The view from row E
Whilst some say that the Giants' particular
brand of Rugby League is good for the NFP, I'd disagree. It's spectacularly
BAD for the game that they belittle the efforts of clubs trying much harder
- both on and off the field.
Our opinion here at rochdalehornets.com
is that the Giants demean the NFP competition.
They'll tell you that their 'decision'
to run a full-time squad in the NFP is a measure of their ambition to regain
their rightful place at the bottom of the game's elite competition. But
some might say it's a sign of their disdain for our division that they
tilt the balance of each game hugely in their favour as their fully professional
players swan past lads who have to work for a living. It's about playing
in the spirit of the game. And the Giants - in my opinion - don't. They
want to be back in Super League and Super League would love them back -
and the whole of this NFP season is geared towards that end.
Yes, they'll stroll the league - probably
thumping everyone on the way and leaving the rest of us poor sods playing
for second place. So we should consider them already promoted and their
results unimportant. Indeed, you may as well expunge their results from
the table for a more accurate view of how the NFP really shapes up. And
how gratifying it must be for their supporters to see their heroes thump
teams of grafters in no-contests week-in-week-out. As they sing "You're
just a bunch of part-timers" at them. Nice.
Down here in the NFP where the true heart
of Rugby League beats a little stronger for its more genuine commitment
to the ideals of the game, there's no place for conceit and arrogance.
I'll be glad to see the back of them.