05/07/08 - Hull FC, Wakefield and the legend that was Toppo…
It’s been a while. I recently spent my 35th birthday on safari in South Africa, which was, on balance, probably better than spending a ‘celebratory’ night surviving the urban jungle that is Leeds city centre after dark.
Upon my return I was genuinely moved to hear about the sad and untimely death of Dave Topliss, who I wrote about only a few weeks ago in this blog. A great player, a nice bloke, and one of my first sporting heroes.
Dave would’ve loved to have seen his former sides facing off in the Challenge Cup semi-final in late July, and the match - impossible to predict other than to say the contest is certain to be fierce - will be a fitting tribute to someone who both clubs will always hold in the highest regard.
As for the location of that particular match, much was made when the venues were announced of the Keepmoat being too small to accommodate the hoards of fans that would be desperate to get a taste of the live action. And that was always nonsense.
Every punter that wants a ticket has got one. The great little ground will be packed by 15,000 passionate supporters; the atmosphere will be one of carnival. Had the game been played at the McAlpine there could have been another 500 people, but they would have sat alongside 9,500 empty seats. A good decision by the RFL, and a superb occasion in prospect in Doncaster (and great occasions are not something you readily associate with the sex capital of the UK).
Plenty more of my opinions from me over next few week. As a rugby league coach might say, I’m back on the horse…
