I hope Sam gets a heavy fine and a match or two for what he has just done to the Leeds fans after Charnleys try. Idiot.

And what does this have to do with this topic?

I found this article to be an extremely odd piece and typical of the Daily Mail's attitude towards Rugby League and what we have come to expect. It wasnt even written by the person that normally covers Rugby League and seemed to be more of a propaganda piece for Rugby Union than anything for Rugby League.

Here we are, the day before possibly the sports main showpiece event of the season especially for those with just a pssing interest in the game, and all Rugby League gets is a rare full page article with next to nothing about the game or anything positive about the game as a whole. Why couldnt we even get a full page about the actual match or event? Instead it is an article which makes the game sound like its on its deathbed and is just a feeder sport for Rugby Union. Sam can only answer the questions that are asked and I cant imagine Rugby Union players being asked all about Rugby League or Footballers being asked all about Rugby Union. It seems to be like it was put in there simply to undermine the sport and the occasion and to show the virtues of Rugby Union.

This is exactly why Rugby League struggles for recognition and sponsorship. Like it or not the Daily Mail is a very successful paper and has a huge readership. Why would anyone want to invest in the sport or feel compelled to watch or try it after reading an article like that. It just makes you think that the sport doesnt stand a chance and is fighting a losing battle against what is essentially a competitor in Rugby Union which gets millions or pounds worth of free PR top bolster its game.

Poor wickle Weeds fans.

Today's Mail, small article bottom of page with " the Sam Picture " was there a Cup Final this weekend , rubbish coverage all they talk about is the Sam 1 second incident.
Anyway we have the Challenge Cup, Super League trophy, Wigan are back, and there is a lot of people can't stick it, well TOUGH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And why would that stop them going to Union? Or wanting to stay down under?

The basic problems are RL is a lower paid sport and has not got the International profile. The England Ireland RU game was dire. Compare that to the CC final and it's no contest but the fact our sport is a better spectacle doesn't alter the basic facts and I don't see how two years in the NRL changes that.

Leigh Fan

Yes I know that. But he said for what Sam did to the Weeds fans.

Cool. To be fair most aren't. Mostly Stains and Dire on here these last few days.

Well Sam did more in 2 seconds to raise the profile of the challenge cup and rugby league than the entire game. I was there on Saturday and work in the south; I am the only Rugby League fan I know. However, after the match a lot of people told me that not only did they enjoyed the match, but wont stop talking about Sams V's.
Naughty, but nice.

I agree. I just don't see how sending players to the NRL will advance the UK game. It may give us more of a chance on the international scene, but thus far our NRL 'success stories' - Burgess and Ellis - have done little more in Test matches than their fellow British forwards. And Morley's only memorable contribution was getting send off in the first 5 seconds.

Personally I want the UK competition to be as strong as possible, and that means keeping as many of our star players as we can away from the RU and from the NRL for as long as possible.

The simple fact is that rugby league needs to get more cash and a higher profile or it will continue to lose a lot of its talent.

The problem for Sam is he's already won everything the game has to offer.

Ashtons boot deal is likely not far short of Sam's salary not to mention his international fame, something all sports stars desire.

The Union teams arrival in New Zealand generated more headlines than our CC win, god knows what it's going to be like for the next few weeks.

Yeah you are exactly right, he may as well retire now. Greatest RL player ever IMO!