Arthur Hoyle is a recession hit painter and decorator, having been banned from professional Rugby League. He has two passions in his life: Doreen, his wife and Rugby League. When Arthur hears corrupt manager Reg Welsh boasting about his team, The Cobblers, Arthur bets his life savings that he can train any team to beat them. Any team? Reg selects The Wheatsheaf Arms. They are worse than useless. Arthur realises what he has done. He enlists the help of gym owner Hazel Scott in a desperate attempt to train this team of losers into a finely honed fighting force that will not only save Arthur from humiliation on the field and financial ruin, but the wrath of his wife, Doreen.