Tommygilf

There is certainly an advantage to being in SL of course, but that's to be expected, literally any system would have some sort of advantage like that to some extent. Straight P/R does this too for example.

Its a 3 year average for those points. This is from the gang who threaten legal challenges, laugh in the face of sport england rules and regulations, and have bullied their way into control of the sport. They don't care and will do whatever it takes.

Sorry Harry I thought the points about Grading being dead would be enough to cover that. But yes the suggestion of paying even more money here is as stupid as you suggest it is.

A) London did far more than just be promoted and everything was rosey. They didn't take the first round of trial gradings seriously, hence the massive jump when they suddenly did. B) if we are cherry picking clubs into SL regardless of Grading, then grading is dead, so none of the rest is worth anything.

Still also waiting on decisive action from the many organisations Nigel Wood now leads on the Salford fiasco...

Whilst I can see what you are saying, Oldham have had money for what maybe 2 years in the past 30? Their record isn't great and past glories are nice but don't count for too much in the here and now. I think they certainly could build up to that point though soon. I would still place York above them for now however.

Exactly, Grading will be dead replaced by something far more arbitrary and never decided on field

There's several "reasons" they want to repeat it. They want to guarantee 13 home games without the "risk" of 2, 3 or even 4 loop home matches against Catalans and/or Toulouse. 14 is the right number most will agree, at least it is the ideal number. However if it is forced through for next year with reduced funding clubs it will be doomed from the start. The whole enterprise is set up on the basis that some SL clubs need extra money now and do not have the patience to wait. They've conned some Championship clubs into thinking this is in their interests too and they've been daft enough to take the bait so far. 14 should be brought in, in partnership with Sky for the next TV deal, on the basis that the additional clubs will be the strongest in terms of the Grading Criteria. Then give those clubs the whole of next year to prepare for that jump up.

The discussion here, from about 1/3 of the way in is on this topic. Key takeaways: Clubs are fearful of Catalans and Toulouse being in SL with Loop fixtures meaning they "could" play them 4 times out of 13 home games. 14 is the preferred solution. With clubs willing to accept lower central funding in return for a place in the competition to facilitate this. London could be handpicked despite clearly needing a whole new squad. Oldham an outside bet, already spending lots and could spend in SL to make up for only getting £600k central funding. No mention of the Lower leagues or of if P/R will be maintained. All of this is likely to go poorly at such late notice. And in a few years time it will be thrown in the bin again by the clubs.

Generally I think our refs are alright, my only criticism is that they are a bit "matey" at times with players. Perhaps that is just the modern way. If you want to see how bad it can be, see the PGMOL apologies list... https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/sport/football/68778174.amp An example I am acutely aware of, Leeds United, in a promotion year where the title was decided on goal difference, received no fewer than 6 apologies for refereeing decisions that disallowed goals that would have won games rather than seen them be draws for example

More than 800 and for the poster being replied to I'm more than willing to be pedantic on that point

And we wonder why Australian led tournaments take so long to confirm anything. They've got 4 months and nothing other than them playing matches at the stadiums has been organised. No hotels, no training facilities, no catering, no pre tour scouting of any of the aspects of the tour schoolboy rugby does now. I really hope we punish them for not being able to take things seriously.

We get more than that but anyhow.

Leeds are expecting to sell out our allocation at KR this weekend. Can't remember the last time we've had a message like that from the club.

And standing still is going backwards

Hull apparently in for Lisone if he doesn't accept the offer Leeds have put forward

Leigh's biggest fan off the terraces has!

As unsurprising as it could have been tbh. Neither of the two best halves (one of whom can play across the backs too) over the past two years in SL will be starting for England.

I thought that was for the same equivalent ticket? Although reciprocal arrangements can be agreed for away fans.

This seems to be a particularly sticking point of note and not one the current leadership have been forthcoming with (ironic given it was a major criticism of IMG that they faced down).

Why?

Bit of a gut punch for Cas to come so close against a team who on paper should win that match comfortably. 2 very winnable games coming up next for the Tigers to focus on now then its just about performances till the end of the season unfortunately I think.

Literally all of them that are here now given some Championship clubs are now on closer to £30k central funding. I have zero disdain for lower league clubs, i visit quite a few during a season and love to see them thrive. What I absolutely do have disdain for is the false premise argument that includes them with the "community game" as if they are somehow different from SL clubs in that regard.

Paul King should be banned from RL involvement after this saga. Rowley, as we have been informed by those who know him, is financially secure because of his wife. Clearly the lads he has playing for him aren't all so fortunate.

Its a completely toxic situation. All those, including agents who advised players to sign there, and especially the coach who persuaded players to sign/stay with the club should hang their head in shame.