Totally agree but funny how during the world cup people just complained they couldnt hear the commentary because of wll the vuvus in the crowd (and they aint THAT loud!)

The commentators are difficult to hear at times as they seem to have the referee's mic turned up to volume 11 sometimes.

If the BBC adjusted the mikes so that Ray French could never be heard I'd be a happy man.

That'll be a lot cheaper than the usual getting a 'hand' in the parlour then

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE

Clare Balding is indeed a gem. She's a good example of somebody, with no history or background in RL, who's been willing to listen and learn with no pre-judgement - and as a result, realise that this really is the greatest game.

She is intelligent, articulate and has a high media profile. Her love of the sport can do nothing but good for RL.

It is impossible, unfortunately.

Nah, she's a bird, bring back Steve Rider.

[/RL Fan mode]

I had a big problem with the semi final. You can't get BB2 in Turkey, so I couldn't watch it! With Sky mess around with Kick Off times so much, couldn't the BBC have done this and found a slot to show it on BBC1? Or do they just show it when and wherever, with no attempt at raising the profile of the sport?

On a possitive note, at least there's no Ray French for the final.

I'm sure it's a massive priority at the BBC to increase RL viewing figures in the Near East.

No, but is there a dafference between showing something on BBC1 and BBC2?

Is it just me being delusional, or can I hope that the semi final would be on BBC1?

Has that been confirmed?

Well Dave woods did last years so hopefully he will do this one too.

I'm beginning to really DETEST the Beeb's coverage of our sport.

E.g. Watch again, our semi last year. The amount of times the picture cut to see inside the Wigan dressing room, when there is action going on, on the pitch. It's the same with action replays (far too many of them), when you can hear the crowd going bananas for the action on the pitch. Same again with this years semi, and the Bradford game. When I put the video (I'm old) on, the following day, I want to watch the match, not replays or shots of the crowd. There is half time for all that stuff.

On the subject of Clare Balding...what a breath of fresh air. Her knowledge of the game is improving game by game, and she has a good rapport with the studio guests.

Compare this with Steve Rider, who, from his coverage, made it look like he'd sooner be at a convention for paedophiles rather than a Rugby League game...
and as for that tosspot Des Lynam on Grandstand in the 80's...don't get me started.

rlhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8933013.stmrl