How to survive the NRL off-season

The 2014 NRL season is officially over. Souths are finally winners again, Sam Burgess is a legend, and Greg Inglis is still a freak.

But as I watched the Bunnies lift the trophy I began to panic, my poor little league-obsessed brain went into overdrive, and all I could think was, “What do I do with my life now?”

After a few days of moping about the house I came up with a plan of action.

Here’s how to keep your sanity through the long, boring off-season.

1) Find your summer sport
Expand your horizons, channel your obsession into a different sport. My pick is cricket.

I know, I know, how boring right? Watching a bunch of guys in silly outfits standing around in the sun all day?

Wrong! Turn on your air conditioner and tune in, or if you’re willing to brave the heat get to a match.

2) Phone a friend
Do you have a pal that is just as crazy about the footy as you? When life is getting you down call them up and have a long, in-depth discussion.

Don’t have someone in your life like that? Find one! Advertise in your local paper, ‘Wanted: League tragic. Must be a good listener and debater. Manly fans need not apply’ (that last bit is optional).

3) Get into fantasy football
Make 2015 the year that you carve up in Dream Team. Next season you will be a tipping genius.

4) Become a member
If you’re not already a member of your club then what are you waiting for? Join up already and get your special members’ only gear and tickets. You’ll be supporting your club and you get to feel a little more superior.

Practise raising an eyebrow and saying, “What, you’re not a member?” in a disappointed tone.

5) Start your countdown
Get a calendar and a big red pen. Cross off each league-less day until the football is back.

Enjoy the off-season, stay sane!