If lewis and woodsy had a million quid each stuffed in their magic sock, for the sole purpose of advertising the game then fair play, i think its unlikely but who knows? arguably not them two lunatics.

The idea is a good one, its if the game can afford it, without a cash/sponsors injection.

I thought it was terrible to start with, an absolute joke. more I think about it more I think that it is actually for the good of the game - and I can see the logic behind it. Presumably the sponsorship money received is, somehow, divvied but between the clubs to a more or lesser degree, then the clubs are free to do what they want with it. No doubt that several clubs would spend a decent proportion of the money servicing historic debt or throwing it at overpaid over the hill imports. This way all the "money" is spent directly on advertising and marketing the game in an innovative and original way - and at least the RFL know that we are getting some good exposure for the game.



It also remains to be seen if other partners will come on board, something that would be less likely if somebody like Betfair got the deal - according to the reports I have read at least.

i didn't think about your last point, but it is a very good one, the more nationally marketed our game, the more likely other sponsors/businesses are to be attracted to add their endorsement of the game.

The point about it affording each club a marketing budget is interesting, wether some clubs can afford that expense of money for day to day running costs, or if thats how it will manifest itself will be worth watching.

Good points though.

From memory JE mentioned that the deal with Stobart is not comparable with Engage.



Engage had all sorts covered in their deal (grand final, post pads, boards etc) where as this is just naming for league and the other bits will be sold to others.



Even though Wakey voted for the bet deal he suggested we wait and see as once all sponsorship is sold it may be a different story.

It does have to be said though (even though it does contradict my original point), with just over 24 hours to go until the season kicks off they need to pull their fingers out!

Even if the game was down on its knees and legennds of the game were predicting we would be playing kick and clap within 5 years, and even if some dodgy gambler came to the game with an offer of 86 million readies, some people would still moan........

This inovative (vomit) advertising will not do what the RFL think it will. If they put the WC dolls on the trailers with no clothes on it would still not bring people through the tunstiles. Remember also that these trucks spend a huge portion of the day either stood in a factory yard of at a depot/truck stop. You would have got a better impact from bill boards.

"A huge part of the day" I think your way off the mark with that one.



Besides, who decided that the only objective of the trucks is to bring people through the turnstyles?

Wonder which lorry will be the first to be damaged, with John Wayne driving every lorry of theirs

The wheels will fall off the Castleford truck about mid-way through the season.

Out of interest, does anyone know if the clubs would have seen any of the main sponsor money in previous years bearing in mind that they will be putting their logos around the ground?



I think it's interesting to see how divided we all are on this topic!

It [imight[/i not get people through the turnstiles, but it [iwill[/i give RL exposure everyday up and down the country, millions of people will see these lorries, it's another brick in building a better portfolio for RL.



I know a lot of people from around where I live who, when I mention RL, automatically think of the Northern Rail Cup, as some of their trains are plastered with the motif. This deal may be a catalyst for much bigger cash deals in the future. Or I may be horribly wrong