We all agree (well I hope that we do!) that RL is the finest spectator team sport in this country, if not the world. It certainly knocks kick and clap into a cocked hat. However why is Ra-Ra so popular? Well, that's because the mass media tell us so... The RFU have done a tremendous job in promoting what is a dull, tedius spectacle, into the glittering raz-mataz that it isn't. The inertia has built up over decades, and now is an unstoppable force.
What do we have to promote our game to the greater public ...? Ray B****y French, and similar joke presenters before him. Until we adopt a professional approach to marketing our wonderful game to the masses, we'll always be a 'comedy sport' in the eyes of most.
The RFL need to wake up and smell the coffee regarding marketing, and promotion.. to convice the country, nay the world, that RL is THE sport to watch and play....

I know... lets get Derren Brown is as RFL Chairman and head of media marketing

Nothing will significantly improve with Wood in charge. Nobody half-talented would want that guy as their boss.

There is some truth to this, and poaching by Union will be a problem as long as they are bankrolled by the Eton brigade and we're not. That said, I'm not as convinced as you that Sam Tomkins will leave.

But, some of the players you use are leading you to over-state the problem. Finch, Leuluai, Carmont and Lima are hardly Wigan youth products being sold on. They are players who have done varying stints here and are now heading home. Finch certainly, and probably Lima wouldn't have been in the UK in the first place if it hadn't been for salary cap issues down under/ Likewise Harrison Hansen will have some roots in NZ and will be looking to further his international prospects by moving to the Warriors.

Some of this is also an artefact of Wigan's recruitment policy, you bring in experienced Aussie half backs, they will go back to Aus in the not too distant future. Bringing in another Aussie-grown player to replace them isn't really addressing the issue.

To some extent you also become prisoner of your own success. When players have won trophies and played for England (thanks to the way the club is run) they will (justifiably) start to feel like they might be worth a bit more cash next time their contracts are renewed. Leeds have been having this problem for a while now. Even if you got rid of the salary cap, the need to keep the business solvent is going to limit how many players you can keep once they become stars. It is also probably true (debated point I know) that if you raise the cap to a level where only a few teams can pay it, you lose any chance of increasing the competitiveness of the league (which is an ongoing battle as it is) and that might well actually hurt the product, which would hurt Wigan's ability to pay big money. As a Leeds fan, I support one of the small group of teams who could gain by paying a higher salary bill, but I don't really want to see it happen.

Exchange rates are not in our favour. Plus there are other reasons people might fancy a year or two down under. It's probably a good thing for a young bloke to experience, the competition is a higher standard, the profile higher. Plus, the weather is warmer and not everyone shares my love of the British winter. So it needn't all be about the money. Rumours abounded at the time that Gaz Ellis took a pay cut to leave Leeds for Wests. I have no idea whether it was true.

For all this, while we have seen a few players move to Aus, I don't think that actually hurts the game, the mass exodus to Union continues to not happen, largely because expensive League converts have turned out not to be worth the investment more often than they have been massive successes (it's almost as if they're different games with different skill sets...). This is why the RFU have stopped paying for them. If somebody wants to find the huge cash to lure Sam Tomkins away from a club and sport where he seems very happy, it will have to be a club that funds it.

So, while I can see your point, I'm not sure I can share your disillusionment in the game when a lot of what you're concerned apart is the natural transition process that occurs when a successful side has a lot of players at an age when they're ready to move on.

When you're feeling underwhelmed by new signings, consider whether you were really excited when George Carmont signed? Turned out nice though didn't it?

Why would Tomkins leave at the end of next year he is supposed to have 5 year deal with 2012 2013 2014 where he cant talk to NRL or RU so how can he go at end of 2013 ? Wigan just need to tell him hes staying and he should stay simple as or he will need to walk out on his deal. Sam is probably the reason other players leave as theres not enough money on the cap to pay the likes of hock, hansen and mossop what there worth because he is on about £200,000 more than the next player.

If I had the time & the energy I would have attempted something similar as a response, well done.

Any info in the Paper in relation to this story, for those of us non locals?

Not seen any papers but Hocks link with the Eels is being reported on SS News.

Quote ="Paul2812"Not seen any papers but Hocks link with the Eels is being reported on SS News.'" and the Beeb's website (www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/20152746) Also Sydney Herald: ''I can confirm we are in discussions only, at this time,'' Eels chief executive Ken Edwards said. Former Great Britain halfback and current France coach Bobbie Goulding sparked speculation about the possible move, tweeting: ''My contacts in Aus tell me Gareth Hock signed for Parramatta Eels 4 year contract signed today''. Good luck to him, but can't say I'm impressed at YET ANOTHER drain on our game.

Quote ="Paul2812"Not seen any papers but Hocks link with the Eels is being reported on SS News.'" and the Beeb's website (www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/20152746) Also Sydney Herald: ''I can confirm we are in discussions only, at this time,'' Eels chief executive Ken Edwards said. Former Great Britain halfback and current France coach Bobbie Goulding sparked speculation about the possible move, tweeting: ''My contacts in Aus tell me Gareth Hock signed for Parramatta Eels 4 year contract signed today''. Good luck to him, but can't say I'm impressed at YET ANOTHER drain on our game.

We could do with the BBC buying rights to show one Sunday afternoon match. That would certainly drum up interest. Sunday afternoon games are a dormant space and audiences would certainly rise.

It's a start.

Basically at the moment they are just turning over the same article that has been in the public domain for the last 3 or 4 days.

I will be intruiged to see what IFL says on the matter in the Evening Post.

Going off past history, you may be waiting some time.

best too second rowers in the league, imo!!

you never know maybe its the club looking to sell them rather than players wanting to leave???

I'd e annoyed if he wanted to go and with good reason. He signed a contract and should honour it. Simple as that.

And that is before you factor in the help he got off the club during his two year ban that probably went a long way to saving his career.



The reason we have kept pat Richards is because he has chosen to honour his contract.

Look at the difference between the two situations (if Hock asks to be released which it isn't clear he has done yet).

Wigan have no reason to sell Hock. In fact given it will weaken the side even further than it has been already you would think any inquiry for one of its best players would be met with a polite but firm refusal in exactly the same way Bradford knocked back Leeds inquiry for their centre this week.

The fact it clearly has not been met with a refusal given it's now reported on the BBC that discussions are on-going between Wigan and Parra calls into question just what on earth IL's is doing here. The report should be reading "Wigan refuse to sell Hock to Parra" not we are in discussions with them about selling him.

Me to. I am hoping he will be saying he's going nowhere.

There is supposed to be something in tonight's Post from IFL, which I would be grateful if someone could post details of on here.

Phil Wilkinson tweeted last night that Lenagan didn't exactly deny it when asked yesterday about it.

I think it's all in the transfer fee haggling now.

do the distance selling rules apply to buying season tickets?

just wondering if it's really worth bothering anymore

has somebody got any GOOD news? anyone? just one bit?

This I feel could be a tipping point for many fans with regards to ST renewals. They have tolerated the club letting players go to Union and players breaking contracts to go back home. However, if they let Hock go with 4 years left on his contract, that is a big message from the club. A message that they have lost all ambition. It is all very depressing.

just been told there are 3 clubs in for Hansen aswell as NZ Warriors!!!!

seems the slary cap uplift over there is working.

Renewed 4 season ticket's yesterday. With all this going on now wish i had not bothered. Feel really disheartened.

Not done mine yet but I'm always last minute.

I'm thinking of just picking and choosing next year tbh. Got a baby on the way and that excitement in the weekly rounds just isn't there. That's before I even consider what players have or will leave!

I worry for the game when me myself is saying that, I've hardly missed a game for 15 years home and away but there a really depressing vibe around the game at the moment. I find that sad because some things like the amount of youngsters being brought through by clubs now 'should' fill me with optimism!

If we can't keep them in the country or worse, the game, what's the point?

www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-5076516

www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-5076516

OH FFS !!!!!

SOMEONE PULL THE BLASTED DRAWBRIDGE UP & PUT THE OIL ON TO BOIL

Interesting that the first person to mention this a good few weeks ago and who at the time was supported by a few other posters who seem to be on the money more often than not suggested that it was the club who wanted him out. In that instance I'd imagine moving him on to the NRL rather than a rival Super League club makes sense.

From what I heard, at the same time as the original post, then it isn't anything to do with his old habits but the Wigan camp was/is split and was/is not a happy camp. If things are like that then you have to get rid of the "bad egg".

interesting if thats the case paul.