Quote: Geoff Tipps "If the RFL and clubs decide that "A" team rugby isn't the way forward (Wow! .....How can anyone conclude that "A" team rugby isn't the way forward?!?!), then I guess the next best thing regarding the reality of financial constraints is this merger .......Oh how I would love for the RFL to pull their head out of their booty and admit that the old format is overwhelmingly better for our game! .....We see it, they see it, everybody else see's it, but the RFL is too stubborn to accept that "A" team rugby is the only way forward because that would mean admitting that they were wrong and a return to yesteryear! .....Heaven forbid!
"A" team rugby provides youngsters an opportunity to play against experienced men, it provides "a another" trialists from the amateur game to prove their worth, professionals coming back from injury to receive valuable game time and professionals to prove themselves after a lapse of form.
Why on earth can the powers that be not see that "A" team rugby is the only way forward?!?! ........Damn them bureaucrats! ......F*****g deluded P***ks!!!!'"
I agree with most of this post but would point out that unlike the old alliance competion that we played in the game has moved on, back in the day we were part time at best & most got little but traveling money & a track suit, & the squad was half full of players who would never make the grade. I think in the fully pro era the cost will be prohibitive, but we should at least try & find a better way to get the young players experiance.