rugbylad09

Siddal were unlucky not to win the final last year, they were the best overall side last year and are looking the same again. The teams around them are transitioning and they’ve managed to remain with a balanced side. Will be tough to beat. Saying that, a bit of momentum changes everything- see Hunslet last year. my very cautious predictions for the end of the year 1. siddal 2. west hull 3. West bowling 4. Waterhead 5. Thatto heath 6. Hunslet 7. Wath brow 8. Rochdale 9. lock lane 10. York acorn 11. Dewsbury moor 12. Leigh Despite how close it is between 4th-10th I think it’s a toss up between thatto, Hunslet and wath brow for 2 of the playoff spots. Thatto and Hunslet look to be finding consistency, and wath brow are hit and miss. agreed though, will definitely be an exciting end and I’d urge anyone to get to the games involving the teams around 4th-10th- every point matters!

How good is the league shaping this season, aside from the bottom 2 (who are holding their own in most games, just on the wrong side of the scoreline) anyone can beat anyone, 2 points between 4th (a comfortable playoff spot) and 10th (last relegation place). an exciting 2nd half of the season, wouldn’t want to predict who the other team to go down is- hanging my hat unfortunately on Moor and Miners dropping though

Seen the result yesterday, absolutely massive. Think the sleeping giant may have woken up

Sounds like key injuries already in the season… when it rains it pours springs to mind! Hope to see them back soon

seen the results but looks, apart from Saturday, that Hunslet are still holding their own. Noticed a few other players missing off the teamsheet against thatto who were a part of the final squads of recent years- Josh mcelland, Harry Dodd and Tyler dargan? Be a massive loss if any of them have also left. as for the Hunslet golden era, I have to agree it was long before the merger parkside were a great side, though from what I’ve seen over the last few years, the merger and addition of a handful of players from the warriors made them even better

Amazing what can happen in a week. Hunslet losing jack and Craig McShane to dewsbury rams is a massive loss to them and the NCL. On top of losing rowse and Clarke (from what I’ve gathered by their fans on social media) I think they will be in a fight for the play off places- looks like thatto, lock lane and York have all strengthened, west hull pipeline as consistent as ever, and siddals line up looking the same as last season. Will be an interesting season in the prem. waterhead could also surprise a few sides

agree with every word from the management style and players mentioned being their key 7/8 players. be interesting to see how they fare over the next 2/3 years as I see a real transition period coming, but will go down as one of the best amateur sides.

Would like to hear the thoughts of people from Rochdale around this player. 2 weeks since the announcement from mayfield and he’s signed for London Broncos- must’ve been some coup for the mayfield side, though did he even play a game?

Agreed. Good to hear

Well done to Hunslet, have to be up there as one of the top amateur teams to ever play the game. winning 1 NCL final is no mean feat, never mind 3 on the bounce. Know how to play the big games. commiserations siddal, an unbelievably consistent season and a team who will only improve. Hope the full back is okay too, looked extremely serious also well done to the other play off winners from the other divisions

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McShane has only been back for the playoffs, and they beat siddal without him, but can definitely see his quality and makes a huge difference. Be a great game Saturday

Most of the divisions have their playoffs ready. prem: Very interesting this year. I expect siddal to beat west hull at home and west hull to fall into the qualifying final. As for the eliminations. Hunslet look back to full strength, after a good win against siddal too and I think they’ll be tough to beat, and know how to play the big games. Rochdale with potentially 2 home ties to face the loser of WH and Siddal, always a tough place to go. prediction: Siddal win, Hunslet 2nd. Div1: not set yet but I’d hang my hat on dewsbury moor div2: Oldham very hit and miss this year, think they win if they’re on it. Celtic vs Oldham final as a guess div3: distington looked set for automatic promotion but hensingham (a very good young side) pipped them, teams going up to Cumbria is always tough, and with 2 potential home ties, distington should win imo. what are others thoughts?

Heard that there was a few red cards dished out this weekend in the games involving the top 4 of the prem (siddal, west hull, Rochdale, Hunslet) anyone know the offenders and the offence? And potential ban? could be a massive difference leading into the play offs

Yeah of course. I used to ref juniors from time to time but stopped due to work commitments and it is impossible to see everything. My point was around headcam footage for reviews to try to cut out some of these calls as they are extremely basic. I think tough calls whilst annoying can be understood & with no linesmen especially but very simple and clear ones should be explained when wrong. Or the referee apologising/acknowledging. I think it would go a long way to increasing respect. Everyone makes mistakes but it’s the lack of accountability of them when very basic which is impacting the relationship further