G1's post was brilliant. I have never understood people on here who get on their high horse and attempt to laugh at others for attending rugby league games, that I'm assuming we all still love. I'm sure they're all looking for a bite, well after years of reading such posts, here is my "bite", and beware it's a long one, so fat boy, switch off, as I'm not giving you a shortened version.


Do I laugh at others for spending all that money on fags, and going out three times a week and getting so drunk they can't say their name?

For me, rugby is about socialising as it is for many others. Of course, 80 minutes of rugby is the main factor of the day, but it's definitely not the be all and end of.

I've met some fantastic people through rugby (some of the away fans suddenly spring to mind), and I still regularly meet them to this day. Hull fans that I met on a night out in Watford at the cc final, salford fans that were in Manchester after the game once etc etc. There's too many to remember.

Some great moments have come out of away days at rugby in particular, running through Twickenham to get into the ground for the second half. Our taxi breaking down in Salford. Running through Piccadilly on countless occasions (I do understand it would be easier to just get a treadmill). I also remember the time we forgot the final tickets and my mate had to go all the way back up the M1 to meet him.

I accept some people would prefer to have an easier life and listen to it on t'wireless, but for me, I enjoy attending rugby games, for the on and off field drama, win or lose (as long as there is a degree of effort put in).

Some people pick and choose only a handful of games. They go to france to get there holiday in etc, for me, I don't care about that, I'm happy with a saturday afternoon in Hull (Please can everyone refrain from using that as a signature), or sunday afternoon venturing around the capital then sat on the riverbank in Richmond.

I don't have a season ticket anymore as I am obliged to miss the odd friday fixture, so it doesn't make economic sense, but as people have stated in the past, it's an emotional roller coaster, and one I enjoy being part of. Some people feel the same about attending fancy restaurants, and having numerous packs of cigs a day.

Does it make me thick or stupid because I spend 70pound going to warrington, or going to wigan when I know our chances of winning are slim, when I could just watch it on sky, post on here every night attempting to wind people up, and turn up to Manchester in October. Who is one to judge on how one spends ones money?

To be honest its nice to have a positive poster on here. I'm kind of split on the subject though, i think while McDermott needs to be questioned for the performance (opposite to what the OP thinks) i agree with him that the criticism shouldn't go into abuse territory. Healthy and non-too-personal criticism is ok, going onto booing during games, name calling and disrespectful comments i think is unnecessary.

I believe Swiftcorn got a bit of a ban following an argument on the VT with an Aussie about Aussie Rules Football and claiming he knew Australia better than a guy who lives there. Don't know if it applies to here though but his absence is greatly appreciated.

Quote ="Gotcha"Come on folks. This is another AP/Keith alias. Don't get sucked in.'" It's not really a case of getting sucked in, as others have commented it's remained a civil discussion. I've always been notoriously poor at identifying the men behind the 'characters' but agree it's likely to be one of the regulars. Either way it's provided an outlet for some frustration. Will it change anyone's view - I doubt it. rhinowinorlose probably still thinks Henry Paul wasn't replaced at the Harlequins and that he was always a leading role model off the field : news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 038590.stm I'm guessing the Quins were just grateful he wasn't the chauffeur driver behind the wheel of that Mercedes S280.

Quote ="Gotcha"Come on folks. This is another AP/Keith alias. Don't get sucked in.'" It's not really a case of getting sucked in, as others have commented it's remained a civil discussion. I've always been notoriously poor at identifying the men behind the 'characters' but agree it's likely to be one of the regulars. Either way it's provided an outlet for some frustration. Will it change anyone's view - I doubt it. rhinowinorlose probably still thinks Henry Paul wasn't replaced at the Harlequins and that he was always a leading role model off the field : news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_l ... 038590.stm I'm guessing the Quins were just grateful he wasn't the chauffeur driver behind the wheel of that Mercedes S280.

Agreed. It's a discussion forum, this is a discussion. Does seem to wind a few people up though - not sure why.

I think in short they players have to take the criticism for the way they play and they shouldn't be exempt from criticism but equally the manager has to take some blame for the standard of play and tactics used in the game.