Quote: gutterfax "Genuine question. Who has seen live championship games this year and can therefore tell us in reality how these kids will stand up next year. I ask, because fans of these clubs seem to think that whilst the games might be a bit slower, they are just as tough/hard and it seems to me that speed isn't a problem for us this year, but grunt is'"
Haven't seen any this year but have watched a lot in the past. I think the top teams will surprise people. Even the weaker teams are hugely ahead of Skolars, look how the Championship One promotees usually struggle. (Skolars used as a comparison as a lot of Broncos fans have seen them.)
I think the core of young players Joe is signing are signed with an eye on next season and beyond. My concern would be whether they are streetwise enough for tier two at the moment. I'm sure Joe will be aware of this and look to bring bring a few gnarled old heads who know all about the division.
London will have a big advantage on most of their rivals by being full time. I can see them winning games late on even when the other team look better for the first 60 odd minutes.
I'm expecting the most enjoyable season in years next season. I'm suspect the majority of fans who stick around will enjoy it too. The standard isn't as high, there will be more errors as part time opponents tire late on and some may find that a bit challenging to watch, for me it's all part of the appeal of that level of rugby league. After all these years of watching Broncos, if asked to name my favourite game I'd opt for Crawley 24 Hemel 22 or Batley squeezing home in the Heavy Woollen Derby v Dewsbury a few years ago. There's a lot of good stuff played outside SL.