: Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:49 pm  

dally messenger wrote:

for example look at england, RL is strong in Leeds. union isnt strong in any major city in england in the same way.

yeah the get great crowds for internationals but at club level its just not there.

theyll go to an event but arent really fans

The GP has higher average attendance than SL. I don't understand it, but it's a fact.

As for the original topic, I agree with the above post, it is something for CC to deal with. I like Iestyn Harris' comments in the article.

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:55 pm  

tb wrote:

Hmm … and yet between them, the dominant southern hemisphere RU powers can muster 14 professional teams in three countries: SA, Aus and NZ.

RL musters 16 professional teams in two countries (NZ and Aus)

What about the level below Super 14?

Does NZ not have a seperate pro league? I'm not sure, I just know that some of the games have been on Sky.

Also, what about the Currie Cup in SA?

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:57 pm  

Dave T wrote:

What about the level below Super 14?

Does NZ not have a seperate pro league? I'm not sure, I just know that some of the games have been on Sky.

Also, what about the Currie Cup in SA?

isn't that the air new zealand cup? not sure if it's fully professional though

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:01 pm  

anyone watching the wales game, half time analysis still think lee byrne is the best in the world because he can run a ball back at a broken field defence and make half breaks

(none of them seem to notice the fact that he's tackled people without the ball at least 4 times, thus taking himself out the game for no reason)

think i'll go back to listening to wigan

edit:
think williams has been watch kallum watkins

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:03 pm  

this is gonna get moved or locked

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:09 pm  

MHL wrote:

anyone watching the wales game, half time analysis still think lee byrne is the best in the world because he can run a ball back at a broken field defence and make half breaks

(none of them seem to notice the fact that he's tackled people without the ball at least 4 times, thus taking himself out the game for no reason)

think i'll go back to listening to wigan

edit:
think williams has been watch kallum watkins

no! im listening to rugby league on bbc radio manchester!!

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:14 pm  

think iestyn harris got it right when he said

"The Crusaders are riding the crest of a wave and will get a bit of sympathy from the Welsh public early on but that will waver if 12 months down the line, they are not competitive - the public will lose any interest as they can be fickle."

in his interview with the bbc

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:24 pm  

MrPhilb wrote: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/celtic_crusaders/7876091.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 870266.stm And Six Nations winning coach Gatland reveals: "We've had the Crusaders coaches come in and have a look how we do and I wouldn't mind having a look at the way they prepare." Sounds more like a symbiotic approach than compettition. Sure, the best players will have to choose between international RL or international RU - but hopefully Crusaders will help develop the international League game.

MrPhilb wrote: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/celtic_crusaders/7876091.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 870266.stm And Six Nations winning coach Gatland reveals: "We've had the Crusaders coaches come in and have a look how we do and I wouldn't mind having a look at the way they prepare." Sounds more like a symbiotic approach than compettition. Sure, the best players will have to choose between international RL or international RU - but hopefully Crusaders will help develop the international League game.

[tb]

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:02 pm  

Dave T wrote:

What about the level below Super 14?

Does NZ not have a seperate pro league? I'm not sure, I just know that some of the games have been on Sky.

Also, what about the Currie Cup in SA?

Afaik, both the Currie Cup and NPC involve at best semi pro teams: I didn't count them for the same reason I didn't count Baryercard teams - but this really has strayed into other sports territory

: Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:05 pm  

tb wrote:

Afaik, both the Currie Cup and NPC involve at best semi pro teams: I didn't count them for the same reason I didn't count Baryercard teams - but this really has strayed into other sports territory

i tried to get it back on track.... certain others are chatting about Currie Cup and NPC