..and maybe there arent enough "qualified" SL refs around, especially when one "goes missing " due to a possible combination of anger management problems and old ladies..

I have been a life long fan of Rugby. Having played both League and Union in the 50's and 60's and coached in the 80's & 90's. Since the late 50's I have actively supported Leeds and have been privileged to watch most of the greatest players throughout the game from 1959 through to the current SL era.

The move from part time pros to full time athletes has seen a big improvement in fitness and defensive and team skills. However IMO the individual attacking skills have not improved and may have gone backwards. In fact there are far fewer individually brilliant players now then in the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. As has already been stated almost every team had very gifted half backs, creative centres, ball playing looseforwards & props and the game seemed faster and more entertaining.

But there were also periods of boring play when there was no limit on the number tackles. I remember when they first introduced a limit on the number of tackles and Roy Francis producing a fast offload game that was superb to watch.

I think SL has gone backwards over the last 3 or 4 years due in part to the accent on no risk defence. So the play is now so predictable and is becoming boring with the result in a drop in attendances. We are breeding all the players to be the same build with too much work in the gym building strength rather than speed and ball skills. There seems to be no place now for the slightly built back with great speed and a side step. Our are really all now 2nd row forwards without the ability to change the angle of run to draw or step the opposition and give their winger a clear run.

However I am still a big fan and happen to think this is just a phase we are going through. Some coach will come along and sweep the board with attacking rugby bring in the crowds and everyone will copy the new format.... I hope!