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?

Think I may aswell get right amongst it in the southstand eh?

Any ideas what the pre-match entertainment will be tonight? Managed to persuade the GF to come for the first time!!

Not sure, but I bet you the Radio Dance Team has got younger. They seem to get younger every year. (Either that or I'm getting older).

Not sure the GF will be as appreciative as we will be, although you never know.

Was hoping for a John Innes classic!

Best choice! See you there!

Some of them are 16/17 this year! Next year's crop and that....

Stick in there matey, my first Leeds match was a loss (v Australia) but seeing the boys come good and winning the GF makes the losses easier to stomach.

Thanks for sharing.

It's only fair he joined the club, I mean most of us have...