It is indeed interesting this thread. For me living hundreds of miles from the KC the choice of going is out of my hands. Since AP decided that tradition was no longer a factor and decided that Friday nights are best for families I have not been as often as I used to go. It's also made easier given that we have served up dross year after year since our last trip to Old Trafford. My life has moved on and I have found other things to do while hull are playing. It's a sad fact. That said I still spend a small fortune each year buying merchandise and making the occasional trip to the KC. But given how inconsistent we are it fills me with trepidation and not excitement every time I decide to splash out £150 + on travelling north to see us play. The kids get excited but that's the joy of being a youngster seeing their heroes. Unfortunate for them their heroes are second rate as opposed to my heroes like Knocker and the squad of the early 80s.
The game as a whole though is sterile and predictable. Occasionally either at live games or on Sky you get a game which reignites your love for the game. England NZ at Wembley was a casing point. But those games are few and far between.
The off the cuff play is not there so much now (IMO) as we have too many subs. Back in the day of only 2 subs the cheeky half back came into their own as the forwards tired. They could try things knowing that the props and others were tiring. It made for exciting play. Now we have enforcers who play 15 - 20 minutes a game. Simply to either barge over for tries or to cause some quick damage. I'd rather see them against a scrum half after 60 mins of play.
I am sure there were dead rubber games in years gone by. Some clubs never really made impressions on the league, but you had great cup sides which gave their fans something to look forward to and days of glory. Even if it was only a county cup final at Headingley in front of 11000 people. Castleford's Regal trophy victory vs Wigan in the early 90s being a classic example.
There isn't that any more. As such you get apathy and a feeling of why bother.
We all love our clubs and deep down love the game. But times have changed. We have many many different entertainment options crying out for our disposable income. All of which try and offer value for money. We might love the clubs we support but unless we feel that we are getting that VFM and also being entertained and enjoy the spectacle on offer then we start to drift.
The game is at that crossroads. The spectacle has to adapt which I believe it will with the 8x8x8 system. Clubs like Leigh and Featherstone have hope and will see their crowds and income develop. The fact it might be at the expense of a club from Hull or Bradford is for those clubs to worry about. We are in danger of playing Leigh and Featherstone this time next year in that middle 8 unless things change rapidly. That's for AP and NH etc to address as it's their cash which is on the line.
It's also for the RFL to address and recognise that things are not as roses as they should be.
Next year is the RU World Cup whilst our game and theirs are different it is a threat to our game. International athletes fully in the nations thoughts. There will be a feel good factor after it and the youngsters who are the stars of the future will want to play rugby. Sadly it will be RU and not RL as we do not offer the riches craved. Even at lower levels where average players can supplement incomes playing a game they love. As a result our product will dilute. I don't see this issue being considered by the RFL. Are they worried? I doubt it.
There is so much to celebrate in our game but sadly far more to criticise and that's why apathy is setting in.
How bloody depressing
