Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:41 pm  

SirStan wrote:

So if SL alone shortens its regular season, the international game will be saved? Cool, lets all sign up.

It's one part of a big picture, but it's a big part.

At the moment we have a busy schedule, elite players playing a lot of games and clubs reluctant to release players (or expecting them to "back up" on international weeks).

By reducing the number domestic fixtures there is room to introduce more representative fixtures that actually capture the imagination.

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:48 pm  

A lot of the RLWC fixtures weren't that great, but many were gripping. Quite like SL really.

Maybe you're bored of the domestic game cos you support the Rhinos. A Rovers season is always a rollercoaster ride of results and emotions.

Considering this thread seems to have been completely derailed, is there any actual news from the meeting yet, and which site will carry the official announcement first?

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:53 pm  

Cripesginger wrote:

Wow. The meeting does not begin until 1.30pm and people have already walked out at 11.15 am! Sneaky devils.

That fact would not be enough to stop the frenzied brain farthing that takes place on this site...

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:29 pm  

Gallanteer wrote:

Maybe you're bored of the domestic game cos you support the Rhinos. A Rovers season is always a rollercoaster ride of results and emotions.

I'll argue with anyone that, when it is played at it's best, this game is the best in the world. As well as the England v NZ semi, the Leeds v Wigan match at the Magic Weekend (amongst others, obviously) really showcased the sport at its best.

What I, and I suspect a lot of people are bored of, is the worryingly high number of blowouts that come from teams not being able to compete at a sufficiently high level, either due to bad management, player fatigue or a talent pool that is spread too thinly.

Anyway, back to the meeting....

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:39 pm  

bramleyrhino wrote:

I'll argue with anyone that, when it is played at it's best, this game is the best in the world. As well as the England v NZ semi, the Leeds v Wigan match at the Magic Weekend (amongst others, obviously) really showcased the sport at its best.

What I, and I suspect a lot of people are bored of, is the worryingly high number of blowouts that come from teams not being able to compete at a sufficiently high level, either due to bad management, player fatigue or a talent pool that is spread too thinly.

Anyway, back to the meeting....

Cant help but feel that a long break mid season would stop a lot of the fatigue and would keep the playing standards high. shorten the off season and allow a month break mid season. Cant help but feel this will increase the product and decrease players picking up injuries.

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:44 pm  

dont cut the number of games, cut the number the players play. If the season goes to 29 + play-offs, plus WCC, plus Challenge cup. Just limit the players to playing a maximum of say 25 games per year each.

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 3:56 pm  

SmokeyTA wrote:

dont cut the number of games, cut the number the players play. If the season goes to 29 + play-offs, plus WCC, plus Challenge cup. Just limit the players to playing a maximum of say 25 games per year each.

then it would become all about strategy and I'm not sure how the players would receive a rest if they miss one game a month for 4 months.

have a 4 nations or tri-nations 1 year and no challenge cup that season and switch alternate years with a break in the middle of the season. Players would be able to rest niggling injuries clubs with small squads would benefit massively and playing standards shouldn't deteriorate as they do because they get adequate rest every year. Also we wouldn't get bored of the same system challenge cup would become more popular as you could only win it every 2 years.

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 4:12 pm  

dubairl wrote:

then it would become all about strategy and I'm not sure how the players would receive a rest if they miss one game a month for 4 months.

have a 4 nations or tri-nations 1 year and no challenge cup that season and switch alternate years with a break in the middle of the season. Players would be able to rest niggling injuries clubs with small squads would benefit massively and playing standards shouldn't deteriorate as they do because they get adequate rest every year. Also we wouldn't get bored of the same system challenge cup would become more popular as you could only win it every 2 years.

But that would be part of it wouldn’t it, Some may choose to rest a player one game a month for 4 months, some might choose to rest all their big names for a week or two or a month in succession, some alternate. It would become another facet of the game. Another tactic of the season. If you were a lesser squad that season do you rest your players against the bigger sides and go all out against the other lower sides, or would you play your best squad against the bigger sides who may rest theirs against you.

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 4:27 pm  

bewareshadows wrote:

Maybe they walked out because they did not fancy the breakfast, but the lunch menu was much better.

....or they preferred PG Tips to Ty-Phoo?

Re: Today's big decision : Fri Jan 17, 2014 4:28 pm  

William Eve wrote:

Doesn't the England V Exiles concept satisfy your craving for elite 'international' rugby league?

LOL

Great Britain Vs Australia does.