I would like for everyone to take a moment, sit back and soak in everything that’s going on in rugby league at the moment.
I bet most of you didn’t think about the Melbourne Storm’s grand final triumph over the North Queensland Cowboys, because it certainly feels as though the rugby league community have well and truly moved on from this year’s premiership.
Now that the regular season is over, most of our attention has turned to the upcoming Rugby League World Cup and the build-up so far has been quite extraordinary.
Even though the world cup is still a couple of weeks away, the drama that’s unfolded in relation to player defections, player selections, selection criteria, coaches under pressure, team culture and the relevance of the international game has captivated league fans and divided opinions.
We have players and coaches going public with their criticisms, mainly directed at Jason Taumololo for choosing to represent his heritage and play for Tonga rather than New Zealand, his country of birth, and Andrew Fifita, choosing to represent his father’s heritage and practically walking out of the Australian team after being selected, also to play for Tonga.
(NRL Photos/Grant Trouville)
Many rugby league personalities, ex-players, journalists and fans have voiced their opinions on the issue, but nothing beats Tongan rugby league legend John Hopoate threatening to bash New Zealand captain, Adam Blair.
This could go down as one of the highest anticipated world cup’s we’ve seen for a long time. The intrigue surrounding the match-up between New Zealand and Tonga will be must see. Then we have Wayne Bennett’s England taking on Mal Meninga’s Australia, the bitter rivalry between the two coaches is enough to leave fans intrigued.
There’s been a lot of discussion in regards to which teams can mount a serious challenge to Australia’s world cup title defence and a lot of interest in how second-tier teams will go, considering some will be stacked with NRL and Super League talent.
The build-up has been sporting theatre at it’s best!
Moving away from the world cup, we also have player movements, clubs still in crisis, parts of next years draw being released which includes double headers, games being taken to Perth and to the bush, the introduction of female referees and, well, Cooper Cronk.
Seriously, what is going on with Cooper Cronk? Is he retiring? Will he play on? Which clubs are chasing him? Which clubs is he considering playing for? But most importantly, how the hell can the Roosters fit him under their salary sombrero?
The speculation about Cronk’s future has been going on for months now and although we are all frustrated waiting to hear what he decides to do, we are still very much waiting with anticipation.
Then there’s the Gold Coast Titans. What a debacle!
From the never ending Jarryd Hayne saga to the sacking of coach Neil Henry, the Titans were still in reach of making the finals after 20 rounds before the entire club practically imploded.
But the drama hasn’t ended north of the Tweed because they’re still without an owner, still without a coach, many key players including Ash Taylor remain unsigned and the entire future of the club is still clouded with uncertainty.
(Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
In other news, the NSW Origin team is still without a coach. Blake Ferguson is in the news for all the wrong reasons again. The Bulldogs board is in turmoil.
Will Todd Carney return to the NRL? Fans are following closely to which players are leaving and signing with their clubs. And last, but certainly not least, the Women’s Rugby League World Cup starting on the 16th November.
Despite the fact we are now on the eve of cricket season (and A-League for you soccer fans), there is no doubt they’ll be sharing the headlines with rugby league this summer.
It’s still going to be a while before us league fans can relax for an off-season. There’s going to be so many more articles to be written and so many more headlines will be created before rugby league signs off for 2017.
terrence
Guest
Yes, Julie, it was, last Wednesday. BFW!
terrence
Guest
Hey Andrew Fat-Feeder, darn easy on Google... give it a go champ... Need help?
terrence
Guest
Is that you, Andrew Fat-Feeder?
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Who doesn't love a bit of controversy. It generates interest and anticipation. Imagine if there was nothing in the news about Taumololo defecting to Tonga along with a few other ex-Kiwi's. Do you really think anyone would care about the match-up? No, they wouldn't. But the off field drama has turned this match into one of the highest anticipated matches of the entire world cup. Soak it in man!!
Chook
Guest
Gloss? What gloss? There used to be but all the lustre efaded 30 years ago. There have been a few occasions since but mostly it has been a boring one horse race.
Dean
Guest
Big Daddy. Anyone can claim to have played Rugby League at a high level. C'mon then mate, out with it.
big daddy
Guest
Adam. To be truthful I am a very avid rugby league fan , supporter and have played at a high level but to be honest I am over all this hype associated with todays modern rugby league players. They are in the headlines for the wrong reasons and taking away the popularity of the game. lets get on with this tournament without too many more headlines.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Big daddy you seem like a bit of an angry sad sack. Of course other sports and athletes are in the news. But league tops them all!! Now that I've had my say, I guess I'll get over it and let myself out.
big daddy
Guest
W e have a lot of sports and personalities in the news at the moment so lets not kid ourselves that rugby league is dominating the head lines . We need to get over it.
Rob9
Guest
This is a good point Deucer and something that’s been glossed over in this eligibility storm. All so countries with populations smaller than most Sydney LGA’s can be competitive.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Who?
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Well, he is Tongan. Petero Civoniceva is Fijian and he played for Australia. Semi Radradra is Fijian and he played for Australia. James Tamou was born and raised in New Zealand and he played for Australia. I'm an AFL fan as well, don't get me wrong, but they don't have a world cup coming up.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
There was a parade for the team down the main strip and thousands of people turned out to support the team. Jason Taumololo got to parade himself around on his own bus. The team has done a lot for the community during their short time over there, which should be commended. So, I'm pretty sure they know whats going on!!
Mike Julz
Guest
Tim Cahills brace was more dominant on the news
duecer
Guest
I was thinking more so teams like Italy and Scotland who have virtually no home grown players. France is worth far more than any tiny PI nation due to the extra TV revenue it could generate. It really is very, very sad to see the decline of France (and England) when there was a chance to try and increase their sides, but I think the decline is too great to really get back to the competitive times. Perhaps there might be a chance in Canada with the Wolfpak as long as the generous owner keeps funding the side.
League fan
Guest
duecer you can't really call them mercenaries when they are playing for Tonga for a lot less money. Its up to PNG and France to raise their standards. PNG will improve with the Hunters playing well and they should have a good WC. Ofcourse it is a good thing to have star studded Samoa and Tongan teams that are capable of beating anybody on their day. The more competitive the WC is will get more people watching and attending games which will result in a bigger profit at the end of the tournament which is probably the most important outcome for the organizers.
not so super
Guest
must be a crazy party
not so super
Guest
League Fan- you need to stop believing everything you read in the media
not so super
Guest
fake news
not so super
Guest
Andrew, how is planning going for the AFL world cup?