GiantMisterE wrote:Unfortunately, this cements thoughts that I have been having over the past couple of weeks in that I have totally fallen out of love with the sport.
It truly saddens me to say it as I have played, coached and watched it for over 30 years, but for the very first time this weekend, I have not watched a single minute of RL on TV - preferring instead to watch the 6 Nations.
I've been struggling with the one-dimensional approach of the sport in general and have found recent games boring. Unfortunately, a few people who I have spoken to have actually agreed too.
However, what really put it all into perspective was that disgusting video that has been doing the rounds this week of the Newsome Panthers players and parents abusing a referee - I really hope the whole club gets a massive fine or full club ban. I'm glad that the incident has apparently now been picked up by different media outlets, including Sky Sports, so hope it gets highlighted.
This whole attitude starts at the top though and actions like Murphy's (and others before him) feed down the chain. The back-chat to referee's, blatant cheating, allowing the flouting of rules has meant that RL is now just turning into a very cheap version of soccer.
My wife has said that she is not bothered for going to games (even though we have season tickets) and my son is questioning about whether or not he plays again this season.
A sad day.
Totally agree with you there pal. Only had a season ticket for 2 years but played and coached for 20 but not renewed this time. Think rugby League is on its booty at the moment with falling attendances and little to no coverage on TV. Contrast that with what's happening with Union where clubs can fill their grounds week in week out and are being proactive in promoting the game. They've changed their rules to make the game more open and faster with less kicking involved, yes there still is some tactical kicks but they are for territory, the airial ping pong isn't seen as much. Down at the giants we're lucky to get 5000 in a 25000 seater stadium but they still allow you to sit where you like. That's fine if that's what you want but it certainly does nothing for the atmosphere, push everyone down into the first 20 rows and not use the corners then at least you'd get a better atmosphere which I'm sure the player's would respond to.
Grandad
