Tricky to think of many genuine 'length of the field' efforts in an International match isn't it

Yes I think I know the Mike Gregory one... but was that a length of the field one??

I think it has more to do with 1) RU having unlimited tackles so they could if they wanted get to the try line through a massive number of tackles and rucks gaining only minimal distance between each tackle (Such tactics (minus the rucks) I believe were the reason RL adopted a limited tackle rule in the first place). RL players have only a few chances each time they are in possession to get to the try line. RL players will run into a gap as they need to make ground. RU players will run into a man to draw opposition players into a ruck so that a teammate can either kick the ball upfield or run to make a few metres before instigating the next ruck.

2) The fact that many RU rucks and mauls can result in penalties and that in RU penalties and DGs are worth 3 points compared to 5 for a try. It takes a lot less effort to get to within 30 or 40 metres of the tryline and then get someone to pop over a DG or to take the points from one of the all too common penalties than to ruck and maul all the way to the line. Do that twice or three times and you have more points than a try would give you. The whole RU game is geared to that approach and their players don't want to run a long way for 5 points when the kick for 3 points approach works.

Only ex RL players will regularly look to run with the ball in hand as that is what they have been taught to do in RL. RU is all about kicks at goal, they will wait for a scrum 10 metres out to collapse so they can get a penalty (and will then kick at goal) rather than try to get the ball out and score a try.

Thats the difference between Union and League, Union main objective is goals in League it is trys.
Before League was born a try had no value at all and its true meaning was the award to "try for a goal". I reckon if Chris Ashton was re introduced to a an intensive game of rugby league he wouldn't last 30 mins.

oh dear

www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 29,00.html Quote It's disappointing, even more so given he's a home-grown player,The worst-kept secret in rugby was announced this week when Kyle Eastmond declared his intention to switch codes at the end of the season. The St Helens and England ace will join rugby union side Bath in November, bringing an end to his 10-year association with Saints. Boots 'N' All spoke with Saints chief executive Tony Colquitt, who admitted disappointment at losing a player of great ability, whose future seemed to be mapped out at the club. "It's disappointing, even more so given he's a home-grown player," said Colquitt. "There's a lot of people and coached at the club who spent a lot of time with Kyle. "But our game has campaigned for the best part of 100 years for a free gangway between the two codes. A player has chosen to move across and we can't really say a lot about that. "Royce Simmons (St Helens head coach) has had a word with him. Kyle broke the news to the players at training on the Saturday morning after the Warrington defeat. "He looked the guys in the eyes, shook their hands and told the lads he would give them 100 per cent between now and the end of the season. He's no different to any other player. Royce has told him that if he plays well he'll be in team." Differential Eastwood's move has led to calls for the salary cap to be raised, but Colquitt doesn't believe money is the primary issue in players switching codes. "All 14 clubs aren't spending the salary cap but I think there's a wider issue," Colquitt told Boots. "I don't think money in the short-term was foremost in Kyle's mind. "The big differential between the codes is not what goes on at club level, but international level. I think the game needs more marketing focus and more commercial focus. "I think we are very strong in terms of development but in my opinion Super League is a very process-driven organisation, and the game just needs to find ways to raise the profile of our stars. "If you look at the way society is, people are driving for celebrity. And instant celebrity status almost comes with the England rugby team at the moment; that's a big appeal to some of the younger players." Colquitt wouldn't be drawn on potential replacements for Eastwood, but admits Saints are already eyeing up a number of options. "We're disappointed Kyle's going but there's plenty other cards we believe will be in the ranks shortly," he revealed. "We'll continue our investment in junior development, in which we've a strong tradition. But equally we'll be looking overseas and we've already identified a couple of targets."'"

www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 29,00.html Quote It's disappointing, even more so given he's a home-grown player,The worst-kept secret in rugby was announced this week when Kyle Eastmond declared his intention to switch codes at the end of the season. The St Helens and England ace will join rugby union side Bath in November, bringing an end to his 10-year association with Saints. Boots 'N' All spoke with Saints chief executive Tony Colquitt, who admitted disappointment at losing a player of great ability, whose future seemed to be mapped out at the club. "It's disappointing, even more so given he's a home-grown player," said Colquitt. "There's a lot of people and coached at the club who spent a lot of time with Kyle. "But our game has campaigned for the best part of 100 years for a free gangway between the two codes. A player has chosen to move across and we can't really say a lot about that. "Royce Simmons (St Helens head coach) has had a word with him. Kyle broke the news to the players at training on the Saturday morning after the Warrington defeat. "He looked the guys in the eyes, shook their hands and told the lads he would give them 100 per cent between now and the end of the season. He's no different to any other player. Royce has told him that if he plays well he'll be in team." Differential Eastwood's move has led to calls for the salary cap to be raised, but Colquitt doesn't believe money is the primary issue in players switching codes. "All 14 clubs aren't spending the salary cap but I think there's a wider issue," Colquitt told Boots. "I don't think money in the short-term was foremost in Kyle's mind. "The big differential between the codes is not what goes on at club level, but international level. I think the game needs more marketing focus and more commercial focus. "I think we are very strong in terms of development but in my opinion Super League is a very process-driven organisation, and the game just needs to find ways to raise the profile of our stars. "If you look at the way society is, people are driving for celebrity. And instant celebrity status almost comes with the England rugby team at the moment; that's a big appeal to some of the younger players." Colquitt wouldn't be drawn on potential replacements for Eastwood, but admits Saints are already eyeing up a number of options. "We're disappointed Kyle's going but there's plenty other cards we believe will be in the ranks shortly," he revealed. "We'll continue our investment in junior development, in which we've a strong tradition. But equally we'll be looking overseas and we've already identified a couple of targets."'"

"Eastwood's move... "

So is he staying until the end of the season or not?

Some people are saying he has already gone?

how do we raise the profile of our star players?

Why does the corporate/media world have no interest in our game but back Union? Is it still because union is associated with the grammer/private schools etc. Some Union has players seem to move in high circles so is it something that League will just never have?

Can High quality PR people change this for Super League stars?

How is it in Australia? Do the NRL players get that star treatment compared to Rugby players?

From my experience you cannot underestimate personal bias in the corporate world - including decisions which should be made on 'business' decisions - particularly when it comes to sponsorhip.

Simple answer - as we have seen over the years with Hockey, Rugby Union, Cycling and even Curling... win something

The RFL, the clubs and the fans should only have one target for the next two years - win the 2013 Rugby league World Cup and take advantage of that success to build the sport

McNamara and the RFL are moving in the right direction by putting together an elite squad and bringing them together for regular sessions throughout the year - let's hope it pays off

Agreed but selecting Brough does not fill me with much confidence.

get them to sign for Union Club