sportingFACTIONS :: Code XIII

The Guardian’s rugby league reporter, Andy Wilson, is one of the most respected journalists in the sport. He had a unique slant today on who ought to be the next GB coach … a Rugby Union guy!

Yes that’s right. A coach from Wasps no less.

And you know what? I think he’s one hundred percent right. That bloke – Sean Edwards _ looks like he’d know his way around a rugby league field.

So big wraps for Andy for thinking outside the box on this. I’ve gotten quite excited at the prospect.

Since taking on the coaching mantle at Wasps Edwards has proven his mettle – by winning trophies.

Yet, forged as he was in the furnace of rugby league he exudes the spirit of the game even now, even in that very different code. There’s no doubting his passion and acumen have been a big loss to the game. How different might the Super League landscape look had he assumed the coaching role at Wigan? Another lost chance frittered away …

But Wilson also mentions in passing another Leaguie, Phil Larder. And whilst I agree Larder ought not be given the reigns as GB coach, I would not swiftly discount his playing a part in revitalising the set-up. The RFL have already said they are looking not only for a coach but also for someone with the off field vision to build and maintain a vital coaching infrastructure. I believe that plays to Larder’s strengths, which are complementary to those of Edwards. Combining the pair in a ‘dream team’ combo might give our national team the boost it needs.

Whilst Edwards brings leadership, vim, tactics and motivation I see Larder’s strengths in the planning and organising of coaching systems and methods – the administrative type duties the RFL see our national supremo doing in his down time.

Together they could build a system and hone a team to beat those pesky Antipodeans.

Lets hope the RFL high-level moustaches see it the same way and at least ask the question.

You can check out Mr. Wilson’s article online [here]

Right, so here we go. Already dusted down the long-johns and re-fleeced the thermal vest ready for the delights of the Knowsley Road press bench and a whole new season reporting the ‘B’ game.

Yes that’s right. Whilst the eyes of the RL world are on the Wigan-Warrington slug fest (will Mr Morley see JJB red again?), my first outing of the season is the Saints-Quins game; the home-opener for the SLXI Grand Final winning Saints.

As openers go it’s looking pretty low-key though.

The Saints are likely missing a quartet of stars Lee Gilmour (nose), Paul Wellens (ankle), Paul Sculthorpe (knee) and Jon Wilkin (rush of blood vs Giants).

Although they will at least be able to welcome back the irreprisible Willie Talau at centre.

No news yet though on which player has won the weekly goal-kicking lottery. We can however scotch rumours that the Saints have tempted Paul Anderson (100% conversion rate) out of his brief retirement.

As for the Quins, a troubled off-season looks to have left coach, Brian McDermott, with a lighter, weaker squad than last year.

The loss of  Solomon Haumono and the ‘yes-no-about-face’ by Sione Faumuina has left the Quin pack looking vulnerable. They are low on strike power too after the departure of top-scorer, Luke Dorn, to Salford City Reds.

And even with my factor-90 rose-tinted Quin-glasses on I cannot believe that Wigan didn’t get the cream of the deal when the two clubs effectively swapped half backs (Thomas Leulai for Danny Orr).

Sadly, I think the best the Quins can hope for in SLXII is another season in the ‘Twilight Zone‘ — hovering between ‘playoff flirts‘ and ‘relegation bait‘.

If injury doubt, Mark McLinden (back), does indeed miss out then this looks set to be a rough and long night for the Quins.

And judging from Thursday’s weather warning maybe a better option would be to leave the charabanc in the shed and mail it in with the old “we’re snowed-in” ruse.

Forecast: Saints by 10

Key Matchup: Even without their four stars the Saints look to have the edge from 1 to 13.

Current Form: - – - – - W Saints V Quins – - – - – -

Fan-o-meter: One for diehard homesters and eskimos only. Travel North at your peril (unless you’re an exiled Saints fan).

Dinosaurs still walk the earth. The League Express letters page led with a ‘peach’ this week, with one reader bemoaning the impact that the recently announced SKY TV coverage would have on National League attendance. .

That was an announcement I confess I’d thought would be a universally welcomed as a bonus for the game.

Talk about missing the point. Talk about not seeing the big picture. No wonder all the other dinosaurs are extinct, with blinkers this big it must be hard to find a partner.

The point is missed on so many levels too:

• Firstly: the NL currently has NO sponsorship deal. Why? Because it receives almost zero national – and precious little regional – coverage.

  Without a sponsor there is no money for the clubs. And without the oxygen of publicity the RFL have little to offer any potential sponsors.

  Now, with Sky TV on board, the RFL at least have a credible bargaining chip with which to tempt backers.

  It also ought to mean the value of local sponsorship increases too, as the TV games reach a wider audience enabling clubs to attract higher-profile backers with tailored marketing packages.

  Whilst that doesn’t mean sponsors will beat a path to your door, it will make them more receptive to proposals that add value to their business.

• Secondly: Whilst attendance may be down at those games actually televised – and that remains to be seen – the increased exposure affords all clubs the opportunity to attract new fans and reawaken the hunger of people who may have drifted away.

  Remember, businesses rarely make money on their promotional activities. The return on investment accrues from what happens after the promotion.

  By exploiting the aroused interest well managed clubs will prosper.

• Thirdly: The reason Sky aren’t paying (again) to screen the games is because they already have. Sky’s current contract gives them rights to all RL games, not just Superleague – always has.

  Up until now they’ve opted not to exercise those rights. But, perhaps because televised Netball hasn’t taken off, or maybe because Eurosport was sniffing round, they suddenly see the commercial benefits in showing NL RL and that has to be a good thing for the RL game.

  For the record I’ve always argued that Super League should make a contribution to the NL coffers from the SKY monies. Now I believe the NL should again go to the Superleague clubs to ask for a share in that money because they too have a credible bargaining chip.

  Realistically though, until the Sky contract is renegotiated the NL are unlikely to receive any significant direct funding.

  However, for mine, the SL ought to make a contribution to a central fund for each game show on TV. That fund could then be shared equally amongst all NL clubs at the start of next season and then each season thereafter.

  It may be a token gesture for now but the important thing is that progress is made and precedent set.

• Fourthly: The NL has some real stars and produces some terrific games.

  I know because I go to watch the games.

  Now we have a free 80 minute ad every week to sell our product. And for once the deal doesn’t’ involve any pseudo-reality-TV gimmickry making a spectacle of the game and its fans.

  It truly is RL Raw.

• Fifthly: Remember the division one attendances? The ones before Superleague on Sky TV?

  Dig ‘em out and compare them to the current figures. 

  I think you’ll find TV hasn’t done us that bad.

  Not only are there more people coming to the grounds. Just as importantly there are more people, nationwide, aware of and actively watching RL.

  All of which makes the seeking out of sponsorship cash just that little bit easier.

Where dinosaurs see drawbacks visionaries see value-added opportunities. And make no mistake, this is a massive opportunity for the National League.

Let’s all grasp it, it may be our last.

Jon Wilkin’s late hit on Chris Thorman has earned him a two-match ban, which rules him out of Saints’ home Super League opener against Harlequins on Friday and the trip to Wakefield the following Sunday.

Saints will be grateful at least that Wilkin will be clear … and presumably injury free when they line-up at the Reebok against Brisbane.

One thing I find odd — even quaint — about these disciplinary issues is the seemingly paltry fines that also accompany the ban, in this case £300. I guess it’s a anachronistic reminder that with the exception of a few ’superstars’ the guys who play their guts out for us every week in Super League are really not all that far removed from the semi-pro days.

Technorati tags: RL, Rugby League, Jon Wilkin, Saints, St Helens

So, the Super League season kicked-off last night. With a Round 3 game? Smashing!

Only in the wide and weird world of rugby league could that happen. But hey, at least no one was watching eh? Not judging by the massive build-up SKY Sports gave the new season anyway.

Still SKY is certain to give Super League its ‘big kick-off’ this weekend … and maybe no one will notice we’ve already had a game.

Yet, what a game it was. Saints outlasted a determined Giants in a hard-fought affair that had a dash of flair, plenty of biff and that added sizzle that comes from having a full-time referee taking centre stage. Nice to know the RFL are getting value for money. That’s certainly what Ashley Klein dished-out last night, taking every opportunity to show his employers how proficient he’d become with his new tin-whistle.

But if that performance was actually in accordance with a newly sanctioned interpretation of the obstruction rules then I think we might as well chuck it in and join the union crew. What exactly does the ref expect the dummy runner to do? Evaporate? And if the league are intent on taking that tactic out of the game … has anyone – anywhere – thought through the consequences … I mean anyone with any coaching nous at all?

Let’s hope it was just an over-zealous aberration … you know the sort we get every year on opening weekend when the RFL trundle out their latest rule-tweak.

And whilst we’re on the referee; what the chuff was the deal with Steve Ganson being video referee? I get that he’s impartial. I get that his integrity is unquestionable. But what I don’t get is why this St Helens lover was even put in the position of having his integrity impugned (ouch)? Last I heard there were more than two referees registered. Last I counted there was oh, …. one … just one … game being played. So why not appoint someone from the panel who actually was neutral and could be seen to be neutral?

And for the record … as a Saint … I reckon that was a try. Ball on the white line, downward pressure and enough semblance of control to count. Sharpie … your lot were stiffed on that one, intentionally or otherwise.

But I reckon the Saints still would have gone on to win. You can’t argue with a four tries to one tally. And ominously that defence looks pretty solid again this year.

Although Huddersfield will be disappointed they can take a lot from the performance. How impressive was Kevin Brown? Would fit in nicely at the JJB instead of ‘insert name of high price contracted foreign star here’. And Ryan Hudson showed he’ll be a huge addition too.

On the other hand Saints will be glad when the rest of Matt Gidley arrives from Australia; the NRL star looked a tad off-the-pace last night.

BTW ,,, does anyone know what’s up with Fa’asavalu? Never seen him so quiet in a game. Perhaps he was keeping his head down in case they asked if he could kick goals?