Norm, I hate seeing any club fail, I'm gutted for Bradford.

So am I.

I am not into Brownie point scoring so accept your point about they 'want to be part of RL' fair enough but you nit pic on my point about the game being strong - it isn't what I am saying is that when and if Toronto get into SL then a team WILL have to drop out and that will hurt them, yes I admit I am a fan of P&R so I should say tough luck but I am annoyed that whilst RL in England is weak right now the RFL seem more bothered about jumping at any money man promising the earth from anywhere else in the world rather than supporting our teams in this country who could do with some help right now. As for a business expanding you are wrong mate they do not expand when they are struggling they consolidate usually by closing under performing stores etc... You also have not admitted that with their squad they will wallop most teams in NL1 what good will that do clubs like Hemel and Coventry getting 80 or 90 points put on them?
I am sure you will come back with some more clever replies but this is end of story for me I like many other now former RL fans are sick of the way RL is run right now tbh

Quote: Fax4Life "I am not into Brownie point scoring so accept your point about they 'want to be part of RL' fair enough but you nit pic on my point about the game being strong - it isn't what I am saying is that when and if Toronto get into SL then a team WILL have to drop out and that will hurt them, yes I admit I am a fan of P&R so I should say tough luck but I am annoyed that whilst RL in England is weak right now the RFL seem more bothered about jumping at any money man promising the earth from anywhere else in the world rather than supporting our teams in this country who could do with some help right now. As for a business expanding you are wrong mate they do not expand when they are struggling they consolidate usually by closing under performing stores etc... You also have not admitted that with their squad they will wallop most teams in NL1 what good will that do clubs like Hemel and Coventry getting 80 or 90 points put on them? I am sure you will come back with some more clever replies but this is end of story for me I like many other now former RL fans are sick of the way RL is run right now tbh'" It sounds like your issues are with the RFL, rather than with Toronto? Coincidentally, you're club have invited fans down to watch them train with Toronto on Saturday: https://www.halifaxrlfc.co.uk/article/4 ... -fax-squad Looks like a decent opportunity for fans to see the facilities and the team train.

Quote: Fax4Life "I am not into Brownie point scoring so accept your point about they 'want to be part of RL' fair enough but you nit pic on my point about the game being strong - it isn't what I am saying is that when and if Toronto get into SL then a team WILL have to drop out and that will hurt them, yes I admit I am a fan of P&R so I should say tough luck but I am annoyed that whilst RL in England is weak right now the RFL seem more bothered about jumping at any money man promising the earth from anywhere else in the world rather than supporting our teams in this country who could do with some help right now. As for a business expanding you are wrong mate they do not expand when they are struggling they consolidate usually by closing under performing stores etc... You also have not admitted that with their squad they will wallop most teams in NL1 what good will that do clubs like Hemel and Coventry getting 80 or 90 points put on them? I am sure you will come back with some more clever replies but this is end of story for me I like many other now former RL fans are sick of the way RL is run right now tbh'" It sounds like your issues are with the RFL, rather than with Toronto? Coincidentally, you're club have invited fans down to watch them train with Toronto on Saturday: https://www.halifaxrlfc.co.uk/article/4 ... -fax-squad Looks like a decent opportunity for fans to see the facilities and the team train.

Me too, I'm gutted for the Bulls fans, especially those who once again, having supported their club by buying early season tickets, have been screwed over. Bradford have failed 3 times in recent years so the question is- is it time to give up or is it time to accept reality and move from the hole in the ground and cut their cloth appropriately ?

Their repeated failures affect a lot if people so they need to realise they are a Championship team and manage that state of affairs.

Norman, even their fans don't realise they'renot SL anymore....believe me!

Norman I'm sure as a die hard Fax fan you would never give up on your team no matter how many times they were in the brown stuff , I applaud all RL Fans as they are such great people,,I'm not sure what has really happened at the Bulls , but I do feel for them nobody likes seeing a team down and out .

I`m all for expansion of rugby league, what better advert to young hopefull players wanting get on in the game placing the thought of travelling to France and now Canada and who Knows if it goes well maybe a USA team next Its marketing dream for any sport

Yes mate, we've all been there, and hopefully we won't return but I'll hold my breath on that one.

Mmmm - it's not as glamorous as it sounds.

Travel Thursday, train Friday, whistle-stop tour of Toronto, play Saturday, travel Sunday, lose 5 hours, then work at the day-job Monday.

It's a bit like airline cabin crew - they fly to all sorts of exotic places, but most of them never leave the airport - in fact many never even leave the 'plane. I agree with Griff, it'll be a bit of slog getting there and back, with a game of RL thrown in and no real chance to "see the sights". More interesting for any fans that go, but if it was me, I'd want to tie it in with a proper holiday in Canada (dream on!).

The Toronto Wolfpack are one of the few positives in the game right now. They have somehow convinced people with Millions to get involved in a crazy idea and have managed to get International Sponsors and the National TV in Canada involved. They are taking all the risks and they are doing a great job in raising the games profile especially in North America. The RFL and clubs are not paying a cent for this opportunity. I can only wish them the best. I had lunch in Toronto in 2015 with CEO Eric Perez. He told me about this and I thought thats just so crazy. But he was so positive and told me who was involved. The 2 hours we spent was one of the best I have ever had in Rugby League. That positivity and different attitude is why I feel Toronto will be a massive success. I hope that in time we will see a Professional North American League. We already have a host of amateur teams in the USA and Canada.

The failing of Rugby League in ENgland and France are linked maybe to the traditions and how things have always been. The Sport is seen as unfashionable and skint. Toronto come with money and power. They are fresh and have a positive vibe. Should they enjoy success and get the crowds of 7K (which is very small for N Americans) then we could see maybe a NY team or whoever join them. The world is now much smaller. Fly to NY or Toronto for a long weekend is possible. Our Sport is the only one that can offer its clubs (and those connected with them) the opportunity to go to North America and play against a team from their own in a competitive match. For many thats a dream and gets people excited. Its something we can sell. But sadly as usual, many people would rather think negative and moan. Our sport has many positives but somehow it attracts so many people who think negative. I hope Toronto storm through the League and win SL. They have the potential to change the way our sport is thought of. We need Toronto to be a success as the whole game will benefit.

In my present career I meet lots of people from the USA and Canada, I was very surprised at first by the amount of them who play rugby, albeit the Union version, ( I am hoping this venture by the Wolfpack will convert a few to league) .
My point is that rugby has been played 'over there' for donkeys years, and yes was seen by most of the public as a poor relation to their football,only played by guys who had failed to make the grade but wanted a run out every week, all the people I meet are very knowledgeable about the laws and subleties of both codes of rugby and tell me there is a decent following of both codes.
One of the veterans I have enjoyed crossing paths with in this part of the world is an ex Canadian International by the name of Eddie Evans, and a more diehard enthusiast about the sport of rugby you will find hard to meet.
My point is do not dismiss this as some 'fad' by a few people with more Money than sense, like L B C , I hope Wolfpack are a success and spread the gospel according to league.
Like others previously mentioned, with the squad assembled by them it is going to be hard for the teams in C 2 and some cricket scores should be expected, this will not help the game short time, but how much bitching would there be if they were put straight into the Championship, remember the uproar about Catalan!
A final point, the likes of Fu fu and Beswick might have gone for a final hurrah, but do not underestimate the strength in depth of the local boys.
This is my humble opinion of course, detractors welcome.

A big problem I see. Will the championship 1 clubs be able to raise a team to go to Canada. As most of the championship players will have other more important jobs which will come first as they will be the players main source of income. Time off from these jobs may not be possible for some players. Which could leave the club short or very under strengthed.

It's possible that a couple of players might struggle, but employers of part-time sportsmen know that there will be occasions when they need time off work. Everyone knows when the games in Canada are, so it should be possible to schedule time off given the advance notice available.

I'm not a fan of this initiative at all, but it's creating a bit of interest which is no bad thing. If it sparks off interest in professional RL in Canada and even the USA, then that's a good thing, but I just can't see the transatlantic experiment continuing given the expense involved. France works (it's an affordable holiday if folk plan it in), but Canada?

I do wish them well. Cricket scores if they have a stable team, but there could be a few surprises if they have a few injuries. Assuming they're promoted, I suspect that the Championship (which is getting more competitive) may be more of a challenge than they imagine.