I actually liked it the way it was. When the WA Reds come into the NRL in a few years (I think we can assume this pretty safely), I'd love to see them use this as their heritage jersey.
And yes, that Newcastle 1995-96 jersey was their absolute best in my opinion. Even if it was replicated using today's material (as they do in the heritage rounds), it can't be beaten. I don't know what it is, but there's just something about the loose cotton jerseys that really appeals to me. I think, perhaps, it's due to a couple of reasons. 1) I grew up watching footy when these were worn, and 2) it makes the players seem more like normal people. By that, I mean that if you watch the NRL now, all teams and players wear skin tight jerseys, and all the players (well, most!) are incredibly fit, so they look like what they are: elite sportsmen. They look like they're more than the common man, which makes them look like they're out of touch with the rest of us.
They will never do it, but I would love to see one heritage round, where all clubs wear their heritage jerseys, but in the heavy-material jerseys (like the Classic retro range). Let the jersey flap about a bit in the wind when the players are running..! Like I said, it'll never happen again, but I'd love to see it!
