Newcastle it is – got it right on this one. Look forward to the Newcastle games in 2021. I note that one of the criterion for selection was “Delivering the broader goals of the sport as set out in the RFL’s Strategy Reset document”. Does anyone know what these broader goals are?
well done frank, let’s see if you get the next 2 right, announcement been brought forward to Monday 15th for the ‘lucky team’ should be a good atmosphere when Newcastle visit, doubt they bring many but possibly more than london[/quote
I was thinking more that the RFL got it right, but thanks anyway!!!
I reckon that there will be a good following when we go to Newcastle. It will be interesting to see what following Newcastle can bring here.
Betts talked sense when he was interviewed about the promotion of Newcastle and their approach. He pointed out that it was not expansion in the area, but development as the game has been played in the North East for a number of years. He also said that their emphasis is on growing the game from grass roots level in the area and developing players through their academy. I think even the SL clubs, with few exceptions, are having to bring through their younger players as a result of the financial situation. This can only be good for the game in the long run.
I wonder whether he has changed his tactics. If not we will know exactly where the kick-offs will be placed and a game plan of five drives up the middle and a kick straight to the full back.
Great points, Sheffield would also fall into the category of failure. What has always interested me is why did RFL position expansion so geographically far from the heartlands. If you are a business and wanting to expand and all your shops are based in Liverpool, you don’t expand to London, you expand to the surrounding areas. Why didn’t they try to expand to Crewe, Chester, Stoke even Liverpool ( although Liverpool would never take off)
That would be the logical route but even that is a struggle.Sheffield and Doncaster are big towns and cities on the doorstep of the West Yorkshire heartland but they have fewer than 1000 fans between them.You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.There's nothing wrong with the game being a minority sport and if others want to join then all are welcome but only if there is real interest and potential.It can't be forced.
Well done to Newcastle .. but I’ll have nightmares after seeing Denis Betts back in our stadium.
I think his nightmares are going to be a lot worse
Denis will get a warm welcome think.It was never anything personal against him.
Eamon O’Carroll is Newcastle’s head coach is he not? So it’ll be his tactical genius not Betts’s
Denis will be there though, won't he ?
Possibly, he’s head of rugby so thought it would be more of an office job or going round looking at other players.
It was more towards people saying about it being Betts possible tactics. Maybe O’Carrol can bring some McNamara french flair to Newcastle 😂
Will be an interesting game with Newcastle but they will need to improve a lot and recruit if they are to compete in the championship
Eamon O’Carroll is Newcastle’s head coach is he not? So it’ll be his tactical genius not Betts’s
No he is the sickness coach.
Newcastle will probably get battered every week, can’t see O’Carroll doing much there.
Looking like bradfraud
Judging by the many “news” items from Nigel & Co about the (currently) financially secure Bulls and their return to the (semi-derelict) Odsal stadium, it looks like a good bet!
However, my money is still on Toulouse joining SL to satisfy the expansionists.
If Bradford do get the nod, I bet there will be one hell of a stink from Mr B at Leigh.
I reckon if Bradford get it, there will be an outcry of fix throughout rugby league.
As it will benefit the RFL by getting the rent for Odsal, maybe they will agree to distribute the income and savings as additional money for the Championship and League 1 clubs, say £50,000 to the league winners, £30,000 second, £20,000 third, £15,000 fourth and £10,000 fifth and £5,000 to sixth in league 1; and an additional £50,000 to the play-off winners. Not a chance of this happening and I would bet that Bradford would be given a reduction of rent.
Leigh it is.
Better than Bradford, but I still think it should have been Toulouse. At least we can still have a trip to France next season.