Quote: Swarcliffe Rhino "The problem is that as it stands that quality just isnt there at the moment to spread evenly around. Yes we are are moving in the right direction albeit slowly but at least we are moving instead of stuck in the mire going round in circles.
Trying to get people out of the "heartlands" into a ground to see a team that has just pitched up on their doorstep, playing a game they have rarely seen and getting tonked week in week out will not keep them coming back for more. These "heartland" clubs have had many years to build up a community around the game complete with their own local heros and locally produced players, the expansion clubs have not got that luxury unfortunatley, they have to hit the ground running or its game over.
There is some stirling and unseen work going on in these expansion areas by the RFL that really is spreading the RL gospel way beyond the M62, Medway Dragons for an excellent example, so just because these expansion teams are not suddenly challenging for titles and not bringing many supporters to games oop north doesnt really concern me at the miniute, to steal a catchphrase "If you build it, they will come." and in time they will. We should help these guys not turn our noses up at them. Our sport is known as "The greatest game" we know this, lets show the newbies why it is by supporting them.'"
Excellent post.
If I can convince my RU indoctrinated step son that RL is better....and I'm largely getting there.... he will continue to spread the word more amongst his sceptical mates ....and get them wanting to play too.
If, though, they can't find a local club to play for it will all be in vain for yet another generation I fear and anticipate.
However, I hope the game will always continue to make efforts to spread its wings and chip away at the inferior RU product.
My father-in-law is a tougher nut to crack, but even he is begining to question his [iEddie-Waring-trundling-in-the-mud[/i prejudice, thanks to the Dragons. He has an old friend who lives in Perpignan and [ihe [/istarted to attend the RL games as well as the RU matches last season.
Needless to say this friend has also started to sing the game's praises to my more than sceptical father-in-law. Together we will get him to see the light
