When it's as bad as Rugby AM I'd prefer nothing at all.

I completely agree and cant believe the snobbery of "some" RL fans when it comes to Rugby AM. The state that RL is in at the moment, I dont think we have the option to be picky.

So far this series weve had, Ellery (GOAT). Where else are we getting to see Ellery speak about the game and his career?

Weve had Robinson. Where else are we getting to see him speak about the game?

Access to players like Holmes which gives a little bit of an insight into their lives and careers.

A really, really interesting documentary on the Knights tour to PNG where if it wasnt for Rugby AM and JJB we wouldnt get to see what goes into something like this and the life changing experience it presents to the young players. Something many of us will never experience.

So its not the best presented or best produced material on TV, but so what. Its giving me, an RL tragic, a little insight into areas of the game i find interesting. No one else is doing it.

Along with all the podcasts that various folk are doing I can only see things like Rugby AM as a positive for the game. I bet the amateur lads that are getting the chance to play in televised games arent grumbling. I bet Jamaica RL arent grumbling from the little bit of publicity its giving them.

As the old adage goes. If you think you can do better then do it.

I bet you cant.

Well said! Good to see there are one or two open minds! Who was it once said "Any publicity is good publicity"? (Apart from me that is!).

Cant believe all the grumbling tbh. Theres been some great and interesting pieces on Rugby AM, JJB speaks well about the game and they get fans interviewed and insights into backroom teams etc.

They do a lot promoting charities and the game in general, if you dont like it, dont watch it!

I don't think its snobbish to point out that Rugby AM is amateurish, boorish and outdated and given the state that RL is in, we absolutely do have a right to be picky.

It's a complete myth that all publicity is good publicity.

It is and we really havent.

On what basis don't we have a right to disagree with how the media is portraying the sport?

Do we not have a right to object to The Times running that "a team that doesn't care" headline ahead of the WCC? After all, it's coverage and we've no right to be picky, right? The same principle applies to s like Simmo and Wagga.

Rugby AM belongs in the FHM / Zoo / Nuts era and if it's really the sort of media that the sport wants to encourage to build its audience and credibility (of which, Rugby AM does neither), we may as well go the whole hog and sell the next TV rights package to LADBible.

The fact that youre comparing The Times, a London based newspaper that couldn’t care less about RL, with Rugby AM, which holds everything RL at its heart is absolutely ridiculous. The same principle completely doesn’t apply in this scenario.

Ill just say, i completely and utterly disagree with you.

Here's an adage that applies to Rugby AM:

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt".

Simmons and Godwin do nothing but promote RL as a sport for simpletons, even if that isn't their intention.

Well said. Just because it's the only RL show outside of SLS and Boots n All doesn't mean we should be happy about it.

It's not ridiculous in the slightest. Their reach and agenda isn't really relevant here - the thing they have in common is that they are media outlets giving a public portrayal of RL. The implication of "we can't be picky" surely applies to all forms of media coverage, right?

The fact that Simmo is an enthusiastic fan with a TV camera doesn't change the fact that Rugby AM gives a poor image of the sport, and it's not snobbish to call that out.

The fact that the RFL, Super League and the clubs indulge Rugby AM is more a reflection of lazy media relations from the respective parties. The effort should be put into getting our talent and our stories into credible media that speaks to the audiences the sport needs to reach - not taking the easy option, sending them for drinking games with Simmo and his sidekick and thinking "that's the PR for the year done".

I dont understand all the comments about it spreading a negative image. Its shown on "made in Leeds" and Free Sports, theres not a million Union fans all watching it to have a laugh at us.

Its a poor show, and its low budget is clear to see, but it is made by people with a real passion for RL and when that shines through it is watchable.

Pretty much the best part of the Leeds season so far for me was finding out that the club had relieved Simmons of his half time and post-game shouting role at the stadium. I'm sure he's a genuine Rugby League fan but I have no interest in hearing him badly, and loudly, express himself and his not particularly well-formed thoughts.

I just showed the latest episode to 4 mates over at mine for lunch.....they are fans of both codes, 3 are Maori Pacifica, one is an expat English Soldier....2 have played pro sports....they, to a man though it was the most cringeworthy thing they've seen on TV......IT IS AWFUL.
How much you wanna bet?
Seriously, I could do better with my samsung phone camera and a bit of software...........it's a shambles

Do it then. Its easy to come on here giving it the big’n but in reality you cant and you wont. Not sure what your mates heritage, jobs, career paths have got to do with anything like but cheers for letting me know.

I just showed it to my mate Dave, 2nd generation italian-american, ex-NFL running back, now pizza delivery guy and he absolutely loved it!

If you don't like it then just listen to Dave Woods podcast on the BBC instead

Simmons started Rigby AM in his garage . The show is embarrassing , Simmons is either shouting his mouth off or just laughs at anything anyone says to him .

Wayne Godwin just makes a fool of himself , he’s about as funny as a bunion .

And I can’t understand a word Jamie Jones Buchanan says .

Come on, you cannot seriously be defending it? It is embarrassing.

Thank god only about 12 people watch it.

The question you need to ask yourself in order to decide if you should carry on making the show (presuming you're involved as nobody else would be defending this rubbish) is 'Do any other sports have such a programme' and when you realise they don't maybe then you should take your camera to cash converters and just enjoy watching professionally made tv.

must be doing something right as its on freesports now... albeit not a big mainstream channel!

i like it, though this new series hasnt been as good as before

wayne godwin has been a hit with the fans and his gameday... but they seem to have stopped it now



JJB is good to listen too and his england knights videos are great.

when simmo got that chilli in his eye





brilliant


each to their own!

You are either Alex Simmons or a relative because criticising Rugby AM has clearly hit a nerve.

The 'why don't you do it then' is particularly childish. People criticise refs yet wouldn't dare pick up the whistle, people criticise Theresa May yet wouldn't have a clue where to start:

I'm neither. Nor do I have any affiliation with Rugby AM in any capacity whatsoever. It may be that I just actually like the programme. I'm a rugby league fan and quite easily pleased, more than others are, it would seem.

Why is it childish to suggest someone should "do it" who has stated they can do better with their Samsung and a bit of software?

My issue is Alex Simmons, JJB and Rugby AM are doing a lot more for the sport I love than some of the whinging t0$$ bags on here. And simply put, If they believe they have the time and money to do better then lets see it. And as ive already said. I bet they cant.

Im not involved with Rugby AM.

Tell me what was so embarrassing about Wednesdays show? or the week before with Jason Robinson on? or the week before that with Ellery on?

I've never watched but its on again on saturday 1pm so I'll put a record on for it and see whats all the fuss about

It is what it is....plenty of decent guests and I quite like Simmons.

Obviously low budget but no one else doing a rugby league magazine show on telly so......