Sat 29 Apr: Intl (Men): England v France KO 16:30 (Sky)

[Gomersall]

2 minutes ago, Live after death said:

about the same as England from Australian point of view, nit worth playing too easy 

Remind me again what score it was the last time we played Australia?

[Live after death]

1 minute ago, Gomersall said:

Remind me again what score it was the last time we played Australia?

I can’t I cannot remember last time we played them or were never mind the score

[Gates1]

26 minutes ago, Phil said:

So where do the French go from here? 

Home to watch a few Wakey match videos to try and enhance their attacking structures?

Edited April 29, 2023 by Gates1

[JohnM]

Good run-out for England's youngsters. Some super skills on display, skills that we'll need as a minimum if we are ever to match the Kangaroos. In my view, because France were so weak, we had no opportunity to discover if we have the stamina, strength, determination and sheer physicality to beat Australia.

Sure, it's not our job to improve the game in France but the problem for me is that a blowout one-off game like this doesn't build excitement, rivalry, competitiveness, etc.

I'd really like to see a three-game series spread over three weeks, give France the task of learning from each game before they've had chance to forget what it's like. As it is, the matches are so infrequent, they have to start from scratch each season, or so it seems. 

But then, we've never in recent years taken the international game seriously. It needs a lot of money, a lot of effort, even more patience, and should be given top priority.

Ain't going to happen.

[Phil]

3 minutes ago, JohnM said:

 

Sure, it's not our job to improve the game in France but the problem for me is that a blowout one-off game like this doesn't build excitement, rivalry, competitiveness, etc.

I'd really like to see a three-game series spread over three weeks, give France the task of learning from each game before they've had chance to forget what it's like. As it is, the matches are so infrequent, they have to start from scratch each season, or so it seems. 

 

Actually John, I think it must be our job, I know nothing of that sort will happen but the alternative is the death of NH rugby league 

[Tippytoe]

38 minutes ago, Gerrumonside ref said:

This can’t be doing those French players much good in terms of development equally.

I can't agree more.

[kiggy]

His name is Joe Chan. FFS! How many times did he call him Jackie Chan? You have one job to commentate, at least learn the players names. At least he didn't say Macron was playing this time!

[WN83]

We can complain and moan about the fixture being pointless all we like but that was a memorable day for a lot of those lads and the first step, in what will hopefully be long England careers. As much as some of the clubs would seemingly like to follow the NRL route of killing off international Rugby League, any England fixture will always have things riding on it and in this case it was future places for some.

In terms of individuals, Williams and Welsby we know are class. I thought Harry Smith and Danny Walker showed that they could bring a nice balance alongside them longer term but it is early days. Ash Handley put his hand up to press the current wingers. The centres played exactly how they’ve played for us this season. Workrate, strong carries and offloads from King and some classy touches from Wardle.
 

I was impressed with Holroyd in the pack. He was in that academy team that beat the Aussies, with Smith, Smithies, Havard, Welsby etc but injuries seem to have held him back. It’s good to see him getting a run now and he looks to be getting better and better. Most of the forwards had strong games, although I thought Currie was pretty quiet when he came on. 
 

Overall Wane will have got plenty from it and is has been worthwhile, even if it has just given him confidence in 4 or 5 players pre Tonga and onwards. 

[WN83]

Just now, kiggy said:

His name is Joe Chan. FFS! How many times did he call him Jackie Chan? You have one job to commentate, at least learn the players names. At least he didn't say Macron was playing this time!

I thought they said Jackie but it’s not Joe, it’s his brother Tiaki. 

[WN83]

15 minutes ago, JohnM said:

Good run-out for England's youngsters. Some super skills on display, skills that we'll need as a minimum if we are ever to match the Kangaroos. In my view, because France were so weak, we had no opportunity to discover if we have the stamina, strength, determination and sheer physicality to beat Australia.

Sure, it's not our job to improve the game in France but the problem for me is that a blowout one-off game like this doesn't build excitement, rivalry, competitiveness, etc.

I'd really like to see a three-game series spread over three weeks, give France the task of learning from each game before they've had chance to forget what it's like. As it is, the matches are so infrequent, they have to start from scratch each season, or so it seems. 

But then, we've never in recent years taken the international game seriously. It needs a lot of money, a lot of effort, even more patience, and should be given top priority.

Ain't going to happen.

The worry I have with France is why weren’t they at full strength? As annoying as it was that some of our clubs pulled players out, you half get them thinking they can get away with it, as it wouldn’t impact on the result but the French you’d think would see this game as an opportunity to lay a marker and compete. Yes, Catalans provide the majority of the players but them providing the majority of the squad and making them available, is the price they should have to pay for being in Superleague in the first place. I’ve not been happy with the amount of overseas players they’ve been able to run with over the years but this season it’s felt better and I was hoping it was the start of a change of approach but it’s disappointing that a weakened French side has then come over. 

[kiggy]

8 minutes ago, WN83 said:

I thought they said Jackie but it’s not Joe, it’s his brother Tiaki. 

My bad. Sorry, too much red wine. 

[Madrileño]

12 minutes ago, Phil said:

Actually John, I think it must be our job, I know nothing of that sort will happen but the alternative is the death of NH rugby league 

100% @Phil

Unfortunately this forum is littered with the same kind of thoughts...ie: France is not our problem.

It is short-sighted navel gazing, and will eventually kill the sport off as a viable professional concern in Europe. 

However, there is a weird sort of anti-foreigner vibe among a lot of English fans. It is tragic, as an idiot can see that it is very much "our job" to improve the game in one of only 2 European Countries who play professionally. However I have found that some of the  (particularly older) fanbase are impossible to shift in their views. 

[Harry Stottle]

1 hour ago, Davo5 said:

So you didn’t attend any Leigh games last season then.

Do you not recall our conversation when I said even though I had a season ticket there were games I wouldn't be attending because I suspected they would no more than opposed training sessions.

[Zilla Budgie]

Samisoni Langi played in a team nilled yet again.... poor chap.

[Eddie]

1 hour ago, JT RL said:

How about Sheffield … cool city … good trains & connections. Pretty central. 10 year project.

or maybe Leeds … 

Imagine today’s crowd rattling around inside Bramall Lane, Hillsborough or Elland Road though. Headingley maybe.  

[Tommygilf]

Just now, Eddie said:

Imagine today’s crowd rattling around inside Bramall Lane, Hillsborough or Elland Road though. Headingley maybe.  

The crowd would have been higher.

[Harry Stottle]

27 minutes ago, Phil said:

Actually John, I think it must be our job, I know nothing of that sort will happen but the alternative is the death of NH rugby league 

So that will be the fault of the RFL/SL, and nothing to do with the FFR?

[Harry Stottle]

23 minutes ago, kiggy said:

His name is Joe Chan. FFS! How many times did he call him Jackie Chan? You have one job to commentate, at least learn the players names. At least he didn't say Macron was playing this time!

They would have been better off with Jackie Chan

[ATLANTISMAN]

Really disappointed and this will not bode well for RLWC 2025

[Harry Stottle]

2 minutes ago, ATLANTISMAN said:

Really disappointed and this will not bode well for RLWC 2025

Have a word with Mr McNamara next time you see him Paul.

[WN83]

19 minutes ago, kiggy said:

My bad. Sorry, too much red wine. 

That’s a more than valid reason

I kept hearing ‘Jackie’ myself and just kept thinking of Kenny Snr lolly popping in Phoenix Nights. 

[Phil]

10 minutes ago, Harry Stottle said:

So that will be the fault of the RFL/SL, and nothing to do with the FFR?

As I’ve said, it won’t happen so that’s pretty academic 

[Dunbar]

36 minutes ago, WN83 said:

I was impressed with Holroyd in the pack. He was in that academy team that beat the Aussies, with Smith, Smithies, Havard, Welsby etc but injuries seem to have held him back

I thought they looked a special group in 2018 when they won that series 2-0.  Holroyd, Havard and Smithies in the pack, Welsby, Newman and Smith were the pick of the team and I am pleased to see them progress to full international honours. 

2 more years and we could have a very good England team for the 2025 Cup.

Edited April 29, 2023 by Dunbar

[Guest]

18 minutes ago, ATLANTISMAN said:

Really disappointed and this will not bode well for RLWC 2025

RLWC 2025 has the potential to be a proper turkey. 

[Guest]

13 minutes ago, Phil said:

As I’ve said, it won’t happen so that’s pretty academic 

Whatever the name, I was very disappointed with him today. Strutted around but had no impact.