I think Leeds have usually got the pre match balance between entertaining younger fans and not shoving a low quality pre match show in your face (Bradford style) just about right. They are currently making huge efforts to engage youngers fans and having player escorts to walk onto the pitch and line up with the squads is one way of doing this. If 1 child out of 34 for each match become a lifelong rugby league fan then I'd say it's served a purpose. I too thought there was going to be a minutes silence on Friday but we'll soon get used to it. Marching on Together was still being played as the line up finished so it's not like there was a period of silence or anything. Obviously some people are upset they don't get to chant 'Who are you?' at the opposition players as they run out.

As for fireworks, I doubt we'll see them every week but I wouldn't be worried if we did. I think Leeds' pre match stuff is usually pretty high quality (compared to most) and should be celebrated.

The atmosphere wasn't great on Friday but it wasn't dreadful either. What the game lacked was any kind of controversy to wind up the crowd. It was a pretty easy game to ref but I thought Hicks did a decent job - never thought I'd say that!

The atmosphere has been pish poor for a good year or so now.
Apart from the traditional MOT and the opening five minutes of banging the drum.
There is very little chanting, singing or motivation coming from the SS.
And before anyone gets on the I don't come to listen to the singing I come to watch rugby.
Well ask the players what they think when the crowd gets behind them.
There's nothing better than listening to the SS going mental and singing their hearts out.

Think people are maybe waiting to see what unfolds. Not easy to get overexcited about wins v Hull KR and Widnes after last year's collapse. Should the team show up well against the better teams, to a point where we can believe we're genuine contenders, then the atmosphere will lift accordingly.

My earlier band/drum comment was tongue in cheek btw.

Don't think it'll be much better come next Thursday either.
I HATE Thursday Games with a bloody passion.

And there`s hardly going to be much banter with the Giant`s fans, all 50 of them!

There's sort of a divide I feel. Between the band, the people right at the back and the people just in front of the first barrier (from the back of the SS) lets all just be friends and sing and hug.