sportingFACTIONS :: Code XIII

You know what? backBITES couldn’t care less what Mick Cleary thinks of rugby league; not a jot less. But I sure as hell do care what he chooses to publicly spout about it and especially so when it’s this insidious cliched clap-trap (see extract from and link-to his Daily Telegraph’s ‘Blog’ below):

Telegraph Blogs: Sport: Mick Cleary: December 2006: In a league of its own
“Here I am, coming out of the closet. Its a fair cop and all that. I cant suppress or conceal my inner feelings any longer.I dont like rugby league. I find it dull, insular, repetitive and dreadfully chippy.

Phew Glad thats off my chest. You see, for the last few years, what with all these leaguies making their way into union, all the new drills and defensive systems being adopted some would say stolen from rugby league, youve found yourself falling in with the party line that believes league actually is the snappy, dynamic, best-thing-since-sliced-bread that its followers make it out to be.”

As far as I can tell Mick must have just been either at the end of his tether or just short of something to write about, because his chief objection to RL seems to be: that St Helens win a lot; there’s no line-out, rucks or mauls; oh and …. this old chestnut:

And during each and every game I’ve found myself yawning as the fifth tackle approaches, knowing that the next play will be to kick the ball. Then the other lot bash it up and five tackles and then, guess what, they kick.

So, okay, there’s a plethora of response to that … but hey, we’re in cliche-mode … so let’s pluck this one out of the air Mick: At least in rugby league, we get to five tackles before we kick … hell’s choppers if someone wins a second phase possession – god forbit it go to a third or fourth – in rugby union the old Farts at Twickers collectively wet themselves and if they actually manage to score a try off it then BBC Sport shows replay clips for a decade!

… so there … we’re even Mick … I make that a cliche-all draw …

And as you say … in the end you pay your money and make your choice … no need for cheap shots either way. You like union, I like league and we both like pushing our own sports; that’s the way of the world.

Given the Saints stated intent to cultivate their Merseyside connections, playing this game at Anfield or Goodison would have been a massive boon, but football’s congested fixture list has denied them that opportunity.

And this return to the site of their famous 2001 victory over the Brisbane Broncos will be tempered by the memory of the 38-0 hammering Sydney City handed them in 2003.

From the press release:

The 2007 Carnegie World Club Challenge between engage Super League Champions St Helens and Australian champions Brisbane Broncos will be staged at the Reebok Stadium – home of Bolton Wanderers FC.

The fixture which takes place on Friday 23^rd February 2007 (ko 8pm), will be a repeat of the 2001 World Club Challenge at the same venue when Saints secured a breathtaking 20 points to 18 victory over Brisbane in what was a hugely dramatic encounter. Leeds Met Carnegie continues to support the Carnegie World Club Challenge and the development of the RFL.

Of the St Helens team in action that evening, only current Man of Steel Paul Wellens, Sean Long, Keiron Cunningham and captain Paul Sculthorpe are still with the Knowsley Road club. Long secured the victory over the Broncos with a late drop goal and also contributed with a well taken try.

Commenting on the announcement of the match, St Helens Chief Executive Sean McGuire said: “Now we have the venue confirmed, the build-up and anticipation for the match can begin in earnest.

“Everybody at the club is tremendously excited by the prospect of competing in the 2007 Carnegie World Club Challenge and all Saints fans will have great memories of that fantastic night in 2001 when we lifted the trophy against Brisbane”.

He added: “The Broncos have shown their quality last season as indeed we have in securing the engage Super League championship and supporters should expect a truly fantastic contest with so many great players on both sides.

“The title of best Rugby League club in the world is an extremely attractive one and supporters should not miss out on what will be an amazing event”.

St Helens also featured in the 2003 World Club Challenge at the Reebok Stadium against Sydney Roosters.

Meanwhile, information regarding tickets and corporate hospitality packages for the 2007 Carnegie World Club Challenge will be available on Monday afternoon (11^th December 2006).

All supporters should contact the RFL Ticket Office on 0870 990 1313 at that time. (Please note the opening times 9am to 5pm).

Supporters are also advised to stay logged on to both engagesuperleague.co.uk and saintsrlfc.com for an announcement confirming the attractive pricing structure and the full details of their availability.

Wigan Warriors finally sealed the capture of hooker, Shane Millard (Leeds), 31, fullback, Michael Withers (Bulls), 31 and half-back Thomas Leaulai (Quins).

Whilst all three will potentially add quality and depth to the Warrior squad it is sad that Millard has displaced promising youngster, Wayne Godwin (Hull), whilst Withers is likely to take either playing time or position (or both) from exciting fullback prospect, Chris Ashton, who made a tremendous contribution during the Warriors 2006 campaign.

Fair enough you can excuse coach, Brian Noble, for wanting to bring in people he values and trusts.

But my concern is that this is just another example of the ‘grass-is-greener’ philosophy that Wigan seem to apply to player development?

It would be a crime if a player such as Ashton were to join the long list of talents to escape the grasp of the Wigan club and prosper with their rivals.