Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Thu Dec 31, 2009 5:58 pm  

I couldn't see the French League having Wakefield in it. Surely the best way to 'expand' the game is to build from the heartland outwards such as South Yorkshire, Midlands etc (and the same going North). Why we chose 2 clubs in different countries which are miles away from anywhere is beyhond me. That may help French and Welsh rugby but doesn't do much for the English game.

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Thu Dec 31, 2009 6:58 pm  

imwakefieldtillidie wrote:

That may help French and Welsh rugby but doesn't do much for the English game.

Putting aside that Super League isn't the 'English League', there is enough of a professional structure to support and nurture the English game. It's not the Welsh or French clubs which harm the English game, more the English clubs who'd rather have past-it or third-rate Aussies who'd never get a game in the NRL on their books than give the young English talent a lengthy chance in the first team.

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:05 pm  

What like the crusaders you mean? No not many journeymen there at all damaging the game!

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:12 pm  

Barry Clegg 2nd wrote:

What like the crusaders you mean? No not many journeymen there at all damaging the game!

You know the rules that expansion clubs have a higher quota than the rest, but one that reduces over time to the same level as other clubs. As much as it'd be great to see an-all, or mostly Welsh Crusaders side, that isn't possible after 4 years. Not as if we have an all English/WMDC side either.

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Thu Dec 31, 2009 7:18 pm  

So why not allow Crusaders to develop there own players before thrusting them in to the situation they have found themselves in now.

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Fri Jan 01, 2010 7:38 pm  

imwakefieldtillidie wrote:

I couldn't see the French League having Wakefield in it.

No but the European Super League does.

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Fri Jan 01, 2010 8:51 pm  

Khlav Kalash wrote:

No but the European Super League does.

Okay, could you see the French League having Wakefield in it and renaming the European Super League? Or any other league for that matter?

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:04 pm  

imwakefieldtillidie wrote:

Okay, could you see the French League having Wakefield in it and renaming the European Super League? Or any other league for that matter?

Super League hasn't been renamed though, it's been the European Super League/Super League (Europe) since before a ball was kicked. Catalans are not playing in a 'foreign' league as Wakefield would be if they entered the French League.

Toulouse, I guess, are, but all the Championship clubs have funding for their travel/accommodation costs as far as I'm aware.

Barry Clegg 2nd wrote:

So why not allow Crusaders to develop there own players before thrusting them in to the situation they have found themselves in now.

No idea. But their entry to Super League, like ours and the other 12 clubs, was based on a whole list of factors, not just that one.

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Fri Jan 01, 2010 9:28 pm  

Rugby League is no longer about what happens on the pitch, it's aout what happens in the boardrooms and the business plans.

Re: Martin signed for Crusaders : Sat Jan 02, 2010 9:05 am  

imwakefieldtillidie wrote:

Rugby League is no longer about what happens on the pitch, it's about what happens in the boardrooms and the business plans.

It always has been. The clubs with the best business plans and most professional people on the board are usually the most successful. The two come hand in hand. What licensing has done is focus a lot of clubs to strengthen their off field activities to further benefit the on field side.
To think professional sport is only what you see on the pitch is naive to say the least.