Clare Balding & Mick Morgan, the dream pairing.

Andrew Voss would be pretty good. He was the second caller for Ch9 here before Ray Hadley (who I can't stand) effectively pushed to replace him. Voss can be a bit annoying with his analogies, but TBH one thing I'd be desperate for if I were the RFL would be fewer commentators with thick northern accents. That's why I like Carney as well. It really does hurt the image of the sport IMO if all we hear are dour northerners banging on.

I don't mind the accents quite as much (though I agree we need non-northern accents, it's why I still don't mind Jonathan Davies on the Beeb) but it's the unprofessionalism that gets me riled. Whether it's Eddie not knowing the rules or keeping up with the game or Barrie & Terry saying things like "them" instead of "those" and them all appearing far too friendly with coaches, players and officials. It's that, in addition to the thick, northern accents that makes the whole thing seem amateurish to me.

I can't stand Clare Balding.

The difference between Sky and BBC is the quality of the broadcaster/journalist that present the programs. Sky is predominantly ex players with little journalistic training so their presentational skill i.e. use of language is very poor. The BBC on the other hans draft in professionals to host/present the program with elevates its standard of discussion and improves its flow.

Maybe like the BBC SKY need a presenter from outside of the game?

^ This.

Its why the Beeb's presentation is miles better. A novice (Balding at the time) asking questions to a knowledgable studio guest (Usually Noble), throw in an Ex-player who doesnt sound like a punch drunk Rocky Balboa and Bob's your uncle.

For the commentary, much the same. A knowledgeable, clear commentator, throw in an ex player or coach for colour and Boom. Done.

As opposed to the Zoo they have running at SKY. Blokes all vying for air time, inane dribble, every moot point argued out over the microphone, the mock outrages and the lack of a cohesive commentary, all while the top general yells "schermozzle, little chip over the top, he a tough hombre" like a stuck record.

Voss was a breath of fresh air during the World Cup. Genuinely enthusiastic about the good bits in a game, not constantly looking to pick fault with a player's positioning or a referee's judgement in the way that Stevo (or Davies on the BBC) are prone to do.

As you say, maybe a bit over-fond of an analogy but he at least gives the impression that he's enjoying what he does. So many times you listen to Hemmings or the Wigan contingent during a game - particularly if it's Wigan or Saints and they're getting beat - and it sounds like they would rather be anywhere else, genuinely depressed and upset at the way the game is going because they can't park their club loyalties for 80 minutes..

A wholesale change of commentary team would be a great opportunity for Sky to rebrand and repackage coverage of the sport that is growing increasingly stale by the week.

If Jonathan Davies commentates I'm watching games on mute. Like others, I like Wells & Carney and not Clarke and and his young Wigan team loving!

I'm pleased Eddie and Stevo are going but Sky's coverage will only improve if Neville Smith is slinging his hook as well.

The [sizeBREAKING NEWS[/size moment just at half time last night was one of the most cringeworthy things I've ever seen

Agree. Whilst it's obviously big news for Wigan and there's nothing at all wrong with Wigan making an announcement at half time, Eddie's completely fawning nature about the whole thing is what made it so cringeworthy.

It wasn't a quality player coming to SL. It was the return of Eddie's prodigal son. As if there had never been any bigger or better news in the history of RL.

Sky/Eddie, yet again, made the sport look utterly small time and insular.

I hope Sky roll out red carpet and fireworks if by any chance we ever announce the unlikely re-signing of Ian Kirke

After all he's won more than Tomkins

It was hardly unexpected either was it? And the suggestion that Ryan Hampshire would now be looking for a big game because of the announcement. Utter drivel from them last night.

As I won't be attending again tonight due to illness, I'm going to play 'Tomkins bingo' and count how often he is mentioned in the commentary.

My guess is 12. Anyone else want to play?