blonde poker forum

New season kicks-off a month from now.

Got a bet on with my Dad. He reckons Leeds will finish higher than Wigan this season, I think otherwise.  Any Saints fans think they're in the mix this year without Cunningham, and what about Warrington?

Some nice new kits for this season, then there are the Wigan shirts... ;ashamed;

As a Wakey fan i couldn't be any less excited tbh

Leeds had about 4-5 serious injuries at the start and end of last season. I think 3 had ACL ruptured that meant we had zero chance of winning the grand final. After 10 games was we 3rd bottom? so last season was a write off, we did well just to get to the semi's.

This year is we get those fit before April, we have a good chance to push for the grand final.

As a bulls fan I'm even less excited than the wakey fan!

As a Giants fan i`m more excited than the Bulls and Wildcats fans but less excited than the Leeds and Wigan fans.

“Rugby league fans tend to be very loud, very drunk and very well behaved. “Whatever the team, we will always deal with some absolute ‘plums’ but it is mainly jovial banter. "

:D

http://www.thisischeshire.co.uk/news/8802732.From_horror_to_to_humour___rail_police_see_it_all/

Any truth In wakey being relegated and widnes taking their place?

Dunno yet but would probably suit the RFL

Wigan Warriors Head Coach Michael Maguire has today confirmed his squad for Sunday's pre-season clash at Warrington Wolves, 3pm kick off.

 
New signings Ryan Hoffman and Jeff Lima are set for their second run out in Warriors colours but missing through injury are Pat Richards and Brett Finch as well as Harrison Hansen, Martin Gleeson and Stuart Fielden.
 
Included in the squad is the youngest of the Tomkins trio in hooker Logan and with Sam and Joel also in the 19 it will be the first time all three brothers have been named in a first team squad.
 
Michael Maguire said,
 
"Logan deserves his chance and I am sure it will be a special day for the Tomkins family."
 

Must be extremely rare to have three brothers all appear in the same side in any professional sport?

I don't really like rugby but am going to follow it this year as an excuse to go out on a Friday.

I'm a huge Leeds loiners fan!!

Its cheaper than footy! and friday night is great for drinking around headingly and going to the game

thats my thought, just a good excuse for a piss up.  its a bit of a silly game with all that back passing and what have you but still its better than staying in on a friday watching dvds

5/1 on Leeds  - Regular Season Winner. good vallllue

I'm off to Millennium Magic this weekend, wheeeeeeeeeee!

Wish I could make it as well, should be a cracker.

You there on the Saturday/Sunday, or both?  Who's your team?

Both. I've only been to one day of this before, and watching so many games made my brain run out of my ears, so lots of breaks required. I am going with some professional drunkards, which should help.

As for team, I don't really have one- I used to be a Quin's season ticket holder when I was in London, but I've kind of given up with them.

Been to all previous magic weekends but watching this one on the box this year. Decided not to bother with UKIPT Notts either so should be a good weekend in front of the TV

As they prepare to face Grand Final opponents St Helens at Millennium Magic, Engage Super League champions Wigan Warriors have been installed as favourites to retain the title they won last October.  Wigan have never won back-to-back Grand Finals in the Super League era but William Hill, the RFL's official betting partner, have them as 2/1 favourites to taste success again at Old Trafford on Saturday October 8.

William Hill have St Helens and Carnegie Challenge Cup holders Warrington Wolves as joint second favourites at 10/3.

Wigan have also been named as favourites to finish top of the regular season table and retain their League Leaders trophy at 7/4 with Warrington Wolves a close placed second at 5/2.

Reigning Man Of Steel Pat Richards has been made an outside contender to retain his crown in 2011 at 16/1, while his Wigan team-mate Sam Tomkins has been made the early favourite for the prestigious award at 7/1.

Wigan and England winger Darrell Goulding has been named as the favourite to top the try scoring charts in 2011 with William Hill pricing him at 10/1 to cross the whitewash more than any other player.  Warrington Wolves new signing Joel Monaghan has been priced as second favourite alongside team-mate Chris Riley, Leeds's Ryan Hall, Wigan's Amos Roberts and Huddersfield's Leroy Cudjoe at 12/1.

William Hill odds to win 2011 Engage Super League Grand Final: 2/1 Wigan Warriors; 10/3 St Helens, Warrington Wolves; 9/2 Leeds Rhinos; 16/1 Huddersfield Giants; 20/1 Hull FC; 25/1 Bradford Bulls; 33/1 Hull KR, Catalan Dragons; 66/1 Salford City Reds, Castleford Tigers; 100/1 Crusaders; 125/1 Harlequins RL; 200/1 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Obviously I'm looking forward to the Wigan v st helens game, and looking at the Wigan squad is making me feel excited about the season:

Wigan Warriors 19 Man Squad v St Helens

Sam Tomkins, Darrell Goulding, Martin Gleeson,George Carmont, Paul Deacon, Thomas Leuluai, Michael McIlorum, Andy Coley, Harrison Hansen, Joel Tomkins, Sean O'Loughlin, Paul Prescott, Jeff Lima, Ryan Hoffman, Amos Roberts, Lee Mossop, Liam Farrell, Chris Tuson, Stefan Marsh.



St Helens 19 Man Squad v Wigan

Paul Wellens, Ade Gardner, Michael Shenton, Sia Soliola, Francis Meli, Kyle Eastmond, James Roby, James Graham, Tony Puletua, Jon Wilkin, Chris Flannery, Scott Moore, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Paul Clough, Gary Wheeler, Matty Ashurst, Andrew Dixon, Jonny Lomax, Jamie Foster

Referee - Richard Silverwood



Wigan's squad looks very strong, and doesn't even include Richards, Fielden, O'Carroll and Finch.  St helens are missing Pryce through injury and it'll be interesting to see how they cope without Cunningham - a big whole to fill (in more ways than one :D). 

Lee Mossop will have a big season for Wigan IMO injury permitting

Yes, could be a huge player.  There are also a lot of other youngsters coming through who are training with the main squad - so some of them might come through this season or next.  Including Logan Tomkins, Matt Russell (not EvilPie), and quite a few others with a lot of potential.

We are top of the league say we are top of the league!! CMON BULLS!!!

Wednesday, 9 February 2011 11:54 UK
     Team    P    W    D    L    F    A    PTS
1    Bradford    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
2    Castleford    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
3    Catalans     0    0    0    0    0    0    0
4    Harlequins    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
5    Huddersfiel   0    0    0    0    0    0    0
6    Hull FC    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
7    Hull KR    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
8    Leeds    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
9    Salford    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
10    St Helens    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
11    Wakefield    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
12    Warrington    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
13    Wigan    0    0    0    0    0    0    0
14    Crusaders    0    0    0    0    0    0    -4

:D nh

Top 8 finish for Bradford?

Yea shud be back up there this season!

blimey wigan threw that away

Convincingly. Madge will read the riot act.

Wigan until they collapsed looked like world beaters! I was getting concerned, their defense was awesome.

I would like to thank Bradford for being so useless its untrue and letting the Rhinos come back from 28-10 to beat you.


Proper rugby.

GTFO

Wakey look doomed after losing at Bradford today!

Also biggest score in rugby league today in the challenge cup as York beat Northumbria Uni 132-0!

Brilliant match tonight.  Wigan's best performance of the season, defensively they were fantastic.

No Sam Tomkins, Joel Tomkins, Paul Deacon, Pat Richards or Stuart Fielden (and obviously no Gleeson any more!) - but the players who were out there put in an amazing shift.

Mossop, Lockers, Charnley and Hoffman were the outstanding players for me, but the whole team were excellent.

Bring on Warrington next week!

some weird results that's for sure. We need our captain back! along with Maguire.

Couldn't believe Saints we 7/4 to win tonight..

Wigan v Warrington tonight.

Wigan gave their best performance of the season so far last week against Huddersfield, with quite a few 'star' players missing.  Warrington hammered Quins with a record score for them.

Tonight's game is very close with the bookies, and it should be a cracker.  I just hope that the lack of a recognised goal-kicker at Wigan at the moment (whilst Richards is out) won't be the difference today, with Hodgson being excellent for them in the kicking department.

Wonder if Finch will get his debut tonight as well, that'd be a boost for Wigan.  Not sure this headline is good news though, not with Monaghan in the Warrington side :D http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12215_6832901,00.html

Wigan spanked last week but they will beat Leeds tonight.

My Dad thinks so too (he's a Leeds fan), but the bookies only have Wigan with a 4 point lead.  My dad thinks it'll be closer to a 20-point difference.

Both sides suffering from missing players (Leeds more so I think), and both sides kicking very badly at goal.


Not for this game, but the good news for Wigan is that Pat Richards is back in full training and is playing for the U20s against Leeds on Sunday (so not only is he fit again, he's also managed to roll back the years!).  He has been a huge miss during his abscence. 

Shouldn't laugh, but:

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/11/03/30/RUGBYL_St_Helens.html&BID=480

Leeds were pretty tez for most of the game against us last week

Leeds have been shit all season. Missing our two best players with ACL's reconstruction means mid table is best we can aim fore.

All this talk of Leeds being awful got me excited for a bit a of a gamble....

Jumped on Wigan ftw..... Sigh

Has a team ever come back from 12-4 down?

erm yeah loads in league, saints did us from the same spot few weeks ago, plenty of time.

I've never watched Rugby league before.... Its like a less Glamorous NFL.. Its quite good!

Except for the fact Leeds have just got another TRY... oh my!

not given! ffs, well yeah trys win games in most games unlike Union :)

Well said mr mouse!!

2 Trys for Wigan.... does that win it?

Oh well.... Lesson learnt! Stay clear of Rugby!

Plenty of time, a couple of trys and its Wigans :)

that was knee breaker tackle.

Your my kind of attitude Acidmouse....

Although Wigan had 5 chances at about 10 metres and got no where... that doesn't fill me with confidence!

we might win!

Haha i'm a firm believer in we've still a chance to the last whistle! (I pray Nadal wins to get me out of Wigan destroying me)

HERE WE GOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

leeds leeds leeds

omg i love rugby league

If I hadn't doubled this with Peterboro i'd be excited right now!

I feel sick! I need to write that goalkeeper a strongly worded letter asking for my £60 back!

how to throw away a game in two words...Leeds Rhinos ffs kick now to draw game

Totally owned Wigan for 70mins...and then coasted lol.

That was my introduction to Rugby League..... Very good!

caught last 20 minutes - looked good and love to see Leeds players moping around

Leeds deserved the win, as Wigan waited 70 minutes before playing properly.

Too many mistakes by Wigan and not all forced by Leeds.

Lima has been disappointing since joining us, and there is absolutely no excuse for that sort of tackle.  Hope he gets a bollocking and even a ban as he's not what we want or need.

We need Richards back asap.

most unlike Wigan though from what I have seen before tonight. That tackle made me wince, lucky to not snap it.

Lima has already been banned for a few games this season.

He's a liability at the moment. 

That aside, both Wigan and Leeds need to improve and cut out the errors. I think they both will though.

lol at warrington result today, worlds gone mad.

Would never have predicted that one.

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=5835&type=news&utm_term=Wigan+Warriors&utm_content=Rugby+League+News

Best news for Wigan fans this season.

Martin Gleeson? Kin you know the truth behind his release.

On the gear? Smacked his wife up?

I know rumours.  From the usual to the quite bizarre.

I know he definitely turned up to training a few times drunk, and threw a punch at Madge on one occasion (the last time he came to training I believe).  He's currently banned from driving for 18 months (drink driving) and has a history of drinking and gambling problems.  I also hear he's mixed up with some 'wrong uns', but have heard lots of different rumours regarding this.  The recent blackmail story is associated to this and there was even talk of a gang turning up to Wigan's training and threatening Gleeson and other members of the team (I'm guessing the gang were armed!).

He shouldn't have played the World Club Challenge game, and since that time he's been effectively on garden leave.  I think there were legal issues regarding his sacking and he was demanding a pay-off and the club had to tread carefully.

Was a very talented player, but completely messed-up individual.  Wasn't that happy when he signed for the club (being an ex-saint and for his match-fixing and drinking issues), but on his day was an excellent player and showed that in the Grand Final last season.  He needs a lot of help, and from what I've heard Wigan tried all they could to help him, but he pushed things a bit too far.


On the other side, there's Gareth Hock.  He was banned for two years for taking cocaine.  He too was acting an idiot, but wasn't cheating or doing damage to anyone else but himself.  Wigan have helped with his rehab and stuck by him.  Apparently he has repaid that faith and support and has been training hard and is 'clean' now.  From those close to the club, I hear that he's looking in incredible shape (he always was one of the fittest in the club and always in the gym, even when he had a long lay-off through injury) and is raring to go again.  He's going to be ring-rusty after two years away from the game, but I think he's allowed to train with the team and play again from the end of May (approx.). 

Wouldn't want to bump into him in a dark alley...

(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc43/kinboshi/imagesource.jpg)

http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/11/04/06/RUGBYL_Exiles.html&BID=480

The exiles squad looks pretty good!

Wigan were big favourites last night, 20 points according to the bookies.

What a strange season.  St Helens currently looking like the stand out side.

lol really good week so far! cas games in hand can go top :) rhinos on TV today at 3:15 wtf.

Just to make sure it clashes with the National?  Seems a strange decision.

Anyway, as long as Burrow scores the first try at 16/1 :D

Yeah, watched Huddersfield and thought they were impressive - Brown and Robinson in particular.

They'll be in the mix come the play-offs, but haven't looked sensational so far - solid enough and far more consistent than Wigan, Warrington and Leeds though.

It'll be interesting to see which sides get stronger as the play-offs approach, as that's when it really matters I suppose.

Leeds beat but the big result was Leeds rugby Union beating Newcastle! last min drop goal to get off the bottom of the table! the great escape again is on the cards

please keep union off this thread, cheers.

do think Hudds are the team to watch, much as i hate to say it

THIS!!

It might be an interesting season. Cas top with a game in hand lol.

Wakey played decent yesterday with performances from some young British players. Encouraging

Been a big debate amongst Wigan fans about how we're playing this season compared to last and the effect the three new signings from Storm have had - and if the British young talent that we had and have would have been better, rather than these Aussie 'stars'.  I think (very much like Leeds) Wigan have struggled with key players missing from the side.

Out of the three signings, Hoffman has been decent, Finch has only just come back from some pretty big surgery, and Lima is a liability.  Lima was meant to be a line-breaker, but he's just another work-horse (which we already have with Coley, Mossop, Prescott, etc.) and not what the fans thought they were getting.  Maybe he'll come good, and I remember one Pat Richards having a very average first year at Wigan - and he's done OK since then.

Last season Wigan blooded the youngsters who stepped up and were more than capable, but this year the team's been disrupted by missing players (Richards, Deacon, Fielden, Gleeson, J Tomkins, Farrell, Riddell - all have been injured, suspended or have left since the end of the last season).  For long-term improvement of the Super League the young players need to get the chance to play, and they can show they're good enough.  Saying that, the 'exiles' team that I mentioned last week looks pretty strong and stronger than the home-grown squad will be?

We have a young loose forward called Howarth from Wigan who has been very decent for us

Rumours are that Madge is off back to Australia at the end of the season. 

I sincerely hope not :(

blimey another corker wigan winning it in the last min. :) good weekend, we donk bradford and hudds lose

League>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Union


AINEC.

What a game.

Well Madge is off at the end of the season, so let's hope we can get another trophy before he goes.

Today's game was a beauty, but probably wouldn't feel like that if Farrell hadn't gone over at the end.

Shock result of the day was the Crusaders hammering Huddersfield. Crazy season.

OMG, wakey 24-4 down with about 25 minutes left at Cas, won 28-24 - incred

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/13172779.stm

James Graham leaving Stains at the end of the season.  A big miss for them.

Difficult to predict any game this season, even with 25 minutes left to play in a game like that!

http://www.code13rugbyleague.com/2011/05/05/wigans-richards-set-to-reject-rabbitohs/

We couldn't afford to lose Richards.

You would be fine without him as long as you had a decent goalkicker

He's FAR more than a decent goal-kicker.  He's phenomenal under the high kick, both offensively and in defence.  He can tackle well, works tirelessly and can finish a try.  Also his return from the drop-out is a nice option to have.

Anyway, the news is very good:
http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=5949&type=news

Yea I know that but you have some excellent reserves for him, charnley goulding etc and probably wouldn't be the greatest miss in the Wigan team IMO ( like Tompkins S for example)

Oh, we're not a one-man team of course, but I think he IS the biggest miss when he's not available.  Sam is probably the next most important player, but Richards provides so much throughout the side.  Last season he won virtually every award (and quite rightly so), but he's been the most consistent and important player for Wigan for a good three seasons now.

Funny to think that during his first season he appeared as though he was going to be a bit of a failure, another Aussie who had come over here and failed to deliver.

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=5969&type=1



That's a serious vote of confidence in him.

Disgusting from Raynor. Definitely a red card.

Sam Tomkins so good that he scores tries in his sleep ;)

Is Rugby League one of the easiest betting markets with the handicap? 

Not this season it would seem.

Very much this - results have been all over the place so far.  Probably, as it gets towards the 'business end' of the season the results will be a little easier to predict as the stronger teams come into some consistent form. 

:dontask:

In my opinion it has always been quite hard and the handicappers are usually pretty good.

It's easier if you know Sean Long or Martin Gleeson though

Leeds vs Warrington tonight. Warrington -6 on the handicap betting 10/11

Leeds while on a good run I believe will struggle tonight, a few kids playing, magiure not fit, senior out for season etc. So tonight Matthew I will be lumping on Warrington

I'll be cheering Leeds on, but Warrington on -6 seem a good bet to be honest.

Still, it's at Headingley and there are quality players at Leeds - so who knows?

Sure would be nice to win it will be tough game glad it's ok tv!

Shame this came in so easy, bet if season so far (

When the wire stick those camo shirts on they go to town. Defo the best 'footy' being played by this team! Its either gonna be a big effort to overhaul them or a big fall. There on another level att!

If you tuck the favourites this weekend i.e. the ones with minus points, 6 out of 7 won. I know this is a very small sample and over a season it may even itself out.

 

Funnily enough the season does tend to be more predictable from around this point onwards, although this will be reflected in the odds being offered.

The odds are always the same (4/5, 10/11) it's the points which differ

You can choose the points difference though, can't you?

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos/exclusive_super_league_s_quality_could_take_nosedive_if_salary_cap_restrictions_are_not_eased_believes_peacock_1_3442534

Agree with what he's saying here.  O'Loughlin, who is Wigan's captain and highest-paid player is only on about £140,000 a year (I know it's not bad, but he's one of the highest paid players in the competition) - which is far lower than the equivalent union players get and of course a fraction of what the top footballers get.

great lets increase the cap but where does the money come from? they all need the TV money and unless this increases the cap wont. How many clubs are close to making a profit from crowds and merchandise? only 3-4 clubs that get big gates these days that I can think of.

I agree, that's part of the problem. They need to increase the fan-base and move it beyond just within the heartland in Lancashire/Yorkshire.  There are a lot of people who watch it on TV from all over the country, but far fewer travel to games to see them live.

Did they try it with a Scotish side a few years ago?

Why not increase the league to 20 teams

Get Fev Rovers in the Superleague.

Not sure that would solve the problem.  The teams that would be added are all from the traditional RL heartlands.  They've tried to expand it with the Crusaders, Quins and Catalan - but that's only done so much. 

Should be a good game tonight on Sky.  Stains v Leeds, both sides struggling with injuries, but both exciting to watch and can beat anyone on their day.  Tough one to call if you're thinking of betting on this one.

Same again this week, out of the seven games 6 of the fav won by more than the handicap.

And geuss which one i had a bet on?

Don't bet on Wigan!  Consistently inconsistent this season.

Huddersfield convincingly beat Cas/Halifax, who were playing away at Halifax's stadium against the Giants, who were the home side, in their away kit.

Like

Logan Tomkins is on stand-by for Wigan's game against Cas on Sunday. If he plays how proud will their mum and dad be?

The top three all struggled after the involvement of their players in Friday's match.

Interesting to see Roby playing for Stains, even though he was ruled out of the England side with a fractured cheek-bone. That healed well this weekend...;carlocitrone;

another cracking week! leeds stopped the rot and lots of upsets. Warrington 40/1 ON! to win at a few places lost...

Big match tonight and should be a close one. Wonder which Wigan will turn up tonight.

In other news, Martin Aspinwall won't be playing this weekend...

First half, and the proper Wigan players have turned up. 95% completion rate at the heart of it and some excellent performances from Richards and Hansen two pick two out.

Now Wigan have to continue with the same game, and not capitulate. No silly penalties, solid defence and completion of the sets as in the first half. We've thrown away leads like this before, but not after such a dominant first half performance. More please!

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

"St Helens had 14 men on the field at the time of their second score, with Foster having returned to replace centre Michael Shenton, who was still on the pitch having treatment for a leg injury..."

My brother said "...and for a second I thought they meant the ref. "

:D

good game, weird how the saints just looked so bad.

Get the fuck in there Bulls. Stick that up your poo pipes whinos.

Put your house on Wigan to beat Wakefield tonight.  Wigan are resting Leuluai and Hoffman, but that should make no difference. Wakefield have been dire, and John Kear really is clueless.

off to see Rhinos vs Hull tonight should be good game :) lets see if we can stay in the top 8 lol.

Would consider 1/500 good value as well lol.

Not a great game but a good result for your lot. Some decent performances but with the way you've been playing this season with the quality of players you have, it has to be the coach's fault, surely?

Gareth Hock hat-trick. Welcome back Gaz, who apparently was in awesome form and looking more and more match fit with each game.

Just in time for the CC match against Warrington.

Yeah we needed to win,  both teams lacked any imagination with their tactics and it seemed to me a dire game. Aside from lack of form from key players and one or two injuries the blame has to be on the coach. Alot of the Leeds fans dont want him there and he wont last long imo.

Not a bad crowd at the game about 15,000.

Any thoughts on the Warrington v Wigan match this weekend in the Challenge Cup?

Should be a belting match, and difficult to pick a winner.

For Wigan, no Fielden, but Prescott and those rested against Wakey all back.

Sam Tomkins, George Carmont, Pat Richards, Paul Deacon, Thomas Leuluai, Michael McIlorum, Andy Coley, Harrison Hansen, Joel Tomkins, Sean O'Loughlin, Paul prescott, Jeff Lima, Ryan Hoffmanm, Brett Finch, Lee Mossop, Stefan Marsh, Josh Charnley, Gareth Hock, Ben Cross are the 19, and I expect Cross and Marsh to be left out of the final 17.

Warrington will be missing Morley, but King will be fit to play.

Going to be some great match-ups in this game all over the park.  I think Leuluai will be key against Monaghan, and hopefully Tommy will be the MOTM and difference between the sides.  Might even come down to a battle between Richards and Hodgson with the boot if it's really close.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/georgeriley/2011/07/uni_student_with_an_eye_on_the.html

"When Sarah Bennison graduates from university this week, she does so with one main goal in life - to become a Super League referee."

Got to be better than Ganson, Alibert and Bentham!

lol she has to be better then most!

I think Warrington will sneak past Wigan :)

Wigan are evens with Warrington 5/6.  So the bookies have them slight favourites too. 

I'm on Warrington, St Helens, Leeds and Huddersfield all on the Handicap

Warrington, flip of a coin but gone with the home team
St Helens, hitting top form
Leeds, again a close game but the nod goes to Leeds after last week
Huddersfield, big gamble as resent form is not good but surly after last week they have a point to prove. 

Wigan lose this after being 22-0 up?

No chance :D

Unlucky.

Challenge Cup semi-final draw (August 6/7 weekend):

Wigan v Stains
Cas v Leeds

;mexicanwave;

rofl..great draw!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/14189659.stm

"Crusaders will not play in the Super League for the next three seasons after the Welsh outfit withdrew their application for a licence."

Super league is an absolute joke. The game has been ruined by sky tv. Get Featherstone rovers a licence.

Really?  You don't think that the game was dying on its arse in this country before Sky got hold of it?  I think the RFL is a joke, much like the FA, especially in light of Wakefield staying in the Super league instead of Halifax getting a place.  From an outsider their bid looked far more solid.

Wakey broke the rules, went busto and still stayed in with a shite ground. Halifax must be baffled they still didn't get a place!

Halifax fans try burning grounds down and invade pitches taunting opposition fans causing trouble.

Any rugby fans interested tmw ngt at 7pm At retort walker club I'n warrington there is a poker comp I'n aid of John clerke's testimonial year all team attending he's a good friend everybody welcome 20 buy I'n cash prizes and tickets 4 matches . Should be good night

Tetley walker club long lane warrington by the college starts at 7

There's been talk of Wane getting the Wigan head coach job and Sculthorpe being his assistant.

But heard this today from someone who is very certain about it:

"Shaun Wane head coach and Iestyn Harris to be assistant contracts to be signed next week should probably be released after that."

Wigan (from): S. Tomkins, Carmont, Richards, Deacon, Leuluai, McIlorum, Coley, Hansen, J. Tomkins, O'Loughlin, Prescott, Lima, Hoffman, Finch, Mossop, Farrell, Charnley, Hock, Cross.

St Helens (from): Wellens, Shenton, Soliola, Meli, Pryce, Eastmond, Roby, Graham, Puletua, Wilkin, Flannery, Moore, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Clough, Dixon, Lomax, Foster, Gaskell, Makinson.

Two very strong squads there. Not sure who stains will drop to make the 17, but reckon two from Farrell, Cross and Hock will miss out for Wigan.

Really looking forward to this game, and even though Wigan are favourites, it's against the auld enemy and so still nervous.

Would like to go for Wigan by 14 points, but might be a lot closer than that.

Sorry but St H are flying and will win this game, and with +6 thats were my money will be. Followed by Leeds at -8     

Wayne, keep backing the opposition against Wigan please :D

Great defensive display, and Wigan really should have put the game beyond doubt when Joel was over the line and he offloaded instead of going on his own.

Bring on Wembley!

Punting the Tigers to topple the Loiners later today. You never know what Leeds turn up and heres hoping Rangi Chase and co get at em!!

OK will do

Did not mind Wigan winning but not by 6 points. If the conversion was scored of the last try then we both would be happy.

On Leeds today so craigbetts bet is a shore thing :D

 

had free £20 bet on cas, sure was good sweat.

Blimey that was a tight game. Thought JJB's try in the first half should have been allowed, but other than that Leeds had to play their get out of jail card.

Going to have to play better in the final though, and I expect Leeds will up their game.

Anyone see anything other than a Wigan win, and what points difference?

Wigan to win by 10+

ofcourse wigan should win but look at the two games in the leauge this season and both teams could have won them both, every tight.

Not bothered as long as Leeds lose

This worries me too. If Wigan get the defensive work right and don't give away silly penalties or make handling errors, then I think they could win by 20pts. Leeds have been playing terribly under this coach, but the players are still good and on their day can trouble anyone.

Wigan 1/3 1/4 on? lol..not since sheff vs wigan has there been so big favourite.

Evens on Wigan -12.5pts.

Ridiculous odds on Sam Tomkins to get the Lance Todd trophy as well.

I'm on Wigan at -12

Sorry Kinboshi  8)

Haha, that's fine.  I've got a bet on with my Dad and given him 18.5pts.

Even you can't bok Wigan in this match (crosses fingers, legs, arms, everything).

Also on Joel Tomkins or Tommy Leuluai to get the first try.

I think it will close scoreline handicap about right. Don't mind so much as long a we don't literally get tonked like last years final.

Close match, forward passes by both sides allowed for tries. Bit of an arm wrestle and could have gone either way at one stage.

Wigan really won it with their first 30 minutes work.

Lima deserved MOTM, for his devensive work which was immense. Also thought Wigan were a different team with Leuluai on the pitch.

yeah wigan defo won it early on. Said it be close and baring the last min try it was.


Ahh well.

Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii still celebrating :D

Another final today, with the Warrington v Wigan game being the decider for the minor premiership.

On sky from 12:30.

Thx for the reminder, do you fancy your chances today? Could be tough on the back of last week.

Battered. I think Wakefield would have beaten us this week (well, maybe not).

Warrington far better today, and Wigan well below par. Something up with O'Loughlin, missed half of the Challenge Cup final and the same today. We look like a different team when he's not playing. Hope he gets over whatever the problem is before the crucial play-off games.

Featherstone Rovers would of.

The 2011 Engage Super League Play-Offs get underway this weekend, here is a reminder of how the Play-Offs work.

Wigan start their campaign on Sunday at home to St Helens in a Qualifying Play-Off tie, the game at the DW Stadium has a 2.45pm kick off.

Week One
• Qualifying Play Off 1: Warrington Wolves (1st) v Huddersfield Giants (4th) (winner receives a bye to week three, loser to week two)
• Qualifying Play Off 2: Wigan Warriors (2nd) v St Helens (3rd) (winner receives a bye to week three, loser to week two)
• Elimination Play Off 1: Leeds Rhinos (5th)v Hull FC (8th) (loser goes out, winner to week two)
• Elimination Play Off 2: Catalans Dragons (6th) v Hull KR (7th) (loser goes out, winner to week two)

Week Two
• Preliminary Semi Final 1: Higher-ranked QPO Loser vs lower-ranked EPO Winner
• Preliminary Semi Final 2: Lower-ranked QPO Loser vs higher-ranked EPO Winner

Week Three
• Qualifying Semi Final 1: Higher-ranked QPO Winner vs PSF Winner of their choice* CLUBCALL CHOICE
• Qualifying Semi Final 2: Lower-ranked QPO Winner vs other PSF Winner *

Week Four
• Grand Final: Saturday 8th October 2011, Old Trafford, Manchester.
• QSF1 Winner vs QSF2 Winner
*Highest placed winner in week one have the right to choose their opponent from the two winners in week 2.

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.aspx?id=6438&type=news

;carlocitrone;

Wigan capitulating at the business end of the season, sigh.

Now the RFL highlights its complete incompetence (or worse) :

"Warrington's Phil Bentham has been appointed to Friday's match, with Ganson taking charge of Sunday's other elimination tie between Wigan and Catalan Dragons.

Meanwhile, Mirfield's Richard Silverwood has been told he will not referee again until after the October 8 Grand Final as an internal disciplinary measure.

Silverwood, who refereed the ANZAC Test between Australia and New Zealand earlier this year, was stood down last weekend after being involved in an off-field incident at the recent Huddersfield-Leeds league match.."

Much better from Wigan, and now the club-call.

Can't imagine Warrington picking Wigan instead of Leeds after that nilling of Catalan.  But we'll soon find out.

Warrington v Leeds
St helens v Wigan

Two cracking semi-finals, and Wigan will be hunting revenge for last week.

One cracking semi, the other will be one way traffic!

You reckon?  I know we'll beat stains, but not by 20pts or so ;)

Warrington v Wigan Final

Tell me you haven't backed it :D

If you have, got to hope Leeds win tomorrow!

Leeds can still beat anyone on their day, but this is a long shot vs Warrington who imo have been the best most attacking team in the league this season. If we get battered though I think we should get new coach in for next season.

Yep, £50 double, Warrington-12, Wigan-2

It's funny how badly you were performing earlier in the season, and a lot of the fans were calling for McDermott's head (including my Dad) - and yet now you're looking good, and have been since the CC-final.  Of course, if you'd performed better earlier in the season your league place could have been better and you might have avoided Warrington in the play-offs.

Warrington are obviously the team to beat, and I think both Leeds and Wigan *can* beat them on their day, but it would probably need to see Warrington have an off day as well.

Great start from Leeds, just need to keep Warrington out now who have started very nervously.

Try of the season! Game on.

Game of the season possibly.

Leeds looking dominant and Warrington very shakey. But, if Warrington get the next try it'll go right down to the Wire (pun intended).

WP [ ] ref. sure was a knock on, gave them back the advantage.

[ ] knock on.

See u at the final Leeds haters. :)

Warrrrrrington you took one hell'o'va beating!

What a game, and brilliant from Leeds. See you in final!

Wow, hats off! soo deserved and it was not a case of the wire playing bad/avg, Leeds showed signs of old and Burrow was abs amazing!

solid! i expect a white wash tomorrow now.

want saints to hold this! wigan seem to always do us, so might have chance next week.

Dream final for me, regardless of the result. Just shows you never write of the Saints and Leeds. Feel a little bad for Wigan but least u got the challenge cup. Ok time to get ticket for final.

Wigan had nothing in the tank yesterday, and the best team on the night got the win. Wigan have been off the boil since the second half of the Challenge Cup final, and it's st helens and Leeds who have managed to peak at the right time.

Will be cheering Leeds on in the final obviously.

Ryan Bailey for the Harry Sunderland? :D

Congrats to featherstone rovers today. should be in SL.

i think you need more than the Average Attendance of 1,899 to be even considered. If you dont have fans it wont happen.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_1Gqw7yVXM

weee

Apparently, Joel Tomkins might be off to Union, provided Wigan and Saracens can agree a compensation package.

Also heard that Saracens have made a £2.2M bid for Joel AND Sam.

:(

Lol I'd give them Joel if they promised to stay away from sam.

Gl saints tomorrow btw

I would want any Yorkshire team to win if Leeds were not there, mind you its been a few years since thats happened :)

*waves* at the Rhino haters..

Keith Senior back next season in the forward line for the Rhinos?

rofl well that sure would be a suprise after his fallout with the boss. 34-35 Years old new ACL, erm not sure they would risk it.

Brilliant try from Burrow. Sensational run, like watching Jason Robinson in his pomp.

Great game so far, with Leeds enjoying most of the attacking possession.

Great game, and well deserved win for Leeds.

Rob Burrow, take a bow wee man!

Abs cracking game!

i dont even enjoy rugby but loved it!

its been a bad day for you...class never leaves the RHINOS!! we are the best team of the last 10 years FACT!

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Rumour now is that Sam is staying put, but Joel will be going to Quins RU.

wasnt a bad day for me at all, was a good game. Just wanted Sts to win because of they have played this season with two young kids at halfback.

Watched the final a few times now an its safe to say it was a good game. If the saints had taken half their chances when they were completely on top of us in the 2nd half it might have been too much for Leeds to get back. A couple of key injury's meant they were super stretched when Leeds normally come good. Much as it pains me to say Clarke was spot in in the commentry, 18mins to go he said Leeds are the best team for late trys and comebacks and the saints really needed to defend well to keep us out.

Obv is nice to win the grand final again but whats the best thing about it is the injury's and loss of form at the start of the season and to come good at the end. You simply cant beat the team spirit and experience the rhinos have, i counted 10 of the team being local lads from the Leeds area, many have never been to other clubs, they care about the club and it shows. Unlike Leeds UTD players you often see the Rhinos players out and about in town, or headingly they seem normal and one of us. Made up for them sure must feel amazing to win the lot with the team you support and play for.

Good news (for Wigan fans, and maybe RL fans in general):

http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12215/7297444/Sam-commits-to-Warriors

(this is in light of the imminent announcement of Joel's move to Saracens)

wow highest paid player in  the league?

Yes, except for the Warrington players on their dodgy back-handers.

come on england. I would rather england won today than win the football world cup

Took my 3 boys too the game.. sigh. 1st half we did ok, 2nd half was an embarrassment, the Aussies just ran us over.

we was lucky the 1st half, the ref+bad luck kept it close.

I actually thought we played well, but the problem is we are playing against one of the worlds strongest sporting nations at their national sport. Unless we play out of our skins and they under perform then there's no match. Shame, as our current crop are good, just not good enough.

There's a reason why they're the best in the world.

But Thurston was lucky to stay on the pitch after that deliberate high shot on Hall. Disgusting tactics from a world class player.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15810900.stm

Crazy.

Yeah that was brutal! He did well to get up from that and the knee in the head.

"Wigan Warriors are pleased to confirm that Wigan and England Full-Back, Sam Tomkins, has been selected to play in the forthcoming Barbarians Rugby Union Team against The Australian Wallabies at Twickenham on Saturday 26th November.

Sam becomes the first player ever to play in successive weeks against the Australian Kangaroos Rugby League Team and then against the Australian Wallabies Rugby Union Team.

Sam also becomes the first contracted Rugby League player to be selected for the Barbarians and will play at full-back in this prestigious meeting between two of the biggest names in the 15-a-side code.

The news comes just two weeks after Sam committed his long term future to Wigan Warriors and Rugby League by agreeing a new Five-Year Deal with the Challenge Cup Holders which includes a clause which pledges Sam to Rugby League for at least 3 years.

Speaking about the news, Wigan Warriors Chairman and Owner Ian Lenagan said:

"For Sam, Wigan and Rugby League to be recognised in this way by the other Rugby Code is indicative of the talent which Sam has and the growing recognition of the attractiveness and skill demonstrated consistently by Rugby League each week. It also shows the growing profile and respect shown to Rugby League and Wigan."

"The game itself is a great opportunity for Sam to play with and against some of the biggest International names in Union and will show Rugby Union fans what a tremendous talent he is.

"The Wigan Club was quick to give permission for Sam to play, a decision which fits well with previous Wigan creative initiatives in the Middlesex Sevens, the dual-code games against Bath Rugby Union and the recent Partnership announced with Saracens."

Sam will link up with the Barbarians squad on Tuesday for the game on Saturday before taking a well-earned break. He will then rejoin his Wigan Warriors team-mates in Florida in December to prepare for the 2012 season."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/8910252/Barbarians-name-England-and-Wigan-rugby-league-star-Sam-Tomkins-on-the-wing-against-Australia.html

;kinboshi;

Seems weird he's playing. Wouldn't have too much faith that 3 year deal goes all the way. If he's good enough for somebody to pay to break the contact then I'm pretty sure he could earn more money playing Union.

not everythings about money.

League>>>>>>>>union just saying like

You can keep saying it. It might even be true in terms of the game but Union is much bigger.
More money to be earned. More to achieve. More countries/cities to play in.

Definitely more money to be earned, and greater public recognition in union.  Look at how much his brother Josh is getting, and although he's a talented player - he's not a patch on Sam.

It's a short career, and can't blame any of the players switching codes to get a considerable pay hike.  It's just a shame that the better game is the one with less money in it, and the one that suffers from talent moving to the other code.

I guess it all depends on what sports-people want from life and careers.  You can live like a king as a top league player, earn £100k salary, numerous endorsement deals play the game you love for what is still normally their home town club. If you wish to push yourself even further then alot of the top league pros go to the Aussie league where its bigger than Union over here in terms of crowds, TV coverage etc..

Internationally it is alot less intense or important I agree but the amount of press intrusion in the national Union team get these days most players aint that fussed to be scrutinised for every cider they drink on their nights off. Union is run by complete idiots who are doing their very best to implode the game ATM, I wouldn't want to be a national team player being criticised from every corner right now, its does your career no good.

I wonder how many of the Union club teams have local players? where it means something to play for them? Do they give a flying fuck if they win for the city/town? I know when I watch the Rhinos at least 3/4 of the squad are local lads, brought through the system, giving everything for the team. I just don't get that from Leeds Union or when I watch the Prem Union teams on sky.

Smith had everything at Leeds, golden boy, winning grand finals, earning six figure salary then thought the grass would be greener on the other side, hopped off to wasps and came back within months. The word on the street was he was less than complementary about the Union players welcome and team ethics. He felt the game stifled talent and was bogged down with rules to prevent free flowing rugby (erm no shit Sherlock).

Nowt against Union, it might be on TV more but the games are dull and never live up-to the hype, give me Rhinos vs Cas on a Friday night anytime!

Oh dear:

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2086789/Nick-Harris-Banned-Martin-Gleeson-claims-rugbys-governing-body-involved-doping-scandal.html

Not just Gleeson and Long involved in cheating this time, but possibly the whole Hull side! Not good for rugby league at all.