I've been blissfully unaware that there was any sort of issue regarding applause for the opposition team as they take to the pitch. Ever since I was first introduced to the game it was instilled into me that this was a matter of etiquette that should be undertaken regardless of your views regarding the opposition team and its supporters. Furthermore it is one of those phenomena that make rugby league games so vibrant and engaging. The people around me at the DW Stadium clap the opposition team on as a matter of course. We clap the opposition coaching staff as they make their way past us to their seats and we applaud the efforts of both teams at the end of the match. Personally I also applaud any piece of good rugby regardless of whichever team produces it. Admittedly, my applause for Wigan as they take to/leave the pitch and produce good rugby is rather more animated...
In any case, having now given it some thought I suspect that it is a combination of naievety, arrogance, ill manners, immaturity and ignorance of our sport's heritage that is behind any compulsion to question the applause for the opposite team. I'm not saying that everybody who refuses to clap as the opposition take to the pitch is naive, arrogant, ill mannered, immature and ignorant of our sport's heritage. Only that there is some measure of one of more of these aspects at play within their psyche.
There is actually no harm caused by clapping our opponents. They probably don't even notice. Nor do I suspect it has any real positive effect on their performance. On the other hand, I think that when we stop clapping our opponents we are in danger of losing something of inestimable value to our game.
Besides, listen to the arguments of those who think we should stop clapping the opposition team. These are the arguments of insecurity, worry and fear. Thats not how I choose to live my life.
I think I'll keep clapping, thanks.

I applauded the Cas try when they went the full length as it was a good try. I then mentioned our poor defensive effort.

I have also applauded several well taken goals in football. If a high level of skill is shown it deserves applause.

=#0000FFYes.
=#FF00FFYes.
And...
=#00BF00Yes.

Not hysterically, not especially enthusiastically and sometimes ruefully but in each case the answer is yes, in a spirit of respect and as an acknowledgement of the efforts in each case.

'kin ell, you're a better man than me

I clap both teams on, I don't sit and think should I or should I not? I also clap a good try scored by any team playing. Its down to the respect I have for the players. It put it all into perspective at the weekend, my son was playing in a tournament at Chorley Panthers where the air ambulance was called for an 11 year old with a head and neck injury. Thank god he was fine but watching anyone of any age play this game has my full respect.

Things i do at the games i go to:

Boo Wigan and Saints, it's more a banter thing than any form of disrespect as i have plenty of friends who support both clubs.
But i do the kind of no clap thing in which you bring your hands together which qualifies loosely as a clap.
Other clubs i applaud.

Player injuries, the initial big hit and the player is groggy looking gets a big cheer but i always hope that it's the kind of impact injury that's shaken off after about 5 mins and does no damage beyond that. Anything else and i show genuine concern, yes, even Ryan Bailey.

A fair call
When a decision goes against you, if i agree with the call i'll always say 'right call' even if the rest around me cry foul.
Same with video ref, during the big screen replay, i say 'i wouldn't give that' against my own team.

Alway clap a good try no matter what the score or who the opponent is, again i've had funny looks for this but i don't care, if it deserves it , it gets it.