Let's hope this is a big improvement on the last!

The graphics certainly look a lot betterhttp://api.ning.com/files/HjWAyeYdPMXlOzy5WXAaNm70rlKrtEVjz6ZGoQ13Tc*DefTav0RBgTTuwiYmD0jbHpQ2VRbkWrXYnyu49cBxzg__/RugbyLeagueLive201600x336.png" >

Rugby League Live (2010)http://files.allagegaming.com/200003315-c6420c73bf/rugby-league-live-xbox-360-screen2.jpg" >

The picture of the graphics on the 2010 game make it look better than it was!

Rugby Challenge, if anyone has played it is the bench mark. and looking at the thurston pic this seems pretty close.

To be fair they have adressed my two biggest bug bears in the graphics and lack of franchise mode. As well as including lower leagues. I also like the attention to detail, mud sweat and other stuff like socks up or down, touch judges with flags and tatoos (cant wait to see Delaney)

In terms of Gameplay I thought the original had a good base, you couldnt just offload and fend your way to victory you had to find gaps, however there were a lot of irritating things. such as

Props staning on thw ing and vice versa.
WWE tackles
No running onto a ball, or having to stop to catch
Tackle/break tackle animation taking you into touch
Interceptions.
A omnipresent defensive line wich moved in unison.

If they can fix the majority of theese we'll have a winner.

I'd also like to see at set play system, although that might be asking a bit much. And wonder if in the careeer mode super league will have promotion and relegation

Doesn't look half bad. Live was pretty poor - especially the fact it didn't have a franchise mode(what the hell!). Not going to get too excited till I get the game in my hands, but you never know.... it might just be okay.

I don't see why. It would only be the same as a lineout feature in Union or a play in the NFL games. You would select your play from a scrum for example and have to time the button presses right or your pass would go to ground, player would be tackled etc etc