Well the game was on its knees, with its two biggest clubs crippled by debts. Without Sky and SL we may not have a game.

Were that the case I would say it was worth it, you however may have a differing opinion

Take the Wigan players out of the Melbourne test & you were left with Schoey & Steadman. The rest would struggle to get into the Current England set up. Newlove was class but didn't show up at international level.

That's Super League propaganda. Maurice Lindsay spouted that bollox in 1995 and it has been repeated ad nauseam ever since.

The game has struggled financially throughout it's entire history, and it has suffered numerous periods where it's been on it's knees but it has always bounced back.

Super League hasn't prevented financial struggles, nor has Super League saved the game either. Most clubs will survive and carry on, usually as a consequence of the largess of sugar daddies and the dedication of fans. If the sport was going under, it would have happened in the 70's. It didn't.

Same sheiss, different day... except...

Super League has destroyed proper international tours and international RL with it.

Current England set up...

When was the last time England beat Australia?

Have they beaten them at all during the SL era?

Last England win against Australia IIRC was the opening game of 1995 World Cup, although there have been at least two GB wins in the meantime?

Correct WRT last England win against Australia.

Opening World Cup fixture at Wembley in 1995 against an ARL-selected Australian team. Result 20-16.

There have been 4 GB wins during the SL era.

1997 V Super League Australian side - 20-12 at Old Trafford.
2001 V Australia - 20-12 at Huddersfield (post 9/11 tour fracas).
2004 V Australia - 24-12 at JJB Wigan.
2006 V Australia - 23-12 in Sydney.

Super League Era V Australia
GB: Played 18, Won 4, Lost 14
ENG: Played 8, Won 0, Lost 8
TOTAL: Played 26, Won 4, Lost 22

England are hopeless when it comes to internationals.

Can compete with NZ, on home soil. That's it.

Our record against NZ isn't bad to be fair

I miss winter rugby League. I think it may now be worth considering a re-evaluation of the winter season. There are some major benefits to switching back to the old timings.
Of course there is the weather issue, but frankly we start the season in Feb anyway and finish in October. The pitches these days are kept in much better condition than when I started watching the game and there is the option for much better artificial surfaces. Also, if they can do it in Union with the damage they do at scrums, rucks and mauls then we should be able to cope. The thought of having something to watch during winter and the real possibility of proper tours again must surely make it worth considering.

Winter rugby league!!!! Bring it back now!

Winter rugby league - coming back?
Absolutely no chance when Sky calls the tune.
Plus it would be useless for the Rhinos with Yorkshire Carnegie sharing the facilities.
I don't disagree with the sentiment though, there's nothing better on a cold bright, sunny, winter's Sunday afternoon than wrapping up warm & watching a game at Headingley, unless of course it's a game of kick & clap.

There's also nothing worse than trying to tempt people out of their homes into freezing rain and sleet to watch a knockonathon in sub-zero temperatures. The "floating" fan's cash is king, season ticket holders will turn up anyway and you've already got their money if they don't. Add in the problems with games being snowed/frozen off and rearranging fixtures midweek, the demands of those teams who share stadiums with football clubs and the idea of winter becomes less appealing to clubs than it might be to fans.

Absolutely.Sky and its money is what keeps the game alive and it will stay a summer sport as long as that is the case.

Although i, and i am sure many on here have great memories of Sunday afternoons pre SL things move on.The only real thing i miss these days greatly is the GB test series/tours, its a real shame the 4 nations thing and england brand is something i suppose but nothing close to what we had.

The way it was played out compared to now, didn't winter rugby only work out a few months difference anyway? i.e. playing in november/december instead of june/july....or something like that.