They were all still basically amateurs back then training twice a week and working another job. The transformation during the next 10 years was dramatic. Almost as dramatic as the fall off in the last few years.

Watching these games from late 90s to the mid to late 2000s what strikes me is hoe Harris’ time in Union seemed to change him, he was for Leeds he was one of the most naturally gifted RL players of his generation, then just seemed to be a bit part player on his return at Bradford - a real shame really

It would be interesting to see how many times he touched the ball on average in a league compared to Union. My feeling is that half backs and playmakers don't transition well from League to Union because too much comes off 9. If you've got pace and power then it's different. Jason Robinson was just a wind up toy, put the ball in his hands and off he went. Perfect for either code.
Different type of fitness as well, you don't get the physical battering in Union. I guess he lost that perpetual motion game he had at Leeds. You watch him back then and he never stopped moving, he carried the ball in a lot as well, so much balance. But he got the ball when he wanted it, you can't do that so much in Union because all the fat boys get in the way.

Great video on the great Roy Francis. https://youtu.be/FRX27awOb6g

Great video on the great Roy Francis. https://youtu.be/FRX27awOb6g

Quote Jack Burton="Jack Burton"Great video on the great Roy Francis. https://youtu.be/FRX27awOb6g'" When I started watching league there were still a few guys in the Leeds team who had been coached by Francis. Neil Hague was one and he had a remarkable fitness record, hardly ever missing games though injury. He credited that to the training regime Roy Francis had in place early on in his career. I think a lot of older fans know very well who he is and he is rightly revered.

Quote Jack Burton="Jack Burton"Great video on the great Roy Francis. https://youtu.be/FRX27awOb6g'" When I started watching league there were still a few guys in the Leeds team who had been coached by Francis. Neil Hague was one and he had a remarkable fitness record, hardly ever missing games though injury. He credited that to the training regime Roy Francis had in place early on in his career. I think a lot of older fans know very well who he is and he is rightly revered.

i agree. Warren probably the best for his longevity and smoothness a bit like martin tyler from the football over here but i loved darryl eastlake who did all the aussie tests and state of origin games 80s and early 90s him of henderson gill 'doing a bit of a boogie!' fame had some great catch phrases and his tone was quality. of today i like vossy.

Im no Union fan but its a totally different sport to league and you cant really compare the two sports. You potentially only have the ball for 1 tackle in Union you arent guaranteed 6 if you dont drop it. League is a game of possession and Union a game of territory.

Iestyn was such a natural player, but not a natural athlete, speed off the mark and body swerve, but Lacked real pace over anything above 30-40 meters, Think he had to work really hard on his fitness and weight in his first spell in league, he put a bit of weight on in union and lost some fitness, maybe only 5-10kg and lost 10% fitness, but that was enough to lose his impact. Stayed in league he would have been hall of fame.