Quote: matt_wire "Those early years of the HJ saw some rocking nights. I seem to recall a ding dong fixture with Bradford in that first season among others. It has certainly changed since then, it seems so sanitised and stale, maybe that's more a reflection of what's offered on the pitch, but something just seems different compared to those days of Nat Wood running through the away end,Joey Johns spanking Leeds, or even the 2011 champagne rugby.
As a facility, I can't say much more than the previous posts really. It did play a big part in pushing us into the top 4 and out of mediocrity. At the time, it was easily the best purpose-built RL ground in the league and unlike some of our rivals it gave us an independence where we didn't need to go 'cap in hand' to someone else in order to have a home of our own. I'm pretty sure 20 years on it's still the envy of most away fans, perhaps barring Saints and Leeds.
It does need some maintainance, however. The white cladding is rusty and the seats are starting to fade. She needs a touch up, but here's to the next 20 years.'"
What’s being served on the field definitely impacts atmosphere, especially when there is a greater expectation on results as there has been since our move to the HJ. That Johns night was special and there have been many others.
Agreed on the maintenance, ironically it seems to be the corners that have aged more, rather than the existing structure.