coldhardbitch
Juniors
- Messages
- 694
As an Aussie, I had never seen the Rhinos play at Headingley before. I have justy returned form 5 weeks in the UK, and I couldn't help but indulge my League oddysey.
When i was in Oxford, i was wearing my rhinos jersey, and I got a tap on the shoulder whilst in an internet cafe. The gentleman introdced himself as Gary Hetherington, CEO of Leeds. He gave me a free ticket to the game, and a pass to the players bar for that weekends game (v Salford). Mr Hetherington was very genourous, and happy to spread the gospel of the great game.
Headingley was a good ground to watch from, and it was interesting being in standing terraces, rather than seats. For the Record, the Rhinos won, but werew pushed all the way by a Reds team that will make the top 6 this season.
The crowd were great, and singing all the way. about 16000 fans were there, though it felt alot more.
After the game I got to meet many o the players. Barry Mc Dermott is a real character by the way.
I also attended a Harlequins v Touluse CC tie. that was much more dour of an affiar. It was cold and wet, and the trains were broken. The small crowd are passionate, but Harlequins as a club, dont promote themselves very well.
The Awareness of the sport is there in London, and I think there is a market there, but the club needs to promote itself. Despite reports, the coverage of League in the UK media isnt too bad, obviously not as good as Queensland, but it wasnt half as bad as some here make out.
Quins have a couple of good players, but Toulouse were impressive in the first half. They just needed a bit more spark in attack.
One of the problems I found with League is that mst of the heartland clubs are too close together, taking away from the nationalism of the game. Wakefield, Cas, Leeds, Hudds, Bradford, Dewsbury, Hunslet, Batley are all in about a 5km radius. Its silly, and thats why the juniors can be scant, as there aren't enough per club. Serious regionalisation needs to be done.
But the Rgby league fans in the UK arer great, and always happy for a chat about our great game. The spirit is there, but they ;lack direction at the RFL. The shape of the game in the UK is much better than I expected, from my observations.
For the record, the concensus from the fans is saints will win the league, Wakefield will be relegated, and Les Cats is great for the game.
By the way, I urge all supporters to visit the gilette herritage museum at the George Hotel (Hudds) as it is a wonderful museum, and the curator is really good for a chat.
When i was in Oxford, i was wearing my rhinos jersey, and I got a tap on the shoulder whilst in an internet cafe. The gentleman introdced himself as Gary Hetherington, CEO of Leeds. He gave me a free ticket to the game, and a pass to the players bar for that weekends game (v Salford). Mr Hetherington was very genourous, and happy to spread the gospel of the great game.
Headingley was a good ground to watch from, and it was interesting being in standing terraces, rather than seats. For the Record, the Rhinos won, but werew pushed all the way by a Reds team that will make the top 6 this season.
The crowd were great, and singing all the way. about 16000 fans were there, though it felt alot more.
After the game I got to meet many o the players. Barry Mc Dermott is a real character by the way.
I also attended a Harlequins v Touluse CC tie. that was much more dour of an affiar. It was cold and wet, and the trains were broken. The small crowd are passionate, but Harlequins as a club, dont promote themselves very well.
The Awareness of the sport is there in London, and I think there is a market there, but the club needs to promote itself. Despite reports, the coverage of League in the UK media isnt too bad, obviously not as good as Queensland, but it wasnt half as bad as some here make out.
Quins have a couple of good players, but Toulouse were impressive in the first half. They just needed a bit more spark in attack.
One of the problems I found with League is that mst of the heartland clubs are too close together, taking away from the nationalism of the game. Wakefield, Cas, Leeds, Hudds, Bradford, Dewsbury, Hunslet, Batley are all in about a 5km radius. Its silly, and thats why the juniors can be scant, as there aren't enough per club. Serious regionalisation needs to be done.
But the Rgby league fans in the UK arer great, and always happy for a chat about our great game. The spirit is there, but they ;lack direction at the RFL. The shape of the game in the UK is much better than I expected, from my observations.
For the record, the concensus from the fans is saints will win the league, Wakefield will be relegated, and Les Cats is great for the game.
By the way, I urge all supporters to visit the gilette herritage museum at the George Hotel (Hudds) as it is a wonderful museum, and the curator is really good for a chat.
)? If London can continue to spread the game into schools down there, then eventually the results (juniors, family support, wider exposure) will follow. It's just taken/taking so long...
