2 x 10 in 2023? : Tue Apr 26, 2022 9:38 pm  

Widnes and Bradford have both parted ways with their coaches this week, with less than 1/3 of the season gone. Given the top 6 would feature in the Play-offs and both teams are only one win away from the top 6, it got me thinking as to why would they part with long term coaches this early in the season?
If we were talking about the play-offs, then it has Fev v Leigh written all over the GF, so are they really sacking coaches just so they can fight over the scraps?
Then it struck me.
If there are plans afoot for a 2 x 10 team comp in 2023, then maybe Hughes has been given the nod for the Broncos in this new dual division set-up and therefore he doesn't care about how a/ we're crap and b/ how he's butchered the skolars?

I genuinely cannot think of another (viable/sane/explainable) reason for the hash that the 2022 season has already become at the "cherry red" or as to why our coach is still employed anywhere other than at his school....so SL XXVIII it is next year.....COYB

Re: 2 x 10 in 2023? : Wed Apr 27, 2022 1:16 pm  

Widnes hammered the bottom three in their first four games, and also pulled off an excellent win against Halifax. Since then they have lost six on the trot. Supporters of this club will be especially disappointed with a home loss to Barrow, whilst they were 32-0 down with 5 minutes to go at home against Batley just at the weekend. Given last season's poor performances, in which they were never in contention for the top six, I am not surprised that it is Finnegan Begin Again.

Bradford looked a much stronger side last season with Brough but I don't think they have been dreadful this season, although supporters would wonder why they could not convincingly beat poor sides like Workington and London. But they have lost 4 from 5 at home this season, and the good win v Batley would be overlooked when they could not win with 13 v 12 against Halifax, whilst losses against Barrow and Sheffield would not have gone down well. The signings made look ok but they have not replaced star fullback Pickersgill - he is a much better player in his prime than his replacement - nor the irreplaceable Brough.

I'd think the respective Boards are looking at the top 6 as a realistic aim and probably expect to be above the likes of Sheffield and Barrow.

I think John Kear deserved more time, but these sides should make the top 8 in all circumstances, thus would be in the frame if there is a restructure.

Re: 2 x 10 in 2023? : Wed Apr 27, 2022 3:29 pm  

orangeman wrote:

..... then maybe Hughes has been given the nod for the Broncos in this new dual division set-up and therefore he doesn't care about how a/ we're crap and b/ how he's butchered the skolars?

What has Hughes done that warrants any sort of nod from the RFL?

Re: 2 x 10 in 2023? : Wed Apr 27, 2022 4:11 pm  

They are both hewn from the same thick block of wood. Neither can advance the development of the game in London.