Quote ="Fantastic Mr Cat"Worst case scenario in your idea then, you're looking ar 36 rounds/weeks for a completed season, where are we putting the 2nd cup competition in, after the challenge cup?'" I count over 40 fixtures for Wigan in 1991-92 (I pick out them because they won most stuff in the season I started watching): https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seas ... mmary.html So you could argue that that many fixtures is problematic, but it certainly used to happen, and squads are bigger now. I would have the Regal Trophy or equivalent back. It could satisfy those above who want to see more free on terrestrial TV games to get people interested in the sport. And, as I said, having another cup in there gives more chance for supporters to see their team lift a trophy. Even in 1990-1991, when Wigan were dominant and we had a mediocre but hard-working team, we won that trophy. The following year, Widnes beat Leeds in the final when Wigan and Saints were the teams scrapping it out for the league.

Quote ="Fantastic Mr Cat"Worst case scenario in your idea then, you're looking ar 36 rounds/weeks for a completed season, where are we putting the 2nd cup competition in, after the challenge cup?'" I count over 40 fixtures for Wigan in 1991-92 (I pick out them because they won most stuff in the season I started watching): https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seas ... mmary.html So you could argue that that many fixtures is problematic, but it certainly used to happen, and squads are bigger now. I would have the Regal Trophy or equivalent back. It could satisfy those above who want to see more free on terrestrial TV games to get people interested in the sport. And, as I said, having another cup in there gives more chance for supporters to see their team lift a trophy. Even in 1990-1991, when Wigan were dominant and we had a mediocre but hard-working team, we won that trophy. The following year, Widnes beat Leeds in the final when Wigan and Saints were the teams scrapping it out for the league.

I'll always take a game of skill over a game of thuggery - if you want "biff" you have to accept the likelihood of losing players through cowardly assaults or predetermined acts of aggression (crusher tackles, focus on joints etc). Losing a key player for months on end as a result of such an act isn't entertainment, or acceptable in the name of professional sport.

The game is tough enough now as it is, general hit ups and tackling are ridiculous (across the board) head knocks are occurring al the time now and injuries are left right and centre.

And yet, they keep changing the rules to make it faster, arguably a bit more reckless.

For those that used to watch before the 10 metre rule came in, how do you think going back to 5 metres would affect defensive lines and big hits and stuff like that ?

I only started watching in the early nineties but I think a 5 metre retreat would need half-backs with more skills than we see now to unpick defences.

I agree with you on the hit ups and stuff. I think to really grow the game it's got to be attractive to parents who will only feel safe if we clamp down on the dangerous stuff. I'm pretty sure there are ways we can incentivise attacking rugby, maybe by offering bonus points for teams that can score more than a certain number of points. Or maybe change penalty goals to single points to discourage slog-fests. To be honest I was against that in the past as I wanted to complete with the Aussies defence-wise, but seeing how the game is dying a slow death over here I want it to be as attractive as possible. More flair please.

More teams, more trophies to win, and close, tense games* above flowing rugby and aggro on the pitch. No-one likes seeing games that are finished by half-time because it's already 24-0.

*I know more teams might not be totally compatible with close games, but over time it would if the salary cap was designed in a way to encourage a level playing field.

Any proposals that can achieve those things have my support.

The product is absolutely dire, I can't argue with that. We continue with it because we are emotionally invested, but we need to forget any new fans and expansion for a while.
How do we improve the spectacle? For me we need to stop over reffing it, ans get rid of video ref too.
We also need to go easier on players, sop banning our best players for slightly mistimed tackles (tetevano). Stop aiming for perfection and accept that when blokes get tied and in heat if battle things happen!
By all means strike down on malicious intent, (gouging, testicle grabbing, chicken wings, racism) but generally give the players bit more leeway.
And dare I say it..... BRING BACK THE SHOULDER CHARGE!!!!