This time of year...

[Kingbilly]

Beguurk,
do you really think RU is winning the battle ?
To me there is no battle, they are both great. But I also think its very regionalised. In certain areas RU is more dominant and others RL is and alot of areas its very much both RU and RL.

If there is a battle I think its more RL and RU against Soccer and AFL.

I agree with no interchange and competitive scrums.

[Guest]

[QUOTE=Kingbilly;132757]Beguurk,
do you really think RU is winning the battle ?
To me there is no battle, they are both great. But I also think its very regionalised. In certain areas RU is more dominant and others RL is and alot of areas its very much both RU and RL.

If there is a battle I think its more RL and RU against Soccer and AFL. True KB but League in the country is hurting, I left league in 2010 because hangers on are ruining the game in the central tablelands.. and at the union country championships at tamworth in 2010 I found a lot of league converts. union caters for all body types where league is headed towards a game of backrowers in all positions.???????? I have coached both codes and league has 7 yo players who are already destined for origin and australia, a culture that needs immediate attention?????????

[Kingbilly]

Probably the region thing is more obvious in Sydney, but I agree that country RL is in bigtrouble. Why (hang on while I climb on my high horse) because all the money is going to players and player managers.
You mentioned 2 things that RU has over RL, the place in the team for all body types and the culture of participation over the "good" players. I have come across plenty of parents that think their kid should be on contract already. The other one, which may not be such a factor in the country (not sure) is that players of all levels can particpate. There are basically 5-6 divisions in each age group in RU.

It also seems that its much easier as the kids get older, to play RU for the love of the game than it is to play RL for the same reason

[Guest]

It also seems that its much easier as the kids get older, to play RU for the love of the game than it is to play RL for the same reason

this might be explained by time/leisure. Hard to play footy when you've been digging ditches all day.

[Guest]

I love league and played it all my young life but it is heading in the wrong direction?? KB Things must change???????? at all levels, if not talented smaller players will go by the wayside unlless they are prepared to hang around till they are in there late 20's?? union is expanding rapidly and league is internationally implodeing. theres far too much international domination, growing up france england australia were on top, now newzealand are the team to beat because of the stereo type in the game... 2020 prediction ??lets play grid iron and call it league ...