Sat 28th Oct: International: England v Tonga KO 14:30 @ Huddersfield (BBC)

[Northern Eel]

2 hours ago, Bedfordshire Bronco said:

So Huddy will be a faster pitch 

As we are lighter do we think this helps us? I can't quite decide 

Our centres were quite exposed at times in the first game, on a stodgy pitch.

[Northern Eel]

Isn't it great that we are talking about a test series on English soil that could go either way?

Edited October 26, 2023 by Northern Eel

[Odsal Outlaw]

3 hours ago, Bedfordshire Bronco said:

I'll say it again but Ash Handley should be ahead of Ashton for me.....equally as quick but stronger, better carrier of the ball and generally safer ....they are both weaker in edge defence compared to Makinson I'll admit though 

 

Ash Handley is one of those players that I’ve never thought looks like a natural rugby league player, used to think the same about Ben Jones Bishop. And Liam Marshall I think is just too small unfortunately for test level. 
 

Ashton brings pace but does he have an error in him? But shows Wane was right having the four wingers! Shame we haven’t got to see Young this series.

[MattSantos]

A few people have mentioned it..

Genuine question. What do folk want to see around the ground pre kick-off? An examples of a good 'event' experience?

Ta

[Bedfordshire Bronco]

28 minutes ago, MattSantos said:

A few people have mentioned it..

Genuine question. What do folk want to see around the ground pre kick-off? An examples of a good 'event' experience?

Ta

Face painting so my kids don't moan 

Climb walls so my kids don't moan 

Sweet vans so my kids don't moan. 

Balloon shaping people so my kids don't moan

Kids clubs type stuff etc so my kids don't moan. 

[MattSantos]

Just now, Bedfordshire Bronco said:

Face painting so my kids don't moan 

Climb walls so my kids don't moan 

Sweet vans so my kids don't moan. 

Balloon shaping people so my kids don't moan

Kids clubs type stuff etc so my kids don't moan. 

Fair enough, that's why i'm not bothered.

So, none of that exists currently? Has it ever?

[Bedfordshire Bronco]

Just now, MattSantos said:

Fair enough, that's why i'm not bothered.

So, none of that exists currently? Has it ever?

They have all existed at various RL, RU and soccer grounds over our travels 

Probably Rhinos and Broncos are the only ground that have hit them all in one game ever for us 

 

[Bedfordshire Bronco]

40 minutes ago, Odsal Outlaw said:

Ash Handley is one of those players that I’ve never thought looks like a natural rugby league player, 

Really? He looks like an athlete to me and never seems to fatigue ...strong too 

As I say my only criticism is the fact he sometimes reads edge defense wrong

[moorside roughyed]

Looking forward to Saturday just like I was looking forward to the st Helens game. Roll on kick off.

[meast]

6 hours ago, Bedfordshire Bronco said:

If anyone does know of there is anything out of or in the ground let me know 

Otherwise going to assume same as Saints and this.time will turn up 10 mins before kick off and just drink in pub

I'm not aware of anything, I've not had anyone from the Giants mention anything, not seen anything from England RL either.

I'm assuming there will be a merchandise truck as is the case with most internationals?

There's some fine pubs in town so you're within your right to stay there

[Bedfordshire Bronco]

12 minutes ago, meast said:

I'm not aware of anything, I've not had anyone from the Giants mention anything, not seen anything from England RL either.

I'm assuming there will be a merchandise truck as is the case with most internationals?

There's some fine pubs in town so you're within your right to stay there 

It's the rugby that really matters anyway!

[Just Browny]

3 hours ago, Bedfordshire Bronco said:

Seemed to have spilled it in contact and under the high ball plenty

Handley 19 errors, Ashton 20.

Handley 11 tries, Ashton 18.

Handley 32 missed tackles, Ashton 20

Handley 7.96m per carry, Ashton 8.41

Both good players, not sure I can see the difference in safety you can.

[17 stone giant]

2 hours ago, MattSantos said:

A few people have mentioned it..

Genuine question. What do folk want to see around the ground pre kick-off? An examples of a good 'event' experience?

Ta

Someone inside a big lion costume with hilarious big shoes on, even though lions have paws and don't wear shoes.

[Hopie]

2 hours ago, MattSantos said:

A few people have mentioned it..

Genuine question. What do folk want to see around the ground pre kick-off? An examples of a good 'event' experience?

Ta

Discussed a little in the series thread, but I've seen plenty of fun things outside the ground at previous internationals.

Variety of food stalls, covered bars, fan zones, music, presenters/past players/coaches, stuff for the kids (inflatables/rugby skills/face paints etc), photo opportunities, sponsor giveaways.

At St Helens there was one small merch stall and nothing else, just people gathering and Tesco (is that why there are no food stalls outside?)

Once you get inside there should be a gradual build up to the game, build the noise up, use the big screen, put events on the pitch, a band/singer, prizes/challenges/mascots etc.

1st test had the atmosphere of a warm-up game/friendly. 

Its not for everyone, but just the game isn't filling relatively small stadiums.

[AB90]

A few changes made to the Tonga side for game 2. 

Junior Tupou replaces Stanford Toa on the wing.

Haumole Olakau’atu replaces Keon Koloamatangi in the starting lineup at second row.

Tevita Tatola replaces Moe Fotuaika in the starting line up at prop.

Elise Katoa to replace Hame Sele on the bench.

[UTK]

11 minutes ago, AB90 said:

A few changes made to the Tonga side for game 2. 

Junior Tupou replaces Stanford Toa on the wing.

Haumole Olakau’atu replaces Keon Koloamatangi in the starting lineup at second row.

Tevita Tatola replaces Moe Fotuaika in the starting line up at prop.

Elise Katoa to replace Hame Sele on the bench.

Hopoate still at fullback is insanity.

Good to see Eliesa Katoa get his debut as another born and raised Tongan, very good player. 

I don't mind the other changes, Sele was solid but shifting Koloamatangi to the middle rotation probably strengthens the side overall. 

[Chrispmartha]

9 hours ago, Just Browny said:

Handley 19 errors, Ashton 20.

Handley 11 tries, Ashton 18.

Handley 32 missed tackles, Ashton 20

Handley 7.96m per carry, Ashton 8.41

Both good players, not sure I can see the difference in safety you can.

They’re both good players, slightly different styles, Ashton is a more conventional winger I think, I rate him glad to see him get his chance. Handley is deceptively strong, he is prone to a bad defensive read but it seems most wingers are at some point.

Handley has suffered from not having a settled wing/centre partnership at Leeds otherwise hed be scoring more trys

[JohnM]

11 hours ago, MattSantos said:

A few people have mentioned it..

Genuine question. What do folk want to see around the ground pre kick-off? An examples of a good 'event' experience?

Ta

Good question. 

1. Strong RFL presence featuring

- promotion of the game at all levels so that fans can be paired with their local amateur teams.

- meet the ref: encourage people to become match officials

- BBC Sports and Sky Sports booths

- merchandise booths : International, National and club

- travel agent promoting tours to NRL country

2. Interactive entertainment features to stop kids and fans from moaning: 

3. As much as possible indoors or under cover/marquee

4. Street food outlets WITH SEATING.

5. League Express booth

6.  Hall of Fame Meet the players

 

[Bedfordshire Bronco]

9 hours ago, Hopie said:

Discussed a little in the series thread, but I've seen plenty of fun things outside the ground at previous internationals.

Variety of food stalls, covered bars, fan zones, music, presenters/past players/coaches, stuff for the kids (inflatables/rugby skills/face paints etc), photo opportunities, sponsor giveaways.

At St Helens there was one small merch stall and nothing else, just people gathering and Tesco (is that why there are no food stalls outside?)

Once you get inside there should be a gradual build up to the game, build the noise up, use the big screen, put events on the pitch, a band/singer, prizes/challenges/mascots etc.

1st test had the atmosphere of a warm-up game/friendly. 

Its not for everyone, but just the game isn't filling relatively small stadiums.

Yeah we were disappointed with build up at Saints.....really regretted getting there at 1pm....just say bored eating revolting stadium food ....

Won't make the mistake tomorrow unless I hear there is more on

 

[Bedfordshire Bronco]

1 hour ago, JohnM said:

Good question. 

1. Strong RFL presence featuring

- promotion of the game at all levels so that fans can be paired with their local amateur teams.

- meet the ref: encourage people to become match officials

- BBC Sports and Sky Sports booths

- merchandise booths : International, National and club

- travel agent promoting tours to NRL country

2. Interactive entertainment features to stop kids and fans from moaning: 

3. As much as possible indoors or under cover/marquee

4. Street food outlets WITH SEATING.

5. League Express booth

6.  Hall of Fame Meet the players

 

Mascots 

[GeordieSaint]

Interested to see how Ashton gets on; bags of pace. We have tonnes of strength on the wings with Makinson, Young, Ashton and Johnstone. Very pleasing. 

[Just Browny]

49 minutes ago, GeordieSaint said:

Interested to see how Ashton gets on; bags of pace. We have tonnes of strength on the wings with Makinson, Young, Ashton and Johnstone. Very pleasing. 

The slight concern is that both Johnstone and Ashton usually play on the left, so one of them is going to have to play on a less usual side of the field.

[Exiled Wiganer]

It’s a funny world when Johnstone is our most durable winger. 

[dkw]

17 hours ago, daz39 said:

Looking forward to this, 6 of us going for brekky then a few jugs pre match, 

Wait, brekky and beer, theyre the same thing on a match day, surely....

[RBKnight]

2 hours ago, Bedfordshire Bronco said:

Mascots 

Close up, the RFL's RugBee is disturbingly similar to Frank Sidebottom......