a link to that mate?

Are London stopping their academy now, for their own, bespoke, pathways scheme?

Yeah, he’s played centre for Catalans. In and out of centre/FB, HB then went to London, came back 2015 and was in the centre all season. Played 2016 half a dozen times (ish) in the centre but mostly fullback. Centre was his best position imo. 2015 In their loss at home to Leeds he played Watkins off the park.

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2024-las-vegas-peter-vlandys-andrew-abdo-south-sydney-rabbitohs-brisbane-broncos-sydney-roosters-manly-sea-eagles/ee21204e-ce4b-4c4e-9ca9-b359364bf0d6 From a few days ago but apparently all hunky dory now.

Tony Gigot?

The new rules were adopted week before last weekend for Donny v Hull FC. PTBs and head highs. Tindall scored scored for Hull and the Donny 2nd row clipped his face as he was putting the ball down. In slo mo it wasn’t a dirty play but he got sent off anyway and a penalty was awarded on top of the try.

Not sure regarding the Community Game in the CC but for there is an amnesty which is being applied in the Pro game . My guess is it is being applied. “The Match Review Panel has charged six players following incidents in last weekend’s pre-season fixtures – but only one of them has been suspended, as a result of the amnesty on offences for which punishment has changed in 2024 under the new Head Contact Sentencing Framework. ” https://www.rugby-league.com/uploads/docs/HEAD CONTACT SANCTIONING FRAMEWORK.pdf