Quote ="the_grobs"Good point!
Here's a suggestion...the RFL should build a stadium in the North of England, to host such events, Internationals, regional finals etc etc.
True that is human nature! But if you've just blown a load of money on a trip to Catalan, then you're even less likely to throw a quid in the collection bucket for the juniors, and it's another excuse/reason to miss some other away game, to again save a few quid.
It's harsh...but yes I'd save a North of England team every single day of the week rather than a team in French Rugby League. Don't fool yourself and think that the French would do any different!!
In regards to the International scene, the fans have voted with their feet on the international scene.'"
I think we'd have to agree on having totally different ideas as far as these points go. Although I do agree its a shame we dont have our own Rugby League version of Twickenham in the north to generate cash from, I cant bring myself to agree with any of your other points.
Rugby League on tour, whereby a group of mates go on a trip to watch a game, somewhere out of the norm, be that France, Scotland, Wales or London. Having a good time, a few drinks and soaking up the drama of a RL occasion such as a cup final. Where the atmosphere is brilliant, with all the fans mingling together before, during and after the match, is one of the greatest treasures of our sport. If we were to simply host all these events at Elland Rd or Old Trafford, it would'nt be anywhere near the same, and in any case we still wouldnt get to keep any more money as the stadiums dont belong to the RFL.
I cant agree that by going away on a trip on the first weekend that I would be less inclined to put a couple of pounds in a field collection the week after for my local junior side, I suspect that some people will put their hand in their pocket and some people wont, regardless of where theyve been the weekend before.
Like it or not, the internationals generate much needed media coverage and money for the RFL, we need a strong French side to give us meaningfull matches that will spark public interest.
I think the differance between our opions boils down to looking at the big picture of proffesional RL as a whole, or purely focusing inwards with an 'I'm alright jack' attitude, that would ultimately lead to a smaller RL community.
Still its only a thought, and we're all entitled to our point of view, who's to say who's right or who's wrong.
