northernbloke wrote:
Please explain how part time rugby league players who also have full time jobs are meant to bubble.
They shouldn't be expected to, but neither should the London Broncos be penalised for being a full time squad in what is supposed to be an "elite sport". Toulouse have played 5 fewer games than their nearest Rivals and again will not play at the weekend. They too are a full time squad, but they aren't penalised because they are based in a different country. Toulouse have elected to play some 'home games" (2 IIRC) so as to ensure they meet the threshold for qualification to the play offs....they have without a shadow of a doubt played the system and not in 'the spirit of the game"
The RFL are 100% responsible for this. Doddery Dave (to his credit) didn't play the "covid card" when he could (should in my opinion) have and his honesty (naivety) has resulted in a fine & loss of points for the club, but it has also shown the RFL to be bereft of either ethics or intelligence.
Toulouse, who are INVITED GUESTS should have been made either play all their games in the UK, or cover the expenses of visiting teams. The visiting teams would then have had the option to go to france or forfiet the game 24-0. If the part time clubs couldn't muster a side, then a 24-0 loss it is.....the same rule for all clubs regardless of the wealth of their owners.
If toulouse thought this was unfair, then....well ........nothing. They are invited guests. If they wanted to give the season a miss then fine, they could be relegated and start in L1 next year. Harsh maybe, but Covid isn't a sack of fluffy bunnies and hard decisions needed to be made.....but unlike Toronto, this was the RFL making decisions and not "businessmen/chairmen". The RFL aren't fit for purpose as is.....
