watched the 1989 NY day game against Oldham First game for Hugh Wadell against his old club and they had a contract out on his head, first one to take it off gets a bonus. The quality of the recording is awful and the game/reffing isn't much better. Those wishing for the good old days take a good, long, hard look at the differences between the games of then and now. Those that think the skill levels are diminished are deluding themselves. Different yes but inferior, definately not
watched the 1989 NY day game against Oldham First game for Hugh Wadell against his old club and they had a contract out on his head, first one to take it off gets a bonus. The quality of the recording is awful and the game/reffing isn't much better. Those wishing for the good old days take a good, long, hard look at the differences between the games of then and now. Those that think the skill levels are diminished are deluding themselves. Different yes but inferior, definately not
That was Ford's debut IIRC. Also the only good game Backo had for us? Maybe the Yorks Cup Semi as well.
The thing I enjoy most about watching these old games is the lack of drum and trumpet in the South Stand. Made for a much better atmosphere.
The NRL has had some fantastic commentators over the years and when you watched their live TV games, Ray Rabbits Warren was the best commentator ever IMO,He really got you interested and brought the game to life. His State of Origin and Grand final offerings were amazing
Vossy is still doing a great job commentating currently in the NRL and is so much better than anyone we have had commentating over here
Steve Blocker Roach shouting "Where the f*** did that go?" after a stray pass straight into touch!
watched the 1989 NY day game against Oldham First game for Hugh Wadell against his old club and they had a contract out on his head, first one to take it off gets a bonus. The quality of the recording is awful and the game/reffing isn't much better. Those wishing for the good old days take a good, long, hard look at the differences between the games of then and now. Those that think the skill levels are diminished are deluding themselves. Different yes but inferior, definately not
They were all still basically amateurs back then training twice a week and working another job. The transformation during the next 10 years was dramatic. Almost as dramatic as the fall off in the last few years.
Watching these games from late 90s to the mid to late 2000s what strikes me is hoe Harris’ time in Union seemed to change him, he was for Leeds he was one of the most naturally gifted RL players of his generation, then just seemed to be a bit part player on his return at Bradford - a real shame really
Watching these games from late 90s to the mid to late 2000s what strikes me is hoe Harris’ time in Union seemed to change him, he was for Leeds he was one of the most naturally gifted RL players of his generation, then just seemed to be a bit part player on his return at Bradford - a real shame really
It would be interesting to see how many times he touched the ball on average in a league compared to Union. My feeling is that half backs and playmakers don't transition well from League to Union because too much comes off 9. If you've got pace and power then it's different. Jason Robinson was just a wind up toy, put the ball in his hands and off he went. Perfect for either code. Different type of fitness as well, you don't get the physical battering in Union. I guess he lost that perpetual motion game he had at Leeds. You watch him back then and he never stopped moving, he carried the ball in a lot as well, so much balance. But he got the ball when he wanted it, you can't do that so much in Union because all the fat boys get in the way.
When I started watching league there were still a few guys in the Leeds team who had been coached by Francis. Neil Hague was one and he had a remarkable fitness record, hardly ever missing games though injury. He credited that to the training regime Roy Francis had in place early on in his career. I think a lot of older fans know very well who he is and he is rightly revered.
When I started watching league there were still a few guys in the Leeds team who had been coached by Francis. Neil Hague was one and he had a remarkable fitness record, hardly ever missing games though injury. He credited that to the training regime Roy Francis had in place early on in his career. I think a lot of older fans know very well who he is and he is rightly revered.
The NRL has had some fantastic commentators over the years and when you watched their live TV games, Ray Rabbits Warren was the best commentator ever IMO
i agree. Warren probably the best for his longevity and smoothness a bit like martin tyler from the football over here but i loved darryl eastlake who did all the aussie tests and state of origin games 80s and early 90s him of henderson gill 'doing a bit of a boogie!' fame had some great catch phrases and his tone was quality. of today i like vossy.
It would be interesting to see how many times he touched the ball on average in a league compared to Union. My feeling is that half backs and playmakers don't transition well from League to Union because too much comes off 9. If you've got pace and power then it's different. Jason Robinson was just a wind up toy, put the ball in his hands and off he went. Perfect for either code. Different type of fitness as well, you don't get the physical battering in Union. I guess he lost that perpetual motion game he had at Leeds. You watch him back then and he never stopped moving, he carried the ball in a lot as well, so much balance. But he got the ball when he wanted it, you can't do that so much in Union because all the fat boys get in the way.
Im no Union fan but its a totally different sport to league and you cant really compare the two sports. You potentially only have the ball for 1 tackle in Union you arent guaranteed 6 if you dont drop it. League is a game of possession and Union a game of territory.