Sport Today

I've just heard that Harlequins are keen to sign Robbie Paul on a
permenant basis.  Bradford appear a little miffed at this, but I'm afraid
that this is what happens when you lend your best players to clubs which
have loads of cash.  It doesn't take a genius to work that one out.

Adam.

Our only hope is that Robbie was being honest when he declared himself a
League man.

Just what players of any value could Bradford get in return next summer?

What sort of a moron is the Kiwi coach who thinks he should ignore the Paul
brothers?

First because they've always claimed that League players are desperate to
play Union, and are only held back by the money in League. Won't they look
foolish if Robbie plays until January, then says he's going back to League
because League is more fun to play ?

The Unions are desperate to kill League off, and are buying as many League
players as they can in an effort to devalue the professional game. This is
why Higham should be sacked for trying so hard to force Harris to go to
Union.

Some Union coaches have known all along that their "stars" (like Carling -
who can't get his place at centre for Harlequins any more - and the
Underwear brothers) are crap, compared to League players. Guscott isn't fit
to lace Connelly's boots.

The Rah-rah "World Cup" is coming up, and if the northern hemisphere
nations can't find some talent quick they'll get ***ed again.

John

As for Carling he is rough and strong.  But no better that any of the
RL players in a 2nd division club (no disrespect meant there).  He
certainly is not worthy of an England place, let alone the captaincy.

Even though I am a League fan through and through I occasionally watch
the RU highlights and internationals.  I am not usually impressed by
RU players and players like Connolly, Inga, Robinson, the Paul brothers,
Scott Gibbs and Quinell are showing the fitness, strength and skill that
League players have.  (notice How Offiah didn't get a mention there)!

There are although a few forwards in Union I would like to see propping or
in the 2nd row in League.  And one or two of the backs (Catt and Callard).

Phil Halliwell

Wigan RLFC fan..

What really struck me in the Wigan-Bath game (at League) was that Catt,
Callard, and DeGlanville looked far better players than I had ever
suspected. And the reason was that they had the ball in their hands more
often in 80 minutes than they had had in their entire Union careers.

How can they put up with the boredom of either waiting for a ball that
never comes, or running unopposed through tissue defences?

John

As an ardent Bulls fan, I totally disagreed with the release of Robbie Paul
to Harlequins. BUT IF HE wanted to do it (like anyone else who has money
stuck under their noses) then it proves difficult for the club management to
say NO without putting themselves in a weak position (IE transfer request)

The same probably goes at any other club which has to deal with this
situation.

I hope that this is the last season this situation occurs for the sake of
our game. The court decision in Australia should rectify the RU trend next
season.
 .

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* The opinions expressed in this message are my own   *
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: > <<I've just heard that Harlequins are keen to sign Robbie Paul on a
:   permenant basis.  Bradford appear a little miffed at this, but I'm afraid
:   that this is what happens when you lend your best players to clubs which
:   have loads of cash.  It doesn't take a genius to work that one out.>>

: As an ardent Bulls fan, I totally disagreed with the release of Robbie Paul
: to Harlequins. BUT IF HE wanted to do it (like anyone else who has money
: stuck under their noses) then it proves difficult for the club management to
: say NO without putting themselves in a weak position (IE transfer request)

They've said they won't let him go for less than two million. Does that
ring any bells? If this one is a players plus cash deal my choice would
be Gary Connolly. :)

Paul did say he didn't want to leave League though and was only doing it
for the money.

: I hope that this is the last season this situation occurs for the sake of
: our game. The court decision in Australia should rectify the RU trend next
: season.

Depending on the format of Super League next year there just won't be the
time. From March there are 22 rounds + a possible stop for an Origin-like
series + play-offs against the convicts + whatever international events
are bolted on the end. That should see us nicely into October for a
months break and by then it's time to hit the hills for pre-season training.

If they want to go they should go now.

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I can't blame then for doing the RU switch this season as the
6 month lay off is far too long.  Lets hope non of them get injured.

I also can see the RU big money drying up also.  After all the crowds
are small and sponsorship sparse.  They are spending big at the moment
with cash from personal investors. That won't last long.
So the RL players are doing RL a big favour actually.

Ph!l.
Wigan RLFC

I think there is a general feeling of complacency in League at the
moment, though.  RU clubs are trying to make the sport more entertaining
to pull in more crowds - surely people have noticed that Rugby Special is
not quite as boring as it used to be?  The private investors money will
dry up soon, but RU clubs are beginning to realise that entertaining
rugby sells.  The one thing that confuses me is - if they want an
entertaining game - why don't they just change the rules to those of
league instead of spending all that money?

Adam.

If the playoffs had gone ahead against the Aussie clubs, these players
would have been playing League this last month, and not wallowing around
with the grunters-and-shovers. The clubs could also have marketed the
playoffs to increase interest in the League. The ARL did plenty to
undermine the finances of the British clubs.

So which side are you on? Do you want League played in Europe, or do you
want Sydney isolated as the only place in the world where professional
League is played?

John

Please read the following question and answer in the space provided

Are you;

A) A wind up merchant
B) The biggest ***er on the group
C) At best, badly ill-informed

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