Superb Chops

War of the Roses could be a success if IMG are effective in reinvigorating the sport. Especially after all the fuss that was made about defeated Yorkie leader Richard III being dug up from underneath a car park in Leicestershire. A Lancs Triumphant Tudors vs Yorks-Princes'-Killing-Hunchbacks billing does have impact and historical gravitas. Maybe get Lucy Worsley on TV presenting duties with Mark Chapman?

When Morgan Knowles' solicitor has paid off the mortgage on his huge house, made of gold and located on Mars.

Hello Jughead, now there are charges probably best no-one comments unless they and this publication want to face contempt of court.

Remember the bookies inflating super league sides' chances greatly on their marks for the first two rounds. Managed to clear a biting loan thanks to a series of, erm, sound investments. I would be very happy to see it return in a similar speculator scenario.

Agree with concensus here. Even in making a mistake Beaumont is doing so in an amiable manner, while his subsequent apology is sincere and constructive. Having read the IMG recommendations earlier this week, we need more club owners like Beaumont. His contribution to RL's engagement and media standing is, on balance, positive and the club looks to be in a good place.

Never a truer word said DaveT. It feels like a notable number of Saints fans join the chairman in the rabbit hole by blaming the ref - I imagine you remember the fall out from the Wire-Saints Challenge Cup final the other year? - rather than enjoying what's on offer generally. That's a pity for fair-minded Saints fans who readily remember both highs and lows are part of what is just a game.

Paraphrasing from an ‘85 classic. ”For the benefit of those watching in black and white, Hull are playing in hooped shirts, white shorts and socks.”

IMG have a massive job in terms of exposure - beyond media coverage. My dad travelled through Haydock and Blackbrook to attend a St Helens Hospital appointment yesterday afternoon. Dad found it sad he only saw one bit of Saints merchandise, a car sticker, but around a dozen items of Liverpool FC paraphernalia displayed in homes and cars, as well as worn. Admittedly, it was for an eye check-up... but you get the drift of how IMG will have to earn their money for RL to capture hearts and minds throughout the heartlands, as well as across the UK.

Agree with this from FearTheVee. To add... suspect the reason for the regular nonsense is when the Wigan forwards collectively know they cannot overcome the opposition forwards that day. As needless penalties have happened far too often for too long, I fear it suggests a lack of nous and too much self-regard that hasn't been earned. Regards KR, I was impressed by them being significantly the better team, plus the visit itself. An August date next season would, however, be preferable to another season opener.

Stadium - rather than shirt - sponsor but I always admired the honesty of: Totally Wicked At The Saints

Often thought Jackson Hastings made a mistake switching from Salford to Wigan from his demeanour. Brodie Croft and Salford seem a good fit. This is good news all-round. Hope it lasts long, for reasons of the similarities to the Hastings example. That despite being a Wigan supporter.

Went to the same school as Ganson in the 80s - what was St Anselm's RC High in Blackbrook, St Helens. I think it fair comment to say he may well of been the most disliked person there. That despite my best efforts as an open supporter of Wigan.

Mmmmmmmm, stuck in a pub…

Deaf Leopard.

If I remember rightly the RU offer was for both Farrell and Radlinkski with a pair of six-figure transfer fees. Both passed the fitness tests yet Farrell was immediately sidelined for an injury-hit union spell. Radlinkski, who didn’t want to leave, retired from playing (erm, temporarily) shortly afterwards. I suspect the late Maurice Lindsay negotiated as one would expect given the apparent lack of nous from the buyer. Farrell wasn’t as good as Hanley but was, nevertheless, a great player. For the most part, he could run, pass, kick and tackle very well. As a coach, he seems to be improving the Ireland RU team to eye catching achievements. I’d have applauded the man if I was at the event.

Five pages in and - for RL Express and the Royal Mail’s benefit - I’m hoping many of the contributors here have also posted a letter of reply to the print title. I think I would’ve published this letter despite disagreeing with it all, but after checking to see it wasn’t a spoof. I vaguely recall a letter on Sean Long at a St Helens nightclub that wasn’t legit and could’ve been easily shown as such beforehand. If the page has a Views here not necessarily our own disclaimer I guess I also wouldn’t have put an editor’s reply. Do it once, do it for all letters with a viewpoint conflicting with the publication. The reason being… whether spoof or misogynist, an inadvertent conclusion to the letter could be a lot of material explaining the who, what, when, where and how of RL heroes who happen to be women. Audience becomes better informed; while the publisher gets good content plus, hopefully, extra income. The original author’s ideas also get debunked and maybe, if not a spoof, his views change for the better. If you disagree, that’s fine. It’s only a view from a fella who thinks it acceptable to name himself Superb Chops.

Gerrum on tide. Gets coat…

Hello Harry, Yes, that sounds sensible. Except, the culture award changes things somewhat for local public bodies and others. They all now have to front up on their performance for everything cultural (and that includes a clear sports strategy for the city’s future). The award also should come with an investment windfall - £172m is quoted in the case of Coventry at a time of rampant Covid and spiralling national debt. I’d accept this does rely on a lot of variables, and the club has to improve dramatically on- and off-the-field before anything, but this is the chance. It’d beggar belief if all parties miss this chance.

Agree with this. The likes of Odsal can never be the answer if any club wants to progress. But surely a large, centrally-located, contemporary cultural beacon is a brilliant opportunity for any organisation? If IMG reads League Express, I’d hope they have Bradford as a priority job. Get the city together collectively and turn two failing stadia into one suitably modern community home for Bradford’s sports clubs and the people. If the clubs - plus the council, local authority, City of Culture organisers, other public bodies - say it cannot or will not be done due to technicalities and history, then the likelihood is these people are inadequate for the here and now. A core support of 3,000, meanwhile, is also not to be sniffed at by RL. Especially one with such a high threshold for long-term pain.

The merch: a Jacksonville Axemen USARL jersey. The place: as worn by the presenter of a Microsoft Learn online seminar into artificial intelligence. The fella: Steve Guggenheimer. A seriously cashed up Microsoft+HSBC executive, who appears to like his acrylic sports gear. Who knew works training could be so interesting, although I’m none-the-wiser on what artificial intelligence is. The I’m not making this up, honestly glossary… Exhibit 1 Exhibit 2

Agree with your closing paragraph Damien, in that what you describe was sterile and, for me, had all the attraction of giving up my free time to visit Ikea. But I do, respectfully, disagree with the rest as I have enjoyed starting to follow Golcar United for the past three years. This non-league football club has only had crowds of 200-700 when I’ve been but regular attendance has been more exciting than any individual RL match in that time. There is ‘something happening’ around this small football club that makes want to go. For RL matches, I have had the feeling ‘maybe I should go’ for a long time and then routinely leave a bit underwhelmed. While I am probably in the minority for this, I think some others may think the same. For those who still have passion for RL, that is great.

As a Latics and Wigan RL supporter, I would buy Gubrats a football season ticket if I wasn’t such a big tightwad. City’s owner is, however, more likely to spend more keeping Mr G away from future clashes. In respect of the original question, I don’t know a proper answer but I get the sentiment and guess the sport’s lack of monumental events, progression and heroes is at the heart of my dwindling love affair for RL. It could also be due to me turning 50. Excellent subject OP. I sincerely hope there’s a conclusion within reach.

I’d like to see a lap of honour done to The Benny Hill Show theme. Admittedly, that may not be the image RL wants to project in 2022.

Some smart and sportsmanlike comments, like this one from WBW, by the Saints supporters on here. Kudos all and Saints are still the team to beat in Super League. On mention of Wigan’s hookers, I agree that O’Neill’s introduction has coincided with the team being more fluid ball-in-hand. When Powell and Leuluai return, I’m hoping it’s the latter who is used as hooker-interchange with O’Neill - rather than Powell or Shorrocks. This, complemented by Smith and Cust in the halves and creative players like Field or French in the back line, is a pretty good mix of organising, passing, field-kicking and pace. And, that is something Wigan haven’t had in quite some time.