Billy King's Boots

We won the League in Toulouse in the black and amber reverse of that shirt. Instant classic.

Core Block 6 lower. The poor lady next to us had travelled from the South West to see the game and wasn't happy at all.

It was busy round us at Huddersfield, but 11,000 was a bit of a poor effort I thought. Also irritated by a bunch of beery clowns from Featherstone in front of us who ran 'pint-p!55-repeat' on a five minute cycle for the whole game. Up and down like a bride's nightie all afternoon - we missed the first try. If people want to spend £40, and then drink themselves stupid all day, why not drink at home, watch it on TV and annoy fewer people. (rant over)

Similar at the WC final last year at OT. Paid £100 for a 'good seat' and the pitch was at eye-level. Never again. Got a 'cheap' seat behind the posts for the SL final that was much better.

You make a good point. The RFL can't restrucure for 2024 given that clubs are already recruiting for the Championship/L1 - so an interim structure is needed for next year, so that all clubs know what they're playing for (remember a few years back where they decided to relegate more clubs to League 1 half way through the season? Hornets finished in a position that would have kept us up in any other year). As a one year interim, I'd be open to reserve teams playing - but, for me, they'd have to be branded as discrete entities (i.e. not play under their parent club name).

Correct. But reserve teams play in a competitive league at a lower level - and they can't get promoted.

Well, viewing of the *nion world cup was zero in our house!

This happens in Scottish football.

Observations for what it's worth: (in no particular order) - The ticket buying website isn't the best: had to go round the houses to get two tickets - and they took three days to email them over (and I had to chase them). - Spoke to a couple of people who'd had trouble getting hold of their tickets: the queue at the ticket office pre-game was huge. - We couldn't have been the only vegetarian RL fans there, but they'd sold out of cheese and onion pies by 2.15pm. - It was busy and buzzing outside the ground before the game, but the that didn't translate into the stadium. - There were two huge queues at the merchandise van - always a positive. Quite a few non-Tongans buying Tongan gear. - Atmosphere was a little muted, but the crowd was appreciative of good passages of play. - We were sat close to the bloke who played the stadium music - the guys at pitchside were going nuts at him to kill the music when the Tongans started the Sipi Tau. He wasn't paying attention. - The big screen was a complete waste of time: not enough illumination to cope with English October sunshine. - The game was tight and combative: the difference was the Tongan handling error for Johnston's try. Though England won, thought Tonga were easier on the eye and played more adventurous football. - Overall, enjoyed the event - I'm a big fan of international RL and feel that it's important to go to games to show that it matters. - Yes, I'll be at Huddersfield: need a Tonga win to keep things interesting.

Ordered mine on Sunday - they emailed them today. Keep an eye on your inbox.

Put it this way: If Sky TV walked away tomorrow, only the League 1 clubs would have the financial nouse to carry on. They've lived on fresh air this last couple of years and built business models that enable them to eke out an existence. Every other club would be in the toilet financially. Top to bottom the game needs radical change - not just rearranging the deck-chairs. The bigger, bolder and more radical the ideas the better,

The measure of validity of any argument here is: 1. Do you buy a season ticket? 2. Do you sponsor a player (or a matchball or a game)? 3. Are you a member of the Lottery? 4. Are you a member of All Hornets? 5. Have you made a financial donation / done a fundraiser for the club? 6. Do you buy club merchandise? Each of these actions helps take Hornets forward. If you're not doing at least one of these, why not? Yes, the board has responsibility for leading the club forward, but fans have a responsibility to support them in that endeavour. If you want a successful club, do your bit to bring success. And that means sticking your hand in your pocket.

A rugby team coached by Mike Ford couldn't find a drop goal when it mattered.

As long as they hand it backwards, It's fine.

Just shy of 1,400 at Rochdale Hornets v Oldham yesterday. Shows the potential - and the importance of local derbies that mean something. It was a great contest that ebbed and flowed and was won with the last pass of the game. Top stuff all round. Big raps to Rochdale Hornets community team, who had a four-team under 9's round robin competition before the game and at half time - and a nice celebration of the 10th anniversary of Hornets wining their first Trophy in 91 years. All-up, an excellent advert for League 1 Rugby.

See it as a three quid donation for each game watched. Every little helps.

It's a local derby. It's a lottery. Whoever wants it most will come out on top. Oldham are fudding themselves daft that the return of Mike Ford is the catalyst to return to their rightful place in the top half of Super League. Let's see what sort of a job the former Belgian kick and clap coach has done with his charges. It's all up for grabs. Two points. Bragging rights. Playoffs. Expect fireworks. Light the fuse and stand well back.

None of this is perfect. But the game has to be played and this is the day that's been specified. Skolars play in our competition and they know where the opposition grounds are. Pain in the @r5€? Yes. But they knew what they were signing up for. Splitting the town's RL watching audience: not ideal - but those who choose to watch Mayfield will go there. Can't force 'em to come watch Hornets. We'll see who's missing and know where their loyalties lie. Bottom line is Hornets may need the two points, so let's turn-up and get 'em won. Whoever the Skolars send. It's Rugby League: none of it is perfect.

Toby Brannan

Replaced by Mike Ford who last coached RL in 2001 and whose most recent coaching gig was the Belgian Rugby Union side. Someone had better talk him through the laws... https://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/139/main-news/152791/littler-sacked-by-roughyeds

Littler sacked at Oldham. Mike Ford takes over as coach. Not coached Rugby League since 2001. Last coaching job: the Belgian Rugby Union team. Discuss... https://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/139/main-news/152791/littler-sacked-by-roughyeds

Unconvincing. https://www.rochdaleafc.co.uk/news/2023/july/simongaugerichardknightmessage_250723/

And we'll become Swinton, wandering Greater Manchester looking for a home.

Another Tory enclave.

Workington is a Tory enclave. They're much close to the Bullingdon Club ideologically than you might think.