I've always had in the back of my mind though that it's the size of the sport that helps to make it what it is. I do wonder that if it had the same sort of money getting thrown about as Football what impact that would have on the game?

Either way, you're totally right. It's the best sport in the world. Certainly as a spectator sport. RL is awesome to watch. I think it's designed to be watched, don't get me wrong, I like throwing a ball about as much as the next guy but it really is a very "watchable" sport.

I've never understood Football's appeal as a spectator sport?! Football (IMO) is designed to be played. I think that's why so many people like it. It's a very "playable" sport. You don't have to be very good to enjoy kicking a ball around a park. But as a spectator sport, I really don't understand its appeal!?

Sounds like a plan!!

The corresponding fixture last year was 62-4 so fingers crossed!

you poor sod. is there such a thing as parent abuse?

tvoc is a closet X-Factor groupie maybe he has a soft spot for Justin Bieber as well and might do RhinoVirgin a swap, his season ticket for a game, for his Justin Beiber ticket?

Might possibly of persuaded a friend to come along and join me next friday. Although he is a Union fan (Newcastle Falcons season ticket holder) so he might take a bit of converting!!

They have just signed Rikki Sherrife. I think you will be fine.

For a minute, I thought Loz had decided to own up and change his username

Welcome mate, you'll really enjoy the game, let us know how you find it!

I think this is a valid point, RL is an accessable sport, in the early days of superleague I used to sit at break times at work on the same table as Paul Burns (Workington) they were in SL at the time and Les Quirk (St Helens) these guys did a full days work then went training in the evening, Workington were part time, St Helens were full time for their 'stars and imports' the rest were part time.

Also my mate who lives round the corner played a season (or 2) in the early eighties for St Helens, he was a centre and he lost his place in the side to none other than...Mal Maninga, we often have a chat about it.

RL players are (mostly) down to earth guys, people can access them in everyday life.

I remember some years ago when Leeds juniors were at my sons school there was Bailey, Scruton, Ablett, L Burgess, L Smith and many more all willing to have a chat and a joke, you just wouldn't get this with football, this is just part of the reason it's the best sport in the world.

You'd never experience fans from 14 football clubs all drinking together with hardly any bother as we had in Cardiff this weekend, nor would you see the match officials mingling with fans.

Last year on the way back from Catalans we were sat next to Ben Thaler on the plane, he was more than happy to have a good chat about his day to day life and what the average SL ref had to do to make it a full time job. More than you'd think to be fair!

Anyway, Leuluai comes strolling over looking over the top "comically" menacing (having been Sin Binned by Thaler in the match). Before he got to us, Thaler was pointing at the linesmen [sat over the isle] saying... "It was him Kylie, he made the call... I had no choice if he's come on with the flag!!". Now this linesmen was pretty young and kinda nervously laughing along. Kylie stood RIGHT OVER HIM, proper looking down on the linesmen in the chair, still hasn't said a word. You could tell he was totally joking in that "lad banter" kinda way but it still must've been pretty intimidating. Anyway, Robbie Burrow is on his way back from the toilet so he pushes his way between Kylie (who still hasn't said a word) and the linesman shouting "Leave him Kylie, leave him he's not worth it!" Kylie just pointed at the linesmen and to his eyes in that "I'm watching you!" hand gesture thing then just cracked a huge beaming smile and had a good laugh with the linesmen.

I love RL.

Well not long now folks, should get over for bout 6pm, bite to eat couple of pints and first live SuperLeague match, cant bloody wait!!

Decided where you're standing?