in reply to the game in general getting boring, could'nt agree more. think they are many factors contributing to this, the main one i believe is teams so infactuated with structures, and as one has already stated, teams slowing the rook down, radford stated leeds have the worst structure, well from were i'm looking there top of the league and looking to make a clean sweep of trophys, not bad eh. also i believe we do have half backs in the game who are good enough, but coaches seem to think they are not any about, maybe the factor is the game has changed too much which is detremental to most halfbacks as they are more like robots now, even the no look pass, as its a structured play, the man will be there, i remember gentle saying about miller, he's like a dog on a liesh, wanting to try allsorts, well to me thats what the game is missing, those off the cuff plays. the game has become a game of chess, each attacking play, laying a platform to move defences about, for releasing the killer play in what the top teams, more often succeed. teams no more than ourselfs are trying to find that master half back, maybe we have one or is it the coaching or the game whats not letting these half backs show their potential, for me the stuctures and coaches must share the blame, just look at joe westerman, fans were slating this kid for the last few years for not playing like he was labeled, the next paul scullthorpe, get rid he's rubbish, now look radfords letting him play his own game, he's been outstanding in every game, our leader, maybe miller and others are just following instructions, so dont see the off cuff play what makes the game exciting,
for me, we need two refs, and maybe defences cant move until the dummy half gets the ball, the games far too fast now, (defences) and remember the flat line attack, well thats gone, wigan brought the old fashioned deep attacking line back, because the defences are so fast the need more space,

The Aussie coaches have basically stolen the skill out of RL over the last 20+ years, as Raggytash said earlier (& I alluded to this on the VT) wrestling/waiting for the ref to be told to get off, not playing the ball and various other aspects of the game have almost nullified the variety of the game.
When was the last time you saw a chip over the top on anything but the last tackle, (maybe Chase), when was the last time you saw a short kick-off when teams are already turning their backs and jogging back) other than when chasing the game, the game is completely and utterly boring at times, there's barely any thought outside the realms of drive/dummy runner & kick to corner or putting it up high.

Like others, I rarely come up these days as it's a fair old journey and not cheap (50% more for the travel than the ticket) but I'll keep coming when I can but I can't say I'm enjoying the sport that much..think I need to go watch some local amateur to get my juices back

Chris Sandow does it almost every game.....

I watch most NRL games every weekend and aim to get to most live Roosters games. I'll tune into EuroSport to catch Hull FC when live on TV, however I hardly watch any other SL games. For me, the speed and aggression is light years behind that of NRL. I hate to say it, but without Hull FC, my SL interest is nonexistent.

And, please dont get me started on the commentators......

a very interesting post.

Really looking forward to tonights game should be a cracker.

Some of the NRL games a few years back were terrible to watch , To defense orientated ,Wrestle & slow ptb . The two ref system has certainly helped to speed the game up over there now with less interference in the ruck .