...you have to realise that scoring tries don't happen at RL regularity. Sometimes you don't even get tries in union...that doesn't happen in league.

I stand by that claim... especially at 450k a season!

That sounds a bit boring... I hope ITV never show it on prime time TV on a Saturday afternoon.

Given how long the ball is actually in play for in Union, 8 games is probably the equivalent of 3 RL games, not having a pop btw mentioning it in relation to match fitness

Rugby League is fast becoming very kick oriented like Union.

Fast....how fast have we moved that way in the last 100+ years?

Waste of money going for Eastmond and would be a disappointing return to buying crocks.

He isn't injured.

I suggest increasing the tackle count to let players have more ball in hand . Maybe 10 tackles,let the ref use all his digits.

There are more kicks than there used to be BUT our scrums take up next to no time in comparison. We don't have line outs and 6 tackles take a minute or less. In addition at less time is used up on goal kicks as there are far less on average. Which is why I said the ball is in play far more in RL.

I don't think anyone disagrees with that. I was just asserting that in my view there are far more kicks than there used to be*. Last attacking tackle, kicking early in count and "game management".

RL scrums are a joke so I don't think we gain much from citing that.

*In 2003 Shaun Long had the most attacking kicks at 131. In 2017 Danny Brough made 184, in 2016 Mark Sneyd made 194. So basically an increase of 45%. One of the reasons the game is boring in the main.

Actually W71 I wasn't taking issue with you. However in relation to scrums I am at polar opposites to you. I see them purely as a means of creating room and opportunities. Much like a line of scrimmage in NFL.
The joke I think is now in Union where they last an age and have to be constantly re set. According to a friend of mine who coaches and refs in Union, who gets penalised and why in their scrum is a total lottery. Let them have their shoving contest, we have moved on, and I for one am glad.

As much as I do enjoy a contested scrum and a trapped ball by the loose...the modern scrum...which is unofficially uncontested is still not a joke. It is in essence a penalty in which the forwards are removed for the first play...you could say it's a power play.

A few media outlets are reporting that we are in the driving seat to sign him for the 2019 season.

Yes I understand but In NFL the scrimmage is contested though.

The scrum in RL [icould[/i still be contested [iand [/icreate space for the backs.

The rules on scrums, or play the ball for that matter(striking out may have), haven't been changed as far as I'm aware.

Gone back to Bath apparently. I believe we were confidant of signing him yesterday.

your usual rumour mill, or is that public? Link?

I don't have one. Just grapevine.
I hope it's wrong. Yesterday we were at that 'nailed on' position.
I'm more cautious following Barba Williams and Tompkins..... However just got another word now it's still on the table at Warrington.

Come on.

Probably gone back to Barrth with a fatter wallet Eh Duckie ?

Can’t say I’m overly bothered.

Big risk isn't it. it would grab some headlines for sure, but having a player sign a marquee contract for x years who has not played the sport for 7 years and has a history of injury 'issues' cant be described as anything else.

Doesn't mean to say he cant go on to be a massive success, but still risky.

Has he had injury since his comeback?
I know he missed nearly 2 month with suspension...plus he looked out of shape to me.

Eastmond would be an expensive punt.

He *was* an exceptional RL talent, but left the code at 21/22. He's about to turn 29.

He's given his peak years to RU. Let's not kid ourselves, the Eastmond returning is not the Eastmond that left.

He's a slightly below average 29 yo RU player.