Hello all,

Funnily enough I played Student Rugby League at about the same time as Powell, between 1994 - 1998, when Lancaster also rose from obscurity to the SRL top league - we were suddenly and unexpectedly pushed up two division when we won the SRL plate.

Lancaster played all the top teams like Leeds, Durham, Leeds Met, Loughborough and Leeds Met that season but the regional leagues were generally a lot weaker; teams like Edge Hill University College (home of St Helens) and UMIST (a lot of Wigan players) were excellent but there was also a lot of dross.

Powell played at Newcastle Uni, whom were second tier, plus Northumbria whom weren't much better.

I have read pretty much every edition of Rugby Leaguer and Rugby League Express before they merged and RL World for years and am a bit of a fanatic I guess. I followed student Rugby for a long time and loved it when one of the Unis made the Challenge Cup first round. I also moved south in the mid 2000s, not got the same handle on the London amateur game but building knowledge.

But going back to Powell the stats don't lie, we've gone from 7th to 9h to 9th to 11th to 13th to 12th this season. Look at slstats.org for every game for about a decade

Cheers
Mark

ps since Powell arrived we got Nick, Bailey, Latus and Calderwood plus loans. How many are good?

Of the permanent signings Bailey has been the only one to endear himself to the crowd with his consistent performances, but I believe a three-year contract had much more to do with him coming here, rather than anywhere else or for any other coach. I fear though that Powell may put off other more recognisable mercenaries from coming to the club.

If we are spending some money next season then we must have a coach who can spend wisely! The last few seasons have been dreadful to watch and its time we looked at an experienced coach who has contacts and can attract a few good players to London!

If they don't get a decent coach and keep the same dross in the team I wonder how many season tickets will be renewed

Not many.