I feel exactly the same, kinda depressing the realisation, as I love the game.

I think rugby league fans can sometimes almost have this complex, that the game should be growing bigger and better every year, because at it's best, theres nothing better.

But like many things it goes in peaks and troughs and the current state most certainly isn't a peak.

I think a few things have contributed to this, but the big bucks are in the NRL now so you don't get same quantity and or quality of overseas players bulking up the league, we don't produce enough quantity and quality ourselves so theres been a decline in the overall quality IMO. Add in the fact theres 14 teams now and this has magnified the situation. These type of realisations are stinging for many because ''the game should be growing, making progress, getting better'', it's that complex many rugby league fans have.

This takes years and years to turn around, the franchise system is almost much maligned these days but it at least (in theory) gives weaker teams the opportunity to invest in the infastructure and to begin producing quality players of their own rather than relying on queensland cup castoffs. Whether that is actually taking place, I'm not so sure.

Well well, according to the likes of G1 and Richie winning is the only thing that matters and fans only care about that. Seems some fans want to see elite sport played to elite standards.

I'll be honest, it's the only thing that matters to me. The quarter final in 2010 against Wigan was hardly played to elite standards, but beating them in the manner we did was as satisfying as any victory i've seen. An elite team is classed as the best in their field, that is only ever judged by silverware. Fans react accordingly, if your winning they're supporting, if you're not they're gone. There are a number of purists who would happily see their team defeated in a valiant and flamboyant manner, they are in a minority. Most people want to see their team lifting the trophies.

Well aren't we a set of miserable buggers tonight.

Let's hope it's not practice for tomorrow night.

Just like the good old days

Reading this thread it would suggest fans also want to be entertained - both Tad and Laurie have followed this team for many years home and away, so it is not as if they are glory supporters.

Usually if the standard of your rugby is poor you will not be competitive and therefore you will not win and your fan base will decrease, unless you are Wigan, who managed to retain their support even when they were rubbish. Most adults are able to understand the ebbs and flows of sport and winning is not the be all and end all. As you get older you become more discerning with how you spend your money and if you don't feel the entertainment offers value you will stop going - as evidenced on this thread.

Are you saying if the team goes into a decline and stops winning you will stop going?

It's not just leeds. Wigan apart the standard is appalling. Its the worst season Both standard and entertainment wise for years. Even the level of coaches is terrible. I love my Rl but i fear for the game in this country

Well I'm getting a big giddy now - always do before a big game.

I'm gutted I can't make it now, don't get paid until end of the month so can't afford it

Glad the midweek trip to the vet did that horse some good!

You'll all want a final ticket though, won't you?