Yeah that's a tough one I suppose. Being a humanist (as opposed to a chav or an abuser posted above.) I'm just used to the idea of celebration of life being the overriding principle upon someone's death. Its still meant as a mark of respect just the same.

Personally I don't think a minutes applause would have had the same impact yesterday, the prolong silence in the ground was very moving and showed the unity of the fans in a way no applause (or any other noise) ever could. Its hard to put into words the surreal experience standing their last night and its certainly one I will never forget, I doubt their were many dry eyes in the ground!

And the fact it was so impeccably observed from the moment the video was shown to the whistle to signify the end of the official silence says a lot about rugby league fans on the whole and how this tragedy has impacted upon us all in a small way.

I have never witnessed anything similar to last night I must admit. We've all seen minutes silences but it was utterly silent long before the ref blew the whistle. Watching on TV was enough to make me hold my head in my hands so I can only imagine what it felt like to be at the ground.

so quiet at leeds it was eerie. the wire from the flag banging against the pole was all that could be heard.

As a slight aside I also thought Leon Pryce was highly respectful in the post match interview making every attempt to play down the Saints win and his part in it and reiterate that the overriding importance of the night was commerorating Leon Walkers tragic passing.

Lets hope that at all matches everyone shows full and proper repect for the silence, i would hope that anyone who does not is thrown out immediatley.

A minutes silence every time for me- always well respected by all RL fans.