: Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:06 pm  

Standee wrote:

I don't recall doing anything similar for Watene, did we?

would be a good jesture

The difference is that Adam's death was in our off-season and was not on the pitch.

This is a very different type of burden for all to bear at the club and I sincerely hope that Friday's game is postponed to a later date.

It would be a good gesture though!

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:09 pm  

well said barry

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:35 pm  

vastman wrote:

Well said Barry. I think players like Leon are the unknown soldiers of RL (sport in general). Probably not destined for stardom though that was never certain in this case or others, however without them those who do go all the way wouldn't have a game to play.

Same applies to fans, until this morning I didn't even know what Leon looked like, in fact during a recent friendly I was convinced that another player was Leon and judged him accordingly. Understandably we all concentrate on the star players, RL is entertainment after all. However we need the foot soldiers, and the next time any of us (myself included) refer to players as gash, or second raters etc etc maybe after this we will show a little respect - not that when we all occasionally mouth off means we are bad people I don't want to appear judgemental and I'm trying not to generalise. They can't all be Paul Sculthorpes but they all bleed and they all hurt and they are all some ones son.

As I said I didn't know Leon at all, but I suspect he got very little monetary reward or fame for playing RL, at least not whilst still alive. Players like him clearly do it for love and the hope that maybe one day they will get their chance. Not in this case and that's the unfairest thing of all, today there isn't much joy in RL.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:03 pm  

http://forums.rlfans.com//viewtopic.php ... 17&start=0 I’m wanting healthier banter within the stadiums as they do promote a healthier air. I do think the whole of RLFANS should do a campaign for healthier match days in stadiums. Get the press involved, players and whoever else is connected to this game. Song like we all hate scum shouldn’t belong on our terraces.

http://forums.rlfans.com//viewtopic.php ... 17&start=0 I’m wanting healthier banter within the stadiums as they do promote a healthier air. I do think the whole of RLFANS should do a campaign for healthier match days in stadiums. Get the press involved, players and whoever else is connected to this game. Song like we all hate scum shouldn’t belong on our terraces.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:21 pm  

Don't get me wrong i am all for a bit of banter on the terraces i just feel that considering the events of this week and this close season it would be nice for us to collectively show our appreciation for doing what they do, same go's for any ama games you attend this week, get behind each and every man/child and make them feel that what they have done is very much appreciated by both sides of supporters.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:25 pm  

Barry Clegg 2nd wrote:

Don't get me wrong i am all for a bit of banter on the terraces i just feel that considering the events of this week and this close season it would be nice for us to collectively show our appreciation for doing what they do, same go's for any ama games you attend this week, get behind each and every man/child and make them feel that what they have done is very much appreciated by both sides of supporters.

I’m all for banter but some of it is really vile.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 2:38 pm  

Barry Clegg 2nd wrote:

Don't get me wrong i am all for a bit of banter on the terraces i just feel that considering the events of this week and this close season it would be nice for us to collectively show our appreciation for doing what they do, same go's for any ama games you attend this week, get behind each and every man/child and make them feel that what they have done is very much appreciated by both sides of supporters.

The sentiment is spot on, and it should be extended to match officials as well.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:00 pm  

i was thinking about this last night. On Friday we had Andy Coley return to the willows and the posts on the forums leading up to the game were pretty strong to say the least. He copped a bit of stick during the game but responded very well and had a cracking game. I know that i as an individual fan have shouted abuse at players, Refs,opposition fans etc I have joined in with abusive songs and generally at times acted like a total balloon. I will stop and think a little more now, those who i have shouted abuse at may have family,friends or loved ones stood behind me. We pride ourselves on being a family friendly sport. perhaps we should start to live up to that billing. At Salford there is a message played over the tannoy asking people for respect to players officials etc and it gets booed and derided (not strongly but enough) every time. The groundswell of emotion support and respect on various boards towards Leons family and to Wakefield is evidence enough to say that we as supporters of the greatest game know how to conduct ourselves,perhaps it is time to see that come to fruition at every game. banter is fine but abuse..well we can do without it cant we?

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:12 pm  

Agreed, i feel quite ashamed when i think of some of the things i have chanted at players in the past and i will be thinking a lot more before opening my mouth in future.

: Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:32 pm  

Well Said mate, We take for granted, on a weekly basis, what these guys put themselves through and we still Criticize