Club loyalties will be temporarily shelved as a record-equalling eight players from one rugby league club prepare to meet in the deciderWhen Australia and Samoa walk onto the Old Trafford pitch this weekend with both the Paul Barrière Trophy and rugby league greatness on the line, there is unlikely to be a prouder cadre than the Penrith Panthers front office. After claiming back-to-back NRL premierships and sending a record 19 players to the World Cup, a magnificent year for the Panthers will be capped when eight of their players likely square off in the decider. Among those eight will be a remarkable five members of the Penrith backline that defeated Parramatta in the NRL grand final – not inclusive of...
In a bubble away from contract negotiations and negative media, culture is blending this team of stars into a star teamImages of Tagaloa, the giant Samoan creation God show him balancing on two islands and beaming with a smile. The islands were stepping stones for his Polynesian people that have always been on the move.He would be proud of this Samoan rugby league team who are looking to make history and write the final chapter of the Pacific Revolution by becoming the first Pacific nation to make a Rugby League World Cup final. Continue reading...
The 2017 knockout stages could be the most exciting yet but the international game remains undervalued, particularly in the northern hemisphereAs the World Cup enters the knockout stages it is difficult to gauge the mood surrounding what should be the sport’s most important and prestigious tournament.While things have played out largely as expected, it is the feelgood stories that will live longest in the memory. Whether it is the way Papua New Guinea have proved to be such wonderful hosts, playing in front of sellout crowds in Port Moresby, Samoa and Tonga’s spine-tingling pre-game tête-à-tête or the encouraging progress of some smaller nations, there is much to sit back and smile about. Related: Rugby League World Cup has been snubbed...