: Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:47 pm  

Paul Youane wrote:

You obviously know Melbourne well and therefore prior to the Storm what percentage of the population living there would you say had an interest in the game?

Quite high, the Kiwi population in Victoria will always be the heart and soul of the fan base.

However, whilst Im not sure of my feelings on the Celtic inclusion what baffles me is the move of Millenium Weekend away from somewhere they are trying to grow the sport at pace? Its that decision that baffles me. Surely it would have been best suited to decide the franchise clubs before doing this, if they didnt already have the teams pencilled in?[/quote]

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:48 pm  

captainblindman wrote:

Quite high, the Kiwi population in Victoria will always be the heart and soul of the fan base.

However, whilst Im not sure of my feelings on the Celtic inclusion what baffles me is the move of Millenium Weekend away from somewhere they are trying to grow the sport at pace? Its that decision that baffles me. Surely it would have been best suited to decide the franchise clubs before doing this, if they didnt already have the teams pencilled in?

[/quote]

Jees bro. You had a drink this afternoon? Thats like the 3rd time you've posted the same response.

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:56 pm  

magic piano wrote: Now maybe the time to back your oft-stated opinion with a few cold hard facts Padders - perhaps reading the RFL Judgement will help you provide this evidence? http://www.therfl.co.uk/home/news_item_top.php?id=11209 There is nothing in that statement that would say to me that Celtic are a better option than Leigh or Widnes other than the fact that the RFL want a team in Wales. Who will be the next team to lose out for the sake of selling a few sky dishes when they decide to get another team in France or Scotland or the Midlands even . Would you be happy if it was Warrington that lost out ?

magic piano wrote: Now maybe the time to back your oft-stated opinion with a few cold hard facts Padders - perhaps reading the RFL Judgement will help you provide this evidence? http://www.therfl.co.uk/home/news_item_top.php?id=11209 There is nothing in that statement that would say to me that Celtic are a better option than Leigh or Widnes other than the fact that the RFL want a team in Wales. Who will be the next team to lose out for the sake of selling a few sky dishes when they decide to get another team in France or Scotland or the Midlands even . Would you be happy if it was Warrington that lost out ?

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:00 pm  

captainblindman wrote:

Quite high, the Kiwi population in Victoria will always be the heart and soul of the fan base.

However, whilst Im not sure of my feelings on the Celtic inclusion what baffles me is the move of Millenium Weekend away from somewhere they are trying to grow the sport at pace? Its that decision that baffles me. Surely it would have been best suited to decide the franchise clubs before doing this, if they didnt already have the teams pencilled in?

[/quote] The move of millenium magic is pretty much because they've raised the profile of rugby league in Wales and i'm sure they knew Celtic were nailed on for a licence so have decided to spread the game elsewhere. Also the robbing Cardiff bar stewards and Hotel owners have shot themselves in the foot.

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:06 pm  

I said months ago, it was part of a master plan, everyone has the mentality now of going to South Wales on the ale for a weekend, as soon as MM took off they moved the venue but gave you another reason to go back down wales. They have cleverly cultured everyone to think that a Welsh trip is the norm now.

I wouldn't be surprised if Edinburgh starts to put a team together

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:11 pm  

magic piano wrote:

Now maybe the time to back your oft-stated opinion with a few cold hard facts Padders - perhaps reading the RFL Judgement will help you provide this evidence?

I'll bet you 2/1 Padders will still go to Bridgend next season for our away game with the Crusaders, despite all the complaining that the RFL is corrupt.

Actually, that's quite a libellous statement. I wonder if anyone from the RFL is reading this...........

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:13 pm  

padgate wire wrote:

WHAT WAS THE LAST ATTENDANCE AT THE HJ FOR A SL GAME BETWEEN WIDNES COMPARED TO QUINNS? in the same season ?

Oh I love it when idiots shoot themselves in the foot.

Widnes 29/03/2005 attendance 10,061

London 17/07/2005 attendance 10,146

oops.

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:14 pm  

padgate wire wrote:

wrong ! you arrange your working hours around your customer base ! and yes you can arrange them around some ko times but unfortunately you have travelling time from away games and seeing as my industry is in Warrington the travelling time comes into it .If you cant see my point you must just be a very narrow minded person .

Am i right in thinking you are a taxi driver? How about using a minibus and charging to take people to the games? That way you get to see the game and are still working. Although saying that i beleive there may be issues licence wise but even if there is you could always go to the game and work afterwards which i imagine would benefit you money wise as there is always call for taxi's on a Fri and Sat night.

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:14 pm  

I was somewhat disappointed with the decision by the RFL to give a franchise to Celtic at the expense of Widnes and the other clubs but on reflection...........

I was dead against "Summer rugby"............. I now hold my hands up and think it was a fantastic move.

I thought the idea of the introduction of "A Froggy" team was a ludicrous backwards step..............The visit to France is now the highlight of my year.

I thought Millennium Magic was a white elephant!...........It wasn't!

The RFL have taken much critisism today and I have sympathy for those clubs who have missed out. However in view of my previous errors of judgement I'm gonna hold my hands up and say ok RFL I'll go with this............... and I'm looking forward to it!!

: Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:17 pm  

magic piano wrote:

You'll be a bit young to remember Mansfield Marksmen then...

Yes.... Pretty sure Mansfield have a team though: Mansfield Storm they are now i think.