Question about amateur leagues

[Frank Discussion]

Hi. I am an Aussie considering finishing my playing days in England. I have been offered a home by 2 clubs, Stanningley ARLC and Queens ARLC (I want to be based in Leeds as I have friends there but none of them know anything about footy). It appears both play in different comps, Queens in the premier division of the Pennine League and Stanningley in a lower division in the National Conference League. Obviously I want to play for the stronger club. queens are touting their involvement in the challenge cup as a carrot, I assume this means they are the stronger of the 2? I have viewed the Stanningley faciliities and they look first rate, Queens not so much. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Evil Homer]

Queens have a bad reputation as a bunch of thugs, and they play in the Pennine League which TBH is a dinosaur competition that still plays in the winter. Stanningley as you say have great facilities and it's the home club of many Super League stars like Jamie Peacock and Jamie Jones-Buchanan, the on-field standard probably isn't as high as Queens ATM but I'd say Stanningley would be a much better and more rewarding club to play for. It depends what you're looking for though.

 

[deluded pom?]

Queens can play some great football when they want to but usually resort to type sooner or later. One of the reasons the Pennine League is not as strong as it once was is because several clubs left due to the thuggish behaviour of Queens. It's a club thing too. The juniors have the same reputation. Stanningley would be the better option IMO.

 

[Harrigan]

As someone from Leeds who played for neither, I wouldn't even look at Queens. Stanningley every time. Good set of people down there and the best facilities of any amateur club in the area. They've produced a lot of good players too who have played at the top level in the UK. The standard of week in, week out competition will be better with Stanningley too. The reason Queens are in the Pennine league is because none of the other leagues will take them. I think that says it all.

 

[Frank Discussion]

Thanks a lot for the honest feedback guys very much appreciate it.

 

[roughyedspud]

horrible club queens....


played against stanningley a few times,and against JJB...cracking set up they have

 

[Frank Discussion]

Wow.

Pretty damning and universal assesment. How do they play in the challenge cup then if they are such grubs?

I'm looking to meet new people and have some good times so am totally attracted to a welcoming club with a good culture.

 

[Evil Homer]

Wow.

Pretty damning and universal assesment. How do they play in the challenge cup then if they are such grubs?

I'm looking to meet new people and have some good times so am totally attracted to a welcoming club with a good culture.

Queens have actually been banned from the Challenge Cup for the last few years, I think this is their first time being allowed back in the comp. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8258924.stm

Like DP said, Queens are a strong team, probably one of the better amateur teams in the country when they put their minds to it, but there is so much BS involved with them that it's just not worth it. On top of that, the competition they play in is a joke. Go with Stanningley.

 

[deluded pom?]

On the Queens' Facebook page they have announced the signing of a 6' 5" Aussie. Would that be you Frank?

 

[Frank Discussion]

On the Queens' Facebook page they have announced the signing of a 6' 5" Aussie. Would that be you Frank?

So I guess "I will get back to you soon with a decision" translates to "yes I am signing" to these guys?

Will avoid.

 

[bowes]

Queens are not the side they were, they're struggling even on the field this season. Add to that their league is down to 6 clubs for various reasons