Cannot help but think that outside of the rfl world he is not a big name long time since we had scully in the Gillette advert. Even in the nrl you think who would attract general media coverage Sam burgess cronk Smith. An d its certainly got something to do with the hodge podge international fixtures and no GB team. Which seem to be being addressed.

Great post Ratty

Spot on regarding attendances, the interest is there but the town needs to back the team and the investment made by the board by turning up in numbers. We need to buck the trend of smaller turn outs across the sport and send a message that we are a club to be reckoned with

Why do you say Blake will only be here for one season? Everything that I've read and heard from him indicates that he wants to see out his 3 year deal. He isn't like Barba or Sandow who needed to come to SL to get their careers back on track and be noticed, Blake had offers from NRL clubs but he chose us. I think he will still be here when Gareth Widdop arrives in 2020.

That's the view of some oppo fans not 'our' ratticus?

I think it was sarcasm,referencing other fan’s. The Giants board now as him as a 31 year old crock by time he gets here and need to say what’s being said on Redvee

In recent years, our best attendances (I believe) have been a reflection of the entertainment value, as much as, if not more than our potential to be successful. Our attendances, I recall, peaked during 2011 when we were playing our most scintillating rugby, crafted by a team full of creative and exciting players. I also think it was no coincidence that we achieved a sell out v Widnes (helped by a great Viking following) when Sandow, one of the most entertaining players, was plying his trade spectacularly in the first half of that season.

With Austin's arrival and the other quality players we have in our team; I really do hope the fans get out and turn up in numbers to match the effort and backing of our board, not to mention a potentially exciting season ahead!

Sorry UR can't see this happening now. Most of the lads I have been going with have stopped going because of the Thursday/Friday fixtures. They have got out of the habit of going and started doing other things now and despite my coaxing wont return, despite having watched the team for years.

However we were right.

I thought the narrative on here was, Barba was the type of player we needed and we had him signed, sealed and delivered but then he talked to Tony Smith who put him off Wire so he signed for Saints instead.

Anyway the difference between Barba and Widdop is Widdop hasn't joined us to pass time while he serves a drugs ban.

I’m absolutely buzzing!

If we can get a few years in with Austin and Widdop it’ll be a joy to watch!

Well one thing is for sure, if it's not our year this year it definitely will be next year.

He he. My point was that often a player is lauded then derided by the same fan base once that player has committed to a rival.

Something odd must have happened with Barba, I mean he did visit the training facilities which does indicate discussions were advanced. Anyway as the old adage goes "you never know what bad luck saved you from".