SL as a game and competition is literally crumbling before our eyes.

I cant believe how much the quality has fallen in the last 3-4 years. Its a trend that is set to continue as our stars continue to defect to the nrl or union and interest in RL in the uk falls.

The authorities need to do something fast or this game is heading for oblivion.

If Warrington were at the top of the league this thread wouldn't exist

Exactly. Nor would the endless threads about play offs/meaningless league structure/apathy constantly crop up ad nauseum. People have been saying this since 1895. It really is rather boring!

Im not bothered about warrington results until the playoffs and later rounds of the CC.

And there in lies part of the problem. SL as a regular round competition is flawed.

Teams are less than half tilt and still make the playoffs comfortably. Im not saying Warrington will win the GF or CC but to get to the business end its generally a drab affair and pretty easy to do.

The game is not competitive. Bit by bit the rl stars are going to union or the nrl for more money, wider recognition and better competition.

Thats a very accurate description of the SL product at present.

Why? If memory serves we have had more draws already than at any point in SL. There has been plenty of upsets, most notably in Widnes on Good Friday. What is your criteria for defining boredom? Arguably putting 50+ on teams in 2011 was more boring than turning up and not really knowing what to expect this year. Yet I don't remember any threads like this then.

I am not sure standards are falling. In fact I think the game has become more boring as standards have actually improved leading to too much conformity.

The only reason that there have been more draws/losses/close games is that teams like warrington are choosing not to play to their full capacity and are reserving focus for the playoffs and CC games.

Leeds have played to this formula in the last 2 seasons and have experienced great success. The proof is in the pudding.

Its not right and makes the competition a complete farce but they havent broken any rules so good on them.

How do you know that?

Because I watch warrington and know that they are playing well within themselves. I guarantee that you will see different level of performances when it matters.

How else do explain Leeds suddenly transforming into world beaters from also rans in the last 2 years?

That, dear Colin is sport. Is it any different to Ali getting knocked about by Foreman for seven round?

The quality of players jumping ship from my club Wigan and super league in general goes to show how the league in this country is drastically losing it's value, if this trend continues I can't imagine Sky would be incentivised to pay much more than they are doing for the TV rights when all the "super stars" leave, thus continuing the cycle of restrained finances and mediocrity of games.

Formulated...over-coached...three quarters of the season meaningless. Yes, and very boring...That's why I'm making this my last season after over half a century of watching the mighty Wire home and away...I've just lost my affection and enthusiam for the game...I've seen the days when weekend just couldn't come around fast enough...Now I have to force myself to attend the match.

I hope that doesn't mean you will stop posting on here Brian.

Where else would I be allowed to be a Grumpy Old Man ?