Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:36 pm  

Tony Stark wrote:

I personally don't think either are ideal for various reasons. I'd much rather see something that commemorates the sport and all of its players that have entertained at Wembley rather than going down the route of the Bobby Moore statue that commemorates just one (or two) individuals.

The Bobby Moore statue represents England's greatest and most successful (in terms of trophies won) captain as well as the man as a person, who whilst was certainly no angel, epitomised the gentlemanly spirit in which football was (and should still be) played.

To put a statue of say... Martin Offiah outside Wembley would for me send out the wrong message, and the greatest thing it would achieve would be to over-inflate said player's ego (and give the pies one more thing to brag about).

I honestly believe the best thing would be an anonymous player with 13 on his back either in an action pose or lifting a replica of the Challenge Cup.

I understand what you're saying but see my post above about what the statue should be for.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:37 pm  

McClennan wrote:

Here's the argument ender which has come from the VT.

Have a statue of both the Offiah and Fox poses. I think that's utterly brilliant especially with Offiah's pose. What do you think?

Without knowing the lead up to the Offiah pose, it looks like two devasted blokes. It should have the caption "It's reet grim oop North".

Cracking idea though, the pain and the ecstacy of the Cup, but not sure the Offiah pose is the one that best captures the ecstacy.

Someone mentioned, somewhere (helpful, I know!), Alan Prescott being carried shoulder high by his GB teammates after beating the Aussies - can't find a picture, but like the idea.

I can't escape feeling that it should be a GB / England, rather than club, moment.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:41 pm  

Cragganmore Kid wrote:

Without knowing the lead up to the Offiah pose, it looks like two devasted blokes. It should have the caption "It's reet grim oop North".

Cracking idea though, the pain and the ecstacy of the Cup, but not sure the Offiah pose is the one that best captures the ecstacy.

Someone mentioned, somewhere (helpful, I know!), Alan Prescott being carried shoulder high by his GB teammates after beating the Aussies - can't find a picture, but like the idea.

I can't escape feeling that it should be a GB / England, rather than club, moment.

if the statue was going to be somewhere else than I could see that point, but it's going to be at Wembley.

If you want a happy statue, what about Henderson Gills big grin after his try V Hull ( a classic try and a classic moment)

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:43 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

if the statue was going to be somewhere else than I could see that point, but it's going to be at Wembley.

If you want a happy statue, what about Henderson Gills big grin after his try V Hull ( a classic try and a classic moment)

So a GB / England moment at Wembley.

Might not fit your agenda, but if you REALLY try you could probably point to a Wigan player doing something of note for his national team.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:45 pm  

Cragganmore Kid wrote:

Might not fit your agenda, but if you REALLY try you could probably point to a Wigan player doing something of note for his national team.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:46 pm  

Cragganmore Kid wrote:

Without knowing the lead up to the Offiah pose, it looks like two devasted blokes. It should have the caption "It's reet grim oop North".

Cracking idea though, the pain and the ecstacy of the Cup, but not sure the Offiah pose is the one that best captures the ecstacy.

I think that's why its perfect. At first it looks like both are in despair but upon closer inspection it unfolds into a masterpiece which celebrates the minute difference between success and failure in emotional terms. If we are talking about a piece of art (which it is) then what better way of presenting our game? Not only does it suggest that success and failure are both sides of the same coin, it uses two of the very most iconic images of RL at Wembley and it has a magical ambiguity to it which requires further exploration. Yes, I suppose you could put Henderson Gill on there but you would lose the subtle dramatic contrast which is also representative of how the tiniest mental difference can mean you go home winner or loser. Our sport at the very highest level is about mental strength as well as physical strength and Offiah/Fox would embody and highlight so much more than a simple recognition of a successful person would.

Vote Offiah/Fox.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:49 pm  

McClennan wrote:

I think that's why its perfect. At first it looks like both are in despair but upon closer inspection it unfolds into a masterpiece which celebrates the minute difference between success and failure in emotional terms. If we are talking about a piece of art (which it is) then what better way of presenting our game? Not only does it suggest that success and failure are both sides of the same coin, it uses two of the very most iconic images of RL at Wembley and it has a magical ambiguity to it which requires further exploration. Yes, I suppose you could put Henderson Gill on there but you would lose the subtle dramatic contrast which is also representative of how the tiniest mental difference can mean you go home winner or loser. Our sport at the very highest level is about mental strength as well as physical strength and Offiah/Fox would embody and highlight so much more than a simple recognition of a successful person would.

Vote Offiah/Fox.

You've really thought this through!

Compelling argument, too, and beats the suggestion of one trick pony support player Edwards into a bloodied pulp.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:50 pm  

McClennan wrote:

here to commemorate the sport and its relationship to Wembley

I did read your post (albeit after I posted my own) and concur with your reasons for choosing both iconic poses but for me the key part is the above. We can do both excellently well without running the risk of making it appear we are celebrating the career of one individual or another - which placing the statue in the vacinity of another that does exactly that may result in, albeit perhaps moreso to the non rugby league fan.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:50 pm  

Rogues Gallery wrote:

if the statue was going to be somewhere else than I could see that point, but it's going to be at Wembley.

If you want a happy statue, what about Henderson Gills big grin after his try V Hull ( a classic try and a classic moment)

Why must you always suggest a wigan player. Are you so blinkered that you can't see past club loyalties. I'm a saints fan born in cowley hill and raised in Billinge amongst the Inbreds ( some of which are my good mates ). We can discuss RL without us all touting our corner with the blinkers on. Personally I think there are many moments from wembley finals which we could choose. My favourite would not be based on it being a saints player. If you read further back you will find that I would like a statue of Lance Todd ( played for wigan didn't he ). Why? Because his name is linked to the standout player of every final.

Re: Wembley Statue, who should it be? : Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:51 pm  

I clearly need to type more quickly.