The big difference is that you rarely hear him. In fact sometimes you dont hear him at all and the commentators paraphrase his views.

I dont like the idea full stop, but at least we dont get Webb's views on every little incident.

I find Stuarts interventions cringe worthy at times.

I like the NFL idea which I understand is being introduced in the NRL, of the broadcaster having access to an official from the refereeing department who is sat in a central studio somewhere.

While the main commentators are talking about a particular incident and watching the replays during a stoppage, the official can look at all the different camera angles (including ones the broadcaster isn't showing on their TV coverage) then chip in with their considered opinion. Works really well with the likes of Mike Pereira and Mike Carey who are former referees doing that role for the TV networks.

There's little point Cummings being sat on a commentary gantry seeing only the replays that Sky choose to show then having to pass an opinion on the spot off the back of that.

Cummings involvement wouldn't be so jarring if the idiot commentators didn't throw every incident at him as some kind of allegation - which he then feels compelled to defend from a refereeing viewpoint. It just doesn't work, because everyone involved is too dumb to use it properly.

As I said before - pare it back to only those voices that are necessary, and add in current or recently retired players who can actually talk sense about the game with some modern frame of reference; avoiding where possible the braggadocio of Baz and Tez (every single game has a reference to 'red sweat' and how often Baz was sent off) and the awkward bants of Eddie and Stevo.

To me it's as though they ask Cummings about some decision just to justify him being there. If they don't need to ask him then why bother?

I know we are straying a bit off topic, but I would love some non partizan commentary on the Dragons home matches.

It's great for us exiles that Sky show them, but please not so much Englishcentric commentary. If that's a word. And spell check says it isn't.

So you want an English broadcaster, broadcasting to an overwhelmingly English audience, to focus less on English sides for the benefit of a handful of Dragons fans in England?

I don't quite know how to break this to you...

This ^

Stuart Cummings
90% of his input is to solve arguments between the commentators or to correct the commentators who are ignorant of the rules. It's ridiculous. No other sports coverage needs an ex-referee there to keep the commentary squad from spouting bullshine. If the commentary team were decent, he wouldn't be needed.

Eddie doesn't commentate anymore, he sparks conversations that aren't directly about the game we're watching. Creates arguments in the team for no apparent reason.

Stevo - one season left - good riddance.

Baz & Tez - No idea what they bring to the table other than crap jokes.

Clarke - Awful

Agreed.

Get rid of Rod Studd as well. Constantly shouting everything little thing that comes into his mind.

The day can't come soon enough when Carney and Wells take over.

Wells and Carney - knowledgeable and insightful. How it should be done.
Hemmings - has done some fine commentary over the years but now seems to call the game 3 or 4 seconds behind the play (watch next time and you'll see what I mean)
Stevo - Dreadful, repetitive and unimaginative waffle
Clarke - Excitable about Wigan, derogatory about all other teams
Bill - not good enough
Angela Powers - get rid
Rod Studd - I quite like him!
Terry - Poor
Barry - Poor but not quite as poor as Terry
Cummings - why?

That's a team of 11 when a team or 4 would more than suffice.

I would also like to see Tony Rea more. He has a great knowledge of the game and talks very well. Does he still do the Sky Sports HQ roundup thing on Sunday evenings?

Indeed!

Anyone else spot the deliberate mistake on tonight's highlights show?

Agree like tony rea, and I think he still does his HQ roundup

No, we'd just like them to actually acknowledge that two teams are playing and their commentary is supposed to be neutral. 'Baz and Tez' in particular frequently seem to be actively supporting the opposition.