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2020 Annual 1 What’s Inside Welcome. Welcome 2 Andrew Ferguson & the ‘Spanish Flu’ 3 Nick Tedeschi Making the Trains Run on Time 4 Hello and welcome to the first ever Rugby League Suzie Ferguson Being a rugby league fan in lockdown 5 Project Annual. Yearbooks of the past have always Will Evans Let’s Gone Warriors 6-7 been a physical book detailing every minutiae of the RL Eye Test How the game changed statisically 8-10 particular season, packed full of great memories, Jason Oliver & Oscar Pannifex statistics and history. Take the Repeat Set: NRL Grand Final 11-13 Ben Darwin Governance vs Performance 14-15 This yearbook is a twist on the usual yearbook as it 2020 NRL Season & Grand Final 16-18 not only looks at the Rugby League season of 2020, 2020 19-21 but most importantly, it celebrates the immensely NRL Club Reviews 22-23 brilliant, far-reaching and diverse community of Canberra 24-25 Canterbury-Bankstown 26-27 independent Rugby League content creators, from Cronulla-Sutherland 28-29 , New Zealand, and even Canada! Gold Coast 30-31 Manly-Warringah 32-33 This is not about one individual website, writer 34-35 or creator. This is about a community of fans who Newcastle 36-37 are uniquely skilled and talented and who all add North 38-39 to the match day experience for supporters of Parramatta 40-41 Rugby League around the world, in ways that the Penrith 42-43 mainstream media simply cannot. St George 44-45 South 46-47 They are bold, intelligent, witty, passionate and Sydney 48-49 absolutely brilliant. Warriors 50-51 52-53 My hope is that you as fans can support all of these NRLW History 2018-2020 54-55 independent minds, be it via sharing their work, NRLW Player Stats & Records 56-57 following them on social media, supporting them Pythago NRL at super crossroads 58 Richard Shaw-Wright Super League vs 2020 59 financially if they have merchandise or crowd Sandy Domingos-Shipley How Toronto Came to Be (My View) 60-61 funding options and by promoting them. 2020 62 I’d also like to thank Tim Costello for his splendid 2020 Super League Season 63-65 Super League Club Reviews Castleford 66-67 work putting this together. His work is that of yet Catalans 68-69 another great person involved in Rugby League and 70-71 was displayed magnificently all year through his work Hull FC 72-73 for the LeagueUnlimited website and was the man Hull KR 74-75 who designed and compiled their match programs 76-77 ‘The Front Row’, which came to life in 2020. 78-79 St Helens 80-81 These are the real voices of Rugby League. Wakefield 82-83 84-85 This is a yearbook by the fans, for the fans. 86-87 2020 Championship & League 1 88 I hope you enjoy it and we all thank you for your Rugby league podcasts 89 support. Michael Carbone 2020 news from places you did not even realise played the great game 90-91 Andrew Ferguson & Shawn Dollin International Head-to-Head 1904-2020 92 Rugby League Project International Records 1904-2020 93 Editors - 2020 Annual International Results 1904-2020 94-107 2021 Schedule 107

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2 did the same for Newtown despite having retired 4 years earlier. Paddy McCue also made a return to first grade for the first time since 1916 Rugby League when he lined up for Wests. The NSWRL season remained at 14 rounds and was still played in front of and the crowds, with only a moderate drop in crowd figures - yet there were still some games played in front of large crowds, such as: • Souths v Wests in Round 1 drew 20,000 • Souths v Glebe in Round 3 drew 17,000 ‘Spanish Flu’ • Balmain v Souths in Round 4 drew 25,000 • Balmain v Easts in Round 8 drew 17,000 - and their return match in Andrew Ferguson @AndrewRLP Round 14 drew 20,000.

Origins The New Zealand touring side arrived in Melbourne at the start of June The ‘Spanish Flu’ began approximately in January 1918 and lasted until and were immediately quarantined. After almost a week they were finally December 1920, infecting over half a billion people globally (which at released and began their tour in Sydney on June 7. They travelled to the time was around 25% of the global population). Some estimates Tamworth, Newcastle, Ipswich, Brisbane, Rockhampton and Toowoomba suggested that the death toll was around 100 million. That's a mortality on an 11 game tour, but did not play any Tests. rate of around 1 death per 5 infected people, or 20%. The toll rises The virus arrived in Australia in January 1919 and remained until On June 15, Glebe had 9 of their usual 13 first grade players missing as September of that year. In those 9 months it killed 6,387 people in NSW they were all struck down by the flu. Their opponents in that game were alone - 3,902 of those in Sydney, where nearly 300,000 were infected. Balmain, who were without 3 players themselves.

The flu came to Australia mostly through infected returning servicemen, On June 16, Mick Frawley, a pioneer player for the Roosters, succumbed but it was on October 25, 1918 when a ship arrived in Sydney from New to the virus and died. Zealand that the illness likely first reached the country. June 18 saw three of the touring Kiwi players bedridden with the flu - But the virus didn't spread like wildfire until one single event on January Henry Tancred, Wally Somers and Billy Wilson, alongside tour managers 22, 1919, when a soldier, travelling from Melbourne to Sydney via ship, Oakley and Levien. This caused the game at Orange scheduled for June shared a compartment with a civilian who was "very ill with aches and 19 to be postphoned, before ultimately getting cancelled. pains and a high temperature". Two days later the soldier was ill with the same symptoms, as were the three nurses who treated him. Seven other June also saw the North Sydney club travel to Tamworth for a game. soldiers who made the same journey also fell ill. On January 27, it was Upon returning home it was found that 6 of their players had come down confirmed they were suffering from the ‘Spanish Flu’. with the flu.

The NSW State Government leapt into action quickly. The very next day June 21 saw several stars for NSW struck down by the flu and stood down they shut down all libraries, schools, churches, theatres, public halls and for their game against the touring Kiwi side: Lyall Wall, , places of indoor resort for public entertainment. , Reg Latta, Albert Johnston, John Kerwick and Dick Townsend. By January 30, further measures were issued: people were required to and his wife Annie both contracted the disease and wear masks covering their mouth and nose; the assembly of people in were frightfully ill. Dally survived but sadly his wife didn't. public areas was banned; and there was a travel ban across the Victorian- New South border. In August, Australia travelled to New Zealand playing in 9 games where they savaged their opposition, with the only exception being the second It was suggested that fresh air was the best natural resistance to the flu, test which was their only loss. By then though, the worst of the flu had with a medical council encouraging outdoor activity provided that it was passed and normality to life was resuming. away from crowds. In February further restrictions saw the closure of all hotels and racecourses and the banning of public meetings. The aftermath By the time the flu had run its The flu hits rugby league course in Australia, Balmain On April 14, the NSWRL held their meeting where it was revealed that had been declared premiers for Harold Horder and Les Cubitt "are still wearing their brains out how they the fourth time in five years, are going to dodge the flu restrictions." It was also reported that Charles the post-season City Cup Fraser was quite sick with the flu. This however was the only mention of saw Wests beat Glebe in front the virus during the meeting. of 12,000 fans, 4 interstate games had been played and Two weeks after the meeting, the Rugby League season went ahead as all won by NSW - with the first normal, even discussing tours to other nations and having other teams game attracting a bumper crowd of 30,000 in mid-July and New Zealand visit Australia. had drawn some massive crowds in their 11 game tour - notably 46,157, 38,884 and a pair of 20,000 crowds for their 4 games against NSW. Many notable stars came out of retirement to help a number of clubs who were short of players during 1919 due to the flu: Arthur Butler and Bob The ‘Spanish Flu’ was aggressively fast and unbelievably deadly, yet Craig, both aged 37, continued on for one last season with Annandale despite this, Rugby League did not flinch - it carried on regardless even and Balmain respectively, Bob Graves who retired in 1913, played 7 when players were getting infected and a past player was killed by it. games for Annandale to help them with their player shortage. Sid Deane came out of retirement to play in a game for Norths, Charlie Russell The Spanish Flu couldn't kill Rugby League.

3 Making The Trains Run on Time Nick Tedeschi @Tedeschi8181

It is often quoted that Mussolini made the trains run on time. Fascism had many ills but an inability to get stuff built was not one of them. Another pseudo-dictator, former Augusta chief Cliff Roberts, noted the same when he travelled to Italy in the mid-1950s, writing to then-President and pseudo-Augusta son Dwight Eisenhower that only a dictator could have built such architectural marvels.

To get a job done, sometimes, democracy and coalition building and valuing public opinion can be obstructionary.

Rugby League, of course, has been built by and on strongmen. Jersey Flegg. Bill Buckley. Kevin Humphreys. . The code in Image courtesy of Badly Drawn RL (Twitter @BadlyDrawnRL)” Australia was taken from the wharves and the factories and the mind’s eye of the early pioneers to the premier game in two states, the most watched television sport in the country and a significant commercial It cannot be understated how close the NRL came to collapse in March. enterprise. Years - generations - of financial mismanagement - left the code The game lost its way, though, after the Super League War. The terms completely unprepared for a global pandemic that would shut the sport of peace called for compromise and stalemates and equality. Little got down. Broadcasters would not pay. Clubs were on the brink. Players done. Survival was the game. Power was dispersed. Bureaucracy crippled threatened revolt. the code. Yet within two months, Rugby League became the first sport of note to Neil Whittaker was forgettable. David Moffett was laughable. David return to action. It did so against the sniggering and snarkiness of other Gallop was Captain Vanilla though, to be fair, did a fairly admirable job in codes and fans of same. It did so on the drive, fearlessness, conviction very difficult circumstances. David Smith was a bad joke. John Grant was and old fashioned spunk of Peter V’Landys. a bad dream. Peter Beattie was all fluff. Todd Greenberg was whatever you wanted him to be unless it was someone who had to make a tough The game was the envy of every other in Australia. was on decision. It was a parade of mediocrity. its knees and its advocates like Peter Fitzsimmons persisted with some high road argument that was as laughable as it was snotty. The AFL, for That changed in late 2019 when Peter V’Landys assumed the reins as the the first time, was scrambling to catch up to the NRL, scared into action ARLC Chairman. Much like he has done at Racing NSW, he absorbed all as the southern game struggled to appeal to even its base before giving a the power, took some more and operated with fear, populism and an iron rival code free exposure. fist. PVL was also not afraid to get his hands dirty with the rulebook. The two- The timing was lucky. Rugby League may not have survived 2020 if the referee system was thrown out. The new six-again rule sped up the game, man affectionately known as PVL was not in charge. And there was no created more momentum and led to plenty of excitement. There were illusion that anyone other than V’Landys was running the show, even doubters. And they were proven wrong. Time and time again. when Greenberg was nominally the CEO. The purge on Greenberg soon after the season was halted only consolidated the image of PVL as the In a year that led the world to take pause, Rugby League enjoyed a all-powerful dictator of Rugby League - or Rugba Leeeeeg - in Australia. banner season. V’Landys is results-driven. He had little time for the bungling politicking and the unseemly need to be liked that were Greenberg’s signatures. And much like they do in North Korea, we can all pay thanks and gratitude and tribute to one man for making it so. For good or ill, and even with a long line of authoritarian leaders at the helm, no single person has ever had the impact or influence on a code in Nick Tedeschi is a columnist for The Guardian. His weekly column a single year that V’Landys had in 2020. He single-handedly saved the From The Couch at Making The Nut is a must-read at makingthenut. game. He also changed it to its core. com. He can be heard on a number of podcasts including The Advantage Line. He provides a weekly tipping service.

4 the rest of Australia, watching the game and cheering our team on before Being a rugby the second wave of Covid-19 in Melbourne hit hard. In July and we were back to restrictions and even harsher lockdown which meant watching the games at home on our own and back to Skype league fan in chat with anyone that wanted to connect. I had been working from home since April and won’t be back to the office until sometime in the new year. During this time I have had to home school for two full terms, before the lockdown little one went back to face to face schooling in October. How did I manage during that time? Suzie Ferguson We saw restrictions thankfully eased in November and most of us could 2020! What a year it has been for Victorians, especially those living in catch up and chat face to face with friends and family for the first time in Melbourne. It has been a time of self-reflection and also made people almost 7 months. The wearing of masks has been a challenge, especially stop, think and be more cautious and aware of their health needs during the heat of the upcoming summer. The organising of a return surround the pandemic of Covid-19. As a Rugby League fan, it has always to normal life, or the ‘new normal’, was chaotic for me – organising car been a struggle for me to enjoy the game day experience as much as services and detailing, hair colouring, home maintenance like carpet most fans, given I live in a different state to the team I support. But 2020 cleaning and new plants for the front garden to name a few, but I did it! meant that my usual methods were also not possible. I spare a thought for the fans of the game that could not travel to see The year started as per usual, with a few organised activities with some their team perform in the Grand Final and those teams like the Storm friends from my Victorian Cronulla Sharks supporters group, including an and the Warriors especially who were stuck in Australia and could not Australia Day BBQ in January and a trip to the zoo in early March, before go home due to the pandemic. I am not a great fan of the Storm, but I do we saw the NRL temporarily halted with the spread of the coronavirus. wholeheartedly thank their staff and players, and even moreso those at the Warriors, for the sacrifices they made personally, so that fans like My husband, our daughter and I went on a domestic cruise in mid-March myself could have just that little bit of normal in our lives. What you did and watched the Round 2 game between the Sharks and the Rabbitohs for us supporters meant so much and we cannot thank you enough! at our dinner table on the ship. I must admit it was strange to hear nobody cheering and hardly anyone sitting down in the crowds. We were fortunate to arrive back in Melbourne before the madness of the coronavirus started to hit, as we honestly thought we may have had to do the 14 day isolation for travelling interstate but were lucky we were in the high seas. A family trip with another Sharkie family was originally planned in April but due to the pandemic, this was cancelled and we hope to travel again in early 2021.

The footy games were watched by us, in our living room. I had the idea of getting anyone available in our group, to chat via skype and discuss the game, show our love from our seats at home. It was nice to connect although we were saddened not to be with each other, but seeing each other’s faces on the screen made us feel together. We sympathised with each other, sharing our frustrations of lockdown and it was quite relieving to know we weren’t the only ones feeling the annoyance. Victorians had to manage negative comments via social media, there was blame and jokes, quite offensive comments like calling the state “Sicktoria” and saying it was causing all of the issues in the country. It was fine for a while but eventually the constant negativity started to get us all a bit down. In 2019, the Sharks had their first meet and greet down here in In order to keep my cool (and keep sane) during restrictions and Melbourne, which was absolutely wonderful. Our Sharkie group were lockdown, I participated in online exercise like yoga, Zumba, meditation able to meet up and mingle then, as we made it (and the game against and relaxation. I looked at webinars to attend, learnt new skills, recipes the Storm) the next night our yearly catch up. Hopefully in 2021 we will and crafts. I even kept our daughter occupied with art classes online and be able to have things back to normal with meet ups and get-togethers making crafts in conjunction with her schools remote learning. for the big game each year - and, more meet and greets with the players. I entered every competition I could this year, especially those for a My husband, who is an essential services worker, our daughter and I domestic holiday. I think everyone in Melbourne did. I was lucky to win a appreciated the very simple things, like car trips to Woolworths, the personalised video from my favourite player which was a post office and Chemist Warehouse, while diving into the world of online very welcome surprise. shopping like never before. It was nice to have items arrive at the door including rugby league merchandise and deliveries for food to eat during What has truly been a truly affected year we should be thankful we kept the Friday night games on TV. safe health wise and still got to see our footy. We found new ways to communicate with our mates and learnt new ways to recreate our own There was a brief period in June when restrictions were eased, that I was personal game day experiences. While the virus has not gone away able to catch up with friends for a coffee outside. For the Round 5 local unfortunately, I hope those that have to go through restrictions and derby between the Sharks and Dragons, a good friend invited us over to lockdown can get through it all with their own strategies and to keep his place to watch the game. It was a brief period of feeling normal like sane.

5 Given their circumstances, many were prepared to give the Warriors a free pass for their performances (or lack thereof). A heavy injury toll didn’t Let’s Gone help: , and Jackson Frei were ruled out for the year before the premiership kicked off, was not sighted after the shutdown, and & spent months on the Warriors sidelines before returning to action. Some predicted they’d struggle to win a game, but a seemingly inevitable maiden wooden spoon would be Will Evans @WillEvansRL accompanied by a thick, compassionate asterisk. The basement-level expectations only made the now Gosford-based At the start of 2020, a 10th-place finish would have seemed a par result for Warriors’ 18-0 shutout of St George Illawarra in Round 3 more momentous. the Warriors. Perhaps even an overachievement, given many experts and It was the first time in six years they had held an opponent scoreless, while fans were tipping them to finish last for the first time. their perfect completion rate until the 75th minute was a wet dream for rugby league stats geeks. The -based outfit landed 13th in 2019 after sensationally jettisoning long-time halfback figurehead in the Heavy away losses to Penrith and Souths bookended a high-scoring victory off-season. Pedestrian attack, the NRL’s third-worst defence and a over North Queensland at their adopted home base in the ensuing three corresponding lack of enterprise and resilience characterised the Warriors’ rounds, however, before the Warriors brass dropped a bombshell that could 25th season in the premiership. have completely derailed their campaign. A recruitment drive consisting wholly of Penrith’s back-up Wayde Kearney – only the third coach to make it to a fourth season in charge of the Egan, essentially a replacement for unwanted Kiwis great , only Warriors – was sent packing a day after the 40-12 defeat to the Rabbitohs. amplified pessimism ahead of 2020. Struggling to get onboard with CEO The timing of the drastic move was roundly criticised by NRL pundits; even Cameron George’s ‘All In’ catch-cry, supporter morale was at an all-time anti-Kearney Warriors fans were stunned by the callousness of his axing. low…and there’s been some bottom-of-the-barrel periods during the club’s Removing one of the team’s leadership pillars and few constants also chequered quarter-century existence. seemed unfair on a set of players that were already showing on-field signs of emotional fatigue. But as ’s charges sunk to an insipid 20-0 loss in Newcastle on the first Saturday of the regular season, news was rapidly developing The acumen of the decision was brought into sharp focus during tough- that would flip the rugby league world on its head – and ultimately turn the talking caretaker coach ’s first month at the helm, which Warriors into the NRL’s (and arguably Australasian sport’s) story of the year. encompassed a 50-6 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne first up, a gutsy win over embattled Brisbane, an agonising collapse against Gold Coast While the NRL initially vowed to forge ahead amid the worsening COVID-19 and a calamitous 46-10 loss to a Shaun Johnson-inspired Cronulla. The situation, the Warriors were left in limbo. Around the same time Roger hardships became too much for star wingers and David Tuivasa-Sheck, and co. were trudging around a sodden Fusitu’a, veteran forward and rookie back-rower King McDonald Jones Stadium, the New Zealand government announced the Vuniyayawa, who were unable to be joined by their families and opted country’s borders were closing. After crisis meetings, the Warriors elected to head home. Sympathy from the fanbase remained…but the D-grade to stay on in Australia, basing themselves at Kingscliff on the NSW North performances were becoming difficult to stomach. Coast before ‘hosting’ Canberra at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast in Round 2 – a fixture originally set down for Auckland’s . But as the truncated NRL schedule rounded the halfway marker, something changed. Payten’s ethos and strategies sunk in – setting the tone for a It was an ugly watch but in retrospect the Warriors did admirably not to stunning two-month ride that electrified even the weariest (and wariest) implode against the Raiders, eventually going down 22-6. Mercifully, the Warriors supporters. Never before have the club’s diehards been able to NRL’s coronavirus-enforced shutdown allowed the squad to head home walk away from 10 straight matches with such a sense of pride in the way a few days later. But the club’s arduous odyssey was only just getting their team had played. The turnaround began in Round 11 with a stoic started. The viability of the NRL’s proposed restart hinged on the Warriors’ 18-10 loss to the heavyweight best remembered for loan involvement – but the team and staff faced the prospect of spending several forward taking on Tricolours firebrand Jared Waerea- months based in Australia, with little certainty around when or if their Hargreaves. families would be able to join them. That fed into superb away wins over Wests Tigers (26-22) and Manly (26- The Warriors – already confronting enough problems football-wise before 20) on consecutive Friday nights. The Warriors fought back from a halftime the pandemic – had become the NRL’s involuntary face of COVID-19. As deficit against the Tigers and held on against the Sea Eagles after having CEO George and his administration untangled a logistical web, debate two players binned. Making the second victory all the more remarkable, swirled, particularly in New Zealand, about the wisdom of sending the elder statesman left for Newcastle after the Tigers win and players, coaches and support staff into the unknown. But the harsh reality Payten bizarrely announced on live television he had rejected an offer was many people’s livelihoods – not least of all the players’ – and potentially to take on the Warriors job fulltime. In something of an underwhelming the club’s survival was on the line. They had to go. surprise, Nathan Brown was announced as the head coach from 2021 a day after the Brookvale boilover – with the bombshell chaser that Phil Gould The poignant scenes at Auckland Airport as the Tamworth-bound Warriors would be joining the Warriors as a consultant. But the big off-field news said indefinite goodbyes to their families illustrated the gravity of the failed to divert the team from the task at hand. situation. For pure guts, it was hard to go past their 18-12 loss in Round 14 to a The groundswell of support from a rugby league public that had Penrith side that was in the process of piecing together a 17-match winning traditionally and overwhelmingly derided the club’s underachievement streak. The Warriors scored the only tries of the last 45 minutes to push the was heart-warming. The massive uptake in Warriors memberships by fans competition leaders to the wire, while halfback tyro Chanel Harris-Tavita of other clubs sent the feelgood factor through the roof. But goodwill can flew out of the line to smash Panthers forward late in the game only carry you so far when you’re faced with unprecedented adversity. in one of the season’s most memorable moments.

6 Warriors’ 2020 season – and some of the performance gauges that bely Another pair of back-to-back wins pitched the Warriors in Top 8 contention, their obstacles, as well as the club’s traditional weaknesses. an inconceivable prospect only a few weeks earlier. was in scorching form, Paul Turner starred on debut and recalled forward Jack • After snaring rare back-to-back wins in Sydney over the Tigers and Murchie produced a breakout performance in a 20-14 comeback win Sea Eagles, the Warriors made it three straight in Sydney for just the over Canterbury, while RTS was the star attraction as the Warriors blitzed fourth time in their history – and the first occasion since 2011 – when the Knights 36-6 (including a 28-0 second half) in front of the converted they overwhelmed the Bulldogs. Tamworth faithful. • The biggest margin in their five losses across the last 10 rounds was just 12 points (including four by eight or less). It represented the Those fanciful finals dream took a hammer blow in a controversial Round first time since 2012 (a stretch, it should be noted, in which they 17 loss to high-flying Parramatta at BankWest Stadium. But after falling surrendered 18-point leads in consecutive weeks) the Warriors have behind 16-0 on the back of the farcical sin-binning of Jazz Tevaga, the gone 10 matches without losing by a 13-plus margin. Warriors dug deep for another fight-back to make the hairs on the back • The Warriors conceded 260 points in their first 10 games but only 198 of the neck stand at full attention. Harris-Tavita scored two tries – the first across the last 10. They scored just 127 points in their first 10 rounds after a seemingly endless passage of passes and kick, the second from a before piling on 216 in the second half of the year. searing Tuivasa-Sheck break – in the space of five minutes, but the Eels • Notorious for their second-half fadeouts over the years, the Warriors ultimately got up 24-16. The mathematical chance went out the window a averaged just 7.8 second-half points conceded over the last 10 week later, with Johnson again the Warriors’ destroyer as the Sharks won rounds – the most being 14 in the high-scoring final-round thrashing 22-14 with a late flurry. of Manly. They scored 10 second-half points on average during this period, despite being held scoreless after the break by the Roosters It was another ideal, somewhat acceptable juncture to put the cue in and Raiders. the rack. But with only pride to play for the Warriors bustled the bigshot Raiders in a fiery, frantic clash in the capital. They trailed by just two at the Yet despite the Warriors’ staggering on-field improvement, the moments break but lost 26-14, RTS succumbing to a season-ending injury. and yarns emanating away from the paddock shine just as bright: The stirring haka to farewell hotel staff who looked after them in Tamworth; An unforgettable season ended on a fitting note: a 40-28 defeat of the Sea Payten’s heart-melting reunion with his kids; the painstaking daily efforts Eagles amid a festival-like atmosphere in Gosford. Stopgap centre Adam of staff – some of whom had to fill in during opposed sessions as the squad Keighran scored three of the Warriors’ eight tries, while the retiring Adam ran out of fit troops – to set up trainings; revelations of the sacrifice made Blair was honoured with a haka tribute by players from both teams. by Tuivasa-Sheck – the only Kiwi player without his family in camp – and his subsequent Dally M Captain of the year honour; and the Warriors being The Warriors were more than the sum of their parts over the last 10 rounds, awarded the Provan-Summons Medal. but the individual contributions deserve recognition: was immense – a high-quality, ultra-consistent workhorse who claimed the Whether the Warriors can build on the unexpected foundation laid Warriors’ Player of the Year gong in his best-ever season; short of his usual this year remains to be seen. A big question mark hangs over whether standards earlier in the year, Captain Fantastic Tuivasa-Sheck exploded Nathan Brown is the right fit for the club. Though maligned, Blair will be down the stretch and would have collected a fourth straight POTY award a significant loss experience- and culture-wise. Addin Fonua-Blake could if not for Harris; the polarising Blair finished his record-breaking career be one of the Warriors’ greatest-ever signings, but there are doubts over by playing every game (the 13th straight year he’d appeared in 20-plus), his attitude and maturity. Bailey Sironen is an excellent pick-up, but fellow winning back plenty of fans with his improved work-rate and trademark 2021 buys Ben Murdoch-Masila, , , Sean O’Sullivan physicality; another to produce their finest year, Nikorima shelved the and are all crossroads players heading to a joint with inconsistency for the most part and unleashed his attacking gifts far a very patchy record of getting value out of their recruits. While only the more often than he did in 2019; Harris-Tavita stamped himself as a future departure of and Adam Keighran created much of a ripple leader of the club with his classy ball-playing and awe-inspiring lack of of disgruntlement with the club’s fans, their exit along with , self-preservation; was the NRL’s form centre over the back half , Isaiah Papali’I and removes a sizeable of the season – a fine finisher, a winger’s dream and an excellent chunk of the squad that bound together so tightly throughout the Warriors’ stand-in; and Patrick Herbert filled the big boots of ‘Big Ken’ mission abroad. And, of course, the squad may again have to spend a large and ‘Fus’ with aplomb, flipping the opinion of some critics in the process; chunk, or possibly all, of the season in Australia again – could they find 20-year-old back-rower announced himself as one of the most the necessary resilience again on a tour of duty that would amount to over exciting, explosive young talents in the game, while fellow rookie Jamayne nine months? And if they get to come home, they would need to readjust Taunoa-Brown – who only picked up a train-and-trial contract during the to being out of the camp environment, along with having expectations pre-season – became the Warriors’ front-row mainstay; the lionhearted Jazz heaped upon them. But the pieces are all there for a potential surge up the Tevaga was one of the Warriors’ best every week after missing the first eight NRL ladder – especially if the Warriors can channel the spirit and grit that rounds through injury – his return was an overlooked factor in the team’s typified this year’s campaign. revival; the versatile and maligned recruit Egan ultimately developed into a handy dummy-half rotation; early-season acquisition In a results-based industry and the NRL’s age of salary -influenced Murchie finished the season on fire, throwing down the gauntlet to the parity, rarely is a team given a pass mark after missing the finals. But as club’s bevy of 2021 forward recruits; and loan players , the 2020 Warriors proved, not all 10th-place finishes are created equal. Hetherington, George Jennings and all did the jersey proud Regardless of how next year and beyond unfolds, the character and resolve in six appearances apiece, carving out a neat little niche in Warriors history they showed during a nomadic six-month stint will forever be held up as and each scoring contracts with new clubs from next season on the back of one of the pinnacles in the club’s rollercoaster narrative, and one of the their outstanding form in unexpected circumstances. finest examples of collective fortitude in rugby league’s modern era.

Then there’s mastermind Payten, who may very well go down alongside Will Evans is an author of several Rugby League history books and in the Warriors’ coach-that-got-away annals. runs the website ‘This Warriors Life’ which can be found at www. thiswarriorslife.com For those partial to a bit of number-crunching, here’s a few stats that underline the stark difference between the first and second halves of the

7 NRL 2020 - how the game changed statistically this season The average time in play increased by 6% from 54.15 minutes to 57.73 Rugby League Eye Test @LeagueEyeTest minutes. A lot can happen in three minutes in the NRL, although from the statistics below most of it seems to be middle forwards running the ball. The NRL 2020 regular season has drawn to a close and much like the The interesting thing was the decline in time in play late in the season. it is time to get to the bottom of it. Statistically that is. Rounds 3-12 had an increase in time in play of 9.6%. Yet Rounds 12-20 only had a 1.6% increase. Something to investigate… There were some significant rule changes this season that have impacted the way teams are playing. The biggest ones were the move to one referee Possession and the introduction of six again calls for ruck infringements, which I’ve Moving on, these rule changes had a flow on affect to practically gone over extensively before. every other single statistic in the game. More time in play means more possession. More possession means more runs. More runs mean more The other less talked about one was the change to provide attacking run metres. Which leads to more kicks at the end of sets. More tackles players the same protection under high kicks that defensive players need to be made. And so forth. have received. This change has certainly played a part in how teams are attacking at the end of sets, with a sizable increase in kicks aimed It does mean that anyone averaging a “career high” this season that is between 1-10 metres out from the try line instead of trying to place the less than a 4-6% increase is probably not having a career high if you ball in the in goal area. It has also resulted in some teams, most notably adjust 2020 stats to be in line with 2019. That doesn’t mean they haven’t the , just running the ball on the last tackle to hand it had a career season by effort, just that their numbers are slightly inflated over a few metres out, rather than have a mistimed kick result in a seven- and not completely comparable to previous season without adjustment. tackle set from the twenty-metre line.

Just how much did those rule changes affect the way the game looked statistically? To check how much things have changed, we’re going to look at the percentage increase on a per game basis from the average of all 25 rounds in 2019 to 2020 from Round 3 to 20, for groups of publicly available statistics from .

If you read my breakdown of the Warriors statistical improvement under Todd Payten from earlier in the season, you’ll know why I’m just using the percentage change and not the raw number change. If not, then the Looking at the above chart, the orange data points show the 2020 reason is that it’s hard to show per game shifts in statistics with massively percentage change, and you can see that average sets per game are up different ranges. You can show the change in run metres from 2800-2900 nearly 8%, as are average play the balls (+7.47%) but average tackles per per game, but you would never see the change in average metres per run set is basically flat (down 0.4%). This is no surprise with the increase in from 8.92 to 8.85. To deal with that I am purely looking at the percentage early kicks seen this season. change, which for most statistics is in the single figures to low double figure range, which allows for a greater distinction of change. Completion rate also increased slightly, up 2.4% to 78.3% per game from 76.5% last season, pointing to a slightly more conservative Now we’ve defined what we’re looking at, what changed under approach despite the increase in tries and points scored. V’Landysball in 2020? And by how much? Turns out quite a bit. Penalties and set restarts Time in play As you’d expect with the significant rule change this season, here’s where The biggest change was time in play. With around 22% fewer penalties you see the most changes and it’s had a flow on effect to other parts of being called, the ball wasn’t sitting idle as long and time in play jumped the game. There was also the removal of one referee. by 6% ( games excluded from each season). You can see the round by round breakdown and three round rolling average (orange line) Penalties declined by 22% with the introduction of set restarts. This led below. to a large number of them being called in the first half and a one third drop to the second half as seen on the next page.

8 It is interesting that the increase in possession and time in play hasn’t led to an increase in general passes, which were only up 1%. We’ll see why though in the analysis of runs and running metres. Offloads were down by 5%, again supporting a theory that coaches were playing a more conservative game. That is also shown with errors being basically flat on last year, from 21.7 to 21.5 per game.

Running and metres

As you’d expect with more time in play there’s been an increase in runs, up 4.6% and total run metres are up 3.8%. The interesting thing with run metres is how we’ve arrived at that increase. Post contact metres Consistency of set restart calls in the second half has been an issue for are up 3%, while pre contact metres are up 5.4%, leading to a decline the second half of the season. We had a run of 6-7 rounds where games in average metres per run from 8.92 to 8.85. It’s not a lot but when you had zero set restarts in the second half, and then we had Round 19 where consider there’s been over 50,000 runs this season it does add up. three of the four highest second halves for set restarts occurred. It’s something that needs to be tightened up for 2021. The type of runs has seen a big change as well, with dummy half runs down just over 9% on last year, dropping from 17.6 to 16.0 per game. Scoring and passing This has mostly moved to one pass runs, a standard hit up, which has increased 7.3% to 155 per game from 145 per game in 2019. These numbers would explain the higher increase in pre contact metres and a slightly lower metres per run, and the decline in passing and offloads as mentioned above.

Again, this points to a more conservative approach, which again leads into the next section. Set restarts are also having an effect here, as when the tackle count restarts, they continue to push the ball through the middle.

Kicking stats

Thanks to some high scoring final rounds of the regular season, scoring increased almost in line with the increase in time in play or possession, increasing 5.78% per game to 41.74 points per game, up from 39.5 per game last season.

Tries were up 9.78%, goal attempts were up 1.8% while goal makes were down 2.1%. Part of this is probably linked to the decline in penalties with set restarts being introduced, as penalty goal attempts are down 32% this season on the back of penalties awarded declining by 22%. As One of the biggest changes this season was in kicking type. Overall penalty attempts were usually taken in positions where the goal kicker kicks have increased by a similar amount to runs and run metres, up was likely to succeed, it makes sense that the overall percentage would 3.9% to 18.2 per game. When you drill down into that, you can see that decline. long kicks are up 11.5% and attacking kicks have increased by 5.7%, while weighted kicks are down by a huge 25%, which you can see by the Line breaks increased at a lower rate than tries, at just 4.72%, which orange data point on the left. I’ll quote my theory from the “Round 14 makes sense after you read the kicking analysis. Notes and Trends” post as to why that is the case.

9 “Here’s my crackpot theory – teams have gotten more efficient and Final set restart update accurate at aiming their attacking kicks just outside the goal area Hopefully, this is the last time I have to write something about set restarts to avoid a seven-tackle set. The rule change which came into effect for at least a month (*notes Grand Final date*). After Round 20, we had in Round 1 that gives airborne attacking players the same level of one of the lowest numbers of total infringements called since Round 4, protection as airborne defensive players is surely a driver for this, as with a penalty or set restart being called approximately every 22 play the was showing before succumbing to injury. balls.

“This explains the drop in weighted kicks but the large increase in attacking kicks. Fewer kicks reaching the in-goal area leads to fewer dropouts which can take up to 45 seconds each. By aiming them a bit shorter than the try line, at worst a team will give up possession less than 10 metres out or a scrum at the same point. This is a much better result than a seven-tackle set from the 20-metre line.”

The Melbourne Storm were one of the teams driving this drop in weighted kicks, as I noted earlier in the season. They were quite happy to run out the ball on the final tackle and ensure their defense was set well inside their opponents 20 metre zone.

There’s been a decline in forced dropouts as well, down from 3.33 to 3.28 (-1.5%), and fewer kicks going dead (-6.9%) which also supports this On the positive side, there was a bit more consistently among whistle trend. The reduction in dropouts taken has also led to part of the increase blowers this round, even with the wacky rule changes that were being time in play, it’s not purely the cause of set restarts. used. I would have bet my house that Adam Gee would have given at least 15 once they let him call them for offside. I mentioned before that line breaks hadn’t increased at the same rate as tries, and one of my theories is that there are more tries being scored from attacking kicks, which aren’t awarded any line breaks.

Defensive stats

Not a lot has changed in the few defensive statistics publicly available, with tackles up just 3.2%, and missed tackles climbing by 2.5%. Tackle efficiency, which is a cautious stat to be using in the first place, barely changed, sitting at 92.41% last year and 92.46% this year, which is why you can’t see the orange data point. And that restraint has ensured that Gee didn’t finish the season with an average of 10 or more set restarts called per game. He did manage to When you bring all these small changes together, it shows a change call four more per game than Chris Sutton though. There’s always next in the way the game has been played. We’ve seen more ball in play season Andrew. thanks to the change to set restarts for ruck infringements. This has led to an increase in hit ups through the middle of the field, and a further If you enjoyed this article you can find more like it on at the Rugby neutering of dummy half running. The law of unintended consequences League Eye Test – https://rugbyleagueeyetest.wordpress.com. led to conservative one out running with little ball distribution becoming a larger part of the game.

This has been offset by the dramatic change in kicking profiles, with teams favouring attacking kicks within the 10 metre zone. This has come at the expense of short, weighted kicks that are aimed to sit up in the in-goal area and draw repeated sets of six. Coaches have become even more risk adverse, happier to hand over the ball a few metres out instead of potentially giving up a seven-tackle set from the twenty metre line. Given the gravity of the changes made this season, hopefully we’ll see a more nuanced approach to rule amendments in 2021.

10 working directly off his own try-line with yardage kicks like this: Take the Off the back of Hughes’ kicks, the Storm were able to lock-in in defence and suffocate Penrith coming out of their own end until eventually, it Repeat Set: forced mistakes: In good ball sets Hughes showed a control and poise to his game that was not apparent this time last year, steering his team around the park and taking the right options more often than not. He isn’t credited for NRL Grand a try assist in Sunday’s game, but the Storm should have scored off the back of Hughes’ combination with in this instance, and Final quite possibly a few others: And in defence, Hughes has consistently measured up to the infamously Jason Oliver @JasonNRL high defensive standards that Craig Bellamy holds his halves to - just ask Oscar Pannifex @OscarPannifex . The Melbourne Storm were a brick wall on their own line on Sunday The Perfect Storm night. Midway through the first half and defending multiple sets, the More than a few hours of breaking down Penrith’s form in the lead up to Storm came up with three consecutive try saving efforts to maintain their Sunday’s Grand Final had me leaning towards the Mountain Men when narrow lead. Liam Martin’s hard decoy close to the line drew in Justin I wrote my tip last week, but a dominant first half from the Melbourne Olam and suddenly Penrith had the numbers on the edge, but Josh Storm - the ultimate professionals in our great game - quickly brought me Addo-Carr and Papenhuyzen did just enough to slow the ball up before back to reality. Edwards is stopped agonisingly close to the line:

The Storm are just too good. Cleary immediately swung it left, and when pushed off that big left foot step the Panthers looked certain to score again, only for Not even an error from the kickoff threatened to derail Melbourne’s 2020 Brenko Lee’s second effort to pull down the big Fijian: Premiership campaign, as they dominated all areas of the match in the opening 40 minutes to give Penrith almost no chance of a second-half Kikau earned a lightning-quick play the ball and when went comeback. left again to Stephen Crichton it looked a case of ‘third time lucky’ for Penrith, only for Hughes to make a crucial stop in the corner and hold Leading roles from and his forward pack through the Crichton up to stop a certain try. Hughes’ involvement in this sequence middle went a long way to deciding the result on Sunday, but it was the might seem minor, but if he slips off this last tackle then all the work from performance of Jahrome Hughes and in particular his teammates in the lead up is undone. You could almost hear the air fizz that stole the show for me, as the pair capped off an incredible season in out of Penrith’s tyres: their respective positions. As Hughes guided his team around the park - albeit with some help Ryan Papenhuyzen’s 2020 finals form: from a bloke named Cameron Smith - Papenhuyzen was left to pick and choose his moments. And boy, does this kid have timing. Games: 3 Tries: 4 Papenhuyzen was everywhere. His solo effort to stop a Try assists: 3 kick-for- and win possession for his team as the Panthers sniffed a Line break assists: 3 comeback was topped only by his length of the field solo try early in the Run metres: 640 second half. I’ll let Jason break it down in our Play of the Round segment below, but for now just sit back and enjoy: Loves the big stage - a deserving Origin call up. There isn’t another fullback in our game today that could make this look It’s hard to believe that a little over twelve months ago, Papenhuyzen so easy. The ball out in front, sitting so comfortably in two hands. The was well down the pecking order of fullbacks waiting for their crack at balance and the turn of pace. the #1 jersey down in Melbourne. Hughes himself was merely filling that role out the back while Brodie Croft and jostled for the The way Papenhuyzen straightens to square up defenders - in this case halfback position before he moved into the halves late in the season with Martin and Cleary - has all the makings of an elite ballplayer, and the mixed results. Fast-forward to Sunday’s Grand Final, and Papenhuyzen is smoothness with which he accelerates into space makes him not only celebrating a premiership victory and State of Origin call up after being one of the most dangerous attacking fullbacks in the NRL, but surely the best on ground in the decider, with Hughes arguably the next-best pick. most pleasing to watch, too.

Perhaps the most impressive factor of Hughes’ development into a top- Whether Smith goes around for another year is still a mystery - and one tier NRL halfback is that the Kiwi international didn’t play to his strengths I personally am in no rush to solve. There’s little mystery surrounding on Sunday night, and yet was still so effective. the rest of the Storms’ spine moving forward, however. In Papenhuyzen, Hughes and , Melbourne have ‘The Next Big Three’ Arguably at his best when running the footy or playing off-the-cuff, ready and waiting to lead this club into the next chapter, and if their Hughes played his required role as an organising halfback to perfection. performances on Sunday are anything to go by then Melbourne’s success His kicking game was superb - he consistently had looks set to continue.

11 Big NAS Penrith quickly shift left through Jarome Luai to Kikau, who with a full Ryan Papenhuyzen is a deserving winner of the Medal, head of steam charges into the defensive line, winning the contact and but Nelson Asofa-Solomona could have had his name announced finding his front to put Penrith on the attack. It’s only second tackle here without a raising of eyebrows. - with just two carries Penrith had Melbourne on the back foot and looked ready for the knock out punch - but Kikau fumbles the ball in the ruck to The giant middle forward threw his weight around on Sunday night. He kill any momentum: had an eye for in defence and at times went searching down the right side for runs aimed directly at Jarome Luai. The smaller the It was a game plan the Panthers looked to again later in the game, and a man, the more NAS wound up. plan that worked well when executed properly - roll upfield on one edge before shifting to their strike players on the left flank. A wide searching Melbourne needed an enforcer to match it with Penrith in the middle and raid down the right edge saw Nathan Cleary and link up for Asofa-Solomona provided. en extra 30 metres and get Melbourne’s defensive line retreating:

Asofa-Solomona’s excellent performance doesn’t show in the numbers. Off the back of this field position, the Panthers again worked from right His 118 running metres aren’t the most in his side let alone in the match. to left to give Crichton early ball and some room to move down the left Six teammates made more than his 25 tackles too. While his 59 post- channel. He made it count: contact metres and six tackle breaks go a way to painting the picture of his physical 43 minutes, it’s the little things where he made his mark. But that’s about as clinical as it got for the Panthers, in the game that mattered most. With a 16-0 lead and the Panthers looking to last through to halftime, Asofa-Solomona’s defensive effort in the middle helped force an error You could put it down to inexperience or nerves. Or maybe the fact that it which soon led to another Storm try. was the first time in eighteen weeks Penrith were forced to chase points. For whatever reason, poor execution proved a problem for the Panthers He first crunched Dylan Edwards to force the Panthers to work it out from on Sunday - Crichton’s obstruction line in the lead up to ’s their own 10-metre line on this set. The bone-cruncher slowed down the disallowed try early in the first half, for example, was not a mistake we’ve start of the set with Brian To’o unable to push through the next tackle like seen Penrith make throughout their incredible winning streak. he often has this season: Jason has had a keen eye on Penrith’s scoring efficiency this season, and The big lock forward then got low to the ground while chopping down it again proved to be a problem for the Panthers on Sunday night. Josh Mansour and Yeo in back-to-back tackles: If you consider Isaah Yeo’s very controversial try-assist for Brian To’o’s Now just 30 metres from their own line on 4th tackle, Penrith went four-pointer in the corner and the fact that Cleary’s 79th minute try was searching out wide with ’s pass failing to find To’o on the right scored with two Storm players in the sin-bin, then the Panthers’ other wing. two tries from a whopping 39 play-the-balls inside Melbourne’s 20m line is decidedly poor. While this is in part due to the elite defensive systems While Melbourne didn’t score straight away, Asofa-Solomona’s set in of the Melbourne Storm, some of the blame here must go to Penrith’s defence gave them the field position to attack. It was his run towards primary creative players. little Edwards defending at A that got the Storm on the front foot and forced a rash play from Api Koroisau: Perhaps because of this, there has been plenty of criticism levelled at Cleary - and Luai to a lesser extent - in the aftermath of Sunday’s game. Smith colleted the lose ball to fall over the line and make it 22-0 at the It’s to be expected. More than that, it’s just lazy commentary. Losing break. A hearbreaker for the Panthers, but a reward for effort for Asofa- playmakers are easy targets and often - as is the case here - not the sole Solomona. reason for the result.

Despite only playing 43 minutes, a lot of Melbourne’s best came with You don’t have to dig deep to find reasons why Cleary and Luai weren’t at Asofa-Solomona on the field. His strong carries and overall presense later their creative, attacking best. helped Papenhuyzen produce the Play of the Round. Not a single forward in Penrith’s starting pack managed their season Goodbye average running metres on Sunday night. Live-wire hooker was limited to just eight runs for 32 metres and no tackle The Storm were the better team on the night and deserving premiership breaks. The bench trio of , Zane Tetevano and winners, but what will have hurt Ivan Cleary the most is that Penrith beat failed to maintain the rage that saw Penrith’s forward rotation lead the themselves on Sunday. After dominating the competition all year in competition in run metres and post-contact metres this season. completion and possession statistics, the Panthers completed just 31 of 46 sets in the big dance - a meagre 67% and a far cry from their 81.6% Despite this, the Panthers still finished within a converted try of what season average. is arguably the most successful club in the modern NRL era. No side with Cameron Smith in it loses a grand final after taking a 22 point lead It made for frustrating and unfamiliar scenes as Penrith found themselves into the sheds at halftime - he just wouldn’t allow it to happen. For the chasing points and out of rhythm for most of the match. Viliame Kikau’s Panthers to fight back and make it a close finish says a lot about their numbers are somewhat of an analogy for Penrith as a whole on Sunday; championship qualities, especially considering they had little to no he looked likely with 117 running metres and 7 tackle busts on the night, experience coming from behind in games this season. but five handling errors - often immediately following a barnstorming run - released any pressure he and the Panthers looked to build. The dark horse tag has long been shed for this Panthers side. With their squad virtually unchanged heading into next season, there will be plenty A fresh set in Melbourne’s territory early in the second half gifted Penrith of expectations for Penrith to go one better in 2021. a rare attacking chance, and they worked upfield with Liam Martin who pushed through the tackle to get the Storm retreating:

12 There’s always next season for…Penrith I could go on. When the Storm fluffed the games opening kickoff to turn the ball over on their own 10-metre line I commented, “that won’t rattle them, they will Penrith have an excellent squad. It’s one that will at least be competitive be fine.” over the next two or three seasons if they don’t lift the trophy once or twice. The players will be disappointed now, but it won’t be long before a After all, they’re expertly coached and have Cameron Smith - who is as reflection on the match leads to excitement and motivation for 2021. good as having Craig Bellamy on the field - to settle things down and get things back on track no matter the result of the ensuing defensive set. They’re the bookies’ early favourites for the premiership and will be a leading contender for us here at RLW come preseason preview time next I didn’t have that same feeling for the Panthers as they conceded an early year. try. It didn’t help that Josh Mansour’s answer shortly after Justin Olam scored was waved away either. Things just weren’t happening for the Play of the Round Panthers early on and that frustration later turned into desperation. The It’s the play that secured the for Ryan expectation for Penrith to weather the storm and come out the other side Papenhuyzen. wasn’t there for me like it was Melbourne. We saw Melbourne try it on earlier in the match. With Tino While the Storm chipped away at the scoreboard with two penalty goals, Fa’asuamaleaui coming underneath Papenhuyzen has he moves across the Panthers had the better opportunities to score throughout the the field, the Storm fullback is only ever running it here. Justin Olam and middling minutes of the first half. They finished the 40 minutes with 24 Josh Addo-Carr - perhaps by design - are too far back to do anything tackles inside the opposition 20-metre line to Melbourne’s 16. We’ve other than attract attention out wide: talked about their inefficiencies in good ball areas here before, and as the scoreboard began to drift away and chances continued to go begging, From a similar position on the field but with Asofa-Solomona beside him Nathan Cleary went searching for a play that wasn’t there. this time, the pair are a lot tighter than the last time they ran this play. That keeps Cleary from sliding, and despite turning into help last time, A previously patient Panthers side, one that led the NRL in forced drop May keeps his body directed toward Olam - again sitting very deep. outs and completed more tackles inside the opposition 20-metre line than any other in 2020 went away from what had worked for so long and After shaping inside to Asofa-Solomona, Papenhuyzen puts on the paid a massive price. afterburners to straighen up in the blink of an eye. Remarkably, he skips through the line without a hand laid on him: But I say all of that to say this: The 2020 Grand Final is a learning experience for the Panther pups. It was a dagger to the hearts of the Panthers and their fans, but a superb individual effort for the neutral to enjoy. Strangely, a lot of the people They did everything they could to say the right things in the build-up calling to “bring back the little man” are also calling for scrums to be to the game and at least gave the impression they were comfortable. scrapped… However, when push came to shove, their inexperience showed. There isn’t a team in the competition better placed to capitalise on an Annesley’s non-Briefing Summary inexperienced group on the back foot in a Grand Final than the Storm. Thankfully, Graham Annesley wasn’t forced into an impromptu briefing like he was last season. Despite some of the commentary suggesting But as we look towards 2021, is the only player in the otherwise, the 2020 Grand Final was controversy-free. Grand Final side not returning to start the preseason (assuming Tyrone May is re-signed). The core will remain, and for the most part, improve. Justin Olam’s penalty try is about as clear as they come for that sort of infringement. Cleary, in particular, will learn from Sunday’s loss. The obstruction call on Stephen Crichton shortly after is a dictionary James Fisher-Harris looked as though he wanted a rematch then and definition. there after leading all forwards in the match with 137 running metres. While the decision to award Brian To’o a try despite what looked like a Viliame Kikau set a new career-high in errors with five on Sunday night - clear obstruction before Isaah Yeo’s kick created comment, it will fly he won’t do that next time. under the radar given the result. As somebody that has watched every briefing Annesley has done since he started checking in every Monday, Isaah Yeo has found his best position as he enters the prime years of his it’s the sort I would tip him to sit on the fence with. Something along the career. lines of ‘it’s a judgement call’ and an acceptance that others will disagree with the ruling. Jarome Luai has come along leaps and bounds; he will become more familiar with his role and when he needs to make a move or slow things Jason Oliver and Oliver Pannifex run the website rugbyleaguewriters. down. com, which is also on Twitter at @RLWriters Stephen Crichton is one of the most exciting young players in the competition.

13 This gives us a summary of years for each club of: Team Total Years Governance vs Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 30 St. George Illawarra Dragons 28 Sydney Roosters 24 performance Brisbane Broncos 17 Melbourne Storm 15 Ben Darwin @GLAnalytics 11 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10 Governance is the most important and yet seemingly least interesting subject in the NRL, however 9 it’s not until you really look at how it impacts what happens on the field that you start to find a 7 fascination in the boardroom. 6 I run Gainline analytics, which analyses how governance affects performance over the long term. From my experiences over the last 8 years in the company and 23 years in professional sport as an If we used a 5 out of 10 year period, the following sides were added to the list: athlete, coach and data analysis, there are many things beyond your control. Team From To Years 1958 1963 6 I want to begin this article to look at the term stability. It seems innocuous but it’s incredible in the South Sydney Rabbitohs 1967 1971 5 power it has over performance and moreso, how destructive the lack it of becomes. In simple terms, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1993 2014 22 if a team plays one week and does not change it’s line-up the next, it should incrementally improve. South Sydney Rabbitohs 2012 2019 8 The level of understanding between the players improves and they will defend together better. That’s not a difficult concept. Combined, we have the following table: Team From To Years If a team does not change between seasons they will pick up their improvement where they left off South Sydney Rabbitohs 1949 1955 7 from the season before. It’s why the Storm have won in Round 1 for the last 19 years. They tend to change the least between seasons. St. George Illawarra Dragons 1952 1979 28 Western Suburbs Magpies 1958 1963 6 An easy comparison is the Storm vs the Eels in this regard. Parramatta are slow starters, they have South Sydney Rabbitohs 1967 1971 5 only won more than 50% of their first 10 games just 7 times in the past 23 years. The Storm have Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 1968 1978 11 achieved that feat 18 times and in every year since 2005. But as the season wears on, a 43.9% Sydney Roosters 1972 1981 10 record for the Eels in the first 10 games, improves to a 52% record in their next 8 games and a 57% Parramatta Eels 1976 1986 11 record in their last 6 games. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1979 1988 10 Canberra Raiders 1987 1995 9 As the season wears on the Eels improve but too often it’s a case of too little too late. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 1987 1997 11 Brisbane Broncos 1990 2006 17 One thing we have noticed is that as leagues themselves become more stable they become more Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1993 2014 22 defensively orientated. We have not had an NRL season with more than 21 points scored per game Newcastle Knights 1997 2002 6 in the last 10 years. Ten of the eleven seasons prior averaged over 21 points per game. Sydney Roosters 1999 2004 6 Melbourne Storm 2006 2020 15 So what happens when a league is unstable, with teams coming and going and player movement? Despite the view that loyalty is dead, NRL clubs are becoming more stable and with only one Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 2007 2014 8 expansion team () since the 2002 reinstatement of Souths, the competition has South Sydney Rabbitohs 2012 2019 8 become very stable indeed. That’s 1 team change in 18 years. Sydney Roosters 2013 2020 8

In the 9 seasons from 1995 to 2003 there were 22 team changes. Five expansion teams, 6 Giving us: expulsions, 3 mergers, 1 demerge and a reinstatement. This is without changes of ownership or name (looing at you Gold Coast!) Team Years Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32 This chaos did a number of things, it allowed sides like the Melbourne Storm to come from the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 30 clouds in 1999. It also meant the teams who retained their players were almost unbeatable. Outside St. George Illawarra Dragons 28 of representative periods, Brisbane only lost 5 regular season games from 1995 to 1998. Sydney Roosters 24 The stability of the NRL will now mean something else for the clubs. A peer across to the AFL South Sydney Rabbitohs 20 provides a vision of the future, as they have created the most stable league in the world measurably. Brisbane Broncos 17 Ross Oakley had enormous impact in the way he ran the AFL in the late 90’s - the draft and free Melbourne Storm 15 trade agreements meant clubs were unable to buy their way to success. Parramatta Eels 11 Canberra Raiders 9 As the AFL has become increasingly more stable, the quality of clubs in terms of cohesion, has Newcastle Knights 6 grown dramatically. They must plan seasons in advance in order to create success. Richmond set Western Suburbs Magpies 6 themselves a goal in 2010 of 3 titles by 2020. The first of which did not arrive until 2017. The GWS team, despite being given every favourable draft pick possible, still took 4 years to record a 50% Looking at the history of these clubs, there is an interesting composition around how chains of success rate in a season and 5 years to make the finals. families or consistency of leadership has affected them. Many see nepotism as a dangerous force in governance, but history tells us it is nowhere near as destructive as churn. What it now takes for an NRL team to make the finals is about a 40% improvement in cohesion from The Bulldogs are a club that has been dominated by two families, beginning with Peter Moore in the teams of the early 2000’s, even more if you are an interstate team. In an attempt to create some charge of the club from 1969-1995. With the 10 members of the Moore family and 4 members of form of criteria for a dynasty, I looked at teams that either finished high on the table (i.e. top 4 in a the Mortimer’s, they have spent a combined 231 years at the club either playing, administrating or 16 team comp) or won the grand final, and if they had featured in those top bands for at least 5 or 6 on the board. of the previous 10 years. Manly in its two periods of success was controlled by Ken Athurson, and then futher Looking back to 1945 and using a 6 out of 10 criteria, we found: down the track, the Penn’s.

Nick Politis has sat at the top of the Sydney Roosters organisation for 27 years, during which time Team From To Years they have had two periods of dominance. South Sydney Rabbitohs 1949 1955 7 St. George Illawarra Dragons 1952 1979 28 The Storm under the tutelage of Frank Ponnissi and Craig Bellamy and a stable board have been Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 1968 1978 11 dominant their entire time. Sydney Roosters 1972 1981 10 The 28 year continuous reign of St George had 10 coaches, but one man, Frank Facer, as club Parramatta Eels 1976 1986 11 secretary between 1951-1978. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1979 1988 10 Canberra Raiders 1987 1995 9 Through all periods at clubs it is their refusal to panic under duress that holds them in the best Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 1987 1997 11 stead. Brisbane Broncos 1990 2006 17 Over the page you will see the full chart for all clubs from 1946 to 2020. Newcastle Knights 1997 2002 6 Sydney Roosters 1999 2004 6 Melbourne Storm 2006 2020 15 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 2007 2014 8 Sydney Roosters 2013 2020 8

14 SGI / PEN MEL PAR SYD SOU CAN CRO BRI NQL MAN CBY WST GCT WAR NEW NOR ILL BAL NWT W SUB STG 2020 PEN MEL PAR SYD 2020 2019 MEL SYD SOU CAN 2019 2018 MEL SYD SOU CRO 2018 2017 MEL PAR SYD BRI NQL 2017 2016 MEL CAN CRO NQL 2016 2015 MEL SYD BRI NQL 2015 2014 PEN SYD SOU MAN CBY 2014 2013 MEL SYD SOU MAN 2013 2012 MEL SOU MAN CBY 2012 2011 MEL BRI MAN WST WAR 2011 2010 PEN SYD WST SGI GCT 2010 2009 MEL PAR CBY SGI GCT 2009 2008 MEL SYD CRO MAN 2008 2007 MEL NQL MAN WAR 2007 2006 MEL BRI CBY NEW 2006 2005 PAR BRI NQL WST SGI 2005 2004 PEN SYD BRI CBY 2004 2003 PEN SYD CAN CBY 2003 2002 SYD BRI WAR NEW 2002 2001 PAR CRO CBY NEW 2001 2000 SYD CAN BRI NEW 2000 1999 MEL PAR SYD CRO SGI 1999 1998 MEL PAR BRI CBY NEW 1998 1997 CRO BRI MAN NEW 1997 1996 SYD BRI MAN STG NOR 1996 1995 CAN CRO BRI MAN CBY 1995 1994 CAN MAN CBY NOR 1994 1993 CAN BRI MAN CBY STG 1993 1992 BRI STG NEW ILL 1992 1991 PEN CAN MAN NOR 1991 1990 PEN CAN BRI MAN 1990 1989 PEN SOU CAN BAL 1989 1988 CAN CRO MAN CBY BAL 1988 1987 SYD CAN MAN 1987 1986 PAR SOU CBY 1986 1985 CBY STG BAL 1985 1984 PAR CBY STG 1984 1983 PAR MAN CBY 1983 1982 PAR MAN NOR 1982 1981 PAR SYD NWT 1981 1980 SYD CBY WES 1980 1979 PAR CRO CBY STG 1979 1978 CRO MAN WES 1978 1977 PAR SYD STG 1977 1976 PAR MAN STG 1976 1975 SYD MAN STG 1975 1974 SYD MAN CBY 1974 1973 CRO MAN STG 1973 1972 SYD MAN STG 1972 1971 SOU MAN STG 1971 1970 SOU MAN STG 1970 1969 SOU STG BAL 1969 1968 SOU MAN STG 1968 1967 SOU CBY STG 1967 1966 STG BAL 1966 1965 STG NOR 1965 1964 PAR STG 1964 1963 STG WES 1963 1962 STG NWT 1962 1961 STG WES 1961 1960 STG WES 1960 1959 STG WES 1959 1958 STG WES 1958 1957 MAN STG 1957 1956 STG BAL 1956 1955 SOU STG 1955 1954 SOU NWT 1954 1953 SOU STG 1953 1952 STG WES 1952 1951 SOU MAN 1951 1950 SOU BAL 1950 1949 SOU STG 1949 1948 NWT WES 1948 1947 CBY BAL 1947 1946 STG BAL 1946 SGI / PEN MEL PAR SYD SOU CAN CRO BRI NQL MAN CBY W TIG GCT WARR NEWC NOR ILL BAL NWT WES STG

So if there is a club that has been looking to build a dynasty to challenge that of the Melbourne Ben Darwin runs GAIN LINE Analytics - offering a unique perspective on success in Storm over the next few years it is the Penrith Panthers. As much as we have all enjoyed poking fun professional sports and business. You can find them at their website gainline.biz. at Phil Gould’s “5 year plan”, the club is in rude health using a ‘develop from within’ philosophy. All things being equal, I cannot see any other club looking beyond 2021.

15 2020 NRL Season Statistics & results: rugbyleagueproject.org

2020 NRL Final Ladder Home Away Overall Pos Team P W L D F A PD P W L D F A PD P W L D F A Pts PD 1 Penrith Panthers 10 9 - 1 239 96 143 10 9 1 - 298 142 156 20 18 1 1 537 238 37 299 2 Melbourne Storm 10 9 1 - 330 141 189 10 7 3 - 204 135 69 20 16 4 - 534 276 32 258 3 Parramatta Eels 10 8 2 - 188 136 52 10 7 3 - 204 152 52 20 15 5 - 392 288 30 104 4 Sydney Roosters 10 7 3 - 264 145 119 10 7 3 - 288 177 111 20 14 6 - 552 322 28 230 5 Canberra Raiders 10 6 4 - 204 162 42 10 8 2 - 241 155 86 20 14 6 - 445 317 28 128 6 South Sydney Rabbitohs 10 7 3 - 306 154 152 10 5 5 - 215 198 17 20 12 8 - 521 352 24 169 7 Newcastle Knights 10 7 3 - 237 116 121 10 4 5 1 184 258 -74 20 11 8 1 421 374 23 47 8 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 10 5 5 - 218 234 -16 10 5 5 - 262 246 16 20 10 10 - 480 480 20 0 9 Gold Coast Titans 10 5 5 - 182 221 -39 10 4 6 - 164 242 -78 20 9 11 - 346 463 18 -117 10 Warriors 10 5 5 - 213 202 11 10 3 7 - 130 256 -126 20 8 12 - 343 458 16 -115 11 Wests Tigers 10 3 7 - 239 241 -2 10 4 6 - 201 264 -63 20 7 13 - 440 505 14 -65 12 St George Illawarra Dragons 10 4 6 - 222 227 -5 10 3 7 - 156 225 -69 20 7 13 - 378 452 14 -74 13 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 10 3 7 - 202 258 -56 10 4 6 - 173 251 -78 20 7 13 - 375 509 14 -134 14 10 3 7 - 210 245 -35 10 2 8 - 158 275 -117 20 5 15 - 368 520 10 -152 15 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 10 1 9 - 124 258 -134 10 2 8 - 158 246 -88 20 3 17 - 282 504 6 -222 16 Brisbane Broncos 10 2 8 - 152 316 -164 10 1 9 - 116 308 -192 20 3 17 - 268 624 6 -356

NRL SEASON 2020: Best attack: Sydney Roosters (27.60 ppg - 132.18%) Total games played: 160 Best defence: Penrith Panthers (11.90 ppg - 56.99%) Total points scored: 6,682 Worst attack: Brisbane Broncos (13.40 ppg - 64.18%) Average points per game: 41.76 Worst defence: Brisbane Broncos (31.20 ppg - 149.43%)

Round 1 Round 4 Thu Mar 12th 8:05pm Parramatta 8 Canterbury 2 Bankwest Thu Jun 4th 7:50pm Brisbane 0 Sydney 59 Suncorp Fri Mar 13th 6:00pm Canberra 24 Gold Coast 6 GIO Stadium Fri Jun 5th 7:50pm Melbourne 22 South Syd 8 AAMI Park Fri Mar 13th 8:05pm North Qld 21 Brisbane 28 QCBS Fri Jun 5th 6:00pm Penrith 26 Warriors 0 Campbelltown Sat Mar 14th 3:00pm Newcastle 20 Warriors 0 McD. Jones Sat Jun 6th 7:35pm North Qld 16 Cronulla 26 QCBS Sat Mar 14th 7:35pm Penrith 20 Sydney 14 Panthers Sat Jun 6th 5:30pm Parramatta 19 Manly 16 Bankwest Sat Mar 14th 5:30pm South Syd 22 Cronulla 18 ANZ Sun Jun 7th 4:05pm Canberra 18 Newcastle 34 Campbelltown Sun Mar 15th 4:05pm Manly 4 Melbourne 18 Lottoland Sun Jun 7th 6:30pm Gold Coast 28 Wests Tigers 23 Suncorp Sun Mar 15th 6:15pm St Geo Illa 14 Wests Tigers 24 WIN Stadium Mon Jun 8th 4:05pm Canterbury 22 St Geo Illa 2 Bankwest

Round 2 Round 5 Thu Mar 19th 8:05pm Canterbury 16 North Qld 24 ANZ Thu Jun 11th 7:50pm Manly 20 Brisbane 18 Central Coast Fri Mar 20th 8:05pm Brisbane 22 South Syd 18 Suncorp Fri Jun 12th 7:55pm Parramatta 16 Penrith 10 Bankwest Fri Mar 20th 6:00pm St Geo Illa 28 Penrith 32 Netstrata Fri Jun 12th 6:00pm Warriors 37 North Qld 26 Central Coast Sat Mar 21st 7:35pm Cronulla 10 Melbourne 12 Netstrata Sat Jun 13th 5:30pm Newcastle 12 Melbourne 26 Central Coast Sat Mar 21st 5:30pm Sydney 8 Manly 9 Leichhardt Sat Jun 13th 3:00pm South Syd 32 Gold Coast 12 Bankwest Sat Mar 21st 3:00pm Warriors 6 Canberra 20 CBUS Sat Jun 13th 7:35pm Wests Tigers 6 Canberra 14 Campbelltown Sun Mar 22nd 6:15pm Gold Coast 6 Parramatta 46 CBUS Sun Jun 14th 4:05pm St Geo Illa 30 Cronulla 16 Campbelltown Sun Mar 22nd 4:05pm Wests Tigers 24 Newcastle 42 Leichhardt Mon Jun 15th 7:00pm Canterbury 6 Sydney 42 Bankwest

Round 3 Round 6 Thu May 28th 7:50pm Brisbane 6 Parramatta 34 Suncorp Thu Jun 18th 7:50pm Newcastle 27 Brisbane 6 Central Coast Fri May 29th 6:00pm North Qld 36 Gold Coast 6 QCBS Fri Jun 19th 7:50pm Penrith 21 Melbourne 14 Campbelltown Fri May 29th 7:55pm Sydney 28 South Syd 12 Bankwest Fri Jun 19th 6:00pm South Syd 40 Warriors 12 Bankwest Sat May 30th 5:30pm Cronulla 16 Wests Tigers 28 Bankwest Sat Jun 20th 3:00pm Gold Coast 8 St Geo Illa 20 Suncorp Sat May 30th 7:35pm Melbourne 6 Canberra 22 AAMI Park Sat Jun 20th 7:35pm Sydney 24 Parramatta 10 Bankwest Sat May 30th 3:00pm Warriors 18 St Geo Illa 0 Central Coast Sat Jun 20th 5:30pm Wests Tigers 36 North Qld 20 Campbelltown Sun May 31st 6:30pm Manly 32 Canterbury 6 Central Coast Sun Jun 21st 4:05pm Canberra 6 Manly 14 Campbelltown Sun May 31st 4:05pm Penrith 14 Newcastle 14 Campbelltown Sun Jun 21st 6:30pm Cronulla 20 Canterbury 18 Bankwest

16 Round 7 Round 13 Thu Jun 25th 7:50pm Penrith 20 South Syd 12 Netstrata Thu Aug 6th 7:50pm St Geo Illa 16 Sydney 24 WIN Stadium Fri Jun 26th 6:00pm Melbourne 50 Warriors 6 Netstrata Fri Aug 7th 6:00pm Manly 22 Warriors 26 Lottoland Fri Jun 26th 7:55pm Sydney 26 St Geo Illa 12 Bankwest Fri Aug 7th 7:55pm South Syd 28 Brisbane 10 ANZ Sat Jun 27th 5:30pm Brisbane 12 Gold Coast 30 Suncorp Sat Aug 8th 3:00pm Melbourne 41 Canterbury 10 Sunshine Coast Sat Jun 27th 3:00pm North Qld 32 Newcastle 20 QCBS Sat Aug 8th 5:30pm Newcastle 44 Wests Tigers 4 McD. Jones Sat Jun 27th 7:35pm Parramatta 25 Canberra 24 Bankwest Sat Aug 8th 7:35pm Penrith 28 Canberra 12 Panthers Sun Jun 28th 6:30pm Canterbury 6 Wests Tigers 34 Bankwest Sun Aug 9th 4:05pm Cronulla 12 Parramatta 14 Netstrata Sun Jun 28th 4:05pm Manly 22 Cronulla 40 Central Coast Sun Aug 9th 2:00pm Gold Coast 30 North Qld 10 CBUS

Round 8 Round 14 Thu Jul 2nd 7:50pm Melbourne 27 Sydney 25 Suncorp Thu Aug 13th 7:50pm Sydney 6 Melbourne 24 SCG Fri Jul 3rd 6:00pm Canberra 22 St Geo Illa 16 GIO Stadium Fri Aug 14th 7:55pm Parramatta 12 St Geo Illa 14 Bankwest Fri Jul 3rd 7:55pm Parramatta 42 North Qld 4 Bankwest Fri Aug 14th 6:00pm Warriors 12 Penrith 18 Central Coast Sat Jul 4th 3:00pm Gold Coast 10 Cronulla 40 CBUS Sat Aug 15th 7:35pm Canberra 36 Brisbane 8 GIO Stadium Sat Jul 4th 5:30pm Warriors 26 Brisbane 16 Central Coast Sat Aug 15th 3:00pm Cronulla 30 Gold Coast 18 Netstrata Sat Jul 4th 7:35pm Wests Tigers 12 Penrith 19 Bankwest Sat Aug 15th 5:30pm North Qld 30 South Syd 31 QCBS Sun Jul 5th 6:30pm Canterbury 10 South Syd 26 Bankwest Sun Aug 16th 2:00pm Newcastle 26 Manly 24 McD. Jones Sun Jul 5th 4:05pm Manly 12 Newcastle 14 Lottoland Sun Aug 16th 4:05pm Wests Tigers 29 Canterbury 28 Bankwest

Round 9 Round 15 Thu Jul 9th 7:50pm North Qld 16 Sydney 42 QCBS Thu Aug 20th 7:50pm Parramatta 14 Melbourne 0 Bankwest Fri Jul 10th 6:00pm Gold Coast 16 Warriors 12 CBUS Fri Aug 21st 7:55pm Brisbane 24 St Geo Illa 28 Suncorp Fri Jul 10th 7:55pm South Syd 18 Wests Tigers 10 Bankwest Fri Aug 21st 6:00pm Penrith 38 Cronulla 12 Panthers Sat Jul 11th 5:30pm Brisbane 26 Canterbury 8 Suncorp Sat Aug 22nd 3:00pm Gold Coast 16 Canberra 36 CBUS Sat Jul 11th 7:35pm Canberra 14 Melbourne 20 GIO Stadium Sat Aug 22nd 7:35pm South Syd 56 Manly 16 ANZ Sat Jul 11th 3:00pm Cronulla 24 Penrith 56 Netstrata Sat Aug 22nd 5:30pm Wests Tigers 16 Sydney 38 Leichhardt Sun Jul 12th 4:05pm Newcastle 4 Parramatta 10 McD. Jones Sun Aug 23rd 2:00pm Canterbury 14 Warriors 20 ANZ Sun Jul 12th 6:30pm St Geo Illa 34 Manly 4 Netstrata Sun Aug 23rd 4:05pm Newcastle 12 North Qld 0 McD. Jones

Round 10 Round 16 Thu Jul 16th 7:50pm Sydney 20 Canberra 24 SCG Thu Aug 27th 7:50pm Parramatta 0 South Syd 38 Bankwest Fri Jul 17th 6:00pm Melbourne 42 Gold Coast 6 Sunshine Coast Fri Aug 28th 6:00pm St Geo Illa 10 Gold Coast 14 Netstrata Fri Jul 17th 7:55pm Wests Tigers 48 Brisbane 0 Leichhardt Fri Aug 28th 7:55pm Sydney 58 Brisbane 12 SCG Sat Jul 18th 7:35pm Manly 22 Parramatta 18 Lottoland Sat Aug 29th 5:30pm Cronulla 28 North Qld 12 Netstrata Sat Jul 18th 3:00pm St Geo Illa 28 Canterbury 22 WIN Stadium Sat Aug 29th 7:35pm Penrith 30 Wests Tigers 6 Panthers Sat Jul 18th 5:30pm South Syd 18 Newcastle 20 Bankwest Sat Aug 29th 3:00pm Warriors 36 Newcastle 6 Scully Park Sun Jul 19th 4:05pm Penrith 22 North Qld 10 Panthers Sun Aug 30th 6:30pm Canberra 34 Canterbury 20 GIO Stadium Sun Jul 19th 2:00pm Warriors 10 Cronulla 46 Central Coast Sun Aug 30th 4:05pm Melbourne 30 Manly 6 Sunshine Coast

Round 11 Round 17 Thu Jul 23rd 7:50pm Parramatta 26 Wests Tigers 16 Bankwest Thu Sep 3rd 7:50pm Brisbane 12 Penrith 25 Suncorp Fri Jul 24th 7:55pm Brisbane 8 Melbourne 46 Suncorp Fri Sep 4th 6:00pm Newcastle 38 Cronulla 10 McD. Jones Fri Jul 24th 6:00pm North Qld 12 Manly 24 QCBS Fri Sep 4th 7:55pm South Syd 16 Melbourne 22 ANZ Sat Jul 25th 7:35pm Canberra 18 South Syd 12 GIO Stadium Sat Sep 5th 7:35pm Canberra 6 Sydney 18 GIO Stadium Sat Jul 25th 5:30pm Cronulla 28 St Geo Illa 24 Netstrata Sat Sep 5th 3:00pm Canterbury 14 Gold Coast 18 ANZ Sat Jul 25th 3:00pm Warriors 10 Sydney 18 Central Coast Sat Sep 5th 5:30pm Manly 32 Wests Tigers 34 Lottoland Sun Jul 26th 4:05pm Gold Coast 14 Penrith 22 CBUS Sun Sep 6th 6:30pm North Qld 23 St Geo Illa 22 QCBS Sun Jul 26th 2:00pm Newcastle 12 Canterbury 18 McD. Jones Sun Sep 6th 4:05pm Warriors 18 Parramatta 24 Central Coast

Round 12 Round 18 Thu Jul 30th 7:50pm St Geo Illa 24 South Syd 32 Netstrata Thu Sep 10th 7:50pm Wests Tigers 24 South Syd 26 Bankwest Fri Jul 31st 7:55pm Brisbane 26 Cronulla 36 Suncorp Fri Sep 11th 6:00pm Canterbury 20 Manly 32 ANZ Fri Jul 31st 6:00pm Wests Tigers 20 Warriors 26 SCG Fri Sep 11th 7:55pm Penrith 20 Parramatta 2 Panthers Sat Aug 1st 7:35pm Manly 12 Penrith 42 Lottoland Sat Sep 12th 5:30pm Gold Coast 18 Brisbane 6 CBUS Sat Aug 1st 5:30pm North Qld 12 Canberra 14 QCBS Sat Sep 12th 3:00pm St Geo Illa 8 Canberra 37 WIN Stadium Sat Aug 1st 3:00pm Sydney 18 Gold Coast 12 SCG Sat Sep 12th 7:35pm Sydney 42 Newcastle 12 SCG Sun Aug 2nd 2:00pm Canterbury 16 Parramatta 18 ANZ Sun Sep 13th 6:30pm Cronulla 22 Warriors 14 Netstrata Sun Aug 2nd 4:05pm Melbourne 26 Newcastle 16 Sunshine Coast Sun Sep 13th 4:05pm Melbourne 36 North Qld 20 Sunshine Coast

17 Round 19 Finals Week 1 - Qualifying and Elimination Finals Thu Sep 17th 7:50pm South Syd 16 Canterbury 26 ANZ Fri Oct 2nd 7:50pm Penrith 29 Sydney 28 Panthers Fri Sep 18th 6:00pm North Qld 12 Penrith 32 QCBS Sat Oct 3rd 5:40pm Canberra 32 Cronulla 20 GIO Stadium Fri Sep 18th 7:55pm Parramatta 26 Brisbane 12 Bankwest Sat Oct 3rd 7:50pm Melbourne 36 Parramatta 24 Suncorp Sat Sep 19th 3:00pm Manly 24 Gold Coast 42 Lottoland Sun Oct 4th 4:05pm South Syd 46 Newcastle 20 ANZ Sat Sep 19th 5:30pm Melbourne 50 Wests Tigers 22 Sunshine Coast Sat Sep 19th 7:35pm Sydney 34 Cronulla 18 SCG Finals Week 2 - Semi Finals Sun Sep 20th 2:00pm Canberra 26 Warriors 14 GIO Stadium Fri Oct 9th 7:50pm Sydney 18 Canberra 22 SCG Sun Sep 20th 4:05pm Newcastle 42 St Geo Illa 18 McD. Jones Sat Oct 10th 7:50pm Parramatta 24 South Syd 38 Bankwest

Round 20 FInals Week 3 - Preliminary Finals Thu Sep 24th 7:50pm Brisbane 16 North Qld 32 Suncorp Fri Oct 16th 7:50pm Melbourne 30 Canberra 10 Suncorp Fri Sep 25th 6:00pm Gold Coast 36 Newcastle 6 CBUS Sat Oct 17th 7:50pm Penrith 20 South Syd 16 ANZ Fri Sep 25th 7:55pm South Syd 60 Sydney 8 ANZ Sat Sep 26th 3:00pm Canterbury 0 Penrith 42 ANZ 2020 NRL Grand Final Sat Sep 26th 5:30pm Cronulla 28 Canberra 38 Netstrata Sun Oct 25th 7:30pm Penrith 20 Melbourne 26 ANZ Sat Sep 26th 7:35pm Wests Tigers 24 Parramatta 28 Bankwest Sun Sep 27th 4:05pm St Geo Illa 30 Melbourne 22 Netstrata Sun Sep 27th 2:00pm Warriors 40 Manly 28 Central Coast

2020 NRL Grand Final NRL Grand Final Storm surge secures Penrith Panthers Melbourne Storm Premiership over 20 26 Halftime Score 0 20 Panthers Match Scoresheet Justin Davies @JustDavies90 Sin Bin Jahrome Hughes

Report courtesy of LeagueUnlimited.com Tries Nathan Cleary Justin Olam Melbourne Storm won their fourth NRL Premiership after a 26-20 success against Penrith Stephen Crichton Ryan Papenhuyzen Panthers in front of 37,303 fans tonight at . Josh Mansour Cameron Smith In a tough year for everyone, Melbourne delivered a masterclass to add another Brian To’o Premiership to the already bulging trophy cabinet. It was a first half which saw them explode out to a 22-nil lead with tries to Olam, Vunivali and Smith. The title gives Goals Nathan Cleary (2/4) Cameron Smith (5/6) something for Victorians to enjoy in what has been a tough year for the state.

This game was billed as a heavyweight contest, but the Storm landed a heavy blow in Teams the first half. They soaked up some early pressure from the Panthers then blew them Fullback 1 Dylan Edwards 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen off the park to put up a 22-point lead. The first came through a penalty try which was the first since the 2013 decider when Justin Olam was awarded the four-pointer after a Wing 2 Josh Mansour 2 Suliasi Vunivalu professional foul from Tyrone May. Centre 14 Tyrone May 3 Brenko Lee

May came in as a switch like last weekend for Brent Naden. It was a half to forget for May Centre 4 Stephen Crichton 4 Justin Olam and the Panthers. They held a majority of the possession and went to their celebrated Wing 5 Brian To’o 5 Josh Addo-Carr left-side but time and again, Villiame Kikau or Stephen Crichton coughed up the ball. The usually slick Panthers attack stuttered at the wrong time in the big dance against a Five-Eighth 6 Jarome Luai 6 Cameron Munster machine-like Storm side. Halfback 7 Nathan Cleary 7 Jahrome Hughes

Storm were efficent in their work. Smith kicked them ahead in twos after Vunivalu snaffled Front Row 8 James Tamou (c) 8 an intercept from Nathan Cleary then the man who has been under speculation all season, Hooker 9 Apisai Koroisau 9 Cameron Smith (c) got a rare four-pointer on the half-time siren to ultimately seal the contest. Front Row 10 James Fisher-Harris 10 Penrith showed some fight in the second half, despite having the wind knocked out of Second Row 11 Viliame Kikau 11 Felise Kaufusi them by Ryan Papenhuyzen’s runaway effort from the scrum in the 44th minute. Brian To’o was given the Panthers first four-pointer after a lengthy bunker check. Josh Mansour and Second Row 12 Liam Martin 12 Stephen Crichton both crossed to give the game some life at 26-16. Lock 13 Isaah Yeo 13 Nelson Asofa-Solomona Sensing the rising tide of the Panthers, Melbourne had two men sin-binned late in the Bench 3 Brent Naden 14 Brandon Smith contest. Halfback Jahrome Hughes and interchange forward Brandon Smith received their marching orders in the final ten minutes. Nathan Cleary stepped to the line in the final Bench 15 Kurt Capewell 15 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui minute to set up a hail mary but the young Panthers were a left short at the final game of Bench 16 Moses Leota 16 the season. Bench 17 Zane Tetevano The names may change but the Storm remain the same. Under the tuteladge of Smith and coach Craig Bellamy the Storm are a winning machine. They have turned ordinary players Coach Ivan Cleary Craig Bellamy into stars and superstars into supernovas. One example is Clive Churchill medalist, Ryan Papenhuyzen. He has shown immense growth this season and thrived in the fullback Date Sunday, October 25th, 2020 Venue ANZ Stadium position and takes the trifecta - the title, try of the game and the medal into Origin camp. Kick Off 7:30 PM (local time) Sydney Olympic Park NSW Referee Gerard Sutton Crowd 37,303 18 2020 State of Origin - Game 1 Queensland stun to State of Origin - Game 1 take Origin Queensland opener 18 14 Halftime Score 0 10 Justin Davies @JustDavies90 Match Scoresheet Report courtesy of LeagueUnlimited.com Tries AJ Brimson Josh Addo-Carr (2)

They did it once again. The underdog Queensland Maroons side overturned the favoured New South Wales Blues 18-14 in a tight Origin game 1 at Adelaide Oval in front of 25,218 fans. Cameron Munster

It was another display of Queensland spirit, as the unfancied Maroons scored 18 Goals Daly Cherry-Evans (3/4) Nathan Cleary (1/3) points in the period after half-time to blow away the New South Wales side and take a 1-nil lead in the first State of Origin season to be played after the NRL season. Teams The venue might have been strange, the dates weird but the passion remained the Fullback 1 AJ Brimson 1 same. New South Wales strode out to a 10-nil lead, thanks to tries to Damien Cook Wing 2 Xavier Coates 2 Daniel Tupou and Josh Addo-Carr and looked to prove their favouritism tag right. Centre 18 Kurt Capewell 3 Enter some Bennett magic. Going into the break down 10 points, the master coach Centre 4 4 got the team together and the Maroons were perfect in the second half. They completed their sets and trapped the Blues backline on their own line which created Wing 5 Phillip Sami 5 Josh Addo-Carr points. Five-Eighth 6 Cameron Munster 6

Debutants AJ Brimson and Xavier Coates crossed on either wing to inch them ahead Halfback 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 7 Nathan Cleary 12-10. Eight debutants in the side but the calm hand of Cameron Munster and a whole hearted performance from Luke Capewell created the tries. Front Row 8 Christian Welch 8 Daniel Saifiti Hooker 9 9 Damien Cook Add in some magic from Queensland five-eighth Munster to scoop up the loose ball, hold off James Tedesco and suddenly, it was 18-10 to Queensland. New South Front Row 10 10 Junior Paulo Wales who looked in control now were left frantic and having to find a way back into Second Row 11 Felise Kaufusi 11 (c) the contest. Second Row 12 12 The Blues injected Rabbitohs half Cody Walker into the contest to help their anemic attack but the Blues were their own worst enemy. Bland end of sets and wrong Lock 13 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 13 decisions had them without a set of six in the Queensland red zone until the final 10 minutes. Bench 14 14 Cody Walker Bench 15 Lindsay Collins 15 New South Wales did give the Queensland side a late scare when Addo-Carr crossed to make it 18-14. The Blues were gifted one final set after six again call but the Bench 16 16 Cameron Murray stunted attack ended with James Tedesco who was left to watch the unfancied Bench 17 Jaydn Su’a 17 Queensland side celebrate the win.

For the Blues, it was all their nightmares collated into the contest. The side looked Coach Wayne Bennett lost after getting to the lead, and the forward pack were dominated by the younger Queensland pack which left them having to start sets off their line all night. Coach Date Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 Venue Adelaide Oval Brad Fittler has a big job to get them ready for a must-win game back in Sydney. Kick Off 8:00 PM (local time) Adelaide, SA

Referee Gerard Sutton Crowd 25,218

19 2020 State of Origin - Game 2 Blues bash Maroons to force decider Justin Davies @JustDavies90

Report courtesy of LeagueUnlimited.com

New South Wales produced a superb attacking display to run out State of Origin - Game 2 34-10 victors against Queensland tonight in front of 36,212 fans New South Wales Queensland at ANZ Stadium to set up an Origin decider next week. The Blues had the perfect antidote to last week’s shocker as 34 10 the home side found their rhythm to blow away Queensland. A double to Josh Addo-Carr alongside tries to most of the Blues Halftime Score 18 4 backline saw the pre-series favourites bounce back in style. Match Scoresheet Sin Bin Payne Haas Tino Fa’asuamaleaui In his first game as captain, James Tedesco led from the front. The fullback was well contained in the first game but he ran all Tries Josh Addo-Carr (2) Xavier Coates

over the Maroons tonight. Tedesco scored in the first half blitz James Tedesco Josh Papalii and was involved in several others to make it a first game as captain to remember. Daniel Tupou Cody Walker From the opening whistle, it looked a much steelier Blues line-up Jack Wighton as they thumped the Maroons from the kick-off. They were given a slight scare when Broncos winger Xavier Coates showed off his Goals Nathan Cleary (5/7) (1/2) aerial abilities to make it 4-nil. From then, it was a bluewash at ANZ Stadium. Teams Cody Walker was the big change for side headed into game 2 Fullback 1 James Tedesco (c) 1 Valentine Holmes and the Rabbitohs half, was energetic. He scored the Blues first Wing 2 Daniel Tupou 2 Xavier Coates try to make it 6-4 then alongside the maligned Nathan Cleary Centre 3 Clinton Gutherson 3 Kurt Capewell directed the Blues to a blockbuster result. Cleary had the ball Centre 4 Jack Wighton 4 Dane Gagai on the string again, his kicking trapped Queensland time and Wing 5 Josh Addo-Carr 5 Phillip Sami again. The Panthers half also added a 40/20 to his all round performance. Five-Eighth 6 Cody Walker 6 Cameron Munster Halfback 7 Nathan Cleary 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c)

Addo-Carr inspired with his defense then Tedesco and Addo- Front Row 8 Daniel Saifiti 8 Dunamis Lui Carr himself found the stripe to make it 18-4 at the break.New Hooker 9 Damien Cook 9 Jake Friend South Wales looked much more composed and were able to stifle the Maroons energy which was helped with Cameron Munster Front Row 10 Payne Haas 10 Josh Papalii leaving the field with a HIA. Second Row 11 Angus Crichton 11 Felise Kaufusi Second Row 12 Tyson Frizell 12 Jaydn Su’a Half-time saw Wayne Bennett deliver a stirring speech to get his Lock 13 Jake Trbojevic 13 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui side back into the contest but tonight, the magic evapoured in the Sydney sky. Jack Wighton surged over from the restart and Bench 14 Dale Finucane 14 Ben Hunt the game was settled at 22-4. Daniel Tupou added another to Bench 15 Junior Paulo 15 Lindsay Collins make it 24 from another simple scrum play. Bench 16 Nathan Brown 16 Jai Arrow There was some fight shown between Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Bench 17 Isaah Yeo 17 Payne Haas after the two came together and were sin binned. Queensland did claw one back after Josh Papalii gave Rabbitohs Coach Brad Fittler Wayne Bennett fans a sense of deja vu when he ran over Damien Cook to make Date Wednesday, November 11th, 2020 Venue ANZ Stadium it 28-10. Kick Off 8:10 PM (local time) Sydney Olympic Park, NSW New South Wales held firm and Addo-Carr added a second late Referee Gerard Sutton Crowd 36,212 to complete the 34-10 scoreline. We head up to the Sunshine state for a mouth watering decider to see if the Blues can win only their third series deciding game at Suncorp Stadium.

20 2020 State of Origin - Game 3 foul. The Blues chucked the ball around, threatened but the ball ended with Junior Paulo in the final play. A desperate captain’s challenge was successful but the officials called full-time on the comeback.

Maroons win NSW were dealt a tough blow, losing fullback James Tedesco to a concussion after 20 minutes. Besides that, the Blues attack was anemic again. Most of the game was spent coming off their own line and the thriller, first forwards were bent back often. The Blues only points in the first half came from a Queensland error. series win Debutant fullback Allan spilled the ball into the path of Tedesco to get his hand to the ball first and make it 6-6 after ten minutes. Nathan Cleary earnt redemption in Game 2 but his performance tonight was restricted to long kicks and taking on the line, albeit with a 40/20 as a highlight. since 2017 It ended an emotional 2020 for the Penrith half, who lost both a Grand Final and Origin Series in a matter of weeks. Justin Davies @JustDavies90 Report courtesy of LeagueUnlimited.com State of Origin - Game 3 Queensland Maroons have won their first Origin series since 2017 Queensland New South Wales in a nail-biter 20-14 against New South Wales tonight at a packed Suncorp Stadium. 20 14 They were written off before the series, but Queensland showed Halftime Score 12 6 why Origin is one of sport’s greatest spectacles with a powerful performance to end New South Wales recent dominance in another Match Scoresheet masterclass from coach Wayne Bennett. Tries Harry Grant James Tedesco Valentine Holmes Daniel Tupou A full Suncorp Stadium gave a slight sense of normalcy for what has been a torrid 2020 for just about everyone. The 49,155 fans that crammed into the stadium were treated to a drama-filled and tense Goals Valentine Holmes (4/4) Nathan Cleary (3/3) Origin contest to top off what has been 180 games in seven months for rugby league. Teams New South Wales wait to win a series on Queensland soil since 2004 Fullback 5 1 James Tedesco (c) stretches into a 17th year. There will be plenty of questions for Blues Wing 1 Valentine Holmes 2 Daniel Tupou coach Brad Fittler after the failure to fire for much of the 2020 series. Centre 4 Dane Gagai 3 Clinton Gutherson

Queensland were branded the ‘worst’ side in the 40-year history of Centre 21 Brenko Lee 4 Jack Wighton Origin, but the side that blooded 14 players across the three games, Wing 19 Edrick Lee 5 Josh Addo-Carr opened the game in the best possible way. Valentine Holmes made it Five-Eighth 6 Cameron Munster 6 Cody Walker 6-nil after he was on the end of a sweeping play in the 5th minute. Halfback 7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c) 7 Nathan Cleary This victory has been rated alongside the 1995 series whitewash Front Row 8 Christian Welch 8 Daniel Saifiti which saw ’s Queensland win the series 3-nil despite not Hooker 9 Jake Friend 9 Damien Cook having Super League players. Wayne Bennett has shown again, the Front Row 10 Josh Papalii 10 Payne Haas master coach has pulled another trick from his sleeve after 19 years away from Origin. Returning from his concussion last weekend, Second Row 11 Felise Kaufusi 11 Angus Crichton Cameron Munster was the spark to lead the side. His touch of class Second Row 3 Kurt Capewell 12 Tyson Frizell was the difference between the two sides and produced some magic Lock 13 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 13 Jake Trbojevic with a pair of kicks for Edrick Lee to make it 12-6 at the break. Bench 12 Jaydn Su’a 14 Dale Finucane For long periods of the contest, it looked like a procession to a Bench 14 Harry Grant 15 Junior Paulo Queensland win. When interchange hooker Harry Grant on debut just made it to the line to make it 20-6 with the clock ticking away for Bench 15 Lindsay Collins 16 Nathan Brown the Blues. Queensland showed more urgency in attack, defence and Bench 16 Jai Arrow 17 Isaah Yeo forced the Blues into some benign options. Coach Wayne Bennett Brad Fittler The Blues tried to give us one final shock in 2020 and attempt a historic comeback. Daniel Tupou walked over for the Blues second Date Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 Venue Suncorp Stadium then a pair of kicks from Nathan Cleary made it 20-14 with eight Kick Off 8:10 PM (local time) Milton, QLD minutes left. Josh Addo-Carr who has been a rock all series for the Referee Gerard Sutton Crowd 49,155 Blues earnt them a man advantage with five minutes to go after Queensland fullback Corey Allan was sin-binned for a professional

21 Brisbane Broncos It says a lot about the leadership void that two of their youngest and more inexperienced big men were the ones doing the heavy lifting. Much was made of a lack of effort and desire at the club but Haas and Carrigan never failed to cart the ball up with plenty of punch, even if down on the scoreboard by 50. The pair averaged 175 SEASON REVIEW and 156 metres respectively and while they at times came up with some lazy efforts in By Andrew Jackson, LeagueUnlimited.com @Andrew_Jacko defence it was never out of not trying.

2019 ended in horror fashion for the Broncos. A 58-0 drubbing at the hands of Most times it was a product of physical exhaustion and Haas is now looking at a Parramatta sent them crashing out of the finals. reduced on-field role next year as his minutes are scaled back.

Little did they know it was only a small taste of what was to come in the next 12 Rookies months. It would cost his job and see one of the NRL’s biggest A shining light in an otherwise dismal season, Herbie Farnworth showed immense powerhouses reduced to their first-ever wooden spoon. Brisbane won just three loyalty to put off a number of offers from different codes to re-sign with the Broncos. games - two of those coming before the COVID-19 lockdown with the other one being Farnworth has all but locked up his long-term spot in the backline and it hasn’t a victory over the 15th-placed Bulldogs. 34-6 and 59-0 losses to the Eels and Roosters necessarily been pure natural talent that has got him there. to begin their season post-lockdown would foreshadow an embarrassing year at Red Hill where records tumbled - but not in the right direction. Their 31.2 points conceded He has obvious potential but it is Farnworth’s effort areas that have stood out in a side per game were the most on average by any past Broncos team. There was laughter… struggling for motivation every week. He fights for every metre and his dedication later followed by tears. But it did not seem to matter how the playing group reacted. was evident in the fact that after a thumping loss to Melbourne with his contract With each loss came more pressure and Seibold succumbed to it, eventually parting negotiation not sorted, Farnworth reportedly went into the distraught dressing room company with the club in the latter part of the season and handing control to assistant and declared “I want to stay loyal and help turn this around.” . Looking ahead There are big decisions to be made by incoming coach . is Turning point The clear turning point has to be the COVID-19 lockdown. Before that Brisbane were already gone but he is expected to be the first of several underperforming stars to storming towards premiership favouritism off the back of two-straight wins over the be cut loose. Matt Lodge’s future is up in the air while patience is wearing thin with Cowboys and Rabbitohs. They won just 1 of their remaining 18 games to finish the Milford, although Walters believes he is in the man to rediscover the playmaker’s season. potential. There will be no David Fifita either but has been earmarked as a possible replacement and showed his explosive power with a sensational solo try At that point the Broncos had a host of players on the sideline. Skipper against Penrith. The hope is that Walters can restore pride in the club’s successful (leg), David Fifita (knee), Jack Bird (knee), Tevita Pangai Jr (suspension) and Kotoni past and translate that into a fruitful future. It won’t be as disastrous as 2020 but the Staggs (suspension) were all unavailable for the Round 4 loss to the Roosters. Broncos are still going to struggle to make it back into the top eight with a spine that still lacks clear roles and direction. Without the adequate experience or mental resilience, the Broncos were never truly able to recover. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 16th | Played 20, Won 3, Lost 17 | For 268, Against 624 What worked Obviously the first two weeks of the season but what was different there to the disaster Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue that followed? Looking at the statistics - the clear discrepancy is the advantage 1 North Queensland W 28 - 21 A Seibold B Croft QLD Country Bank Brisbane were able to build up front. In the wins over the Cowboys and Rabbitohs, 2 South Sydney W 22 - 18 A Seibold B Croft Suncorp Stadium four and five Broncos forwards topped the century in running metres respectively. They were only able to match those same type of figures in a win over the Bulldogs 3 Parramatta L 6 - 34 A Seibold B Croft Suncorp Stadium and losses to the Raiders and Dragons, with the majority of the metres coming in their 4 Sydney L 0 - 59 A Seibold B Croft Suncorp Stadium strong first half against Canberra. 5 Manly Warringah L 18 - 20 A Seibold B Croft The dominance of their forward pack also allowed Milford the space to roam and show 6 Newcastle L 6 - 27 A Seibold A Glenn Central Coast Stadium his footwork and skill like he did in a scintillating solo try against the Rabbitohs. Croft 7 Gold Coast Titans L 12 - 30 A Seibold A Glenn Suncorp Stadium also had two try assists and one linebreak assist in the opening round win over the 8 Warriors L 16 - 26 A Seibold A Glenn Central Coast Stadium Cowboys. He was playing with confidence but went on to record another two try assists and three linebreak assists from 13 games. The power game up front is crucial to 9 Canterbury W 26 - 8 A Seibold A Glenn Suncorp Stadium Brisbane’s success and disappeared after the return to play. 10 Wests Tigers L 0 - 48 A Seibold B Croft

What didn’t work 11 Melbourne L 8 - 46 A Seibold B Croft Suncorp Stadium Lots. First there were the confusing selection calls that were somewhat masked by 12 Cronulla L 26 - 36 A Seibold J Ofahengaue Suncorp Stadium injuries at the club. Shifting to the centres and to second 13 South Sydney L 10 - 28 A Seibold B Croft ANZ Stadium row. , seen as a future halfback, was made a hooker while Tesi Niu played at fullback instead of his preferred role in the centres. 14 Canberra L 8 - 36 P Gentle B Croft GIO Stadium 15 St George Illawarra L 24 - 28 P Gentle J Ofahengaue Suncorp Stadium Tom Dearden struggled for game time while Brodie Croft and 16 Sydney L 12 - 58 P Gentle J Ofahengaue SCG struggled full stop. jumped between winger, fullback and the interchange. The Broncos had serious communication problems in attack and 17 Penrith L 12 - 25 P Gentle P Carrigan Suncorp Stadium defence and the constant chopping and changing did not help nor did the leniency 18 Gold Coast Titans L 6 - 18 P Gentle A Glenn CBUS Super Stadium in not dropping underperforming big-money stars which reportedly left others in the 19 Parramatta L 12 - 26 P Gentle A Glenn Bankwest Stadium dressing room confused. 20 North Queensland L 16 - 32 P Gentle A Glenn Suncorp Stadium There was also the serious lack of hard edge up front. For all the excitement and hype surrounding Brisbane’s forward pack was a glaring weakness. There was no real leadership there. It was primarily a young group and even himself said 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS he was looking for one of the more experienced teammates to show him the way. No one was able to do that. Gains: Andrew McCullough (returns from Knights’ loan), (Titans), (Cowboys) Unsigned: Jamil Hopoate, , Richie Kennar, Ben Te’o, Best players Ilikena Vudogo, Tyson Gamble, Pride Petterson-Robati Losses: Darius Boyd, Matt For all Brisbane’s struggles up front, there were two forwards who were always leading Gillett (retired), David Fifita (Titans), Sean O’Sullivan (Warriors), Jack Bird (Dragons), the way when the rest wouldn’t - Payne Haas and . (Wests Tigers)

22 2020 PLAYER RECORDS Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats Opponent NQL SOU PAR SYD MAN NEW GCT WAR CBY WST MEL CRO SOU CAN SGI SYD PEN GCT PAR NQL Starts Bench T G FG Pts ARTHARS, Jesse W W W C W C 6 - 1 - - 4 BOYD, Darius C C C C C C C C C C C FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 20 - 3 - - 12 BULLEMOR, Ethan B B SR B B B B B 1 7 - - - - CARRIGAN, Patrick L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L 19 - - - - - COATES, Xavier W W W W W W W W W B B W 10 2 5 - - 20 CROFT, Brodie HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB FE FE FE B 13 1 1 - - 4 DEARDEN, Tom B B HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 10 2 1 - - 4 FARNWORTH, Herbie B B B W W C C C C W C C C W W C C C C 16 3 6 3 - 30 FIFITA, David SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 9 - 4 - - 16 FLEGLER, Thomas PR PR PR PR B B PR B B PR PR PR PR 9 4 - - - - GAMBLE, Tyson B FE 1 1 - - - - GLENN, Alex SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 8 - - - - - HAAS, Payne PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 17 - 1 - - 4 HOPOATE, Jamil B SR SR SR B B B B B B B B 3 9 - - - - ISAAKO, Jamayne FB FB FB FB FB FB B W W W 9 1 3 16 - 44 KAHU, Jordan C C 2 - - - - - KENNAR, Richie C W W W W W W W W W 10 - 3 - - 12 KENNEDY, Rhys B B B B B B B B B PR PR PR PR 4 9 1 - - 4 LODGE, Matt B B PR PR PR B 3 3 - - - - LUKE, Issac HK HK HK HK HK B B HK HK HK HK HK 10 2 - 1 - 2 McCULLOUGH, Andrew B B - 2 - - - - MILFORD, Anthony FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FB FE FE 13 - 1 - - 4 NIU, Tesi B B FB FB FB FB 4 2 - - - - OATES, Corey W W W W SR W W B SR SR W W W B 12 2 2 - - 8 OFAHENGAUE, Joe B B SR B L B SR SR B B PR PR B PR PR 8 7 - - - - O’SULLIVAN, Sean FE FE FE 3 - - - - - PAIX, Cory HK HK B B B HK B B HK B B B B 4 9 1 - - 4 PANGAI JR, Tevita SR SR SR SR PR PR SR SR SR 9 - 2 - - 8 RIKI, Jordan B B B B SR 1 4 1 - - 4 STAGGS, Kotoni C C C C C C C C C C C C C FE 14 - 10 18 - 76 TE’O, Ben B B B B B SR B B B SR SR SR SR B PR B 6 10 1 - - 4 TURPIN, Jake HK HK HK HK HK HK 6 - 1 - - 4

KEY C = Centre PR = Prop L = Lock FB = Fullback FE = Five-Eighth HK = Hooker B = Bench W = Wing HB = Halfback SR = Second Row

23 Canberra Raiders incident which hampered his pre-season and the highly rated youngster failed to deliver in his first year with the club. This also coincided with a dip in form from club legend who also failed to reach the heights of previous years in both attack and defence. The centre position proved a difficult position to secure SEASON REVIEW throughout the season, with several players such as Michael Oldfield and Jordan By Sam Bourke, LeagueUnlimited.com @bourke_sam Rapana rotating in and out of the position. Coming into 2021 there is no doubt that Scott and Croker are proven in their position and getting both centres fit and firing by Round 1 will be a priority in the off-season. Canberra came into the season as one of the favourites for the premiership following their heartbreaking loss in the 2019 decider to the all-conquering Roosters. If there is Best players anyone you want in charge of a team scorned it is the ultimate competitor in Raiders Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii are now arguably the best players in their position in coach . the NRL. The Dally M Medal awarded to Wighton shows how consistent he has become for the Raiders and on several occasions in 2020, he took it upon himself to take the This was reflected from the commencement of the 2020 season, as the Raiders came game away from the opposition. The same applies to Papalii who for two seasons in a out of the blocks well winning their first three games of the COVID impacted season. row has been one of, if not the best forward in the competition. While they have both However the new rule changes along with the state forced regulations went against these players in form, they can beat anybody with strike power these two stars possess. the side, as they were forced to relocate their home games from GIO Stadium to almost three hours up the Hume Highway to Campbelltown Sports Ground. These adjustments Rookies coincided with the Green Machine losing four of their next six games. Semi Valemei was the Raiders best rookie, making a daunting debut off the bench against the Roosters in Round 10. The Fijian winger went on to play ten games and Canberra’s poor form was further compounded when their season was then seemingly scoring 4 tries. Stuart went on to blood several debutants throughout the year - Harley stopped it its tracks when they lost their skipper and conductor out of dummy half Josh Smith-Shields, Adam Cook and Matt Timoko all made their debuts. Hodgson against Melbourne in Round 9. This saw most pundits immediately getting out the red pen to put an official line through 2019 Grand Finalists’ season. Looking ahead The Raiders lose two of their most consistent and dynamic players in John Bateman However the master of motivation Stuart used these unfortunate chain of events and (Top Tryscorer - 14 tries) heading into 2021 but importantly gain a fit to his advantage, lifting the weight of expectation off his crest fallen side as they again . The big tick for the Raiders though is the dramatic improvement immediately beat the Roosters in Sydney, then Souths in Canberra to set off a mid- from the likes of Joseph Tapine, , and QLD Origin prop Dunamis Lui. The season revival. This saw the men from the nation’s capital flash home with a wet sail mid-season purchase of Corey Harawira-Naera from the Bulldogs and the very shrewd winning nine out of their last eleven to just miss out on the Top 4 on for and against. signing of former Titan Ryan James should see the Raiders again push for the finals for a third straight season in 2021. Finishing 5th they then beat a limping Sharks in their first elimination final and then finally got their ultimate revenge a few weeks earlier than expected, by knocking out the Roosters and in the process becoming the first Raiders side to defeat the Roosters 2020 SEASON RESULTS twice in Sydney in a calendar year since 1990. Position: 5th (Prelim. Finalists) | Played 23, Won 16, Lost 7 | For 509, Against 385

Heading into their preliminary final against Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium, the Green Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue Army faithful began dreaming of back to back Grand Finals and another chance for 1 Gold Coast Titans W 24 - 6 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium their first taste of premiership glory since 1994. However Ricky Stuart’s men where 2 Warriors W 20 - 6 R Stuart J Croker CBUS Super Stadium again cruelled by state based COVID restrictions, forced to travel to Brisbane on the day of the match. While this was not an excuse, the Minor Premiers Melbourne were 3 Melbourne W 22 - 6 R Stuart J Croker AAMI Park simply sublime in the first half, blowing a tired Canberra side off the park, scoring 24 4 Newcastle L 18 - 34 R Stuart J Croker Campbelltown points in as many minutes. This time there was no revival and the season was over as 5 Wests Tigers W 14 - 6 R Stuart J Croker Campbelltown they found finishing outside of the four just too difficult against a refreshed opponent. 6 Manly Warringah L 6 - 14 R Stuart J Croker Campbelltown Heading into 2021 they lose some key performers in John Bateman and Nick Cotric, 7 Parramatta L 24 - 25 R Stuart J Croker Bankwest Stadium however they have now build a forward pack with experience and one of the best halves combinations in the competition which again leaves the premiership window 8 St George Illawarra W 22 - 16 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium ajar for next season. 9 Melbourne L 14 - 20 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium 10 Sydney W 24 - 20 R Stuart J Croker SCG Turning point After losing Josh Hodgson in Round 9 they were written off, however rather than kick 11 South Sydney W 18 - 12 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium stones or make excuses the Raiders then stunned the defending premiers at SCG to 12 North Queensland W 14 - 12 R Stuart J Croker QLD Country Bank run out convincing 24-10 winners after being down by six points at halftime to put the 13 Penrith L 12 - 28 R Stuart J Croker Panthers Stadium competition on notice. Josh Papalli again enhanced his reputation as the man for the big moments, when he scored the match winner with 15 minutes remaining. The win 14 Brisbane W 36 - 8 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium set the side up with belief that they were still contenders for the title despite losing one 15 Gold Coast Titans W 36 - 16 R Stuart J Croker CBUS Super Stadium of their most dynamic attacking weapons in Hodgson, with Canberra going on to drop 16 Canterbury W 34 - 20 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium just two matches in the regular season. 17 Sydney L 6 - 18 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium What worked 18 St George Illawarra W 37 - 8 R Stuart J Croker WIN Stadium The halves combination of George Williams and Jack Wighton was the big question 19 Warriors W 26 - 14 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium mark heading into the season. Many critics questioned whether having a combination of two natural ball runners would suit the Raiders style of play. From Round 1 the 20 Cronulla W 38 - 28 R Stuart S Williams Netstrata Jubilee combination clicked and throughout the season they managed to score 20 tries QF Cronulla W 32 - 20 R Stuart J Croker GIO Stadium between them and also producing an impressive 23 try assists. Wighton in particular SF Sydney W 22 - 18 R Stuart J Croker SCG had a stellar season, winning the Dally M Medal to go with his Clive Churchill Medal from the 2019 Grand Final. These accolades achieved by Wighton is significant for the PF Melbourne L 10 - 30 R Stuart J Croker Suncorp Stadium club moving forward, he is now the elite half and consistent match winner that the club has craved for a long time. 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS What didn’t work Losing the dynamite strike of centre Joey Leilua to the Tigers looked to be something Gains: Harry Rushton (Wigan), Ryan James (Titans), Caleb Aekins (Panthers) that Canberra could cover with their depth at the club and particularly with the Unsigned: Sebastian Kris Losses: Michael Oldfield (Eels), John Bateman (Wigan), Nick recruitment of former Storm centre . Scott was involved in an off-field Cotric (Bulldogs), (retired), (Warriors)

24 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF SF PF Season Stats Opponent GCT WAR MEL NEW WST MAN PAR SGI MEL SYD SOU NQL PEN BRI GCT CBY SYD SGI WAR CRO CRO SYD MEL Starts Bench T G FG Pts BATEMAN, John SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 11 - 3 - - 12 COOK, Adam FB 1 - - - - - COTRIC, Nick W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W C W W W W W W 23 - 14 - - 56 CROKER, Jarrod C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 22 - 5 71 - 162 FRAWLEY, Matt FE 1 - 1 - - 4 GULER, Emre B B B B B B B PR 1 7 1 - - 4 HARAWIRA-NAERA, B B B L B B B SR B B B 2 9 - - - - Corey HAVILI, Siliva B B B B B B B B B HK HK HK HK HK HK B B B HK L B HK HK 10 13 - - - - HODGSON, Josh HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 9 - - - - - HORSBURGH, Corey SR L L L L L 6 - - - - - LUI, Dunamis PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR B PR PR PR B B B 15 5 2 - - 8 MEDLYN, Darby B - 1 - - - - NICOLL-KLOKSTAD, FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 21 - 7 - - 28 Charnze O’DONNELL, Kai L L L B 3 1 1 - - 4 OLDFIELD, Michael B B B C C C 3 3 - - - - PAPALII, Josh PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR PR B B PR PR PR PR PR PR 19 3 5 - - 20 RAPANA, Jordan W B W W W B W C FB W W W W W C C C C C 17 2 2 - - 8 SCOTT, Curtis C C C C C C C B C C C C C 12 1 2 - - 8 SIMONSSON, Bailey W W W B B W W 5 2 2 - - 8 SMITH-SHIELDS, B C 1 1 1 - - 4 Harley SOLIOLA, Iosia B B B B L PR PR PR PR PR B B 6 6 1 - - 4 STARLING, Tom B B B B B B HK HK HK B HK HK B B 5 9 4 - - 16 SUBLOO, Jarrett B - 1 - - - - SUTTON, Ryan B B B L B B B B B L PR PR PR B B B 5 11 - - - - TAPINE, Joseph L SR SR SR SR SR B B B B B B B PR L L L L L L L 14 7 4 - - 16 TIMOKO, Matthew B C 1 1 - - - - VALEMEI, Semi B W W W W W W W W W 9 1 4 - - 16 WHITEHEAD, Elliott SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 22 - 5 - - 20 WIGHTON, Jack FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 22 - 13 - - 52 WILLIAMS, George HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 22 - 7 - 1 29 WILLIAMS, Sam HB 1 - 1 5 - 14 YOUNG, Hudson B SR SR SR SR SR L L B B B B B B SR B PR PR 10 8 4 - - 16

25 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

up 200 NRL appearances for the club during the Round 19 win over the Rabbitohs, SEASON REVIEW captain Josh Jackson furthered his standing as a club great by featuring in every By Robert Crosby, LeagueUnlimited.com @Robert_Crosby95 match and producing wholehearted efforts each week.

A disappointing band of battlers Rookies Using 31 players in the top grade over the course of the season, Jake Averillo, Matt In a year that shaped as make-or-break for one of the league’s proudest clubs, the Doorey and Tui Katoa provided glimpses of promise to suggest better days lay Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs went down the latter path. ahead for the blue and whites. Playing 13 matches across the backline, halves and interchange, Averillo garnered plenty of plaudits after an impressive introduction in Managing three wins from 20 matches, parting ways with coach mid-season Round 2. Scoring a try just minutes into his debut in Round 14, second rower Doorey and spending 12 weeks on the bottom of the premiership ladder, only a penultimate went on to play five matches for the club, while Katoa - brother of Cronulla speedster, round victory saved the blue and whites from claiming the wooden spoon. Sione - earned his sole appearance in the final match of the year off the bench.

Coming into 2020 with expectations of improvement after finishing the previous Looking ahead year in winning form, the side’s hopes went up in flames just days before the season With a number of players moving on and a host of new faces making the move to opener after Corey Harawira-Naera and were initially deregistered for Belmore, coach will be out to make the most of his second chance by breaching team standards during a pre-season trip to Port Macquarie. improving the side’s attack and getting wins on the board early in the year.

Losing their opening two matches prior to the season suspension, a Queen’s Birthday win against the Dragons (22-2) appeared to buy coach Dean Pay some time to save his job. Despite the initial respite, tension between rival factions of the board and a run of losses on the field - culminating in a dismal showing against the out-of-form Broncos 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 15th | Played 20, Won 3, Lost 17 | For 282, Against 504 (8-26) - saw the former premiership-winning front rower prematurely depart the club in July with a record of 19 wins from 57 matches. Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue Installing assistant Steve Georgallis for the remainder of the year in a move that 1 L 2 - 8 D Pay J Jackson Bankwest Stadium opened up the side’s attack by an additional try per game, upsets against the Knights Parramatta (18-12) and Rabbitohs (26-16) served as fleeting moments of hope in a year marred by 2 North Queensland L 16 - 24 D Pay J Jackson ANZ Stadium the side’s inability to play for 80 minutes. 3 Manly Warringah L 6 - 32 D Pay J Jackson Central Coast

Heading into next season with a revamped roster and Trent Barrett at the helm as 4 St George Illawarra W 22 - 2 D Pay J Jackson Bankwest Stadium coach, the Bulldogs will be demanding immediate improvement after their longest 5 Sydney L 6 - 42 D Pay J Jackson Bankwest Stadium absence from the finals in more than half a century. 6 Cronulla L 18 - 20 D Pay J Jackson Bankwest Stadium

Turning point 7 Wests Tigers L 6 - 34 D Pay J Jackson Bankwest Stadium While the Bulldogs never fully recovered from the disruption of the Port Macquarie pre- 8 South Sydney L 10 - 26 D Pay J Jackson Bankwest Stadium season scandal, the side’s performances following the COVID break confirmed 2020 as 9 Brisbane L 8 - 26 D Pay J Jackson Suncorp Stadium a lost cause. Offering little in attack and showing no signs of the defensive resolve that saw the side win seven of their final ten matches in 2019, pundits and supporters alike 10 St George Illawarra L 22 - 28 S Georgallis J Jackson WIN Stadium found it hard to fathom how off the pace the side appeared in their efforts against the 11 Newcastle W 18 - 12 S Georgallis J Jackson McDonald Jones Sea Eagles (6-32), Roosters (6-42) and Tigers (6-34). 12 Parramatta L 16 - 18 S Georgallis J Jackson ANZ Stadium What worked 13 Melbourne L 10 - 41 S Georgallis J Jackson Sunshine Coast For as often as the side finished on the wrong end of the scoreboard, the Bulldogs 14 Wests Tigers L 28 - 29 S Georgallis J Jackson Bankwest Stadium displayed a level of effort and desire that ensured they remained in the fight more often 15 Warriors L 14 - 20 S Georgallis J Jackson ANZ Stadium than not. Losing eight matches by eight points or less, the side’s underwhelming roster demonstrated a willingness to rip in that was rarely sighted by the more experienced 16 Canberra L 20 - 34 S Georgallis J Jackson GIO Stadium Broncos all year. Saving their best performance until the penultimate round of the 17 Gold Coast Titans L 14 - 18 S Georgallis J Jackson ANZ Stadium season, the side capitalised on the Rabbitohs’ complacency with an early lead before holding on to deservedly avoid the wooden spoon. 18 Manly Warringah L 20 - 32 S Georgallis J Jackson ANZ Stadium 19 South Sydney W 26 - 16 S Georgallis J Jackson ANZ Stadium What didn’t work 20 Penrith L 0 - 42 S Georgallis J Jackson ANZ Stadium Using a rotating cast of three fullbacks and seven different combinations in the halves, the side struggled for cohesion and stability - ultimately impacting their ability to close out tight matches. With only three players appearing in all 20 matches throughout the season, the constant chopping and changing of personnel saw the side struggle to secure victory during the closing stages of matches; most notably in the final ten 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS minutes against the Dragons (22-28) and Tigers (28-29) where the side snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Gains: Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), Jack Hetherington (Panthers), (Sea Eagles), Nick Cotric (Raiders), Corey Allan (Rabbitohs) Best players Losses: (Sea Eagles), (Sea Eagles), Marcelo Montoya Producing his finest season in the top grade to claim the Coaches Award at the (Warriors), Reimis Smith (Storm), (Sharks), Sauaso Sue (Knights), Jack presentation breakfast, second rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner appeared in all 20 Cogger (Huddersfield), , Isaiah Tass (released), Kerrod Holland (retired) matches and finished as joint leading try-scorer alongside . Bringing

26 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats Opponent PAR NQL MAN SGI SYD CRO WST SOU BRI SGI NEW PAR MEL WST WAR CAN GCT MAN SOU PEN Starts Bench T G FG Pts AVERILLO, Jake B B W C W C C C C B B FE FE 9 4 3 12 - 36 BRITT, Dean B B SR B B B B B B B B 1 10 - - - - COGGER, Jack HB B HB HB FE 4 1 - - - - CRICHTON, Christian W W W W W W W W 8 - 2 - - 8 DOOREY, Matt B SR B B SR 2 3 2 - - 8 ELLIOTT, Adam L L L SR L L L L 8 - 1 - - 4 FAITALA-MARINER, B B B L SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 17 3 6 - - 24 Raymond FORAN, Kieran FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 14 - 4 - - 16 HARPER, Morgan B - 1 - - - - HOLLAND, Kerrod B B C B C C C C C C C 8 3 2 4 - 16 HOPOATE, William C C C C FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 13 - 2 - - 8 JACKSON, Josh SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR L SR SR L SR L 20 - 1 - - 4 KATOA, Sione HK B B B HK HK B B B B 3 7 - - - - KATOA, Tuipulotu B - 1 - - - - LAFAI, Tim C C C C C 5 - 2 1 - 10 LEWIS, Lachlan HB HB FE HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 13 - 3 - - 12 MARSHALL-KING, HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK B HK HK HK B B HK HK HK HK HK HK 17 3 1 - - 4 Jeremy MEANEY, Nick W W W W W W W FB FB FB FB FB W W W W 16 - 6 22 - 68 MONTOYA, Marcelo C C C W W W W C C 9 - 3 - - 12 NAPA, Dylan PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 16 - - - - - OGDEN, Ofahiki B B B B B B PR PR PR PR PR 5 6 - - - - OKUNBOR, Jayden W W W 3 - 1 - - 4 SMITH, Chris B L SR 2 1 1 - - 4 SMITH, Reimis C C C C C W C C B W W C C C 13 1 4 - - 16 STIMSON, Joe SR SR 2 - - - - - SUE, Sauaso B B PR B B B B B B B B B B B PR 2 13 - - - - THOMPSON, Luke L L L L L L B B PR PR 8 2 - - - - TOLMAN, Aiden PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B B PR L L PR PR 15 2 2 - - 8 TO’OMAGA, Renouf B B B B B PR B B B B B B B PR B B 2 14 1 - - 4 WAKEHAM, Brandon FE FE HB HB HB HB B B B HB 7 3 - 4 - 8 WATENE-ZELEZNIAK, FB FB FB FB C C W FB FB W W W W W W C W W 18 - 2 - - 8 Dallin

27 Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

Braydon Trindall looked right at home in the halves, a real livewire who took to being an SEASON REVIEW attacking leader immediately. By Andrew Ferguson, Rugby League Project @AndrewRLP Another 3 forwards got their opportunity in 2020 - who looks to be a real handful in attack, but still has some errors in his game that will be rectified with Cronulla became the first club in the history of the competition to the finish the regular experience, Teig Wilton who looks to be a good prospect in the back row and young season with perfect parity on the ladder. They had 10 wins, 10 losses, scored 480 prop who will make a handy addition to their forward rotation in 2021. points and conceded 480 points. They were the epitome of average, yet it was enough to see them secure 8th place on the ladder and make the finals for the 6th consecutive Looking ahead season. Half of the Sharks spine was brilliant in 2020 - Johnson and Brailey. Fullback William Kennedy had a solid year and will be better for the run, while halfback The club moved out of the Gallen-Flanagan era playing some - at times - brilliant was underwhelming for much of the year. The emergence of Trindall and Connor attacking football, as Shaun Johnson started to take control of the side and play some Tracey will put huge pressure on the Premiership winning halfback to retain his place. good footy. The Sharks’ wingers capitalised on the halfback’s improvement, with 28 tries scored between (12) and Sione Katoa (16). Sadly for Johnson The club will be without back rower , who decided to retire early in the though, he injured his Achilles late in the season and he could miss a chunk of 2021 season, while fellow second rower is off-contract. Talented centre while recovering. Bronson Xerri copped a lengthy suspension after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. Blayke Brailey grew in confidence every week at dummy half following the departure of older brother Jayden, and became one of the first picked every week, while a number of talented young forwards stepped up and demanded to be picked, notably Royce 2020 SEASON RESULTS Hunt, and Toby Rudolf. Position: 8th (Elim. FInalists) | Played 21, Won 10, Lost 11 | For 500, Against 512

Their finals campaign was brief as they went down 32-20 to the Raiders in the first Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue week, but they were far from disgraced. 1 South Sydney L 18 - 22 J Morris W Graham ANZ Stadium 2 Melbourne L 10 - 12 J Morris W Graham Netstrata Jubilee Turning point Round 7 - The Sharks struggled at the start of the year, winning just 1 of their opening 3 Wests Tigers L 16 - 28 J Morris W Graham Bankwest Stadium 5 games. In Round 6 they barely beat the lowly Bulldogs. In Round 7 they came up 4 North Queensland W 26 - 16 J Morris W Graham QLD Country Bank against the 7th placed Manly, a side they have struggled against since forever. 5 St George Illawarra L 16 - 30 J Morris W Graham Campbelltown Cronulla though turned on the attack at Gosford that day, racking up 40 points to start 6 Canterbury W 20 - 18 J Morris W Graham Bankwest Stadium a run of 6 straight games where they scored at least 24 points every week - five of those 7 Manly Warringah W 40 - 22 J Morris W Graham Central Coast Stadium resulting in wins - which saw them jump from third last to 6th place. They remained in the top 8 for the remainder of the season. 8 Gold Coast Titans W 40 - 10 J Morris W Graham CBUS Super Stadium 9 Penrith L 24 - 56 J Morris W Graham Netstrata Jubilee What worked 10 Warriors W 46 - 10 J Morris W Graham Central Coast Stadium Edge attack - The Sharks were potent out wide and on the edges of the ruck on both sides - thanks largely to the improved form of Johnson, the confidence from dummy 11 St George Illawarra W 28 - 24 J Morris W Graham Netstrata Jubilee half by Brailey and a great bench rotation which saw some big bustling bodies create a 12 Brisbane W 36 - 26 J Morris W Graham Suncorp Stadium heap of opportunities against tired defences. 13 Parramatta L 12 - 14 J Morris W Graham Netstrata Jubilee What didn’t work 14 Gold Coast Titans W 30 - 18 J Morris W Graham Netstrata Jubilee Middle defence - Cronulla had too many tries scored through the middle of their 15 Penrith L 12 - 38 J Morris W Graham Panthers Stadium defence, especially close to the line. They were slow to move laterally, sometimes too 16 North Queensland W 28 - 12 J Morris W Graham Netstrata Jubilee flat-footed and easily picked off by attackers running on straight lines or using late footwork. 17 Newcastle L 10 - 38 J Morris W Graham McDonald Jones 18 Warriors W 22 - 14 J Morris S Johnson Netstrata Jubilee Best players 19 Sydney L 18 - 34 J Morris S Johnson SCG Shaun Johnson was greatly improved in 2020, creating a huge number of opportunities and setting up a swag of tries for his outside men. Blayke Brailey was 20 Canberra L 28 - 38 J Morris W Graham Netstrata Jubilee also brilliant, going from young rake to attacking leader, seen best by his try just before EF Canberra L 20 - 32 J Morris W Graham GIO Stadium halftime against Canberra in the final. Cronulla lead 14-10 at halftime, but with Brailey missing for the second half, the Sharks attack was definitely missing a key component and were outscored 22-6 in the second half. 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS Rookies Gains: Aiden Tolman (Bulldogs) Coach John Morris continued his routine of bringing through young talent, with Unsigned: Kayleb Milne, Scott Sorensen, another 5 players making their NRL debut for the club in 2020. made a Losses: , Jayson Bukuya (retired), Cruz Topai-Aveai (released), Josh good impression in his only appearance, scoring a try against the Broncos. Young half Morris (Roosters 2020)

28 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF Season Stats Opponent SOU MEL WST NQL SGI CBY MAN GCT PEN WAR SGI BRI PAR GCT PEN NQL NEW WAR SYD CAN CAN Starts Bench T G FG Pts BRAILEY, Blayke HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 20 - 4 - - 16 DUGAN, Josh C C C C C C FB C C C C C C C C C 16 - 4 - - 16 FERRIS, Jackson C 1 - 1 - - 4 FIFITA, Andrew PR PR PR B B B B B B B B B 3 9 1 - - 4 GOODWIN, Bryson W W W C C W C 7 - 4 1 - 18 GRAHAM, Wade SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR FE SR 19 - 4 - - 16 HAMLIN-UELE, Braden B B B B B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR PR 15 6 6 - - 24 HIROTI, Mawene W C 2 - 1 4 - 12 HUNT, Royce B B B B B B B B B B B B B B - 14 1 - - 4 JOHNSON, Shaun FE FE FE HB FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE HB HB HB HB 16 - 2 56 - 120 KATOA, Sione W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 19 - 16 1 - 66 KENNEDY, William FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 17 - 3 - - 12 MACDONALD, Nene W W 2 - 1 - - 4 MAGOULIAS, Billy B B B - 3 1 - - 4 MORRIS, Josh C C 2 - - - - - MOYLAN, Matt B FE FB FB FB FE FE FE 7 1 - 4 - 8 MULITALO, Ronaldo W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 16 - 12 - - 48 NIKORA, Briton SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 16 - 6 - - 24 RAMIEN, Jesse C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 19 - 8 - - 32 RUDOLF, Toby B B PR PR L B B B B B B B B B PR B B L L PR 7 13 1 - - 4 SORENSEN, Scott B SR B B B L L L L L L B L B 8 6 - - - - TALAKAI, Siosifa B B B B B B SR C SR SR SR B B SR SR L 8 8 4 - - 16 TOWNSEND, Chad HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 12 - 1 4 - 12 TRACEY, Connor B B B B B B B B B B FE B FE FE HB FE 5 11 4 - - 16 TRINDALL, Braydon HB HB HB FE HK 5 - - 4 - 8 VASQUEZ, Daniel B - 1 - - - - WILLIAMS, Jack L L L L B L L L L L L B B B B B B 10 7 2 - - 8 WILTON, Teig B B B B SR 1 4 - - - - WOODS, Aaron PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B 20 1 1 - - 4

29 Gold Coast Titans

27-man squad for the post-season Origin series, Brimson seized upon the withdrawal SEASON REVIEW of to play a vital role in the Maroons’ game one victory in Adelaide. By Robert Crosby, LeagueUnlimited.com @Robert_Crosby95 Rookies Promising signs for the future Elevating three players into the NRL during a difficult first half of the season, Jaimin Jolliffe, Beau Fermor and Treymain Spry featured prominently in the side’s strong The Gold Coast Titans may have missed out on the finals in 2020, but if things continue finish to the year. Beginning 2020 on a train-and-trial deal after a number of seasons in to improve a return to the top eight looks set to be right around the corner. Canterbury Cup NSW with Newtown, Joliiffe made 16 appearances in the front-row to earn an upgraded contract. Making the most of his opportunity to play first grade due Making huge in-roads from the team that claimed the wooden spoon twelve months to an abundance of second-rowers at Newcastle, Fermor showed the versatility to play earlier, the Titans won nine matches to finish in ninth position under the coaching of in the forwards and backs in eight matches. Returning to Queensland after starting out NRL newcomer . in the lower grades with the Roosters, Spry grew in confidence over his five matches to emerge as an outside back of the future. Beginning the season slowly with losses in their first three matches, the side tasted victory for the first time in a year with an upset over the Tigers (28-23) in June. Looking ahead Managing occasional wins against the Broncos (30-12), Warriors (16-12) and Cowboys Touted as the biggest improvers for 2021, the Titans will need a strong start built (30-10) over the first 15 weeks, a run of five consecutive wins saw the side close out the around defence to ensure the hype around Fifita and Fa’asuamaleaui doesn’t derail the year as one of the form teams of the premiership. year before it begins.

Having enjoyed success in the lower grades at Canterbury before winning a title with St Helens in the English Super League, Holbrook revitalised the club’s underperforming 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 9th | Played 20, Won 9, Lost 11 | For 346, Against 463 roster by parting ways with underperforming stars, while giving a number of young players an opportunity to prove their wares in the top grade. Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue Heading into next season with plenty of expectation after securing the signatures of 1 Canberra L 6 - 24 J Holbrook T Roberts GIO Stadium David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui on big money deals, the Titans will be hoping to 2 Parramatta L 6 - 46 J Holbrook T Roberts CBUS Super Stadium continue their strong finish and secure a finals berth for the first time since 2016. 3 North Queensland L 6 - 36 J Holbrook N Peats QLD Country Bank Turning point 4 Wests Tigers W 28 - 23 J Holbrook K Proctor Suncorp Stadium While success wasn’t immediately forthcoming upon the season resumption, 5 South Sydney L 12 - 32 J Holbrook K Proctor Bankwest Stadium Holbrook’s decision to hand an NRL lifeline paid off in the long run. Playing two matches with the Titans in 2017 before spending several seasons in 6 St George Illawarra L 8 - 20 J Holbrook K Proctor Suncorp Stadium the with Burleigh, the 26-year-old halfback provided a steadying 7 Brisbane W 30 - 12 J Holbrook K Proctor Suncorp Stadium influence for the team while enabling much-maligned playmaker Ashley Taylor to regain his confidence as a second receiver. Forming a potent combination that saw the 8 Cronulla L 10 - 40 J Holbrook K Proctor CBUS Super Stadium team finish the season two points outside the top eight, the unexpected partnership 9 Warriors W 16 - 12 J Holbrook J Arrow CBUS Super Stadium propelled the club to a record five consecutive victories. 10 Melbourne L 6 - 42 J Holbrook J Arrow Sunshine Coast

What worked 11 Penrith L 14 - 22 J Holbrook J Arrow CBUS Super Stadium Beginning the year as heavy favourites for the wooden spoon, the Titans were one of 12 Sydney L 12 - 18 J Holbrook K Proctor SCG the few teams to get better as the season wore on. Losing nine of their first 12 matches, 13 North Queensland W 30 - 10 J Holbrook K Proctor CBUS Super Stadium including heavy defeats against Parramatta (46-6), North Queensland (36-6), Cronulla (40-10) and Melbourne (42-6), the side took the results in their stride while identifying 14 Cronulla L 18 - 30 J Holbrook K Proctor Netstrata Jubilee \ areas in need of improvement. Stiffening their defence and gaining the confidence 15 Canberra L 16 - 36 J Holbrook N Peats CBUS Super Stadium to spread the ball from within their own half in attack, the final eight rounds saw the 16 St George Illawarra W 14 - 10 J Holbrook J Fogarty Netstrata Jubilee \ side claim six wins in a drastic transformation from the team that began the year as mentally weak and defensively inept. 17 Canterbury W 18 - 14 J Holbrook J Fogarty ANZ Stadium 18 Brisbane W 18 - 6 J Holbrook J Fogarty CBUS Super Stadium What didn’t work 19 Manly Warringah W 42 - 24 J Holbrook J Fogarty Lottoland While the Titans received great service from a number of low-profile players, such as Jamal Fogarty and Jaimin Jolliffe, several big name stars failed to deliver in 2020. 20 Newcastle W 36 - 6 J Holbrook J Fogarty CBUS Super Stadium Touted as marquee signings under previous regimes, (1 game), (2 games) and (7 games) all departed the club mid-season, while experienced playmakers (3 games) and (8 games) were moved on in favour of youngsters (13 games) and (10 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS games). Gains: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Storm). Herman Ese’ese (Knights), David Fifita (Broncos), Best players Patrick Herbert (Warriors), Sam McIntyre (Wests Tigers) Suffering a back injury that threatened to sideline him for the entirety of 2020, AJ Unsigned: Nathan Peats, Tyrone Roberts Brimson made an enormous impact during the second half of the season. Providing an Losses: Kallum Watkins (Toronto 2020), (Eels 2021), Jai Arrow injection of class and danger with the ball in hand, the 21-year-old fullback produced (Rabbitohs 2021), Ryan James (Raiders 2021), Shannon Boyd (retired), Young seven tries, 30 tackle breaks and 165 metres on average. Named in Wayne Bennett’s Tonumaipea (rugby union), Bryce Cartwright (Eels 2021), Dale Copley (Broncos 2021)

30 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats Opponent CAN PAR NQL WST SOU SGI BRI CRO WAR MEL PEN SYD NQL CRO CAN SGI CBY BRI MAN NEW Starts Bench T G FG Pts ARROW, Jai L L L L L L L L L L L L L L B B B B 14 4 - - - - BOYD, Shannon B - 1 - - - - BOYD, Tanah B B B B B B B B B B FE B B 1 12 1 - - 4 BRIMSON, Alexander FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 9 - 7 - - 28 CARTWRIGHT, Bryce SR SR SR SR SR C C 7 - 1 - - 4 CLARK, Erin B HK HK HK B HK HK B B B 5 5 - - - - COPLEY, Dale W W C C C C C C C C 10 - 1 - - 4 DON, Anthony W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 16 - 10 - - 40 FERMOR, Beau SR C SR B B SR SR SR 6 2 2 - - 8 FOGARTY, Jamal HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 18 - 3 9 - 30 FOTUAIKA, Moeaki B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR L B PR PR PR 16 2 - - - - HIPGRAVE, Keegan SR B B B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B 9 4 3 - - 12 JOLLIFFE, Jaimin B B B B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 12 4 - - - - KELLY, Brian B C W W W C C C C C C C C C C C 15 1 6 - - 24 LISONE, Sam PR PR PR PR PR B B B B B B B B B B B B B 5 13 1 - - 4 PEACHEY, Tyrone C SR C B B B B C B B B B B B B L L L L L 9 11 1 - - 4 PEARSON, Jonas W 1 - - - - - PEATS, Nathan B B HK HK HK HK HK HK 6 2 - - - - PROCTOR, Kevin SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 12 - 4 - - 16 REIN, Mitch HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 9 - 2 - - 8 ROBERTS, Tyrone FE FE FB 3 - - - - - SAMI, Phillip FB FB FB FB FB W W C W W W W W 13 - 7 - - 28 SPRY, Treymain W W C C W 5 - 1 - - 4 STONE, Sam SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR 8 1 3 - - 12 TAYLOR, Ashley HB HB FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 19 - 3 36 - 84 THOMPSON, Corey FB FB W FB FB FB W W W W W W 12 - 4 - - 16 TONUMAIPEA, Young C C C W C C C C C C 10 - 3 - - 12 WALLACE, Jarrod PR PR B B B B B B B B B PR PR PR PR PR PR 8 9 1 - - 4 WATKINS, Kallum C C 2 - - - - - WHITBREAD, Jai B B B B B B B B B - 9 - - - -

31 Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles

Making his debut on the wing, Funa crossed the stripe in each of his first three SEASON REVIEW appearances before delivering his best at fullback to take out the Manly Rookie of the By Jason Hosken, LeagueUnlimited.com @HoskenJason year award.

Having defied expert predictions to make the second week of the finals in 2019, many Following two years ruined by back-to-back ACL injuries good fortune finally found expected the Sea Eagles to challenge for the 2020 title. Hopoate, and with five games, the son of premiership winner John joined brothers Will and Jamil in the NRL books. Despite a strong nucleus built around skipper Daly Cherry-Evans and the Trbojevic brothers, Manly’s 2020 season began to unravel before 2019 had finished. Tenacious Confident 19-year-old Schuster failed to finish his only appearance, but the five-eighth linchpin Apisai Koroisau turned salary cap victim when opted for the long showed enough against the Tigers for to say it’s the best debut he’s ever term prospects of energetic hooker Manase Fainu. seen. While out wide, midseason Bulldogs recruit Morgan Harper showed what all the fuss was about, dazzling opponents with fancy footwork to score three tries in just four While Koroisau re-joined the Panthers, Fainu failed to lace on a boot - stood down outings. under the NRL’s no fault policy following off field charges. Looking ahead Former Knight filled the gap and with four wins after six rounds, the seventh Kieran Foran remains Manly’s most noticeable signing, and with Levi unsigned and placed Sea Eagles were poised for takeoff. From there, a crippling injury toll exposed a Fainu’s availability under fire, there’s talk the 30-year-old may return in the unfamiliar lack of depth and with just another three victories over the remaining 14 weeks, Manly number-nine. With an otherwise competitive lineup, the race for a reliable hooker rounded out a year to forget in 13th position. could ultimately shape Hasler’s finals destiny.

Wins over eventual finalists the Roosters, Raiders and Eels were highlights in a season that included only one victory at the club’s spiritual homeground - the worst return in Manly’s history dating back to 1947. Adding to the woes, the postseason departures 2020 SEASON RESULTS of Joel Thompson (St Helens) and Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors) leave a considerable Position: 13th | Played 20, Won 7, Lost 13 | For 375, Against 509 void and sadly for fans, injuries robbed the duo of the standing ovation they so richly deserved. Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue Turning point 1 Melbourne L 4 - 18 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Lottoland In a wicked twist of fate, the best and worst of Manly’s season struck simultaneously on 2 Sydney W 9 - 8 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Leichhardt a Sunday afternoon against Canberra at a COVID sparse . 3 Canterbury W 32 - 6 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Central Coast Stadium Following early injuries to , Brad Parker and , an 4 Parramatta L 16 - 19 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Bankwest Stadium undermanned Sea Eagles inspired by a miraculous try saving tackle from Curtis 5 Brisbane W 20 - 18 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Central Coast Stadium Sironen continued to repel raid after Green Machine raid to protect a narrow lead in what ranks among the club’s most stirring victories. 6 Canberra W 14 - 6 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Campbelltown 7 Cronulla L 22 - 40 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Central Coast Stadium That was round six, and like Trbojevic and Walker the Sea Eagles never recovered, and 8 Newcastle L 12 - 14 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Lottoland as the injury list lengthened so did Manly’s distance to the top half of the competition. 9 St George Illawarra L 4 - 34 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Netstrata Jubilee What worked 10 Parramatta W 22 - 18 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Lottoland Short of being labeled a one-man team, the early blast of Tom Trbojevic clearly worked in Manly’s favour. With and without the ball, the fiercely competitive Sea Eagles junior 11 North Queensland W 24 - 12 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans QLD Country Bank carried the side to its first three victories. And with his hamstring on ice before the end 12 Penrith L 12 - 42 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Lottoland of round six, Turbo had already done enough to top the Dally M leaderboard. 13 Warriors L 22 - 26 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Lottoland

What didn’t work 14 Newcastle L 24 - 26 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans McDonald Jones With only 27 games between them, the prolonged absence of Tom Trbojevic, Moses 15 South Sydney L 16 - 56 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans ANZ Stadium Suli and Walker saw the points dry up. For the loss was notable, a 16 Melbourne L 6 - 30 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Sunshine Coast meagre four-try return a staggering 12 shy of the winger’s 2019 tally. 17 Wests Tigers L 32 - 34 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Lottoland And with the rotation of names, the defensive steel forged a year earlier began to 18 Canterbury W 32 - 20 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans ANZ Stadium corrode. Often exposed on the edges, it was a turnstyle-like final six rounds at a 19 Gold Coast Titans L 24 - 42 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Lottoland whopping 37 points per game that eventually brought Hasler’s men to their knees. 20 Warriors L 28 - 40 D Hasler D Cherry-Evans Central Coast Stadium Best players One of only four players to turn out every week, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans was the Sea Eagles’ rock in a season where the dugout seated more big names than Manly registered victories. Finishing on 9 Dally M votes alongside Tom Trbojevic, the 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS Queensland captain’s persistence eventually paid-off when his man of the match performance in Adelaide guided the Maroons to an unlikely win. Gains: Andrew Davey (Eels), Kieran Foran (Bulldogs), Christian Tuipulotu (Roosters), Jason Saab (Dragons), (Wests Tigers) Rookies Unsigned: , Albert Hopoate, Danny Levi, Luke Metcalf, Tony Williams Three rookies cracked the top flight throughout the season. , Albert Losses: Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Joel Thompson (St Helens), Addin Fonua-Blake Hopoate and each took their chance in the absence of regular backline (Warriors) talent.

32 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats

Opponent MEL SYD CBY PAR BRI CAN CRO NEW SGI PAR NQL PEN WAR NEW SOU MEL WST CBY GCT WAR Start Bench T G FG Pts BOYLE, Morgan B B B PR B PR B 2 5 - - - - CHERRY-EVANS, Daly HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 20 - 6 12 1 49 CROKER, Lachlan B B B B B B FE FE B B B B B B B B B B FE FE 4 16 1 - - 4 CUST, Cade B B FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 8 2 3 - - 12 ELLIOT, Brendan C FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 8 - - - - - FONUA-BLAKE, Addin PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 14 1 3 - - 12 FUNA, Tevita W W C W C W W FB FB FB W FB 12 - 5 - - 20 GARRICK, Reuben W W W W W W W FB W W W W W W FB W W 17 - 4 41 - 98 GOSIEWSKI, Jack B B B B B B B B B B SR SR SR 3 10 6 - - 24 HARPER, Morgan C C C C 4 - 3 - - 12 HOPOATE, Albert C W W W B 4 1 - - - - KEPPIE, Sean B B B B B PR PR B B B B B B B B B B B B 2 17 - - - - LEVI, Daniel HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 20 - 2 - - 8 MISKI, Abbas W B W 2 1 2 - - 8 OLAKAU’ATU, Haumole B B SR B B 1 4 1 - - 4 PARKER, Brad C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 19 - 4 - - 16 PASEKA, Taniela B B PR B B B B PR B B B PR PR B B B B PR 5 13 3 - - 12 SCHUSTER, Josh FE 1 - - - - - SIRONEN, Curtis SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 18 - 3 - - 12 SULI, Mosese C C C C C C W C C C C C C 13 - 2 - - 8 TAUFUA, Jorge W W W W W W C W W W W W W W 14 - 7 - - 28 TAUPAU, Martin PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR 16 2 2 - - 8 THOMPSON, Joel SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 14 - 2 - - 8 TRBOJEVIC, Jake L L L L L L L L L L L L L PR L L L L L L 20 - 2 - - 8 TRBOJEVIC, Tom FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 7 - 4 - - 16 WADDELL, Corey B B SR B B B SR L SR B B B SR 5 8 1 - - 4 WALKER, Dylan FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 7 - 1 - - 4

33 Melbourne Storm

Best players If 2019 was the breakout year for Ryan Papenhuyzen then 2020 was the year he cemented himself as an absolute star of the game. Fittingly, he capped the year by being awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for a brilliant performance in the Grand SEASON REVIEW Final. As Melbourne clicked into gear it was the linkup play down the left featuring By Brendan Thurbon, LeagueUnlimited.com @BThurbon Papenhuyzen that was a real highlight - throw in a couple of game breaking length of the field tries and it was a pretty stellar year for the young fullback. Up front there were One referee, faster rucks, less wrestle and less structure - surely this spells the end of a number of strong performers in patches through the season, but Christian Welch the purple haze that has seen the Melbourne Storm make at least the third week of the went to another level as the year wore on. In a testament to his importance in big finals every year since 2015? games, Queensland won both Origin contests in which he featured.

Post the COVID-pause, many pundits were writing the Storm’s chances off due Rookies to the significant shift in the way the game was to be played - and after first up a There were a number of players to make their debut for the Storm this year but there disappointing loss to Canberra in Round 3, one could’ve been forgiven for buying into are two standout names that come to mind when we talk rookies. Both made their such predictions. By the middle of June, the Storm had gone 2-2 since the resumption debut for Queensland however - only one played for the men in purple through the with a rare loss to Penrith coming after a couple of less-than-convincing wins. year. As we look forward to 2021, Harry Grant will return to the Storm after a loan spell at the Tigers, but it will spell the end of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s time in Melbourne as he From that point howevrer, the Storm would win eight in a row - including a contender heads for the beaches of the Gold Coast. for game of the year against the Roosters which went to golden point. It was around this time that the entire club was forced to leave Melbourne due to a significant Looking ahead COVID outbreak, with the Sunshine Coast eventually becoming home for the rest of This time last year the major question hovering over the Melbourne Storm was the the season after initial stops in (to train) and then matches in Kogarah and owner of the number 7 jersey, it is safe to say that this has been put to bed with Brisbane. To wrap up the season the Storm lost just two of the last six games, but both Jahrome Hughes becoming a key cog in both attack and defence. times were missing significant numbers of regular first graders. As the finals loomed what was clear though, was the Storm had a devastating attack but question marks As we look forward to 2021 there are a couple of questions hovering over the Storm - remained over their defence. obviously there is the elephant (or GOAT) in the room, being Cameron Smith’s future and who takes the number 9 jersey should he in fact retire or move on? Beyond this Week 1 of the finals saw Melbourne trail early against Parramatta before ultimately how will Melbourne replace the impact of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui from the bench, not to blowing them out 36-24, and earning a week off and a “home” preliminary final (at Suncorp) against either their 2018 nemesis the Roosters, or the new bogey side Canberra. Ultimately the Raiders progressed to face the Storm in the prelim, where a 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 2nd (Premiers) | Played 23, Won 19, Lost 4 | For 626, Against 330 ticketing mishap at the gates saw thousands of fans stranded outside the venue whilst inside they picked the Raiders apart in the opening 15 minutes - racing out to an 18-0 Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue lead. By the 22nd minute it was 24-0, a lead never in danger of being run down. mention the 86 tries that Suliasi Vunivalu scored in just 111 games! 1 Manly Warringah W 18 - 4 C Bellamy C Smith Lottoland Once again this meant the Melbourne Storm would be playing on the final weekend of 2 Cronulla W 12 - 10 C Bellamy C Smith Netstrata Jubilee the season - their fourth grand final in five years but with only one win from the three leading up to this year. In a very fitting end to sometimes chaotic COVID-affected 3 Canberra L 6 - 22 C Bellamy C Smith AAMI Park 2020, the Storm raced to a 26-0 lead against minor premiers Penrith, but clung on to 4 South Sydney W 22 - 8 C Bellamy C Smith AAMI Park win 26-20 and finished the match with two players in the sin bin. 5 Newcastle W 26 - 12 C Bellamy C Smith Central Coast Stadium Turning point 6 Penrith L 14 - 21 C Bellamy C Smith Campbelltown If there was a turning point in the Melbourne season, it was the second clash with the 7 Warriors W 50 - 6 C Bellamy C Smith Netstrata Jubilee Roosters - while the score finished 24-6 it was evident that the 2020 version of the 8 Sydney W 27 - 25 C Bellamy C Smith Suncorp Stadium Victorian outfit were a cut above the dual-reigning premiers, from here the left side attack of the Storm and the punch from the bench featuring Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 9 Canberra W 20 - 14 C Bellamy C Smith GIO Stadium Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Brandon Smith became the standout factors for a side that 10 Gold Coast Titans W 42 - 6 C Bellamy C Smith Sunshine Coast would eventually lift the premiership trophy. A secondary turning point which proved 11 Brisbane W 46 - 8 C Bellamy C Smith Suncorp Stadium to be a blessing were injuries to key players throughout the year, this coupled with no mid-year State of Origin meant that the Storm would head into the final series fresh for 12 Newcastle W 26 - 16 C Bellamy C Smith Sunshine Coast a tilt at the premiership. 13 Canterbury W 41 - 10 C Bellamy C Munster Sunshine Coast 14 Sydney W 24 - 6 C Bellamy J Bromwich SCG What worked With revised rules changing the policing of the ruck, 2020 was meant to be the 15 Parramatta L 0 - 14 C Bellamy C Welch Bankwest Stadium beginning of the end of Cameron Smith as a dominant force in Rugby League - but he 16 Manly Warringah W 30 - 6 C Bellamy C Smith Sunshine Coast once again proved why he is in the conversation of the greatest to ever lace a boot. Despite missing several games through the middle of the year he finished fourth in 17 South Sydney W 22 - 16 C Bellamy C Smith ANZ Stadium Dally M voting and had his hands all over the direct and punchy attack through the 18 North Queensland W 36 - 20 C Bellamy C Smith Sunshine Coast middle which set up the other key piece of what worked in 2020 for the Storm. The 19 Wests Tigers W 50 - 22 C Bellamy C Smith Sunshine Coast left side attack with the blistering pace of Papenhuyzen and Addo-Carr coupled with the guile of Munster and Bromwich and the sheer physical force that is Justin Olam. 20 St George Illawarra L 22 - 30 C Bellamy R Papenhuyzen Netstrata Jubilee Melbourne tore teams to shreds on this side of the field and scored a competition QF Parramatta W 36 - 24 C Bellamy C Smith Suncorp Stadium leading amount of tries from their own half, largely down this side of the field. The PF Canberra W 30 - 10 C Bellamy C Smith Suncorp Stadium development of key players in the spine was also a huge part of what saw the side excel in 2020, and only in their fans’ wildest dreams would they have had another fullback GF Penrith W 26 - 20 C Bellamy C Smith ANZ Stadium with the game breaking ability that Ryan Papenhuyzen possesses, and so soon after retires. 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS What didn’t work There wasn’t a lot that went wrong for the Storm or that didn’t work, and while injuries Gains: George Jennings (Eels), Reimis Smith (Bulldogs) to key players stifled momentum, it never stopped the Storm from picking up wins. At Unsigned: Cameron Smith, times it looked like their edge defence may let them down in the big games at the end Losses: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans), Suliasi Vunivalu (rugby union), of the season, but this was a year where everything came together perfectly. (loanee, returns to Wests Tigers), Sandor Earl (retired), (Huddersfield)

34 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF PF GF Season Stats

Opponent MAN CRO CAN SOU NEW PEN WAR SYD CAN GCT BRI NEW CBY SYD PAR MAN SOU NQL WST SGI PAR CAN PEN Start Bench T G FG Pts ADDO-CARR, Josh W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 21 - 16 - - 64 ASOFA-SOLOMONA, B B PR B B B B B B B B B B PR L PR L L L L 8 12 4 - - 16 Nelson BOOTH, Aaron L 1 - - - - - BROMWICH, Jesse PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 19 - 2 - - 8 BROMWICH, Kenny SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 21 - 3 - - 12 EARL, Sandor W W 2 - 1 - - 4 EISENHUTH, Tom B B B B B B C C B B B B SR 3 10 1 - - 4 FA’ASUAMALEAUI, B B B B B B B B SR B B B L B L SR L L PR B B B 7 15 7 - - 28 Tino FINUCANE, Dale L L L L L L L L L L L L L B B 13 2 2 - - 8 HUGHES, Jahrome HB HB HB HB HB FE HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 19 - 7 - - 28 HYNES, Nicholas B B FB B B B FB FB B B B 3 8 3 4 - 20 JACKS, Ryley HB HB B FE B FE FE B FE 6 3 1 - - 4 JOHNS, Cooper HB HB 2 - - - - - KAMIKAMICA, Tui PR PR B B PR 3 2 1 - - 4 KAUFUSI, Felise SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 21 - 2 - - 8 KING, Max B B B B B B - 6 - - - - LEE, Brenko C C C W C C C C C C C C C C 14 - 4 - - 16 LEUTELE, Ricky C 1 - - - - - LEWIS, Chris B B B B SR 1 4 1 - - 4 LUMELUME, Isaac W W W 3 - 1 - - 4 MOMIROVSKI, Paul C C C W B C 5 1 4 - - 16 MUNSTER, Cameron FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 18 - 4 6 1 29 OLAM, Justin C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 21 - 11 - - 44 PAPENHUYZEN, Ryan FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 20 - 11 4 1 53 PENE, Aaron B - 1 - - - - SCHONIG, Darryn B B B B B B - 6 - - - - SEVE, Marion C C C W B C C 6 1 - - - - SMITH, Brandon B PR PR PR B HK B PR PR B HK HK HK B HK B B B 10 8 3 - - 12 SMITH, Cameron HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HB HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 19 - 3 86 - 184 VETE, Albert B B B B B B - 6 - - - - VUNIVALU, Suliasi W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 17 - 14 - - 56 WELCH, Christian B B B B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 15 4 - - - -

35 Newcastle Knights

a number of years sidelined with injury and living in the shadow of his twin brother, SEASON REVIEW emerged as a powerhouse prop by averaging over 100 metres and By Robert Crosby, LeagueUnlimited.com @Robert_Crosby95 appearing in every match of the season. Joining the club over the off-season as a relative unknown after struggling to make a mark at North Queensland, Enari Tuala Long-awaited success marred by inconsistency finished as the club’s leading try-scorer (11) and played 20 out of 21 matches.

If ever a team epitomised the term ‘inconsistent’, the 2020 Newcastle Knights would fit Rookies the description to a tee. Having progressed through the local grades and junior pathways at Newcastle, Tex Hoy, Chris Randall and Brodie Jones debuted together during the legendary draw At times the Knights produced passages of attacking brilliance and a defensive against Penrith in Round 3. Earmarked as a long-term playmaker by the club, Hoy went fortitude to rival any team in the premiership. on to play nine matches in the top grade after an impressive showing in the pre-season Nines tournament. Earning a well-deserved shot at the NRL following years of toiling On other occasions those moments of magic were interrupted by performances away in front of friends and family, Randall achieved a memorable feat during his labelled as ‘embarrassing’. seven appearances by setting the record for most tackles on debut (71). Coming off the bench on seven occasions as an impact forward, Jones stepped up in the absence of Finishing the year in seventh position with 11 wins and a draw, the Knights qualified for more established players sidelined through injury and suspension. their first finals appearance in seven years - a feat made all the more memorable given the dark days of three straight wooden spoons in the not-too-distant past. Looking ahead Set to benefit from the tougher defensive resolve provided by marquee signing Tyson Beginning the year in promising form with former Melbourne and Sydney assistant Frizell, coach Adam O’Brien will need to settle on a permanent number six while Adam O’Brien steering the side to second on the ladder after six rounds, an inability to reducing the gap between the side’s best and worst performances. perform week-to-week saw the side remain inside the top eight while gradually losing touch with the top four. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Finding some much-needed consistency midway through the year with wins over the Position: 7th (Elim. Finalists) | Played 21, Won 11, Lost 9, Drawn 1 | For 441, Against 420 Tigers (44-4), Sea Eagles (26-24) and Cowboys (12-0), a mounting injury toll saw the side’s performances fluctuate to an extreme with results varying from 30-point losses Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue to 20-point wins in the space of a week. 1 Warriors W 20 - 0 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones Squandering an opportunity to host a home final in the opening week of the play-offs 2 Wests Tigers W 42 - 24 A O’Brien M Pearce Leichhardt Oval with a dreadful showing against the Titans (6-36) in the last round of the home-and- 3 Penrith D 14 - 14 A O’Brien M Pearce Campbelltown away season, a sudden-death encounter with the Rabbitohs began promisingly only to end in a heavy 46-20 defeat. 4 Canberra W 34 - 18 A O’Brien M Pearce Campbelltown 5 Melbourne L 12 - 26 A O’Brien M Pearce Central Coast Stadium Coming into 2021 with a largely similar roster and representative forward Tyson Frizell 6 Brisbane W 27 - 6 A O’Brien M Pearce Central Coast Stadium joining the ranks, the Knights will be hoping for better luck with injuries and greater consistency on the field. 7 North Queensland L 20 - 32 A O’Brien M Pearce QLD Country Bank 8 Manly Warringah W 14 - 12 A O’Brien M Pearce Lottoland Turning point 9 Parramatta L 4 - 10 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones Already missing (ACL), (achilles) and Andrew McCullough (hamstring) to season-ending injuries, the impact of Blake Green tearing 10 South Sydney W 20 - 18 A O’Brien M Pearce Bankwest Stadium his ACL saw the side’s performances go from one extreme to another over the closing 11 Canterbury L 12 - 18 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones rounds. Having struggled to put back-to-back results together during the first half of 12 Melbourne L 16 - 26 A O’Brien M Pearce Sunshine Coast the season, the lack of experienced playmakers to support saw the side appear clueless in defence against the Warriors (6-36), Roosters (12-42) and Titans 13 Wests Tigers W 44 - 4 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones (6-36), while bullying the Sharks (38-10) and Dragons (42-18) on home soil. 14 Manly Warringah W 26 - 24 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones 15 North Queensland W 12 - 0 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones What worked While the side’s defensive resolve couldn’t be sustained for the entire year, the Knights 16 Warriors L 6 - 36 A O’Brien M Pearce Scully Park displayed a level of resilience that few teams in the league could match at times. 17 Cronulla W 38 - 10 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones Defying early injuries to Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson to produce one of the most stirring performances in the club’s history against Penrith (14-14), the side 18 Sydney L 12 - 42 A O’Brien M Pearce SCG showed similar grit to hold off the Sea Eagles (14-12) at Lottoland for only the fourth 19 St George Illawarra W 42 - 18 A O’Brien M Pearce McDonald Jones time in 33 seasons. 20 Gold Coast Titans L 6 - 36 A O’Brien M Pearce CBUS Super Stadium

What didn’t work EF South Sydney L 20 - 46 A O’Brien M Pearce ANZ Stadium When coming up against teams they were expected to beat, the Knights had a disturbing trend of taking their lowly opponents for granted. Suffering embarrassing losses against the Cowboys (20-32), Bulldogs (12-18) and Warriors (6-36) - all teams ranked below them on the ladder - the side saved their ‘best’ collapse for last. Needing 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS a win in the final round to guarantee a home elimination final in Newcastle, the side suffered a humiliating loss to the Titans (6-36) in a performance marred by accusations Gains: Tyson Frizell (Dragons), Dominic Young (Huddersfield), Sauaso Sue (Bulldogs), of racial vilification made by Mitchell Barnett towards . Bailey Hodgson (Castleford), Jack Johns (Rabbitohs) Unsigned: Tyronne Roberts-Davis Best players Losses: Herman Ese’ese (Titans), , (retired), Andrew Enjoying his best season in the top grade after years of playing a ‘Mr Fix-It’ role, Kurt McCullough (loanee, returning to Broncos), Sione Mata’utia (St Helens), Mann shone as a starting playmaker with six tries and eight try-assists. Spending (Wakefield), (Rabbitohs)

36 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF Season Stats Opponent WAR WST PEN CAN MEL BRI NQL MAN PAR SOU CBY MEL WST MAN NQL WAR CRO SYD SGI GCT SOU Start Bench T G FG Pts BARNETT, Mitchell SR SR B L L L L L L L L L SR 12 1 1 - - 4 BEST, Bradman C C C C C C C C C C C 11 - 8 - - 32 BRAILEY, Jayden HK HK 2 - - - - - CROSSLAND, Phoenix B B B B B B - 6 1 - - 4 ESE’ESE, Herman L L L L L B B L L L B B B B B B B B B B L 9 12 1 - - 4 FITZGIBBON, Lachlan SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 17 - 1 - - 4 GLASBY, Tim B B B B B L L 2 5 - - - - GREEN, Blake FE FE FE 3 - - - - - GUERRA, Aidan B B SR SR SR B B B SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B 14 7 2 1 - 10 HOY, Tex FB B B B B B B FB B 2 7 1 2 - 8 HUNT, Hymel W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W C W W 20 - 8 - - 32 JONES, Brodie B B B B B B B - 7 - - - - KING, Josh B B B B B B B - 7 1 - - 4 KLEMMER, David PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 21 - - - - - LEE, Edrick W W W W W W W W W W W 11 - 6 - - 24 LINO, Mason FE FE FE FE FE 5 - - 15 - 30 MANN, Kurt FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE HK HK HK HK HK HK HK FE 20 - 6 - - 24 MATA’UTIA, Sione SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR B B SR B 8 4 1 - - 4 McCULLOUGH, HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 8 - 2 - - 8 Andrew MOGA, Tautau W C C C 4 - - - - - PEARCE, Mitchell HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 21 - 2 - 1 9 PONGA, Kalyn FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 19 - 10 46 - 132 RANDALL, Chris B HK B B HK B HK 3 4 - - - - SAIFITI, Daniel PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 14 - 3 - - 12 SAIFITI, Jacob B B B B B B B B B PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR L B B B 8 13 3 - - 12 SAULO, Pasami B B B B B B B - 7 - - - - SHIBASAKI, Gehamat C C C C C C C C C C W 11 - 5 - - 20 TOA, Starford W W W W W W W 7 - 4 - - 16 TUALA, Enari C C C C C C C C W W W C C C C C C C C C 20 - 11 - - 44 WATSON, Connor B B HK B B 1 4 1 - - 4

37 North Queensland Cowboys

other big achiever who does not get the raps he deserves is . The former SEASON REVIEW Dragon’s pace out of dummy-half is exactly what the Cowboys need but he also had By Andrew Jackson, LeagueUnlimited.com @Andrew_Jacko a knack for knowing when to unleash it, a sign of maturity from the still developing hooker. Personally, heading into the 2020 season I saw several parallels, at least on the surface, between the Cowboys and Eels of 2019. North Queensland too were buoyed Rookies by the opening of a new season, had underperformed the year prior but made some Tabuai-Fidow is a clear contender here having set the NRL on fire with his pace and key changes particularly in the form of Valentine Holmes to address a lack of pace out footwork but Gilbert also deserves a mention in a tough position given the Cowboys’ the back. Like the Eels, I was expecting this would be a much-improved Cowboys outfit, struggles up front at times this year. The 20-year was the Queensland Cup Rookie riding the wave of momentum and energy that comes with opening a new stadium. of the Year heading into this season and made his debut in Round 4. His aggressive demeanour immediately made an impression and saw Gilbert earn selection for COVID-19 obviously brought a halt to mass numbers each week. But poor form did another 11 games. Gilbert did miss three weeks through suspension so he will need not help and it cost Paul Green his job. But Green paved the way the week prior to to keep a lid on his fiery playing style but at the same time it is the exact injection of his departure, with rising star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and debutant Dejearn Asi given youthful confidence that the Cowboys need heading forward. prominent roles and almost inspiring the Cowboys to a shock win over Penrith in his last game in charge. Looking ahead Todd Payten was able to produce serious results at the Warriors in trying That nod towards youth continued up front, headlined by emerging star Tom Gilbert circumstances. Can he do it at North Queensland? Away from the Sydney bubble, he who made his presence felt every time he was used in the middle as opposed to the won’t be weighed down by the pressure but if Michael Morgan and Valentine Holmes edge. The pieces are there - all they need is a strong coach with a vision on how to use are back to full fitness a top-eighth finish will be a bare minimum. There are enough them - could Todd Payten be that man? talented young forwards coming through for the Cowboys to make the finals this year. The question is whether Payten can instil the consistency and defensive strength into Turning point a North Queensland side that leaked far too many points last year. That often comes The 42-4 hammering at the hands of Parramatta was definitely the turning point back to attitude. With a new coach on board, it will become clear early on whether the that sent North Queensland’s season on a downward spiral. Only a week prior they playing group buys into Payten’s vision. had produced one of the most stunning upsets of the season - a 32-20 win over the Knights. There was a clear game plan of kicking the ball into touch to limit the impact of Kalyn Ponga and a purpose to the way the Cowboys played. It also arrested a three- 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 14th | Played 20, Won 5, Lost 15 | For 368, Against 520 game losing streak and gave their finals hopes a brief glimmer of hope. But a 38-point loss to Parramatta, where North Queensland’s flimsy defence was exposed, was the Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue beginning of the end for the 2020 season. It was the start of a nine-game losing streak that cost Green his job and the Cowboys any hope of a finals finish. 1 Brisbane L 21 - 28 P Green M Morgan QLD Country Bank 2 Canterbury W 24 - 16 P Green M Morgan ANZ Stadium What worked 3 Gold Coast Titans W 36 - 6 P Green J Taumalolo QLD Country Bank As mentioned earlier, the biggest boost to North Queensland’s season was the injection of youth. Previously the Cowboys had been heavily criticised for having 4 Cronulla L 16 - 26 P Green G Cooper QLD Country Bank a slow, lethargic backline that lacked potency in the red zone. The emergence of 5 Warriors L 26 - 37 P Green G Cooper Central Coast Stadium Tabuai-Fidow in particular worked to soften that concern. There was no shortage of power up front either, with , Jordan McLean and Josh McGuire, along 6 Wests Tigers L 20 - 36 P Green J Taumalolo Campbelltown with Reece Robson at hooker, forming a strong motor to help the Cowboys get on the 7 Newcastle W 32 - 20 P Green J Taumalolo QLD Country Bank front foot. Tom Gilbert and Francis Molo only maintained the rage off the bench. Some 8 Parramatta L 4 - 42 P Green J Taumalolo Bankwest Stadium more strike in the edge forwards could be one place to improve next year. Speaking of which… 9 Sydney L 16 - 42 P Green J Taumalolo QLD Country Bank 10 Penrith L 10 - 22 P Green J Taumalolo Panthers Stadium What didn’t work 11 Manly Warringah L 12 - 24 J Hannay J Taumalolo QLD Country Bank Injuries to key spine players definitely played a part. Both Holmes and Michael Morgan spent extended periods on the sidelines and North Queensland struggled accordingly 12 Canberra L 12 - 14 J Hannay J Taumalolo QLD Country Bank for leadership and experience. Edge defence was also a serious concern. 76 of the 13 Gold Coast Titans L 10 - 30 J Hannay M Morgan CBUS Super Stadium 92 tries conceded by the Cowboys were down either the right or left side of the field, 14 South Sydney L 30 - 31 J Hannay M Morgan QLD Country Bank pretty much split between the two corridors. It shows just how much Payten has to work on in terms of fixing vulnerabilities out wide on both sides of the field, with poor 15 Newcastle L 0 - 12 J Hannay M Morgan McDonald Jones communication to blame there. At times it was the basics that the Cowboys struggled 16 Cronulla L 12 - 28 J Hannay M Morgan Netstrata Jubilee with, finishing with the second-worst completion rate in the league. Payten said as 17 St George Illawarra W 23 - 22 J Hannay J McLean QLD Country Bank much to NRL.com a few days ago, explaining “our skill set, catch and pass, draw and pass, a lot of stuff we are doing in the tackle needs to improve and on the most part we 18 Melbourne L 20 - 36 J Hannay J McLean Sunshine Coast just need to move faster when we carry the ball and when we move defensively.” 19 Penrith L 12 - 32 J Hannay J McLean QLD Country Bank 20 Brisbane W 32 - 16 J Hannay J McLean Suncorp Stadium Best players Jason Taumalolo obviously led from the front, averaging 193 running metres in yet another year of dominance that we have simply come to expect from the hulking forward. Josh McGuire’s impact cannot be understated either though, being the only 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS other Cowboys forward to average over 150 metres. His aggression, while at times bordering on out of control, helped fire up a Cowboys pack in desperate need of an Gains: Lachlan Burr (Warriors), Kane Bradley (Wests Tigers) experienced leader. Francis Molo also had an incredible workrate in limited time, Losses: (retired), (Eels), John Asiata (Broncos), Dan Russell averaging a tick over 100 metres and 20 tackles from 38 minutes on the field. The (released), Tukimihia Simpkins (Wests Tigers)

38 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats Opponent BRI CBY GCT CRO WAR WST NEW PAR SYD PEN MAN CAN GCT SOU NEW CRO SGI MEL PEN BRI Start Bench T G FG Pts ASI, Daejarn FE FE FE B C 4 1 1 - - 4 ASIATA, John PR B B B B B B B B B B 1 10 - - - - CLIFFORD, Jake HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 14 - 3 1 - 14 CONDON, Ben B - 1 - - - - COOPER, Gavin SR SR SR B B B B B B B B B B B B 3 12 1 1 - 6 COTTER, Reuben B B B B HK HK HK HK HK HK 6 4 - - - - DRINKWATER, Scott FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FB FB FB FE FE FE FE 16 - 2 - - 8 DUNN, Mitchell B B SR SR SR SR B C B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 13 4 1 - - 4 FELDT, Kyle W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 20 - 19 23 - 122 GILBERT, Tom B B B B B B B B SR SR SR SR 4 8 - - - - GRANVILLE, Jake HK HK HK HK B B B B 4 4 - - - - HAMPTON, Ben W W W W B B B B B FE FE FE FE 8 5 4 - - 16 HESS, Coen SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 15 - 3 - - 12 HOLA, Peter B B B B - 4 - - - - HOLMES, Valentine FB FB FB FB FB FB W W FB FB FB FB 12 - 4 24 1 65 JENSEN, Corey B B B B B B PR B 1 7 - - - - LEMUELU, Connelly W C C C C C C 7 - 1 - - 4 MARSTERS, Esan C C C C C C C C C C C C 12 - 2 - - 8 McGUIRE, Josh PR PR L PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR L L L PR 17 - - - - - McLEAN, Jordan PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 15 - - - - - MOLO, Francis B B B PR B PR B PR PR PR PR PR B B B PR PR PR L B 11 9 3 - - 12 MORGAN, Michael HB HB HB HB HB HB 6 - 2 - 1 9 O’NEILL, Justin C C C C C C C W W W C W C C C C C 17 - 6 - - 24 OPACIC, Tom W C C C C 5 - 2 - - 8 PERE, Emry B B - 2 - - - - ROBSON, Reece B B B B HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 10 4 5 - - 20 TABUAI-FIDOW, Hamiso W FB FB FB FB FB FB FB W W W W W W 14 - 6 - - 24 TAULAGI, Murray C W C C 4 - - - - - TAUMALOLO, Jason L L L L L L L L L L L L L L B L 15 1 2 - - 8 WRIGHT, Shane B B SR SR SR SR SR SR 6 2 - - - -

39 Parramatta Eels

Best players Reagan Campbell-Gillard was the best tight forward in the NRL for the opening 10 rounds; RCG managed to: create 25 tackle breaks, 1,393 post-contact metres, average 14 hit-ups SEASON REVIEW per game, make 631 tackles at 90% efficiency, average 164 running metres per match, and run for 3,460m. He also ran for over 200m eight times in 2020. By Eelementary, LeagueUnlimited.com @LeagueUnlimited Rookies “If we score, we might win. If they never score, we can’t lose.” Christie Rampone, former The only Eels rookie to debut was the Wests Tigers-bound Stefano Utoikamanu, and he captain of the US National Women’s Soccer Team. played only 3 appearances. Haze Dunster had the dubious honour of debuting in the Final against South Sydney, and he had a mixed bag, making a bad error which lead to a Souths The cliché still rings true - regardless of the sport - that offence wins games, and defence try, but showing promise with the ball in hand. wins championships. Certainly, Parramatta Eels coach must subscribe to a similar mantra, as his focus from the 2019 season shifted to forming a solid defensive Looking ahead pattern. After finishing the 2019 home and away season in 5th place, the Parramatta Eels The potential 4-year ban for Michael Jennings remains the biggest question mark for the faithful were excited to welcome forwards , and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Eels moving forward; the signing of Tom Opacic was seen as a depth signing, and now the to the team, and to see how much further they could help push the side. The erratic Eels Eels face the unenviable task of replacing an in-form, veteran centre. The Eels’ starting trounced Brisbane in week one of the Finals 58-nil, and were subsequently demolished forward pack remains largely unchanged for 2021, with the possible exception of Shaun 32-nil the following week by a clinical Melbourne Storm outfit - surely, with the addition of Lane moving to the bench, to cover Kane Evans’ role, and new signing Isaiah Papali’i some very good players, the future was beginning to look bright at Bankwest... possibly taking the left edge forward spot. The addition of Bryce Cartwright adds an attacking spark that we have not seen in some time. The Eels’ starting forward pack was as The 2020 season got off to a flying start for Parramatta, as the Eels found a new steel good as any side’s in 2020 - their weakness was their lack of punch coming off the bench, in their defence, and won their opening five games, to find themselves atop the NRL and whether this has been addressed remains to be seen. A back-up hooker in Premiership ladder. Throughout the five-match winning streak, Parramatta produced the has been signed, to give a spell occasionally, and young best defensive effort in the NRL, conceding only 40 points across 5 games, while managing should see more game time in 2021. One of Parramatta’s most puzzling issues is their lack to pile on 123 points. The following couple of months followed a familiar pattern - a bunch of pure speed in the outside backs - Blake Ferguson has great top speed, but isn’t lightning of consecutive wins, followed by a loss, as the Eels defeated the Raiders, Cowboys, and off the mark; Clint Gutherson works hard, but is hardly bottled lightning; is Knights, and then lost to the Sea Eagles, and then beat the Tigers, Bulldogs, and Sharks, raw, unadulterated power. The only player with genuine pace is . This reviewer only to be defeated by the Dragons. Across that 8-week period, the Eels still defended believes that the Parramatta Eels will be a top 6 side in 2021, but depending on their stoutly - they conceded merely 112 points over 8 weeks, while managing to score 165 recruitment to fill the noticeable holes in the squad, they may slide to the bottom half of the points. Over the next six weeks, Parramatta would lose only 2 of their remaining games, 8. However, it would be a genuine surprise if this squad did not play Finals football in 2021. managing to clinch third spot on the NRL Premiership ladder. Week one of the NRL Finals saw a valiant, under-strength Eels outfit outclassed 36-24 by Melbourne, and the following week saw a similar result take place, with the Eels losing to a motivated Rabbitohs side 2020 SEASON RESULTS 38-24, to end their 2020 campaign. Despite what many would consider a disappointing Position: 3rd (Semi Finalists) | Played 22, Won 15, Lost 7 | For 440, Against 362 straight sets Finals exit, the Eels showed great improvement in 2020; they managed to reduce their points conceded by 39.12% (down to 288 points conceded, as opposed to Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue 473), lost only five games in the regular season (compared to ten losses in 2019), and lead 1 Canterbury W 8 - 2 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium the NRL for offloads. The platform for the future was set in 2019, and season 2020 saw the beginning of the future to take effect. 2 Gold Coast Titans W 46 - 6 B Arthur C Gutherson CBUS Super Stadium 3 Brisbane W 34 - 6 B Arthur C Gutherson Suncorp Stadium Turning point It would be easy to point to the March 23rd decision to suspend the season as a turning 4 Manly Warringah W 19 - 16 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium point, but perhaps there may be some merit in this notion; the 2020 Eels based their 5 Penrith W 16 - 10 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium success on playing an up-tempo, aggressive forwards-dominated game, and relied on their 6 Sydney L 10 - 24 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium power, and skill, to get over the top of their opposition. This tactic proved useful early on in the season, where the Eels won 8 of their opening 10 matches; however, as the season wore 7 Canberra W 25 - 24 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium on, the Eels’ forwards seemed to be less dominant than they had been earlier in the year, 8 North Queensland W 42 - 4 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium and questions arose as to whether they peaked too soon, or simply trained (and played) too 9 Newcastle W 10 - 4 B Arthur C Gutherson McDonald Jones hard, too early on in the season, and fatigue became a factor. Parramatta’s round 8 clash with the Cowboys - won 42-4 by the Eels - seems to be one of their biggest turning points, 10 Manly Warringah L 18 - 22 B Arthur C Gutherson Lottoland as this was the last time in season 2020 that the Eels scored more than 30 points. 11 Wests Tigers W 26 - 16 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium 12 Canterbury W 18 - 16 B Arthur C Gutherson ANZ Stadium What worked The Eels’ enthusiasm in their scrambling defence, as well as their determination to shut 13 Cronulla W 14 - 12 B Arthur C Gutherson Netstrata Jubilee down dangerous plays by having their wide men jam in, worked wonderfully well in 2020 14 St George Illawarra L 12 - 14 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium - realistically, only Penrith, and Melbourne, conceded fewer points than the Eels in 2020. 15 Melbourne W 14 - 0 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium Parramatta’s game plan of using their big, mobile, skilful forwards to bash their opponents out of the game worked superbly - Reagan Campbell-Gillard routinely ran for 200m+ a 16 South Sydney L 0 - 38 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium game, and was ably supported by Junior Paulo, Nathan Brown, and Ryan Matterson. The 17 Warriors W 24 - 18 B Arthur C Gutherson Central Coast Stadium Eels popped more offloads than any other team in 2020, and they were able to use second 18 Penrith L 2 - 20 B Arthur C Gutherson Panthers Stadium phase play to put pressure on their opponents. 19 Brisbane W 26 - 12 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium What didn’t work 20 Wests Tigers W 28 - 24 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium started 2020 in brilliant touch, kicking goals with ease, laying on plays, and seeming like the only viable alternative to Nathan Clearly at halfback for NSW. However, QF Melbourne L 24 - 36 B Arthur C Gutherson Suncorp Stadium after injuring his calf muscle against the Raiders in round 7, Moses did not seem to regain SF South Sydney L 24 - 38 B Arthur C Gutherson Bankwest Stadium full fitness, or his full self-belief, and the Eels’ attack stagnated; Parramatta were still able to march downfield with relative ease, but the Eels’ playmakers struggled to create opportunities for their side. Parramatta’s use of their bench was also a big talking point of 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS 2020 - after Nathan Brown, Ryan Matterson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Junior Paulo, and Gains: Tom Opacic (Cowboys), Nathaniel Roache, Isaiah Papali’i (Warriors), Joey had set a strong platform in the opening 20 minutes, Campbell-Gillard, Paulo, Lussick (Salford), Keegan Hipgrave (Titans), Michael Oldfield (Raiders), Bryce and Brown would often go back to the bench for a breather (often all at the same time), and Cartwright (Titans) Losses: Stefano Utoikamanu (Wests Tigers), Andrew Davey (Sea Parramatta’s bench forwards were unable to continue the momentum going. By the time Eagles), Kane Evans (Warriors), David Gower, (retired), , Rhys Parramatta’s starting bookends, and their lock, were thrust back into the action, it was Davies, (released), George Jennings (Storm), Daniel Alvaro (Dragons), sometimes too late to wrestle momentum back to the Eels’ favour. Jaeman Salmon (Panthers) 40 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF SF Season Stats Opponent CBY GCT BRI MAN PEN SYD CAN NQL NEW MAN WST CBY CRO SGI MEL SOU WAR PEN BRI WST MEL SOU Start Bench T G FG Pts ALVARO, Daniel B B - 2 - - - - BLAKE, Waqa C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 22 - 6 - - 24 BROWN, Dylan FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 18 - 4 - - 16 BROWN, Nathan L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L 18 - 1 - - 4 CAMPBELL-GILLARD, PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 21 - 1 - - 4 Reagan DAVEY, Andrew B B B B B B SR SR B B 2 8 - - - - DUNSTER, Haze W 1 - - - - - EVANS, Kane B B B B B B B B B B B B PR PR B B 2 14 4 - - 16 FERGUSON, Blake W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 20 - 4 - - 16 FIELD, Jai HB HB HB FE FE FE 6 - 3 - - 12 GOWER, David B B B - 3 - - - - GUTHERSON, Clinton FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 22 - 10 12 1 65 JENNINGS, George W W 2 - 3 - - 12 JENNINGS, Michael C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 20 - 7 - - 28 KAUFUSI, Oregon B B B B B B B B B B B B B - 13 - - - - LANE, Shaun SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B B SR SR 20 2 3 - - 12 MAHONEY, Reed HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 21 - 3 - - 12 MATTERSON, Ryan SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 19 - 3 - - 12 MOSES, Mitchell HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 19 - 3 57 1 127 NIUKORE, Marata B B L L B B L L B B B SR SR B B B B 6 11 1 - - 4 PAULO, Junior PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR 21 1 - - - - SIVO, Maika W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 21 - 15 - - 60 SMITH, Will B B FE B B 1 4 1 - - 4 STONE, Ray B B B B B B B B B B HK B 1 11 1 - - 4 TAKAIRANGI, Brad B B B B B SR B B C C 3 7 1 - - 4 TEREPO, Peni B B B B B B - 6 1 - - 4 UTOIKAMANU, B B B - 3 - - - - Stefano

41 Penrith Panthers

where the Panthers had to come from behind against the Roosters - and then at the tail end of the game hold them out as they steamed home.

SEASON REVIEW Best players By Josh Robertson, LeagueUnlimited.com @JoshRobbo44 Nathan Cleary was considered to be one of the best players across the NRL in 2020 and that was a key part to the Panthers season along with his halves partner Jarome Luai. Outside of Cleary and Luai it was hard to pick anyone who didn’t have a good season for With expectations of some improvement, Penrith left many people - including their fans the Panthers. Boom rookie Stephen Crichton was one of the strong performers who initially - surprised, as they suffered just one defeat on their way to an NRL Grand Final berth in started the season on the bench before injury to saw Crichton lock in the 2020. The Panthers had always been tipped as outside premiership contenders in recent centre spot. The other player who was one of the Panthers’ best this season was Isaah Yeo years, but nobody was expecting the 2020 campaign to produce the success it delivered. who despite not having the flashiest game, Yeo’s tenacity and perseverance was yet again strong for the Panthers. In my season preview, I wrote that the simple reason that Penrith wouldn’t do well in 2020 is because they ‘promise the world, but deliver an atlas’. Instead, this season could be Rookies the turning point of the Panthers with the belief around the club that they are genuine Every season the Panthers produce a star rookie and that was no different in 2020 for contenders. The Panthers proved their tenacity in Round 1 - before the COVID break - the Panthers and it was the Forbes Flyer Charlie Staines who left everyone talking after where they had to come from behind against the Roosters to take victory, and then in his debut where he put four tries on the board against the Sharks. Staines only managed Round 2 had to again come from behind against the Dragons to snatch a win. The long the two games with forced quarantine after a COVID breach and then injury curtailed his lay-off had a different effect on each team. For the Panthers it was arguably the making of second NRL game against the Sea Eagles where again he put on two tries. Penrith also the 2020 side. They put aside much-publicised off-field drama and without a suspended blooded Tigers-bound (in 2022) Daine Laurie. The biggest name of the Panthers’ rookies Nathan Cleary had to quickly get back into the groove of things when it all resumed in late this season was Stephen Crichton who’s blistering season saw him 17 tries in 22 games May. After blowing a lead against a heavily-depleted Knights side to survive a golden point after only appearing a handful of times last season. draw, Penrith then began to find form - although it took them a while to adjust to the new six-again rule. They conceded the most and received the least ‘six again’ calls throughout Looking ahead the early part of the season restart. A ten-minute period against Parramatta in Round 5 was The Panthers will have big expectations on them for 2021 after their exploits in 2020, with the only downside of the regular season when the then-flying Eels came from behind and the question can they match the levels of performance they delivered this year. Having downed Penrith - the only loss of the regular season. From then on, the Panthers proved kept the majority of the squad the same, the loss of James Tamou will be a blow but there is they were going to be no easy beats and began their title campaign in earnest. For Penrith, enough quality to stand-up and remain a contender. Penrith have also lost wild child Jack a consistent run of form as fellow top sides slipped up saw them move into first spot, and Hetherington, who has gone to the Bulldogs, although he missed a chunk of the middle ultimately secure the minor premiership with a game to spare following a 32-12 victory in of the year through both suspension and a Warriors loan deal. There are no excuses for in Round 19. It wasn’t the ideal run-in, but the mountain men knew the finals 2020 to be a one-off for the Panthers though, with the groundwork for their performances would be a different kettle of fish after finishing the season with comfortable wins against evident, the attitude that they have will be important with teams coming for them in 2021. bottom-three combatants Cowboys and Bulldogs. The finals were a wake-up call for the Panthers as they quickly had to dig deep, the Roosters quickly racing out to a 10-0 lead in 2020 SEASON RESULTS their Week 1 fixture. It was up to halfback Cleary to lead from the front and he did exactly Position: 1st (Grand Finalists) | Played 23, Won 20, Lost 2, Drawn 1 | For 606, Against 308 that, running in a first half hat-trick. The minor premiers rushed out to a 28-10. lead but had to hold off a fast finish from the Roosters to win 29-28 and book a preliminary final Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue berth. South Sydney proved a strong challenge for the Panthers again in the prelim, having 1 W 20 - 14 I Cleary J Tamou Panthers Stadium to come from behind again, but they did enough to make their first grand final since 2003. Sydney Faced with the mammoth task of an experienced Grand Final outfit in the Melbourne Storm, 2 St George Illawarra W 32 - 28 I Cleary J Tamou Netstrata Jubilee the decider started well for the Panthers, but it was quickly evident that it was not going to 3 Newcastle D 14 - 14 I Cleary J Tamou Campbelltown be their night with a number of 50/50 calls going Melbourne’s way, where incidents that looked like going Penrith’s way ending up favouring the Storm. Ultimately Melbourne went 4 Warriors W 26 - 0 I Cleary J Tamou Campbelltown to halftime 22-0 and extended that lead to 26-0 after the break. In the end, experience in 5 Parramatta L 10 - 16 I Cleary J Tamou Bankwest Stadium the big moments went against the Panthers as they had to try and pull off a miracle - which 6 Melbourne W 21 - 14 I Cleary J Tamou Campbelltown they fell just short of, meaning heartbreak for the minor premiers - and having to end a successful season without the ultimate trophy that they had so nearly earned. 7 South Sydney W 20 - 12 I Cleary J Tamou Netstrata Jubilee 8 Wests Tigers W 19 - 12 I Cleary J Tamou Bankwest Stadium Turning point 9 Cronulla W 56 - 24 I Cleary J Tamou Netstrata Jubilee In a season where the Panthers were consistently at the top, the turning point of their season hinged on the COVID break after off-field dramas threatened to rock the Panthers 10 North Queensland W 22 - 10 I Cleary J Tamou Panthers Stadium season. Nathan Cleary’s ‘Tik Tok fun’ very quickly threatened to derail the potential that 11 Gold Coast Titans W 22 - 14 I Cleary J Tamou CBUS Super Stadium the season had started brightly. The Panthers blew victory against the Knights but then 12 Manly Warringah W 42 - 12 I Cleary J Tamou Lottoland took a comfortable win over the Warriors. The return of Cleary was always going to be key to see what level the youngster had come back at, and he made amends for this, leading 13 Canberra W 28 - 12 I Cleary J Tamou Panthers Stadium the Panthers throughout the season and being one for the best players in the competition 14 Warriors W 18 - 12 I Cleary J Tamou Central Coast Stadium in 2020. 15 Cronulla W 38 - 12 I Cleary J Tamou Panthers Stadium What worked 16 Wests Tigers W 30 - 6 I Cleary J Tamou Panthers Stadium It’s too much of a cop out to say the whole team worked, but what worked best for the 17 Brisbane W 25 - 12 I Cleary J Tamou Suncorp Stadium Panthers in 2020 was their halves pairing of Cleary and Jarome Luai. The question for the Panthers before Round 1 was always going to be whether Luai or would 18 Parramatta W 20 - 2 I Cleary J Tamou Panthers Stadium partner Cleary. Luai had been a long-term project for the Panthers whilst Burton quickly 19 North Queensland W 32 - 12 I Cleary I Yeo QLD Country Bank made a name for himself on debut in 2019. Despite many having picked Burton to fill the 20 Canterbury W 42 - 0 I Cleary J Tamou ANZ Stadium five-eighth role, it was the Luai and Cleary partnership that flourished for the Panthers, with the conventionality of Cleary matching with the unconventionality of Jarome Luai. QF Sydney W 29 - 28 I Cleary J Tamou Panthers Stadium PF South Sydney W 20 - 16 I Cleary J Tamou ANZ Stadium What didn’t work GF Melbourne L 20 - 26 I Cleary J Tamou ANZ Stadium There isn’t too much to say that didn’t really work for the Panthers in 2020 and to find something that didn’t work would be nit-picking a 10-fold improvement on 2019. If there was something that didn’t work for the Panthers it would be their consistency across a full 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS 80 minutes. The top teams need to play for a full 80 but the Panthers had stages where they would create large amounts of opportunities but not take them only to then have to sustain Gains: Robert Jennings, (Wests Tigers), Jaeman Salmon (Eels) pressure on their own lines. This was shown particularly in the first week of the finals Unsigned: Dean Blore Losses: Jed Cartwright (Rabbitohs), Caleb Aekins (Raiders), James Tamou (Wests Tigers), Jack Hetherington (Bulldogs), Braydon McGrady, Malakai 42 Watene-Zelezniak, Pat Hollis (released), Zane Tetevano (Leeds) 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF PF GF Season Stats

Opponent SYD SGI NEW WAR PAR MEL SOU WST CRO NQL GCT MAN CAN WAR CRO WST BRI PAR NQL CBY SYD SOU MEL Start Bench T G FG Pts

AEKINS, Caleb FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 8 - - - - -

BURNS, Billy B B B B B B B B B B - 10 2 - - 8

BURTON, Matt FE FE B B B 2 3 3 - - 12

CAPEWELL, Kurt SR SR SR B B SR B SR B 5 4 4 - - 16

CLEARY, Nathan HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 21 - 8 86 4 208

CRICHTON, Stephen B B C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 20 2 17 7 - 82

EDWARDS, Dylan FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 14 - 5 - - 20 FISHER-HARRIS, SR L PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR L PR PR PR PR PR PR 23 - - - - - James HETHERINGTON, Jack B B - 2 - - - -

KENNY, Mitchell B B HK HK HK B 3 3 - - - -

KIKAU, Viliame B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 18 1 7 - - 28

KOROISAU, Apisai HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 20 - 3 - - 12

LAURIE, Daine B B FB 1 2 - - - -

LENIU, Spencer B B B B B B B B B B B B - 12 - - - -

LEOTA, Moses B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B PR B PR B B B B 2 21 - - - -

LUAI, Jarome FE FE HB HB FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 23 - 7 - - 28

MANSOUR, Josh W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 22 - 12 - - 48

MARTIN, Liam SR B B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 19 2 5 - - 20

MAY, Tyrone B B B L B C C C SR B B B C B C C 8 8 1 - - 4

NADEN, Brent C C W C W W C C W W W C C C C C C B 17 1 12 - - 48

STAINES, Charlie C W 2 - 6 - - 24

TAMOU, James PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 22 - 1 - - 4

TETEVANO, Zane PR PR B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B 2 17 - - - -

TO’O, Brian W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 16 - 8 - - 32 WATENE-ZELEZNIAK, W 1 - 1 - - 4 Malakai WHARE, Dean C C C C C C C C 8 - - - - -

YEO, Isaah L SR L L L L L L L L SR L L L L L L L L L L L 22 - 2 - - 8

43 St George Illawarra Dragons

of the NSW Cup team made a home in the halves for the second half of the season, SEASON REVIEW showing a steady hand. Cody Ramsay scored with his first touch in the NRL and probably By Justin Davies, LeagueUnlimited.com @JustDavies90 should’ve had a hat-trick while gave a glimpse of the future in Round 26. Eddie Blacker who was thought to be a myth just to fill out the 21-man squad was a fan The long and drawn-out campaign is over - and no, we’re not talking about the US favourite in his cameo in the same game as Sullivan. election (that is still ongoing at the time of writing) - but the fight between Paul McGregor and Dragons supporters ended after the coach left his role in another wasted year from Looking ahead the joint venture. There is a new sheriff in town for the joint venture but it won’t be the instant success that fans are craving in 2021. The halves continue to be a problem and Anthony Griffin For long stretches, the Dragons looked primed for their first spoon since becoming a joint will take next year to sort out his roster shown by the additions of Jack Bird and Poasa venture but sporadic victories were enough to elevate them to the relative safety of 12th. Faamausili the start of the transition which should see some improvement but not enough That was helped by the back-to-back victories over Parramatta and eventual spooners to make the top eight. Brisbane rounded off with a shootout against a second-string Melbourne side to give some hope headed into 2021 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 12th | Played 20, Won 7, Lost 13, | For 378, Against 452 Starting out with four straight losses either side of the Covid-19 shutdown, the Dragons got themselves out of the starting blocks with back-to-back victories against Sharks and Titans. The joint venture didn’t go much further with their failure to find a stable half Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue pairing or regular points saw them on the end of huge losses highlighted by drubbings by 1 Wests Tigers L 14 - 24 P McGregor J Graham WIN Stadium finals bound Newcastle and Canberra. 2 Penrith L 28 - 32 P McGregor J Graham Netstrata Jubilee

2020 continued what has become a worrying trend with the Dragons have become 3 Warriors L 0 - 18 P McGregor J Graham Central Coast Stadium insignificant in the context of being contenders in the NRL. It has been a downward spiral 4 Canterbury L 2 - 22 P McGregor J Graham Bankwest Stadium since 2010 and only three finals appearances since their win leaves them being left 5 Cronulla W 30 - 16 P McGregor C McInnes Campbelltown behind in the chase for another which won’t please a hungry fanbase. 6 Gold Coast Titans W 20 - 8 P McGregor C McInnes Suncorp Stadium The rebuild has started in earnest for the Dragons headed into 2021 with Anthony Griffin 7 Sydney L 12 - 26 P McGregor C McInnes Bankwest Stadium taking charge of the side and putting his stamp on the side. Dragons fans are known to be 8 Canberra L 16 - 22 P McGregor C McInnes GIO Stadium impatient so Griffin will have to hit the ground running to avoid the ire of the faithful. 9 Manly Warringah W 34 - 4 P McGregor C McInnes Netstrata Jubilee What worked 10 Canterbury W 28 - 22 P McGregor C McInnes WIN Stadium Tougher to pick than a broken nose for bright spots for the 12th-placed Dragons. The 11 Cronulla L 24 - 28 P McGregor C McInnes Netstrata Jubilee left-side combination of , and a sweeping Matt Dufty was lethal which showed in the trio scoring a majority of the Dragons tries in 2020. Otherwise, 12 South Sydney L 24 - 32 P McGregor C McInnes Netstrata Jubilee it was much of a sameness across the Dragons side which were flattered by their finishing 13 Sydney L 16 - 24 P McGregor C McInnes WIN Stadium position 14 Parramatta W 14 - 12 P McGregor C McInnes Bankwest Stadium What didn’t work 15 Brisbane W 28 - 24 D Young C McInnes Suncorp Stadium The Dragons halves problems seem to be akin to unlocking the Da Vinci code. Ben 16 Gold Coast Titans L 10 - 14 D Young C McInnes Netstrata Jubilee Hunt, , and Jayden Sullivan all spent time in the spine for the battling joint venture and the attack was still remained anemic. Dragons only passed 30 17 North Queensland L 22 - 23 D Young C McInnes QLD Country Bank points three times and their forward pack was bent back often. When push came to shove 18 Canberra L 8 - 37 D Young C McInnes WIN Stadium in many games, the Dragons wilted under fire (lol) and were beaten by 13+. 19 Newcastle L 18 - 42 D Young C McInnes McDonald Jones

Best players 20 Melbourne W 30 - 22 D Young C McInnes Netstrata Jubilee Almost by default this falls to the Dragons captain - Cam McInnes. The heart of the Dragons side played both hooker and lock this season without any fuss. In a side which struggled for motivation in 2020, McInnes tried to take the team forward and create for 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS the side. Honourable mention to Mikaele Ravalawa who continues to improve on each year. Gains: Poasa Faamausili (Roosters), Jack Bird (Broncos), Daniel Alvaro (Eels) Rookies Unsigned: (contracted yet to be registered pending court case), Joe If there was a bright spot in 2020, it was the emergence of some young talent in the Lovodua, Tristan Sailor Dragons development system which has stalled in previous years. Adam Clune a mainstay Losses: Tyson Frizell (Knights), James Graham (St Helens), Euan Aitken (Warriors), (Rabbitohs), (Hull KR), Jason Saab (Sea Eagles)

44 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats

Opponent WST PEN WAR CBY CRO GCT SYD CAN MAN CBY CRO SOU SYD PAR BRI GCT NQL CAN NEW MEL Start Bench T G FG Pts AITKEN, Euan B B C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 15 2 4 - - 16 BLACKER, Eddie B - 1 - - - - BRITTAIN, Billy B B B B B - 5 - - - - CLUNE, Adam HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 15 - - - - - DUFTY, Matt FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 18 - 13 - - 52 ELLIS, Kaide B B B B B PR PR PR 3 5 - - - - FEAGAI, Max B W 1 1 - - - - FORD, Jackson B B B B B L L B B SR L L 5 7 - - - - FRIZELL, Tyson SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 20 - 3 - - 12 FUIMAONO, Tyrell B SR B SR SR SR SR B B SR B B SR B B B B 7 10 1 - - 4 GRAHAM, James PR PR L L B B 4 2 - - - - HOST, Jacob B B B B B B SR SR SR SR 4 6 2 - - 8 HUNT, Ben HB HB HB FE B B B B HK HK HK HB FE HK HK HK HK HK HB 15 4 1 - - 4 KERR, Josh B B B PR PR PR B B B B B B PR PR PR PR PR B B B 8 12 2 - - 8 LAFAI, Tim C C 2 - - - - - LAWRIE, Blake L L B B B B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B B PR 14 6 - - - - LOMAX, Zac FB W C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 20 - 13 63 - 178 LUKE, Issac HK HK B 2 1 - - - - McINNES, Cameron HK HK HK HK HK HK L L L HK HK L L L L L HK HK 18 - 1 - - 4 MERRIN, Trent B B B L L L L B B B B B 4 8 - - - - NORMAN, Corey FE FE FE FB FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 18 - 5 - - 20 PEREIRA, Jordan W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 15 - 1 - - 4 RAMSEY, Cody W W W 3 - 2 - - 8 RAVALAWA, Mikaele W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 16 - 13 - - 52 SAAB, Jason W W W W 4 - 1 - - 4 SAILOR, Tristan B B - 2 - - - - SIMS, Korbin PR B B B B 1 4 - - - - SIMS, Tariq SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B 8 1 - - - - SULLIVAN, Jayden FE 1 - - - - - VAUGHAN, Paul PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR 14 1 - - - - WILIAME, Brayden C C C C C 5 - 1 - - 4

45 South Sydney Rabbitohs

Rookies SEASON REVIEW Having been locked down until at least the end of the 2023 season, the Rabbitohs can By Andrew Jackson, LeagueUnlimited.com @Andrew_Jacko look forward to more highlights from Koloamatangi. The departure of leaves a hole on the edge that the youngster is more than capable of filling. He can It was a case of déjà vu all over again for the Rabbitohs. Yet again, South Sydney went also take on a more dominant role up front if needed, meaning his versatility will prove within one game of the grand final, falling short at the final hurdle. The main difference invaluable moving forward. 102 running metres and 14 tackles from just 33 minutes on this time around being that it was somewhat unexpected. average off the bench is a fair effort in your rookie season.

Sure, Parramatta were sliding in form and Souths were highly rated by most to reach Looking ahead week three of the finals. But consider the season-ending injury to . It was With Mitchell fit and healthy, the only real issue will again be depth in the forwards supposed to be the crack the exposed the Rabbitohs. Instead, they rallied together to soar following the losses of , Jack Johns and Sironen but the signings of Jai Arrow into October as a genuine dark horse. A 60-8 thumping of the Roosters is as dominant as and Jacob Host address that problem. The emergence of rising forwards this season you can get. In the end, the Bunnies just lacked the energy to get over the top of Penrith. too will fill Souths fans with confidence. If they can keep their spine on the field, there is The succession plan is nearly complete with Wayne Bennett set to finish in his head no reason the Rabbitohs can’t go one step further in 2021 and send Bennett out with a coaching role at the end of the year. Can he plot one final premiership push? After his premiership. recent Origin heroics you would be a fool to doubt the supercoach. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Turning point Position: 6th (Prelim. Finalists) | Played 23, Won 14, Lost 9 | For 621, Against 416 South Sydney’s 56-16 statement victory over Manly was when the rest of the competition really started to take notice. It followed a last-gasp 31-30 win over North Queensland Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue when it appeared that while the Rabbitohs would likely qualify for the top eight, they were anything but contenders. Instead, they were far too inconsistent and lacked the killer 1 Cronulla W 22 - 18 W Bennett A Reynolds ANZ Stadium edge to compete with the top teams. The 40-point drubbing of Manly and subsequent 2 Brisbane L 18 - 22 W Bennett A Reynolds Suncorp Stadium 38-0 shutout win over Parramatta saw Souths announce themselves to the rest of the league and gave them the confidence to move past the injury to Mitchell. 3 Sydney L 12 - 28 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium 4 Melbourne L 8 - 22 W Bennett A Reynolds AAMI Park What worked 5 Gold Coast Titans W 32 - 12 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium There was plenty of talk surrounding a lack of depth and talent in South Sydney’s forward pack but that was dispelled. Tom Burgess improved dramatically to increase his average 6 Warriors W 40 - 12 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium run metres per game to 135 from 115 the year prior. He took on a leadership role and did 7 Penrith L 12 - 20 W Bennett A Reynolds Netstrata Jubilee well to set an example. His supporting cast was not too bad either. Tevita Tatola enjoyed 8 Canterbury W 26 - 10 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium a breakout season while ’s 103 metres from 30-odd minutes off the bench in particular proved vital in keeping the momentum going. That in turned flowed 9 Wests Tigers W 18 - 10 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium onto a spine that, while not gelling immediately, started to really fire later in the season. 10 Newcastle L 18 - 20 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium What was particularly impressive about South Sydney’s attack was how instinctive it 11 Canberra L 12 - 18 W Bennett A Reynolds GIO Stadium was - and that is key given so much of it was built off the work of Damien Cook and Cody Walker. 12 St George Illawarra W 32 - 24 W Bennett A Reynolds Netstrata Jubilee 13 Brisbane W 28 - 10 J Demetriou A Reynolds ANZ Stadium What didn’t work Souths struggled early on in the season and it is no coincidence that it coincided with the 14 North Queensland W 31 - 30 J Demetriou A Reynolds QLD Country Bank decision to shift Cameron Murray to the edge. Murray was explosive in the middle of the 15 Manly Warringah W 56 - 16 W Bennett A Reynolds ANZ Stadium park in 2019 and his quick play-the-balls proved crucial in giving Cook the space and 16 Parramatta W 38 - 0 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium time he needs to be at his best. Murray’s impact was limited on the edge though, where he just did not get his hands on the ball enough. Sure enough, Cook failed to hit 100 running 17 Melbourne L 16 - 22 W Bennett A Reynolds ANZ Stadium metres in the four games to open the season where Murray played on the edge. Once he 18 Wests Tigers W 26 - 24 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium moved back to lock, the nifty hooker hit the century 11 times from 19 matches. 19 Canterbury L 16 - 26 W Bennett A Reynolds ANZ Stadium

Best players 20 Sydney W 60 - 8 W Bennett A Reynolds ANZ Stadium quickly surged into State of Origin reckoning in a clear indication of QF Newcastle W 46 - 20 W Bennett A Reynolds ANZ Stadium his rapid rise in 2020. His try-scoring form commanded attention late in the season and SF Parramatta W 38 - 24 W Bennett A Reynolds Bankwest Stadium was not just the product of playing in a scintillating attacking side. Rather, he had a habit for using his strength and determination to bust tackles close to the line - his try against PF Penrith L 16 - 20 W Bennett A Reynolds ANZ Stadium Parramatta with four defenders around him being a perfect example. Corey Allan is also worth mentioning given how seamlessly he transitioned into the fullback role following an injury to Mitchell. His touches weren’t as classy but his ball-playing skills improved 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS constantly and he grew in confidence to prove an unsung hero of South Sydney’s surge to the finals. Of course, you can’t mention the Rabbitohs’ rise without Walker. He’s the Gains: Jai Arrow (Titans), Taane Milne (Warriors), Jacob Host (Dragons), Tautau Moga kind of player you can study for hours and do plenty of video work on but still have (Knights) little chance of defending on the field. Testament to that is the fact Walker finished tied Unsigned: , Cory Denniss, , Ky Rodwell alongside Nathan Cleary for the most try involvements all year. Losses: Ethan Lowe (retired), James Roberts (Wests Tigers), Jack Johns (Knights), Bayley Sironen (Warriors), Joseph Suaalii (Roosters), Corey Allan (Bulldogs)

46 2020 PLAYER RECORDS Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF SF PF Season Stats Opponent CRO BRI SYD MEL GCT WAR PEN CBY WST NEW CAN SGI BRI NQL MAN PAR MEL WST CBY SYD NEW PAR PEN Start Bench T G FG Pts ALLAN, Corey W W W W FB FB FB FB FB FB 10 - 5 - - 20 AMONE, Tom B B B B - 4 - - - - BURGESS, Tom PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 23 - 2 - - 8 BURNS, Braidon C C C C C C C B 7 1 2 - - 8 CARTWRIGHT, Jed B B B B B B - 6 - - - - COOK, Damien HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 23 - 5 - - 20 DARGAN, Troy FE FE 2 - - - - - DILLON, Kurt B - 1 - - - - GAGAI, Dane W W W W W W W W W C C C C C W C C C C 19 - 11 1 - 46 GRAHAM, Campbell W W C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 21 - 13 - - 52 JOHNS, Jack B B - 2 - - - - JOHNSTON, Alex B B W W W W W W W FB FB W W W W FB W W W W W W 20 2 23 - - 92 KNIGHT, Liam L L L B B B B B B SR SR B B PR PR PR SR B L 10 9 1 - - 4 KOLOAMATANGI, Keaon B B B B B B B B B B B B B B - 14 - - - - LOWE, Ethan B B B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 7 3 1 - - 4 MAGO, Patrick B B B B B B B B B B B B - 12 - - - - MARSTERS, Steven C C C C C 5 - 1 - - 4 MITCHELL, Latrell FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 14 - 4 5 - 26 MURRAY, Cameron SR SR SR L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L SR 23 - 5 - - 20 NICHOLLS, Mark B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B - 19 2 - - 8 PAULO, Jaxson W W W W W W W W W W W W W 13 - 4 - - 16 REYNOLDS, Adam HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 23 - 6 98 1 221 ROBERTS, James C C B C C C 5 1 1 - - 4 SELE, Hame B B B B B B B B B B - 10 - - - - SIRONEN, Bayley B B B B B B SR SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR C 12 7 2 - - 8 SU’A, Jaydn SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR SR 20 1 2 - - 8 TATOLA, Tevita PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR SR PR PR PR 21 - 3 - - 12 WALKER, Cody FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 21 - 10 - - 40

47 Sydney Roosters

continues to improve was back rower Angus Crichton. At the start of his deal with the SEASON REVIEW Roosters in 2019, Crichton experienced some indifferent form but started showing By Adam Huxtable, LeagueUnlimited.com @AdamHux1 glimpses of his best towards the end of the year. Currently, it’d be hard to argue against him being in the top 5 second rowers in Rugby League, perhaps even higher. Crichton For the first time since 2017, the Sydney Roosters were not at ANZ Stadium on Grand capped off the year with an outstanding performance filling in for Boyd Cordner at origin Final day lifting up the Provan-Summons trophy. While a top 4 finish is obviously a good level and was, in my opinion, hard done by to not receive the Brad Fittler medal for best result for any club, the Eastern Suburbs boys will ultimately deem the campaign a failure Blues player. and be looking to do everything they can to return to Rugby League’s holy grail in 2021. Rookies Going into 2020, the Roosters were backed by most pundits to achieve what no team has Having been around for a couple of years now and never really fulfilling his massive been able to do since 1983 - win 3 premierships in a row. The season got off to a shaky potential, Lindsay Collins took a huge step forward in 2020. His career was previously start before the COVID break, with Sydney being one of 6 teams to go 0 from 2. If there riddled with gaffes in trying to play the ball and defensive lapses close to the line, but he was doubt, it quickly evaporated when the NRL resumed, with the Roosters winning 5 in a is currently a state of origin winner and one of the most impactful players in the comp. row - including a 59-0 demolition of the Broncos. The winning streak would be halted in Hopefully he doesn’t miss out on a premiership, as he is one of the very few players to Round 8, when the Roosters narrowly went down to the Storm in a modern-day classic at win two preliminary finals without playing in a Grand Final. looked like Suncorp Stadium. he belonged in first grade before injury ended his season, while young forward Daniel Suluka-Fifita was as good as you can be in 50 minutes across 4 games. From that point, it would be fair to say the Roosters never really looked like the same calibre outfit that saw them win back-to-back premierships. They went down to an injury- Looking ahead riddled Raiders side before only just sneaking past the Warriors, Titans and Dragons. The Roosters haven’t made too many roster changes and as a result, you can be assured Their return match against the Raiders in Canberra showed promising signs and in the that they’ll be in and around the top 4 in 2021. There is a question mark over the halfback following weeks they scored big wins over Newcastle and Cronulla. This was meant to position, with incumbent Kyle Flanagan becoming a Bulldog during the off-season. be an incline into premiership success, however it ended up being the peak before a The frontrunners are , who filled in a bit in 2020, Sam Walker, reportedly a finals fade-out. While they may have looked good against some lower-quality opponents prodigal talent yet to debut, and Adam Keighran, who has been given an opportunity to towards the end of the season, the Roosters only won 1 match against another top 4 side prove himself after impressing in limited stints for the Warriors. Question marks continue out of 5 opportunities (including finals) on their way to a finals campaign that ended in to surround Boyd Cordner’s immediate playing future, with concussion threatening to end consecutive weeks. They also had to suffer through the pain of being completely and his career prematurely. utterly embarrassment by bitter rivals South Sydney in the final round, turning in one of the most pathetic performances in the club’s recent history to be on the wrong end of a 52-point drubbing. The straight sets exit of the Roosters in the finals series is mostly 2020 SEASON RESULTS indicative of their quality throughout the year. They appeared to lack confidence in rookie Position: 4th (Semi Finalists) | Played 22, Won 14, Lost 8 | For 598, Against 373 recruit Kyle Flanagan at halfback, with him being dropped for rounds 13 and 14 before a recall due to injury. There is no doubt the Roosters were a top 4 quality outfit, however Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue based on their performances they were a long way off the premiership material we’ve seen in recent years. 1 Penrith L 14 - 20 T Robinson J Friend Panthers Stadium 2 Manly Warringah L 8 - 9 T Robinson J Friend Leichhardt Oval Turning point 3 South Sydney W 28 - 12 T Robinson J Friend Bankwest Stadium The spike of COVID-19 caused immeasurable loss to people all over the world, however it may have given the Roosters the reinvigoration necessary to get their title hopes back on 4 Brisbane W 59 - 0 T Robinson J Friend Suncorp Stadium track. While some may argue that the Roosters would’ve turned it around between rounds 5 Canterbury W 42 - 6 T Robinson J Friend Bankwest Stadium 2 and 3 if the break between was one week instead of ten, there is no doubt there was a 6 Parramatta W 24 - 10 T Robinson J Friend Bankwest Stadium noticeable rise in quality and intent from Sydney after the break. 7 St George Illawarra W 26 - 12 T Robinson J Friend Bankwest Stadium In terms of negative turning points, it’s hard to go past the night of the 26th of June. You 8 Melbourne L 25 - 27 T Robinson J Friend Suncorp Stadium may remember it as the game where both Victor Radley and Sam Verrills suffered ACL 9 North Queensland W 42 - 16 T Robinson J Friend QLD Country Bank injuries within 20 minutes of each other. While the Roosters may have comfortably won the game, from that point on their attack wasn’t as smooth due to Radley’s absence as the 10 Canberra L 20 - 24 T Robinson J Friend SCG linking man, while they also lost the refreshing spark Sam Verrills brought off the bench 11 Warriors W 18 - 10 T Robinson J Friend Central Coast Stadium at dummy-half. I have no doubt that if that duo doesn’t go down, season 2020 looks very 12 Gold Coast Titans W 18 - 12 T Robinson J Friend SCG different for the Roosters. 13 St George Illawarra W 24 - 16 T Robinson J Friend WIN Stadium What worked 14 Melbourne L 6 - 24 T Robinson J Friend SCG Despite their lacklustre end to the year, the Roosters were statistically the best attacking 15 Wests Tigers W 38 - 16 T Robinson J Friend Leichhardt Oval team throughout the regular season, scoring 15 more points than the Panthers, who came in 2nd. This is thanks largely due to the prowess of James Tedesco and Luke Keary, 16 Brisbane W 58 - 12 T Robinson J Friend SCG as well as the fact they played the Broncos twice, scoring 59 and 58 points in their two 17 Canberra W 18 - 6 T Robinson B Cordner GIO Stadium matches respectively. Josh Morris proved to be an astute mid-season purchase as well, scoring 11 tries from 17 starts in the Red, White and Blue. 18 Newcastle W 42 - 12 T Robinson J Friend SCG 19 Cronulla W 34 - 18 T Robinson M Aubusson SCG What didn’t work 20 South Sydney L 8 - 60 T Robinson J Friend ANZ Stadium While there weren’t any glaring weaknesses in the 2020 Roosters side, there were definitely areas where some improvement wouldn’t go astray. Jake Friend is simply no QF Penrith L 28 - 29 T Robinson B Cordner Panthers Stadium longer an 80-minute hooker at NRL level and Lachlan Lam is a stop-gap replacement SF Canberra L 18 - 22 T Robinson J Friend SCG dummy-half at best, however the return of Sam Verrills should fix this to a degree. The Roosters bench forwards can at times have a great impact, however more consistency was needed in their defensive efforts throughout the year, with the Roosters conceding 9 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS more points throughout their two 2020 finals games than the entire 2018 and 2019 finals series combined. Gains: Adam Keighran (Warriors), Joseph Suaalii (Rabbitohs) Unsigned: Best players Losses: Mitch Aubusson (retired), Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Poasa Faamausili There were many shining lights for the Roosters, and while the usual suspects of James (Dragons), (released), Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles) Tedesco and Luke Keary both had outstanding years, someone who improved and

48 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 QF SF Season Stats

Opponent PEN MAN SOU BRI CBY PAR SGI MEL NQL CAN WAR GCT SGI MEL WST BRI CAN NEW CRO SOU PEN CAN App Int T G FG Pts AUBUSSON, Mitchell SR SR B B C B SR B SR SR C SR B C C B SR 11 6 5 - - 20 BAILEY, Max B - 1 - - - - BUTCHER, Nat B B B B B L L B SR SR PR SR SR B B B B B B 7 12 1 - - 4 COLLINS, Lindsay B B PR B PR B B B PR B B PR B B B B B PR B 5 14 1 - - 4 CORDNER, Boyd SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR 12 1 2 - - 8 CRICHTON, Angus SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B L SR L SR B 13 2 5 - - 20 FAAMAUSILI, Poasa B B B B B B B B B B B - 11 - - - - FLANAGAN, Kyle HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 20 - 4 91 - 198 FRIEND, Jake HK HK HK HK HK HK B HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 18 1 1 - - 4 HALL, Ryan W W W W W 5 - - - - - HUTCHISON, Drew B B FE FE B 2 3 1 - - 4 IKUVALU, Matt W W W W W W W W W W 10 - 7 - - 28 KEARY, Luke FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 20 - 10 - 2 42 LAM, Lachlan B B B B HB HB B 2 5 - - - - LIU, Isaac B B B B B B B B L L L L L L L PR L L L 11 8 1 - - 4 LUSSICK, Freddy B B HK HK HK 3 2 1 - - 4 MANU, Joseph C C C C C C FB C C C C C C C C C C C FB C C 21 - 9 - - 36 MORRIS, Brett C C W FB W W C W W W W W W W W W W 17 - 12 - - 48 MORRIS, Josh C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 17 - 11 - - 44 RADLEY, Victor L L L L L L L 7 - 1 - - 4 SULUKA-FIFITA, Daniel B B B B - 4 - - - - TAUKEIAHO, Sio Siua PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR L PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 20 - 1 3 - 10 TEDESCO, James FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 19 - 11 - - 44 TUIPULOTU, Christian W 1 - 1 - - 4 TUPOU, Daniel W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 15 - 11 - - 44 TUPOUNIUA, Sitili SR B B B B B B B SR C SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B B 11 9 5 - - 20 VERRILLS, Sam B B B B HK 1 4 - - - - WAEREA-HARGREAVES, PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 18 - 1 - - 4 Jared WILLIAMS, Sonny Bill B B B B B - 5 - - - -

49 Warriors

Rookies SEASON REVIEW Two of the Warriors rookies that stood out in 2020 were Eliesa Katoa and Jamayne By Lachy MacCorquodale, LeagueUnlimited.com @Lachy_Macc Taunoa-Brown. Both forwards made their debuts against the Newcastle Knights in round one. Katoa appeared in 13 games this season and averaged 99 run metres and made 27 An incredible year for the 2020 success story of the NRL tackles per game in his rookie year, solid numbers for a first-year player. The backrower looked dangerous close to the line and finished the season with six tries to his name, The COVID-19 break couldn’t have come at a better time for the which included a double in the final game of the season against Manly. 24-year-old who only managed to score a solitary try in their opening two fixtures - whilst conceding Taunoa-Brown appeared in 19 of the 20 games this season and proved to be a reliable 40 points. option in the front row. Taunoa-Brown averaged 95 run metres and 27 tackles per game in roughly 35-45 minutes of football, proving that he likes to get through a lot of work once Thankfully, their first match after the break saw them convincingly knock off the St. he’s on the pitch for the Warriors. A bit of an older rookie but they’ll be some big things to George Illawarra Dragons by 18 points. The Warriors surprised many pundits this season come from him next year. and looked a much better side once Stephen Kearney parted ways with the club and Todd Payten took over the side in Round 7. Results-wise though, it wasn’t the greatest start Looking ahead for Payten with just the one win in his opening five matches as coach, but his fortunes The Warriors will enter the 2021 season with former NRL coach Nathan Brown at the helm changed when the Warriors went on to win four of their next five matches as they raced up with Phil Gould working with the club in some capacity. Brown will have some exciting the premiership ladder in the second half of the season. players to work with as the Warriors have managed to sign Euan Aitken, Kane Evans, Addin Fonua-Blake, Marcelo Montoya, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Sean O’Sullivan and Bayley The Warriors defied pre-season expectations with their 10th placed finish after finishing Sironen. The addition of Fonua-Blake is immense for the Warriors, who proved this year at with eight wins from their 20 matches this season, which included two wins over Manly Manly that he was one of the best back rowers in the competition. Warringah and a 30-point drubbing of the Newcastle Knights. These performances are unbelievable when you consider the sacrifice that the Warriors had to make this to ensure On paper, the Warriors’ squad has improved compared to the 2020 roster. But we’ll have that competition resumed in May. The whole side was forced to move to Australia and live to wait and see how they all gel together. Having said that, I think finals football is just out in a bubble, many without seeing their loved ones for months on end. It’s a testament to of reach for the Warriors and I think anywhere from 9th-12th is a fair expectation for their the Warriors and their increcible strength to be able to perform in such tough conditions 2021 season. during the 2020 season.

Turning point 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 10th | Played 20, Won 8, Lost 12 | For 343, Against 458 The Warriors continually managed to grab the odd win every two or three weeks during the opening 11 rounds of the campaign but their luck changed in round 12 with a six Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue point win over the Wests Tigers which saw the New Zealand side for on a run, winning four of five matches as they marched up the table, sitting in 9th heading into round 17. During 1 Newcastle L 0 - 20 S Kearney R Tuivasa-Sheck McDonald Jones this run the Warriors managed to knock off the Tigers, Manly Warringah, Newcastle and 2 Canberra L 6 - 20 S Kearney R Tuivasa-Sheck CBUS Super Stadium Canterbury, with their sole loss coming against minor premiers Penrith. 3 St George Illawarra W 18 - 0 S Kearney R Tuivasa-Sheck Central Coast Stadium What worked 4 Penrith L 0 - 26 S Kearney R Tuivasa-Sheck Campbelltown The key component to the Warriors tenth placed finish, was being able to consistently 5 North Queensland W 37 - 26 S Kearney R Tuivasa-Sheck Central Coast Stadium beat every side that they finished above throughout the course of the season. Only once did they beat one of the top nine sides during the course of the season, losing the other 6 South Sydney L 12 - 40 S Kearney R Tuivasa-Sheck Bankwest Stadium 12 matches against those nine sides. 7 Melbourne L 6 - 50 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Netstrata Jubilee 8 Brisbane W 26 - 16 T Payten T Harris Central Coast Stadium Despite this, the Warriors were able to win all seven matches against the teams that placed below them on the ladder and this proved to be the key to finishing ninth this year. 9 Gold Coast Titans L 12 - 16 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck CBUS Super Stadium If they failed to win even one of those contests, they could’ve very easily slipped down to 10 Cronulla L 10 - 46 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Central Coast Stadium 12th or 13th so it’s a credit to the Warriors during this tough season. 11 Sydney L 10 - 18 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Central Coast Stadium What didn’t work 12 Wests Tigers W 26 - 20 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck SCG In contrast to the things that worked for the Warriors, their biggest struggle this year 13 Manly Warringah W 26 - 22 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Lottoland was their inability to compete with the better sides in the competition. One win from 13 14 Penrith L 12 - 18 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Central Coast Stadium matches against the top nine isn’t exactly something to be proud off and the Warriors will be hoping to improve on this for the 2021 season. This included big losses to the 15 Canterbury W 20 - 14 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck ANZ Stadium Melbourne Storm, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. 16 Newcastle W 36 - 6 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Scully Park 17 Parramatta L 18 - 24 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Central Coast Stadium Best players Two of the Warriors players stood above the rest during the 2020 season and they are 18 Cronulla L 14 - 22 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck Netstrata Jubilee Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Tohu Harris. Firstly, Tuivasa-Sheck once again proved that he 19 Canberra L 14 - 26 T Payten R Tuivasa-Sheck GIO Stadium is one of the best fullbacks in the competition despite his lack of tries during the season. The New Zealand fullback averaged 220 run metres and a massive 4.7 tackle breaks 20 Manly Warringah W 40 - 28 T Payten T Harris Central Coast Stadium per game. Not only was he excellent on the field but ‘RTS’ was the perfect leader for the Warriors during this troublesome season and he handled the situation brilliantly whilst 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS making sure his boys were ready to compete week in, week out. Gains: Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warrington), Kane Evans (Eels), Euan Aitken (Dragons), Back rower, Tohu Harris had an outstanding season. After an injury interrupted 2019, Addin Fonua-Blake (Sea Eagles), Iliesa Ratuva (union), Sean O’Sullivan (Broncos), Harris made his presence known averaging career highs in both run metres (173 per Marcelo Montoya (Bulldogs), Bayley Sironen (Rabbitohs) Unsigned: game) and tackles (42.2). Harris was named in the 2020 Dally M Team of the Year for Losses: Adam Blair, Gerard Beale (retired), Lachlan Burr (Cowboys), Isaiah Papali’i, his exceptional performances and still at 28 years of age, expect plenty more from the Nathaniel Roache (Eels), Taane Milne (Rabbitohs), Patrick Herbert (Titans), Agnatius Second Rower of the year in 2021. Paasi (St Helens), Adam Keighran (Roosters)

50 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats

Opponent NEW CAN SGI PEN NQL SOU MEL BRI GCT CRO SYD WST MAN PEN CBY NEW PAR CRO CAN MAN App Int T G FG Pts AH MAU, Leeson PR PR 2 - - - - - ALE, Tom B - 1 - - - - ALVARO, Daniel B B B B B B - 6 - - - - BEALE, Gerard C C C W C C W 7 - - - - - BLAIR, Adam SR L PR PR L L PR PR PR PR B B B B B B B B B B 10 10 - - - - BURR, Lachlan PR PR PR PR B B B PR PR PR PR B PR PR 10 4 - - - - CURRAN, Joshua B B B - 3 - - - - EGAN, Wayde HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK B B B B B B B B B 9 9 2 - - 8 FAAMAUSILI, Poasa B B B PR 1 3 - - - - FUSITU’A, David C C W W W W W 7 - 1 - - 4 GREEN, Blake HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 12 - - - - - HARRIS, Tohu SR SR SR SR SR SR L L L SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR PR SR SR 20 - 1 - - 4 HARRIS-TAVITA, Chanel FE FE B B FE B HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 10 3 2 27 - 62 HERBERT, Patrick W W W W C W C C C W W W W 13 - 7 3 - 34 HETHERINGTON, Jack B B L PR PR PR 4 2 - - - - HIKU, Peta C C C C C FB C C C C C C C C C C C FB 18 - 8 - - 32 JENNINGS, George W W W W W W 6 - 2 - - 8 KATOA, Eliesa B SR SR SR SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR 11 2 6 - - 24 KEIGHRAN, Adam C C C 3 - 3 - - 12 LAWTON, Karl B B B B HK SR SR SR HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 14 4 2 - - 8 MAUMALO, Ken W W W W W W W W 8 - 5 - - 20 MURCHIE, Jack B B B B SR SR SR B B SR SR SR B 6 7 3 - - 12 NIKORIMA, Kodi B B FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 17 2 3 17 1 47 PAASI, Agnatius B B B B B B - 6 2 - - 8 PAPALI’I, Isaiah L B L L SR B B B B B SR B SR PR PR 8 7 1 - - 4 PERHAM, Hayze C C C C C W C 7 - 1 - - 4 POMPEY, Adam W W W C C C C W W W W W W 13 - 5 1 - 22 TAUNOA-BROWN, Jamayne B B PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B 15 4 1 - - 4 TEVAGA, Jazz B B L L L L L L L L L L 10 2 1 - - 4 TUIVASA-SHECK, Roger FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 18 - 5 1 - 22 TURNER, Paul HB 1 - - - - - VUNIYAYAWA, King B B B B B - 5 - - - -

51 Wests Tigers

The Tigers will get three-quarter Paul Momirovski back, while picking up the services of SEASON REVIEW Panthers captain and front rower James Tamou as well as young Parramatta prop Stefano By Andrew Ferguson, Rugby League Project.org @AndrewRLP Utoikamanu.

While 2020 was one of unheralded change, trials, tribulations and a ‘new normal’ that The team desperately needs strike in attack and defence through the middle, a playmaker reached far and wide - the Wests Tigers remained consistently middle of the road, albeit in the halves and a creative dummy half. returned from injury and thankfully two spots shy of their traditional home in ninth place. finished the season healthy. The club is presently chasing wingers which seems odd given they debuted 2 during the year, have Nofoaluma in top form and Momirovski returning The side as always made a solid start to the season, then by the middle of the competition, while losing just one winger in Jennings. they were in their typical situation of clinging onto a place in the top 8, before a miserable back end of the season saw them drop out of the 8. At the end of 2021 the club will have Joey Leilua, Jacob Liddle, Thomas Mikaele, , Nofoaluma, , Josh Reynolds and Billy Walters all off-contract, Coach Michael Maguire continued to try different combinations but ultimately lacked while looks set to be released this year, which will see the club free up a huge the quality of cattle required to challenge the top sides. The evergreen Benji Marshall amount of cap space. continued his brilliant attacking form of 2019 while the injection of Melbourne Storm rake Harry Grant made the side competitive at least. This might mean 2021 could well be more of the same for the club as they position themselves for a huge spending spree and a hugely different roster come 2022. Ultimately though, the side continues to follow in its own footsteps and it will be a surprise if 2021 isn’t just a continuation of that form.

Turning point 2020 SEASON RESULTS Round 10 - The Tigers came up against a struggling Broncos side, however the club has Position: 11th | Played 20, Won 7, Lost 13 | For 440, Against 505 a long history of struggles against Brisbane, so a win was by no means guaranteed. So when the Tigers turned on an attacking blitz to win 48-0 and rise to 7th on the ladder, Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue it was thought that maybe the club had turned a corner. However the side won just 2 of their last 10 games, a record that was better than only the last placed Brisbane and was 1 St George Illawarra W 24 - 14 M Maguire B Marshall WIN Stadium as equally as bad as the next 3 worst sides in the competition in 2020 - Manly, North 2 Newcastle L 24 - 42 M Maguire B Marshall Leichhardt Oval Queensland and the Bulldogs. 3 Cronulla W 28 - 16 M Maguire B Marshall Bankwest Stadium What worked 4 Gold Coast Titans L 23 - 28 M Maguire M Mbye Suncorp Stadium Attack - The Tigers were ranked 8th in attack, averaging an impressive 22 points per 5 Canberra L 6 - 14 M Maguire M Mbye Campbelltown game. Benji Marshall and Harry Grant were brilliant and the addition of on the left edge proved to be a huge improvement to the teams attack as he terrorised teams 6 North Queensland W 36 - 20 M Maguire M Mbye Campbelltown every week. 7 Canterbury W 34 - 6 M Maguire M Mbye Bankwest Stadium 8 Penrith L 12 - 19 M Maguire M Mbye Bankwest Stadium What didn’t work Defence, again - The Tigers scored the unwanted record of becoming the first team in 9 South Sydney L 10 - 18 M Maguire M Mbye Bankwest Stadium the competitions history to concede 26 points or more in 10 consecutive games - they all 10 Brisbane W 48 - 0 M Maguire M Mbye Leichhardt Oval happened in their last ten games of the year. Only the bottom 4 teams had worse defence. 11 Parramatta L 16 - 26 M Maguire M Mbye Bankwest Stadium

Best players 12 Warriors L 20 - 26 M Maguire M Mbye SCG A tough one as there were 3 genuine stand outs. had arguably his best 13 Newcastle L 4 - 44 M Maguire M Mbye McDonald Jones ever season and very nearly took out the top tryscorer award for the year. Luciano Leilua 14 Canterbury W 29 - 28 M Maguire M Mbye Bankwest Stadium came to the club with very little fanfare but very quickly became a fan favourite with his powerful displays on the edge of the ruck. But it was Harry Grant that stood out, earning a 15 Sydney L 16 - 38 M Maguire M Mbye Leichhardt Oval place in the Queensland State of Origin squad. His attack was unique, multi-faceted and 16 Penrith L 6 - 30 M Maguire M Mbye Panthers Stadium effective, while he was defensively solid all year and proved without a shadow of a doubt 17 Manly Warringah W 34 - 32 M Maguire M Mbye Lottoland that he is not only NRL-ready, but he is a superstar. 18 South Sydney L 24 - 26 M Maguire B Marshall Bankwest Stadium Rookies 19 Melbourne L 22 - 50 M Maguire B Marshall Sunshine Coast The Wests Tigers saw 5 players make their NRL debut in 2020. burst on the 20 Parramatta L 24 - 28 M Maguire B Marshall Bankwest Stadium scene when he flattened Parramatta’s Nathan Brown twice in consecutive tackles. Sam McIntyre made a big impression in his 12 appearances, so much so that he was poached by the Titans. Winger Asu Kepaoa had a nervous start but grew in confidence, eventually bagging 4 tries in his 5 starts. scored a try in his debut (and only game of the year) and has big raps on him. Alex Seyfarth made 4 appearances from the bench as 2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS part of the back row rotation and was solid. Gains: Stefano Utoikamanu (Eels), James Tamou (Panthers), James Roberts Looking ahead (Rabbitohs), Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos), Tukimihia Simpkins (Cowboys) The Tigers two best attacking players for 2020 will be gone for 2021, with Marshall not Unsigned: Oliver Clark, Benji Marshall, Dylan Smith being offered an extension while Harry Grant’s loan came to an end and he returns to the Losses: Chris Lawrence (retired), Robert Jennings, Matt Eisenhuth (Panthers), Harry Melbourne Storm. The side has also lost Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings and stalwart Grant (loanee, returning to Storm), Sam McIntyre (Titans), Josh Aloiai (Sea Eagles), Chris Lawrence, on top of mid-season losses of Chris McQueen and . Josh Reynolds (Hull FC), Elijah Taylor (Salford), Kane Bradley (Cowboys)

52 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season Stats

Opponent SGI NEW CRO GCT CAN NQL CBY PEN SOU BRI PAR WAR NEW CBY SYD PEN MAN SOU MEL PAR App Int T G FG Pts

ALOIAI, Josh PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 18 - 4 - - 16 BLORE, Shawn B B B B B - 5 - - - - BROOKS, Luke HB HB HB HB HB HB HB B B B FE FE FE FE HB HB HB 14 3 4 - 1 17 CHEE-KAM, Michael B B B B B B B B B - 9 - - - - CLARK, Oliver B B PR PR PR B PR 4 3 - - - - DOUEIHI, Adam C C FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB C FB FB FB 20 - 6 16 - 56 EISENHUTH, Matt B L L L L L L L L PR B B L B 10 4 1 - - 4 GARNER, Luke SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR 16 1 6 - - 24 GRANT, Harry HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 15 - 3 - - 12 HOFFMAN, Reece W 1 - 1 - - 4 JENNINGS, Robert W W W W W 5 - 2 - - 8 KEPAOA, Asu W W W W W 5 - 4 - - 16 LAWRENCE, Chris B B B B SR C C C C SR C C C 9 4 - - - - LEILUA, Joey C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 14 - 4 - - 16 LEILUA, Luciano SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 20 - 7 - - 28 LIDDLE, Jacob HK HK B B B B 2 4 1 - - 4 MARSHALL, Benji FE FE FE FE B HB HB HB HB HB HB HB FE FE HB FE 15 1 2 14 1 37 MBYE, Moses C C C C C C C C C C HK C C C FB 15 - 4 29 - 74 McINTYRE, Sam B B B B SR B B B B B B SR 2 10 2 - - 8 McQUEEN, Chris B - 1 - - - - MIKAELE, Thomas B B PR PR B B B B B B B B B PR PR PR PR PR 7 11 - - - - MUSGROVE, Zane B B PR PR B PR 3 3 1 - - 4 NOFOALUMA, David W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 20 - 17 - - 68 PACKER, Russell B PR PR PR PR PR B 5 2 - - - - REYNOLDS, Josh HB HB FE FE FE FE FE B B FE 8 2 1 - - 4 SEYFARTH, Alex B B B B - 4 - - - - TALAU, Tommy W W W W W W C W W W C C 12 - 8 - - 32 TAYLOR, Elijah L L B B B B B B B B B 2 9 - - - - THOMPSON, Corey FB FB 2 - 1 - - 4 TWAL, Alex PR PR L L L L L B L L L L 11 1 - - - - WALTERS, Billy HK HK B B FE FE FE B 5 3 1 - - 4

53 History of the NRL Women’s

Premiership

Women’s Rugby League has its beginnings way back in 1921 when two women from North Sydney, Molly Cane and Nellie Doherty set about forming a women’s competition. They managed to get one game organised which drew a huge audience of 20,000 at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds, however without the support of the NSWRL, the movement came to a halt.

Women’s Rugby League continued to be played, however it wasn’t until more recent times that a genuine competition was finally created and the women given a genuine platform to play the game.

There have been 5 Women’s Rugby League World Cups played since the first in 2000. New Zealand won the first three in 2000, 2005 and 2008, while Australia has won the last two in 2013 and 2017.

The NRLW had humble beginnings, essentially starting with a 9’s game between the Sharks and Dragons in 2016, which the Sharks won 16-12. The following year the Sharks played a 9’s game against the Raiders and won again, 28-10.

The end of 2017 saw Jillaroo’s win their second World Cup and shortly after, the NRL announced that the first ever NRL Women’s competition would begin in 2018. Most of the NRL sides had bids to enter the inaugural season – Sharks, Knights, Dragons, Rabbitohs, Roosters, Warriors and Broncos all were keen, while the Storm, Tigers, Titans, Cowboys, Sea-Eagles, Raiders, Eels, Panthers and Bulldogs opting to wait a year before applying to join the competition.

In the end it was decided that the Broncos, Warriors, Roosters and Dragons would be the 4 competing teams, a format that has remained in place for all 3 seasons now.

Here is a detailed list of every game for every team, with every NRLW player and their club stats from those first 3 seasons.

2018 - Round 1 Date: Fri, 21st September. Kickoff: 5:15 PM. Halftime: Broncos 16-10. Referees: Peter Gough, Jake Sutherland. Crowd: 26,621. Warriors 10 (L. Gago, H. Mariu tries; A. Nicholls-Pualau goal) defeated Roosters 4 (I. Kelly try) at ANZ Stadium. Broncos: Baker, Robinson, House, Pilley, Te Kawa; Nati, Brigginshaw (C); Ballinger, Breayley, Hancock, Fotu-Moala, Feterika, Peters. Int: Gould, Lenarduzzi, Harden, Arakua. Date: Sat, 8th September. Kickoff: 3:05 PM. Halftime: Warriors 10-4. Referees: Jon Stone, Joshua McGowan. Crowd: 17,168. Warriors: Nicholls-Pualau, Veainu, Clark, Woodman, Mariu; Mariu (C), Hale; Noble-Bell, Rota, Smalley, Leiataua, Vailea, Gago. Int: Papali’i, Pauaraisa, Anderson, Molia-Fraser. Roosters: Vette-Welsh, Simon, Stowers, Kelly, Brown; O’Mealey (C), Studdon; Taufa-Kautai, Hilder, Walton, Gray, Foliaki, Temara. Int: Maynard, Togatuki, Caldwell, Latu. Warriors: Nicholls-Pualau, Veainu, Woodman, Clark, Mariu; Mariu (C), Hale; Nuuausala, Rota, Roosters 26 (T. Simon 4, V. Latu, B. Parker tries; Z. Temara goal) defeated Dragons 0 at Allianz Smalley, Leiataua, Vailea, Gago. Int: Noble-Bell, Papali’i, Peters, Tauaua-Pauaraisa. Stadium. Date: Sat, 22nd September. Kickoff: 5:10 PM. Halftime: Roosters 12-0. Referees: Jon Stone, Kasey Badger. Crowd: 44,380. Broncos 30 (C. Baker 2, N. Arakua, A. Brigginshaw, M. Feterika tries; C. Baker 5 goals) defeated Dragons 4 (S. Bremner try) at Suncorp Stadium. Roosters: Brown, Parker, Stowers, Kelly, Simon; O’Mealey (C), Temara; Sims, Maynard, Walton, Gray, Foliaki, Taufa-Kautai. Int: Togatuki, Latu, Kennedy, Hilder. Date: Sun, 9th September. Kickoff: 1:45 PM. Halftime: Broncos 18-4. Referees: Matt Noyen, Kasey Badger. Crowd: 47,296. Dragons: Hireme, Horne, Sergis, Southwell, Tungai; Davis, McGregor; Mafi, Stephens, Wheeler, Apps (C), Quinn, Brander. Int: Schwalger, Clark, Howard, Haren. Broncos: Baker, Robinson, Kuk, Pilley, Ward; Nati, Brigginshaw (C); Ballinger, Breayley, Hancock, Fotu-Moala, Feterika, Peters. Int: Gould, Lenarduzzi, Storch, Arakua. Dragons: Bremner (C), Horne, Sergis, Hireme, Tungai; Howard, McGregor; Clark, Stephens, 2018 - GRAND FINAL Karpani, Apps, Wheeler, Brander. Int: Davis, Schwalger, Southwell, Mafi. Broncos 34 (K. Nati 3, N. Arakua, H. Ballinger, L. Gould tries; C. Baker 5 goals) defeated Roosters 12 (T. Gray, L. O’Mealey tries; Z. Temara 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. 2018 - Round 2 Date: Sun, 30th September. Kickoff: 1:35 PM. Halftime: Broncos 28-6. Referees: Jon Stone, Kasey Badger. Crowd: 82,688. Broncos 14 (A. Brigginshaw, T. Fotu-Moala, M. Ward tries; C. Baker goal) defeated Roosters 4 (I. Kelly try) at Allianz Stadium. Broncos: Baker, Robinson, Ward, Pilley, Kuk; Nati, Brigginshaw (C); Ballinger, Breayley, Lenarduzzi, Fotu-Moala, Feterika, Peters. Int: Hancock, Gould, Storch, Arakua. Date: Fri, 14th September. Kickoff: 5:15 PM. Halftime: Broncos 10-0. Referees: Peter Gough, Joshua McGowan. Crowd: 19,211. Roosters: Brown, Parker, Stowers, Kelly, Simon; O’Mealey (C), Temara; Sims, Maynard, Walton, Gray, Foliaki, Taufa-Kautai. Int: Hilder, Togatuki, Latu, Kennedy. Roosters: Brown, McGrady, Stowers, Kelly, Simon; O’Mealey (C), Studdon; Sims, Hilder, Walton, Gray, Foliaki, Temara. Int: Maynard, Caldwell, Latu, Taufa-Kautai. Broncos: Baker, Robinson, Ward, Pilley, Te Kawa; Nati, Brigginshaw (C); Ballinger, Breayley, Lenar- 2019 - Round 1 duzzi, Fotu-Moala, Feterika, Peters. Int: Hancock, Gould, Storch, Arakua. Warriors 16 (G. Hale, C. Poko, A. Tupaea tries; A. Nicholls-Pualau 2 goals) defeated Roosters 12 (S. Taufa-Kautai 2 tries; K. Dibb 2 goals) at AAMI Park. Dragons 22 (H. Hireme, R. Horne, J. Sergis, S. Tungai tries; S. Tungai 3 goals) defeated Warriors 10 Date: Sat, 14th September. Kickoff: 3:05 PM. Halftime: 6-all. Referees: Zbignew Przeklasa-Ad- (R. Anderson, S. Clark tries; A. Nicholls-Pualau goal) at ANZ Stadium. amski, Daniel Schwass. Date: Sat, 15th September. Kickoff: 5:10 PM. Halftime: Dragons 12-0. Referees: Matt Noyen, Roosters: McGregor, Brown, Stowers, Kelly, Takairangi; Dibb, Howard; Sims (C), Maynard, Foliaki, Wyatt Raymond. Crowd: 48,188. Harden, Southwell, Taufa-Kautai. Int: Temara, Young, Namoce, Johnston. Dragons: Hireme, Horne, Sergis, Southwell, Tungai; Davis, McGregor; Schwalger, Stephens, Warriors: Nicholls-Pualau, Mariu, Newman, Tupaea, Bartlett; Ravisa, Poko; Nuuausala, Rota, Wheeler, Apps (C), Quinn, Brander. Int: Clark, Howard, Mafi, Haren. Smalley, Wharton, Tamarua, Hale (C). Int: Paul, Ale, Noble-Bell, Leiataua. Warriors: Nicholls-Pualau, Mariu, Clark, Veainu, Edwards; Mariu (C), Hale; Tamarua, Rota, Smalley, Leiataua, Vailea, Tauaua-Pauaraisa. Int: Gago, Papali’i, Kani, Anderson. Broncos 14 (A. Paris-Hall, R. Peters, M. Ward tries; C. Baker goal) defeated Dragons 4 (S. Tungai try) at Bankwest Stadium. 2018 - Round 3 Date: Sun, 15th September. Kickoff: 2:05 PM. Halftime: 4-all. Referees: Adam Cassidy, Martin Jones. Crowd: 6,609. Broncos 32 (J. Robinson 2, B. Breayley, K. House, R. Peters, K. Te Kawa tries; C. Baker 4 goals) defeated Warriors 10 (G. Hale, A. Smalley tries; A. Nicholls-Pualau goal) at AAMI Park. 54 Dragons: Vette-Welsh, Mooka, Sergis, Penitani, Tungai; Nati, Studdon; Fotu-Moala, Breayley, Broncos: Upton, Brown, Robinson, Fressard, Ward; McGregor, Brigginshaw (C); Boyle, Gould, Feterika, Apps (C), Bent, Wheeler. Int: Davis, Katoa, Weatherall, Arakua. Lenarduzzi, Paris-Hall, Elliston, Aiken. Int: Brander, Harden, Mato, Birch. Broncos: Baker, Upton, Turner, Pilley, Ward; McGregor, Brigginshaw (C); Boyle, Gould, Paris-Hall, Warriors: Brown, Mariu, Hartigan, Pelite, Green; Dibb, Smith; Tamarua, Paul, Sauvao, Bartlett, Brander, Gray, Peters. Int: Aiken, Hancock, Storch, Elliston. Gray, Hale (C). Int: Power, Levu, Economos, Clark.

2019 - Round 2 2020 - Round 2 Broncos 20 (A. Brander, A. Brigginshaw, R. Peters, A. Pilley tries; C. Baker 2 goals) defeated Roosters 22 (Q. Dodd, B. Law, Y. Meakes, Z. Temara tries; Z. Temara 3 goals) defeated Warriors 12 Roosters 0 at AAMI Park. (K. Dibb, E. Pelite tries; K. Dibb 2 goals) at Bankwest Stadium. Date: Sat, 21st September. Kickoff: 5:05 PM. Halftime: Broncos 10-0. Referees: Adam Cassidy, Date: Sat, 10th October. Kickoff: 12:30 PM. Halftime: Roosters 12-0. Referee: Drew Oultram. Martin Jones. Warriors: Brown, Bartlett, Stowers, Pelite, Green; Dibb, Smith; Tamarua, Paul, Sauvao, Clark, Gray, Broncos: Baker, Robinson, Turner, Pilley, Ward; McGregor, Brigginshaw (C); Boyle, Gould, Par- Hale (C). Int: Mariu, Economos, Peck, Ball. is-Hall, Brander, Gray, Peters. Int: Aiken, Hancock, Storch, Lenarduzzi. Roosters: Caslick, Parker, Law, Meakes, Parker; McGregor (C), Temara; Taufa-Kautai, Maynard, Roosters: McGregor, Brown, Stowers, Kelly, Takairangi; Temara, Smith; Sims (C), Maynard, Foliaki, Hanisi, Foliaki, Togatuki, Southwell. Int: Dodd, Cherrington, Hamilton, Kelleher. Harden, Southwell, Taufa-Kautai. Int: Dibb, Young, Namoce, Johnston.

Broncos 18 (M. Boyle, L. Brown, J. Robinson tries; M. Ward 3 goals) defeated Dragons 4 (J. Sergis Dragons 26 (S. Bent, M. Feterika, T. Penitani, J. Sergis, B. Vette-Welsh tries; M. Studdon 3 goals) try) at Bankwest Stadium. defeated Warriors 6 (O. Leiataua try; A. Nicholls-Pualau goal) at Mt Smart Stadium. Date: Sat, 10th October. Kickoff: 4:00 PM. Halftime: Broncos 12-0. Referee: Belinda Sharpe. Date: Sun, 22nd September. Kickoff: 1:15 PM. Halftime: Warriors 6-0. Referees: Kasey Badger, Dragons: Bremner (C), Penitani, Sergis, Kelly, Chapman; Davis, Studdon; Johnston, Fasava- Ethan Menchin. Crowd: 2,518. lu-Faamausili, Hancock, Apps, Bent, Albert. Int: Pauli, Holmes, Murphy, Page. Warriors: Nicholls-Pualau, Mariu, Tupaea, Newman, Radiniyavuni; Ravisa, Poko; Nuuausala, Rota, Broncos: Upton, Brown, Robinson, Fressard, Ward; McGregor, Aiken; Boyle, Gould, Lenarduzzi, Smalley, Leiataua, Tamarua, Hale (C). Int: Wharton, Paul, Ale, Reid. Paris-Hall, Harden, Brigginshaw (C). Int: Elliston, Brander, Mato, Ciesiolka. Dragons: Vette-Welsh, Horne, Sergis, Penitani, Tungai; Davis, Studdon; Feterika, Breayley, Arakua, Apps (C), Bent, Wheeler. Int: Katoa, Weatherall, George, Fasavalu-Faamausili. 2020 - Round 3 Warriors 22 (S. Power 2, M. Bartlett, E. Green, E. Pelite tries; K. Dibb goal) defeated Dragons 10 (T. 2019 - Round 3 Berry, A. Fasavalu-Faamausili tries; T. Berry goal) at ANZ Stadium. Warriors 10 (M. Bartlett, A. Nuuausala tries; A. Nicholls-Pualau goal) defeated Broncos 8 (A. Date: Sat, 17th October. Kickoff: 12:30 PM. Halftime: Warriors 8-4. Referee: Belinda Turner, T. Upton tries) at . Sharpe. Crowd: 681. Date: Sat, 28th September. Kickoff: 5:05 PM. Halftime: Warriors 10-0. Referees: Zbignew Dragons: Bremner (C), Chapman, Horne, Sergis, Berry; Davis, Etherden; Johnston, Fasavalu-Faam- Przeklasa-Adamski, Ethan Menchin. Crowd: 6,208. ausili, Hancock, Page, Holmes, Weatherall. Int: Albert, Pauli, Murphy. Broncos: Baker, Robinson, Turner, Pilley, Upton; McGregor, Brigginshaw (C); Boyle, Gould, Par- Warriors: Brown, Bartlett, Stowers, Pelite, Green; Dibb, Kara; Tamarua, Mariu, Levu, Gray, Hartigan, is-Hall, Brander, Gray, Peters. Int: Aiken, Hancock, Storch, Lenarduzzi. Hale (C). Int: Economos, Power, Peck, Paitai. Warriors: Nicholls-Pualau, Mariu, Tupaea, Newman, Bartlett; Hale (C), Poko; Nuuausala, Rota, Ale, Leiataua, Tamarua, Wharton. Int: Paul, Seumanufagai, Kani, Noble-Bell. Broncos 24 (T. Aiken, A. Brigginshaw, T. Upton, M. Ward tries; M. Ward 4 goals) defeated Roosters 16 (M. Howard, C. McGregor, T. Simon tries; Z. Temara 2 goals) at ANZ Stadium. Dragons 24 (J. Sergis 2, T. Penitani, S. Tungai tries; M. Studdon 4 goals) defeated Roosters 16 (M. Date: Sat, 17th October. Kickoff: 4:00 PM. Halftime: Broncos 12-4. Referee: Liam Kennedy. Howard, B. Law, R. Sims tries; K. Dibb 2 goals) at Leichhardt Oval. Roosters: Temara, Parker, Parker, Meakes, Simon; McGregor (C), Howard; Hamilton, Maynard, Date: Sun, 29th September. Kickoff: 1:15 PM. Halftime: Dragons 16-10. Referees: Kasey Badger, Hanisi, Foliaki, Togatuki, Cherrington. Int: Mafi, Dodd, Phillips, Taufa-Kautai. Daniel Schwass. Crowd: 2,293. Broncos: Upton, Ciesiolka, Robinson, Birch, Ward; McGregor, Aiken; Boyle, Brown, Mato, Harden, Dragons: Vette-Welsh, Horne, Sergis, Penitani, Tungai; Davis, Studdon; Arakua, Breayley, Feterika, Elliston, Brigginshaw (C). Int: Lenarduzzi, Brander, Teitzel, Temara. Apps (C), Bent, Wheeler. Int: Katoa, Weatherall, George, Fasavalu-Faamausili. Roosters: McGregor, Brown, Law, Kelly, Parker; Dibb, Howard; Sims (C), Maynard, Namoce, Harden, Southwell, Temara. Int: Dodd, Allende, Foliaki, Johnston. 2020 - GRAND FINAL Broncos 20 (T. Harden, C. Lenarduzzi, A. Paris-Hall, T. Upton tries; M. Ward 2 goals) defeated Roosters 10 (Q. Dodd, Y. Meakes tries; Z. Temara goal) at ANZ Stadium. 2019 - GRAND FINAL Date: Sun, 25th October. Kickoff: 4:05 PM. Halftime: Broncos 12-10. Referee: Belinda Broncos 30 (L. Gould, C. Lenarduzzi, R. McGregor, A. Pilley, J. Robinson tries; M. Ward 5 goals) Sharpe. Crowd: 9,071. defeated Dragons 6 (K. Apps try; M. Studdon goal) at ANZ Stadium. Broncos: Upton, Ciesiolka, Robinson, Fressard, Ward; McGregor, Aiken; Boyle, Brown, Mato, Date: Sun, 6th October. Kickoff: 4:05 PM. Halftime: Broncos 10-0. Referees: Kasey Badger, Paris-Hall, Harden, Brigginshaw (C). Int: Lenarduzzi, Brander, Elliston, Temara. Daniel Schwass. Roosters: Vette-Welsh, Parker, McGregor (C), Meakes, Parker; Howard, Temara; Taufa-Kautai, Broncos: Upton, Robinson, Turner, Pilley, Ward; McGregor, Brigginshaw (C); Boyle, Gould, Par- Maynard, Hanisi, Foliaki, Togatuki, Southwell. Int: Dodd, Cherrington, Hamilton, Kelleher. is-Hall, Brander, Gray, Peters. Int: Aiken, Hancock, Storch, Lenarduzzi. Dragons: Vette-Welsh, Horne, Sergis, Penitani, Tungai; Davis, Studdon; Arakua, Breayley, Feterika, Apps (C), Bent, Wheeler. Int: Fasavalu-Faamausili, Katoa, Weatherall, George.

2020 - Round 1 NRLW Premiers Roosters 18 (Q. Dodd, C. McGregor, N. Maynard tries; Z. Temara 3 goals) defeated Dragons 4 (T. Penitani try) at GIO Stadium. 2018 - Date: Sat, 3rd October. Kickoff: 11:30 AM. Halftime: Roosters 12-4. Referee: Liam Kennedy. Roosters: Vette-Welsh, Parker, McGregor (C), Meakes, Parker; Caslick, Temara; Taufa-Kautai, 2018 Brisbane Broncos Maynard, Hanisi, Foliaki, Phillips, Southwell. Int: Dodd, Cherrington, Togatuki, Kelleher. Dragons: Bremner (C), Penitani, Sergis, Kelly, Chapman; Tungai, Studdon; Fasavalu-Faamausili, 2019 Brisbane Broncos Davis, Hancock, Apps, Bent, Albert. Int: Johnston, Pauli, Holmes, Murphy. 2020 Brisbane Broncos Broncos 28 (T. Upton 3, C. Lenarduzzi, J. Robinson tries; M. Ward 4 goals) defeated Warriors 14 (E. Green, E. Pelite, S. Smith tries; K. Dibb goal) at GIO Stadium. Date: Sat, 3rd October. Kickoff: 3:00 PM. Halftime: Broncos 16-8. Referee: Henry Perenara.

55 NRLW PLAYER STATS 2018-

Player Team P T G FG Pts HOLMES, Talei Dragons (2020) 3 - - - - AIKEN, Tarryn Broncos (2019-20) 8 1 - - 4 HORNE, Rikeya Dragons (2018-20) 7 1 - - 4 ALBERT, Elsie Dragons (2020) 3 - - - - HOUSE, Kody Broncos (2018) 1 1 - - 4 ALE, Billy-Jean Warriors (2019) 3 - - - - HOWARD, Melanie Dragons (2018), Roosters (2019-20) 7 2 - - 8 ALLENDE, Jasmine Roosters (2019) 1 - - - - JOHNSTON, Caitlan Roosters (2019) 3 - - - - ANDERSON, Racquel Warriors (2018) 2 1 - - 4 JOHNSTON, Ellie Dragons (2020) 3 - - - - APPS, Kezie Dragons (2018-20) 9 1 - - 4 KANI, Amber Warriors (2018-19) 2 - - - - ARAKUA, Ngatokotoru Broncos (2018), Dragons (2019) 8 2 - - 8 KARA, Naomi Warriors (2020) 1 - - - - BAKER, Chelsea Broncos (2018-19) 7 2 18 - 44 KARPANI, Asoiva Dragons (2018) 1 - - - - BALL, Stephanie Warriors (2020) 1 - - - - KATOA, Takilele Dragons (2019) 4 - - - - BALLINGER, Heather Broncos (2018) 4 1 - - 4 KELLEHER, Jocelyn Roosters (2020) 3 - - - - BARTLETT, Madison Warriors (2019-20) 5 2 - - 8 KELLY, Isabelle Roosters (2018-19), Dragons (2020) 9 2 - - 8 BENT, Shaylee Dragons (2019-20) 6 1 - - 4 KENNEDY, Kandy Roosters (2018) 2 - - - - BERRY, Teagan Dragons (2020) 1 1 1 - 6 KUK, Amelia Broncos (2018) 2 - - - - BIRCH, Tyler Broncos (2020) 2 - - - - LATU, Victoria Roosters (2018) 4 1 - - 4 BOYLE, Millie Broncos (2019-20) 8 1 - - 4 LAW, Bobbi Roosters (2019-20) 2 2 - - 8 BRANDER, Annette Dragons (2018), Broncos (2019-20) 11 1 - - 4 LEIATAUA, Onjeurlina Warriors (2018-19) 6 1 - - 4 BREAYLEY, Brittany Broncos (2018), Dragons (2019) 8 1 - - 4 LENARDUZZI, Chelsea Broncos (2018-20) 11 3 - - 12 BREMNER, Sam Dragons (2018, 2020) 4 1 - - 4 LEVU, Taimane Warriors (2020) 2 - - - - BRIGGINSHAW, Ali Broncos (2018-20) 12 4 - - 16 MAFI, Amelia Roosters (2020) 1 - - - - BROWN, Karina Roosters (2018-19), Warriors (2020) 10 - - - - MAFI, Asipau Dragons (2018) 3 - - - - BROWN, Lauren Broncos (2020) 4 1 - - 4 PETERS, Hilda Warriors (2018-20) 9 1 - - 4 CALDWELL, Chloe Roosters (2018) 2 - - - - MARIU, Laura Warriors (2018) 3 - - - - CASLICK, Charlotte Roosters (2020) 2 - - - - MATO, Shannon Broncos (2020) 4 - - - - CHAPMAN, Jaime Dragons (2020) 3 - - - - MAYNARD, Nita Roosters (2018-20) 11 1 - - 4 CHERRINGTON, Kennedy Roosters (2020) 4 - - - - McGRADY, Sharon Roosters (2018) 1 - - - - CIESIOLKA, Shenae Broncos (2020) 3 - - - - McGREGOR, Corban Roosters (2019-20) 7 2 - - 8 CLARK, Brianna Warriors (2020) 2 - - - - McGREGOR, Raecene Dragons (2018), Broncos (2019-20) 11 1 - - 4 CLARK, Sarina Warriors (2018) 3 1 - - 4 MEAKES, Yasmine Roosters (2020) 4 2 - - 8 CLARK, Teina Dragons (2018) 3 - - - - MOLIA-FRASER, Va’anessa Warriors (2018) 1 - - - - DAVIS, Keeley Dragons (2018-20) 10 - - - - MOOKA, Stephanie Dragons (2019) 1 - - - - DIBB, Kirra Roosters (2019), Warriors (2020) 6 1 8 - 20 MURPHY, Mahalia Dragons (2020) 3 - - - - DODD, Quincy Roosters (2019-20) 5 3 - - 12 NAMOCE, Aliti Roosters (2019) 3 - - - - ECONOMOS, Samantha Warriors (2020) 3 - - - - NATI, Kimiora Broncos (2018), Dragons (2019) 5 3 - - 12 EDWARDS, Lisa Warriors (2018) 1 - - - - NEWMAN, Jules Warriors (2019) 3 - - - - ELLISTON, Jessika Broncos (2019-20) 5 - - - - NICHOLLS-PUALAU, Apii Warriors (2018-19) 6 - 7 - 14 ETHERDEN, Jade Dragons (2020) 1 - - - - NOBLE-BELL, Tanika-Jazz Warriors (2018-19) 4 - - - - FASAVALU-FAAMAUSILI, NUUAUSALA, Annetta Warriors (2018-19) 4 1 - - 4 Dragons (2019-20) 6 1 - - 4 Aaliayah O’MEALEY, Lavina Roosters (2018) 4 1 - - 4 FETERIKA, Maitua Broncos (2018), Dragons (2019) 8 2 - - 8 PAGE, Georgia Dragons (2020) 2 - - - - FOLIAKI, Vanessa Roosters (2018-20) 11 - - - - PAITAI, Laken Warriors (2020) 1 - - - - FOTU-MOALA, Teuila Broncos (2018), Dragons (2019) 5 1 - - 4 PAPALI’I, Lorina Warriors (2018) 3 - - - - FRESSARD, Jayme Broncos (2020) 3 - - - - PARIS-HALL, Amber Broncos (2019-20) 7 2 - - 8 GAGO, Luisa Warriors (2018) 3 1 - - 4 PARKER, Brydie Roosters (2018, 2020) 6 1 - - 4 GEORGE, Najvada Dragons (2019) 3 - - - - PARKER, Shanice Roosters (2019-20) 5 - - - - GOULD, Lavinia Broncos (2018-20) 10 2 - - 8 PAUARAISA, Sui Tauasa Warriors (2018) 1 - - - - Roosters (2018), Broncos (2019), GRAY, Tazmin 11 1 - - 4 PAUL, Kanyon Warriors (2019-20) 5 - - - - Warriors (2020) PAULI, Christine Dragons (2020) 3 - - - - GREEN, Ellia Warriors (2020) 3 2 - - 8 PECK, Michaela Warriors (2020) 2 - - - - HALE, Georgia Warriors (2018-20) 9 2 - - 8 PELITE, Evania Warriors (2020) 3 3 - - 12 HAMILTON, Grace Roosters (2020) 3 - - - - PENITANI, Tiana Dragons (2019-20) 6 3 - - 12 HANCOCK, Steph Broncos (2018-19), Dragons (2020) 11 - - - - PETERS, Kahurangi Warriors (2018) 1 - - - - HANISI, Filomina Roosters (2020) 4 - - - - PETERS, Rona Broncos (2018-19) 8 3 - - 12 HARDEN, Tallisha Broncos (2018, 2020), Roosters (2019) 8 1 - - 4 PHILLIPS, Kaitlyn Roosters (2020) 2 - - - - HAREN, Kate Dragons (2018) 2 - - - - PILLEY, Amber Broncos (2018-19) 8 2 - - 8 HARTIGAN, Teaghan Warriors (2020) 2 - - - - POKO, Charntay Warriors (2019) 3 1 - - 4 HILDER, Kylie Roosters (2018) 4 - - - - POWER, Shaniah Warriors (2020) 2 2 - - 8 HIREME, Honey Dragons (2018) 3 1 - - 4 56 QUINN, Talesha Dragons (2018) 2 - - - - TAUAUA-PAUARAISA, Masuisui- Warriors (2018) 2 - - - - matamaal RADINIYAVUNI, Roela Warriors (2019) 1 - - - - TAUFA-KAUTAI, Simaima Roosters (2018-20) 10 2 - - 8 RAVISA, Timaima Warriors (2019) 2 - - - - TE KAWA, Karley Broncos (2018) 2 1 - - 4 REID, Tyler Warriors (2019) 1 - - - - TEITZEL, Romy Broncos (2020) 1 - - - - ROBINSON, Julia Broncos (2018-20) 11 5 - - 20 TEMARA, Chante Broncos (2020) 2 - - - - ROTA, Krystal Warriors (2018-19) 6 - - - - TEMARA, Zahara Roosters (2018-20) 11 1 12 - 28 SAUVAO, Kayla Warriors (2020) 2 - - - - TOGATUKI, Sarah Roosters (2018, 2020) 7 - - - - SCHWALGER, Oneata Dragons (2018) 3 - - - - TUNGAI, Shakiah Dragons (2018-20) 8 3 3 - 18 SERGIS, Jessica Dragons (2018-20) 10 5 - - 20 TUPAEA, Atawhai Warriors (2019) 3 1 - - 4 SEUMANUFAGAI, Tasia Warriors (2019) 1 - - - - TURNER, Amy Broncos (2019) 4 1 - - 4 SIMON, Taleena Roosters (2018, 2020) 5 5 - - 20 UPTON, Tamika Broncos (2019-20) 7 6 - - 24 SIMS, Ruan Roosters (2018-19) 6 1 - - 4 VAILEA, Alice Warriors (2018) 3 - - - - SMALLEY, Aieshaleigh Warriors (2018-19) 5 1 - - 4 VEAINU, Langi Warriors (2018) 3 - - - - SMITH, Simone Roosters (2019), Warriors (2020) 3 1 - - 4 VETTE-WELSH, Botille Roosters (2018, 2020), Dragons (2019) 7 1 - - 4 SOUTHWELL, Hannah Dragons (2018), Roosters (2019-20) 9 - - - - WALTON, Elianna Roosters (2018) 4 - - - - STEPHENS, Anneka Dragons (2018) 3 - - - - WARD, Meg Broncos (2018-20) 10 3 18 - 48 STORCH, Mariah Broncos (2018-19) 7 - - - - WEATHERALL, Maddison Dragons (2019-20) 5 - - - - STOWERS, Shontelle Roosters (2018-19), Warriors (2020) 8 - - - - WHARTON, Kathleen Warriors (2019) 3 - - - - STUDDON, Maddie Roosters (2018), Warriors (2019-20) 8 - 8 - 16 WHEELER, Holli Dragons (2018-19) 7 - - - - TAKAIRANGI, Kiana Roosters (2019) 2 - - - - WOODMAN, Shontelle Warriors (2018) 2 - - - - TAMARUA, Crystal Warriors (2018-20) 7 - - - - YOUNG, Rebecca Roosters (2019) 2 - - - - NRLW RECORDS

Most Games Team (s) Games Combined Ladder - 2018-2020 Biggest Wins BRIGGINSHAW, Ali Broncos (2018-20) 12 Team W D L F A Win % Year Rnd Winner Score Opponent Score BRANDER, Annette Dragons (2018), Broncos (2019-20) 11 Broncos 11 0 1 272 94 91.67% 2018 1 Broncos 30 Dragons 4 FOLIAKI, Vanessa Roosters (2018-20) 11 Warriors 4 0 5 110 164 44.44% 2018 3 Roosters 26 Dragons 0 Roosters (2018), Broncos (2019), Dragons 3 0 7 104 190 30.00% 2019 GF Broncos 30 Dragons 6 GRAY, Tazmin 11 Warriors (2020) Roosters 3 0 8 140 178 27.27% 2018 GF Broncos 34 Roosters 12 HANCOCK, Steph Broncos (2018-19), Dragons (2020) 11 2018 3 Broncos 32 Warriors 10 LENARDUZZI, Chelsea Broncos (2018-20) 11 2019 2 Dragons 26 Warriors 6 MAYNARD, Nita Roosters (2018-20) 11 2019 2 Broncos 20 Roosters 0 McGREGOR, Raecene Dragons (2018), Broncos (2019-20) 11 ROBINSON, Julia Broncos (2018-20) 11 TEMARA, Zahara Roosters (2018-20) 11 Most Tries in a Game BROWN, Karina Roosters (2018-19), Warriors (2020) 10 Player Club Opponent Year T DAVIS, Keeley Dragons (2018-20) 10 Taleena Simon Roosters Dragons 2018 4 GOULD, Lavinia Broncos (2018-20) 10 Kimiora Nati Broncos Roosters 2018 3 SERGIS, Jessica Dragons (2018-20) 10 Tamika Upton Broncos Warriors 2020 3 TAUFA, Simaima Roosters (2018-20) 10 Broncos Dragons 2018 2 WARD, Meg Broncos (2018-20) 10 Julia Robinson Broncos Warriors 2018 2 Simaima Taufa Roosters Warriors 2019 2 Most Tries Team (s) Tries Jessica Sergis Dragons Roosters 2019 2 UPTON, Tamika Broncos (2019-20) 6 Shaniah Power Warriors Dragons 2020 2 ROBINSON, Julia Broncos (2018-20) 5 SERGIS, Jessica Dragons (2018-20) 5 SIMON, Taleena Roosters (2018, 2020) 5 BRIGGINSHAW, Ali Broncos (2018-20) 4 Most Points in a Game Player Club Opponent Year T G FG Pts Most Points Team (s) T G FG Pts Chelsea Baker Broncos Dragons 2018 2 5 0 18 WARD, Meg Broncos (2018-20) 3 18 - 48 Taleena Simon Roosters Dragons 2018 4 0 0 16 BAKER, Chelsea Broncos (2018-19) 2 18 - 44 Kimiora Nati Broncos Roosters 2018 3 0 0 12 TEMARA, Zahara Roosters (2018-20) 1 12 - 28 Tamika Upton Broncos Warriors 2020 3 0 0 12 UPTON, Tamika Broncos (2019-20) 6 - - 24 Meg Ward Broncos Roosters 2020 1 4 0 12 DIBB, Kirra Roosters (2019), Warriors (2020) 1 8 - 20 Shakiah Tungai Dragons Warriors 2018 1 3 0 10 ROBINSON, Julia Broncos (2018-20) 5 - - 20 Chelsea Baker Broncos Roosters 2018 0 5 0 10 SERGIS, Jessica Dragons (2018-20) 5 - - 20 Meg Ward Broncos Dragons 2019 0 5 0 10 SIMON, Taleena Roosters (2018, 2020) 5 - - 20 Zahara Temara Roosters Warriors 2020 1 3 0 10 57 making it happen. Any cream the NRL scrives off the top will see less money going to Super League already financially precarious clubs. The story at least allows everyone to project their favourite fantasy onto the future of Super League. Even if it were true, the NRL would not promote the Broncos or and they certainly wouldn’t be bringing the Wolfpack back or at super encouraging any kind of expansion. These are the same people that won’t go to Perth. They would absolutely promote Bradford (or, it turns out, Leigh).

Perhaps what’s saddest about this is that this is all Super League can hang its hat on. crossroads The pathetic kowtowing to the Hearns went nowhere. Private equity investment might or might not happen but it is hard to see why it would. We’re down to making up stories about conversations that apparently never happened to hope Super League can be PythagoNRL @PythagoNRL fixed. There are no other lights at the end of the tunnel.

The year began innocently enough. We basked in the afterglow of Toronto’s 24-6 win in Fixing Super League is simple. All it requires is comprehensive reform. This would the over Featherstone in 2019. Sonny Bill Williams was joining the principally comprise one (1) boatload of cash and burning down the culture of the Wolfpack on an obscene amount of money, a story that generated headlines in the UK, game and rebuilding it from scratch to be fit-for-purpose in the 21st century. After all, Australia and Canada. Finally, it seemed, things were happening for rugby league. what use was the culture if it brought you to this point?

Toronto’s season started extremely poorly. The Wolfpack were 0-6 before the coronavi- Except that the last time there was a boatload of cash, none of that happened. Rupert rus put them, and us, out of their misery. The squad was too thin, too rusty, too few and Murdoch put £88 million pounds into the English game in 1995 and didn’t even get it turned out, too unpaid to succeed long term. the commercially sensible mergers News wanted. In fact, I’m not sure where any of that money went. Perhaps everyone got a pay rise for a job well done? It was little surprise that, four months after announcing that the Wolfpack would not be able to play on in 2020, that Super League took the opportunity to boot the Canadian There are four, maybe five, clubs that matter and the rest are just punching bags to fill club from the competition. Super League cited outstanding debts, questioned the out the season. This is Super League’s fundamental problem to which all of the others viability of the proposed rescue package and showed an embarrassing lack of under- can be traced. If this gap can be bridged commercially and sustainably, the on-field standing about how professional sports works in the 21st century. product will follow. A better class of owners will emerge, creating a virtuous cycle that will allow the salary cap to rise and the game to expand to exotic new locales, like In between this, positive COVID tests and an abrupt end to the regular season all occur- Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Oh wait. ring in the space of a week, two clubs dumped their dirty laundry while everyone was busy. Hull KR announced they would be unable to complete their fixtures as scheduled, But this would require any investment to be injected into the very marrow of the sport the most serious of the Wolfpack’s crimes, because they would do better financially on and not pissed away on player salaries in the short term. Efforts to transform the government furlough. Salford used the opportunity to welch on debt from seven years culture need to be holistic and might result in the death or mergers of clubs, removing ago, another crime the Wolfpack were accused of. The price the Devils paid was to be the necrotic tissue so the rest may live. stripped of three wins, which did not matter as they weren’t playing in the finals and there was no threat of relegation. They’re not there yet. Things will probably have to get a lot worse before they think about how to get better. Neither club had their participation agreement torn up and are expected to return in 2021 without further scrutiny. The Wolfpack will not. With one set of rules for the Liam is a Rugby League statistician and analyst whose work can be found at his incumbents and another for everyone else, it’s little wonder no one wants to invest in website www.pythagonrl.com. Super League. The lack of cash leaves the league reliant on sponsorships paid in pizza, a thing I wish I had made up as a joke but is very real.

Super League has faced an almost unending existential crisis since it’s formation in the mid-90s but it feels we are reaching a significant inflection point. Assuming heartland clubs get onto the field in 2021, crowds and the TV deal are at best stagnant and at worst, liable to go into free fall at any moment. That’s before we consider the long term impact of the pandemic.

There are two paths ahead. The first ends with the English game looking like the French game. In , top flight clubs have state cup budgets to pro- duce B grade football for a handful of old men in a dozen villages scattered across L’Occitanie. They can scrap together some broadcast time locally but the sport has no national presence, having been squished by rugby union. This is the path that English football is on now. The second looks a lot more like the NRL, turning Super League into an At- lantic counterpart to the Pacific’s NRL. This brings us to the NRL supposedly looking to purchase a stake in the Super League. Putting aside the fact they aren’t, the story has done the rounds on Twitter as the news prompted a range of responses, from support on the basis that the NRL was going to save Super League from itself to hostility toward the loss of sovereignty as foreign invaders take over.

What was not clear was how the NRL planned to make any actual money on the deal. Super League, the business, distributes central income from broad- casters and sponsors to clubs and the RFL and allegedly markets the game. They do not exist to make a profit. That money goes elsewhere. If there were obvious low hanging and profitable fruit available, there’s nothing stopping Andrew Abdo from videoconferencing with Robert Elstone right now and

Image courtesy of Badly Drawn RL (Twitter @BadlyDrawnRL)”

58 In a salary capped sport, that shouldn’t be the case, but those who use sign well and Super League use their academies wisely, shouldn’t the onus be placed on the rest to catch up, and not decry the achievements of those who are consistent?

Can 2021 be the year a inspired Warrington finally make it theirs, or a Hull vs 2020 FC under new management stop being sleeping giants? I wouldn’t be rushing to the sponsors to bet on it.

Richard Shaw-Wright @TheRSW A new TV deal is on the horizon, the biggest test of the Robert Elstone regime at Super League to date. While he could not foresee a pandemic, this has been at the top of the How to sum up 2020 in Rugby League without using the cliches of “these difficult agenda since he took on the CEO’s role. times” or “strange” or any other variation on a theme?

Well, here in the UK, this year has been an utter mess, even more so than when Boris Johnson announced the first lockdown, and the country shut down. Apart from people still went shopping, and they ran out of things to show on telly.

Life outside Super League was quickly cancelled, with the Government furlough scheme meaning some clubs were better off not playing another game in 2020 than having to stump up for testing and all the other Covid-19 related protocols.

That also meant that the Women’s game, which has gone from nowhere to having the Grand Final live on Sky last autumn, was also put on the back burner. As players are for all intents and purposes amateur (though expected to act professional, which compared to some of their male counterparts, isn’t too tough a task) there’s no great financial pressures on clubs to cut budgets, as most are funded through charitable foundations.

Saying that, of course, all charities seemed to have suffered through this time, and some hard work fundraising may be needed through 2021. You can only hope that the progress made in the last few years, which the RFL deserve credit for, will not have been held back too much.

The top flight returned, behind closed doors, and with paycuts for those on and off the pitch with cardboard cut-outs and controversy over those “taking the knee” and not, and I found myself not watching another game in person after the resumption.

At times I missed going to the grounds, seeing my own team in action and the like, but, having been around the media in some form or other since 2002, and working exclusively in the industry for the past decade, I’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a fan at times anyway.

As it was, Wakefield didn’t have a great season, but, I found myself more bothered about the club getting through the season than getting annoyed at performances. Survival of the (financially) fittest was the key. Will he be able to maintain a level of funding that keeps the clubs, his employers, happy, and, as a knock-on effect, will there be pennies in the pot for those in the Toronto’s demise was a major disappointment, but it’s almost as if they were doomed to Championship and League One. fail from birth, and certainly the club who wins the bun fight to replace them will be in that same situation in 2021. The RFL also have a tender out on those divisions, and it will be fascinating to see if there is a commercial value out there, as some will claim, but without evidence of more On every podcast, it seems, since lockdown started, we’ve advocated that this time than one or two figures to really back up. should be used to take a real look at the way RL is governed, organised and structured in the UK, in fact, the northern hemisphere if we take into account our two French clubs Whatever does happen in the next twelve months, if the World Cup goes as well as it and the Ottawa Aces, who won’t be taking part in 2021 as initially planned. has been organised, then we’re in for a great event. Can we build on it? Have genuine legacy come out of it? As it was, nothing has changed. That’s no surprise. I was born pessimistic, you may feel otherwise. St. Helens won back-to-back titles, with the dramatic Jack Welsby try giving us a moment to remember forever, and, with Wigan winning the League Leaders Shield, and Richard Shaw-Wright is a Rugby League writer and podcaster heard on the Forty20 Leeds taking home the Challenge Cup, it was another season where the “big” clubs Podcast. hogged the silverware.

59 made it a good game. How Toronto Especially on my birthday, I had 40+ fans join me for my birthday and while we lost, it was a fun night.

I remember the first million-pound game we reached - I hosted a fan party at my house Came to Be (My where 16 people attended for dinner and the game. It was fun. I’d had it planned since we won the semis. Phil Caplan was one of the guests at my house and even wrote an article about it, including a piece about me eating donuts on the stairs in tears when View) we lost! I can look back at it now and laugh. Season 3 By Sandy Domingos-Shipley @SandyDShipley01 When Brian McDermott arrived at the club, I’d only heard of him in passing, but had no idea who he was really. Having spoken to people like Phil Caplan, I got to learn a I remember first hearing about the in the formal announcement lot about him and his career. I have been very impressed by him as a person since he from Martin Vickers, with the first game I attended being against Salford in the Chal- joined. I have a habit where I would only investigate people if they joined Wolfpack, lenge Cup. I remember attending that game and thinking “oh wow, how affordable as a new fan it would be a huge task to try to learn about the sport as a whole, so was are these tickets?” using Toronto players as a starting point. For a Torontonian this was a bargain. I didn’t get to see them play against Siddal but followed the match online or via the broadcast. With 3 kids and running a busi- We just looked so much more composed in the way we played, we looked more deter- ness, it was hard to fit it all in. mined, ‘steelier’ even. Like we weren’t going to be denied, and it showed in the end.

I was at every game afterwards though and I was slowly able to get the kids involved When we made it to the final again I said, “I’M NOT GOING TO MISS THIS!” and booked too, which was great! I had never been exposed to Rugby League before this game, a flight home for Friday, and then returned on the Monday. but by fulltime I was hooked! All the media furore surrounding the second game and whether the Wolfpack were My husband Mike, who hails from Leeds, had watched the Rhinos before and is a fan even going to be allowed into Super League by Robert Elstone and that indecision. As of the game. Our kids enjoyed it too. Ethan was too small at first, while Lauren is like a North American sports fan, I was flabbergasted that Rugby League had the habit of me and just loves sports, and so she too became a fan from that first game. For Luis, changing their minds during the season and doing things at last minute. Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e was the one who engaged his interested and then it was Andy Ackers, while for Ethan it was always . When Ethan was his mascot It just amazed and disappointed me that things would be so “fly-by-night.” And his “I’m for the March 4th game against Swinton, well that was the final piece of the puzzle! not sure about Toronto” comments were very confusing. It left me wondering why he had such a personal agenda, and to be honest I still say that. The kids were hooked and we turned going to watch the Wolfpack a family hobby, which was fantastic. At that point I started engaging with many expats to join up Second Million Pound Game with us at the games. Some of my friends like Don and Ian had been to the Siddal None of my friends knew I was going apart from one, so when I turned up at Lamp- game, but I only met them once I started posting on Facebook “I’m going to the ort Stadium people were shocked! Their reaction was hilarious. I spent most of the game who wants to join me” and the group just grew larger and larger, It was amaz- game walking around the stadium spending some time with different groups of friends. ing! Our U.K. fan base spread as far as Scotland to Portsmouth, which is awesome! At half time with the game in the balance I said to my friend Caroline, “NOT Again!” I was so nervous, but then when we scored in the second half and it calmed my nerves. I, and many others, saw it as a great opportunity to be more than just about the Thank God! Rugby League. We created our own community which was evident in the U.K. fan page we set up. My friend James created it and I took over the running of it daily. Winning the Million Pound Game I have a great memory from that first season. We were in Toronto and saw some The atmosphere was electric! I lost my voice for a week! I was invited to go onto the of the players at a Blue Jays game. A member of the club invited us to watch Toronto Breakfast Show to talk about the final and what happens next, but my voice them during a training session. It was pretty cool. I was asking a million and was gone. I didn›t sleep before the game or after. I landed on Tuesday and went one questions and was trying to understand ’s accent, It was so straight to sleep all day. I’d never been so happy, or so exhausted. It was a massive strong for me and I was trying to translate it in my mind the whole time! relief that we’d made it on the second time. Then It began to sink in what we’d achieved - some clubs haven’t been in the top division in over 100 years of existence - for us to I can’t remember much of the first season; it was all a bit of a blur. I was just trying work our way to the top division in 4 years is something I think will unlikely ever be to catch up with what was happening! But I went to all the matches in seasons 2 and repeated. 3, including in Canada and Toulouse. The winning run we went on was fun, don’t get me wrong, but I just love the game itself and the feeling of community you can have Preparing for Super League and Sonny Bill Williams with the fans you support with. I›ve still got no idea totally what›s going on but it›s The adrenaline rush was out of this world. People who know me well know I’m an the people around you that make the game day experience. emotional sports fan and I give it my all at any game. I bet to English Rugby League fans I just look crazy! When we went to Toulouse the last time, we lost the game, but the French people were so welcoming and fun that we had a blast. To be honest I had no idea who Sonny Bill Williams was when he was announced as one of our new signings. I was reading a lot about him during the off season. Once i’d learnt The first off season more about him I knew that his arrival in Toronto would bring increased exposure to I decided to be a player sponsor because I wanted to have a connection to the club. the club and sport in Canada. It was all primed to be really special. The exposure the Because I was new, I had no emotional connection to any players, so player movements announcement gave in November shocked me, as I saw stories from all over the world, didn›t concern me too much, but the first player departure where I was really sad was even as far afield as Brazil. when Ashton retired because he had played such a big part in Ethan’s loving of the sport, so he’ll always hold a special place. While he might not be at his top level, some players name and reputation will last for- ever. He’s a character that transcends the sport he plays. Many Rugby League friends who I’ve met were educating me on SBW and couldn’t help but talk about him. Season 2 I was just so excited! I knew nothing about the other clubs that we were going to play When I met him in Castleford in January, I was overwhelmed that I was talking to him against. It’s a bit surreal having different sides in different divisions, we’re not partic- like normal and wow, he was such a nice guy! No attitude, he was just down to earth. ularly used to that in Toronto. All I knew was that we were always favourites but still didn’t know anything about our players. I can’t remember what we spoke about in those 5 minutes but when I asked him for a favour and asked if he could do a message for the fans back home he just said “Sure!” Season 2 was full of people coaching me about the game as I was very clueless. Anyone from Alan Rowley to a fan from the away team each took their time to teach me about I have always felt very lucky that as a Torontonian I was super lucky to see so many the game. It was lovely. games including games in Canada when I was home visiting. This was the least I could Even when we lost, it didn’t bother me too much. It was the company around me that do to try give back to the fans over in Toronto. I tried to bring as much of the U.K.

60 games back home to Toronto through various posts so that they felt they were involved. TORONTO WOLFPACK HEAD TO HEAD

It’s absolutely heart-breaking that SBW never got to play in Toronto. The fans are Head-to-Head Games Won Drew Lost For Against Win % some of the best and they should have had the chance. I feel a little too lucky as I 1 0 0 1 10 28 0.00% saw him at every game in 2020. I was very impressed when he went around and saw 1 0 0 1 12 66 0.00% all the fans from whichever club who wanted to get an autograph or picture. I guess he understands that he is that kind of personality. 1 0 0 1 16 24 0.00% St Helens 1 0 0 1 0 32 0.00% But if any fans deserve positivity, it’s Toronto fans. They gave their heart to the 1 0 0 1 22 32 0.00% sport in the short time it’s been around. And in a city where there are other well- known sports around, that Wolfpack managed to grow a fan base with a lot of 1 0 0 1 10 32 0.00% positive heart in such a short space of time, shows that the hunger and passion for Total 6 0 0 6 70 214 0.00% the game is there.

The downfall of the WP I’d heard things here and there regarding late payments at first, but on meeting the 2020 PLAYER RECORDS club owner David Argyle I genuinely thought he’d pay up. I still do think that. David Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 CC 5 Season Stats isn’t a bad guy in this, he’s just one whose heart is in the right place but things just came up short. That said, I was more focused on the team on-field than the back Opponent CAS SAL WIG WAR STH LEE HUD Starts Bench T G FG Pts office. I had a lot to learn on-field. ACKERS, Andy HK HK HK HK HK HK 6 - 1 - - 4 CUNNINGHAM, B HK L 2 1 - - - - When lockdown hit, to be honest I wasn’t sure what that meant for the club. No James one did at the start. But when it looked like this was not going to be a short issue, I started to get worried. DIXON, Andrew SR B L 2 1 - - - - GIGOT, Tony B FB FB B 2 2 - - - - When I saw that the U.K. Government and many other countries had a furlough KAY, Liam W W W W W W W 7 - 1 - - 4 scheme, I thought “oh ok we will be fine”, but when the Canadian government decided to not allow this scheme to be used for professional sports (Canadian LEUTELE, Ricky C C C C C C C 7 - 2 - - 8 Football League cancelled their season for this reason) then I started to get very LUSSICK, Darcy B - 1 - - - - worried because I knew that these players are not on multi-million dollar contracts, MCCRONE, Josh HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 7 - 1 - - 4 so it would hit them hard. MELLOR, Joe FE FE FE 3 - - - - - It probably hit Rugby League harder than most because of the lack of money within MILOUDI, Hakim C C C C B C W 6 1 1 - - 4 the sport. And as I saw the Canadian government becoming more strict regarding MULLALLY, PR B B PR B B B 2 5 - - - - sports games in Canada, my gut feeling was that things were going to go bad, fast - Anthony and they did. O’BRIEN, Gareth FB FB FE FE FB 5 - 1 7 - 18 So many businesses have been hit by this global pandemic. And nobody is safe OLBISON, Tom SR SR SR B B B SR 4 3 - - - - from it. When David pulled out as his cash flow dried up and we were left looking for RUSSELL, W W W W W W 6 - 2 - - 8 a new owner, I wasn›t sure if it would happen given the global crisis we were facing. Matthew

When Carlo LiVolsi came in it looked promising, but the club were still between SIDLOW, Adam PR B B B PR PR PR 4 3 - - - - a rock and a hard place. The vote is well-documented but from a fans standpoint SINGLETON, B PR PR PR 3 1 1 - - 4 we are broken, hurt and sad. So many fans see an injustice in the process about Brad Toronto and we are deflated and angry. Some have walked away from watching SPRINGER, B PR PR PR PR PR 5 1 - - - - Super League altogether and have sided with the NRL, some have gone to watch Gadwin Rugby Union, others are still fighting for Rugby League in Canada. We are a STANLEY, Chase C 1 - - - - - fanbase divided. THOMPSON, B SR SR SR SR SR 5 1 1 - - 4 Wolfpack fans are still proud to say we ARE Wolfpack supporters, not we WERE. Bodene We are a family. Just because we are a new fanbase does not reflect on how strong WALLACE, Blake FB FB FE FE C B B 5 2 - 7 - 14 our friendships are and our value to the sport. I genuinely wish that the wider sport WELLS, Jack B B - 2 1 - - 4 would see that. During lockdown I created and hosted a virtual quiz night with fans from U.K. and Canada in attendance. I’m planning one for the Christmas holidays WHEELER, Gary B B - 2 2 - - 8 to bring us back together. We want Rugby League in Toronto. We LOVE it! WILKIN, Jon L L L L L 5 - 1 - - 4 WILLIAMS, B SR SR SR SR 4 1 - - - - Looking to the future Sonny Bill I would love to see a league in Canada itself one day. I truly believe in the potential WORTHINGTON, B - 1 - - - - to be a big sport. It’s on-field product is amazing but has been let down at many Greg levels by all within the sport. Too much great work has been done in Canada with Total 15 14 - 88 the existence of the Wolfpack.

They have ploughed the field, planted the seeds in the soil and now we can either bring in the sun and water to see what the seed grows into, or just leave it to die and 2020 SEASON RESULTS we will never know. I truly hope that we see how beautiful it can be if we give the idea the nurturing it deserves. Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue SL R1 Castleford L 10 - 28 McDermott McCrone Emerald At the very least, for the 10k+ fans who feel like the game has cut them off right now. They deserve better. SL R2 Salford L 16 - 24 McDermott McCrone AJ Bell Stadium

SL R3 Wigan L 10 - 32 McDermott McCrone DW Stadium

SL R4 Warrington L 22 - 32 McDermott McCrone Halliwell Jones

SL R5 St Helens L 0 - 32 McDermott McCrone Halliwell Jones

SL R6 Leeds L 12 - 66 McDermott McCrone Emerald Headingley

CC 5R Huddersfield W 18 - 0 McDermott McCrone The John Smith’s

61 2020 ChallengeStatistics Cup & results: rugbyleagueproject.org

The traditional Challenge Cup competition started as per usual early in January with the first five rounds all being completed before the Covid-19 enforced suspension of play shut down sport across Great Britain.

The sixth Round was hastily rejigged as the Championship, League 1 and Toronto Wolfpack sides had all withdrawn from the Cup. This meant there were only Super League sides left in the Cup and just two Round 6 games leading into the Quarter Finals. Salford and Warrington produced upsets as they knocked out Catalans and St.Helens respectively. The semi’s saw Leeds knock out Wigan, while Salford pipped Warrington to advance to their first Challenge Cup final since 1968-69. Salford very nearly provided an amazing upset, but in the end fell to Leeds in a 1 point loss. If they had’ve won, it would’ve been their first Challenge Cup title since 1937-38.

Round 1 Jan-11 Barrow Is. 84 Rhondda Outlaws 6 Jan-11 Skirlaugh 8 Hunslet Parkside 6 Jan-11 British Army 26 Oulton 10 Jan-11 Thornhill 22 Thatto Heath 16 Jan-11 Distington 50 Bedford Tigers 10 Jan-11 Underbank 22 Lock Lane 10 Jan-11 Edinburgh 10 Ashton Bears 58 Jan-11 Upton 30 Jarrow Vikings 4 Jan-11 12 West Bowling 24 Jan-11 Widnes W Bank 26 Navy 24 Jan-11 50 East Hull 10 Jan-11 Wigan St Pats 30 Moor 14 Jan-11 Leigh Miners R. 28 Stanningley 26 Jan-11 York Acorn 36 Hammersmith 14 Jan-11 Milford 47 12 Jan-12 British Police 66 Torfaen 0 Jan-11 Pilkington Recs 18 West Hull 28 Jan-12 30 Longhorns 24 Jan-11 32 London Chargers 12 Jan-12 RAF 10 Bentley 18 Jan-11 Siddal 38 Saddleworth 0 Jan-12 Sherwood Wolf Hunt 26 Wests Warriors 24 Round 2 Jan-25 British Army 17 Skirlaugh 16 Jan-25 Underbank 28 Distington 14 Jan-25 British Police 18 Rochdale Mayfield 19 Jan-25 Widnes W Bank 18 Bentley 20 Jan-25 Leigh Miners R. 26 Upton 6 Jan-25 Wigan St Pats 10 West Hull 30 Jan-25 Milford 12 Ince Rose Bridge 19 Jan-25 York Acorn 34 Barrow Is. 14 Jan-25 Siddal 62 Ashton Bears 4 Jan-26 Sherwood Wolf Hunt 6 West Bowling 38 Jan-25 Thornhill 58 Normanton 14

Round 3 Feb-08 British Army 34 Ince Rose Bridge 22 Feb-09 West Wales 8 Underbank 30 Feb-08 Leigh Miners R. 20 Bentley 4 Feb-15 12 16 Feb-08 Rochdale Mayfield 6 North Wales 64 Feb-16 Barrow 38 18 Feb-08 Siddal 10 West Hull 6 Feb-16 54 York Acorn 10 Feb-08 Thornhill 20 Doncaster 24 Feb-16 28 West Bowling 22 Feb-09 Hunslet Hawks 36 4

Round 4 Feb-21 Leigh 36 10 Feb-23 London 22 24 Feb-22 18 Barrow 16 Feb-23 North Wales 18 Hunslet Hawks 22 Feb-22 20 Halifax 18 Feb-23 Rochdale Hornets 54 British Army 10 Feb-22 Siddal 10 Newcastle Thunder 30 Feb-23 Widnes 52 Oldham 12 Feb-22 Swinton 56 Leigh Miners R. 0 Feb-23 Workington Town 22 Doncaster 12 Feb-23 Bradford 22 Underbank 0 Mar-11 Whitehaven 16 Dewsbury 22

Round 5 Mar-11 Toronto Wolfpack 18 Huddersfield 0 Mar-15 Newcastle Thunder 38 Dewsbury 30 Mar-13 Featherstone Rovers 46 Hunslet Hawks 6 Mar-15 Sheffield Eagles 34 Workington Town 18 Mar-13 17 Bradford 14 Mar-15 Widnes 32 Swinton 16 Mar-15 22 Leigh 19 Mar-15 York City Knights 70 Rochdale Hornets 12

Round 6 Aug-22 Catalans 36 Wakefield Trinity 24 Sep-13 Castleford Tigers 16 Hull FC 29

Quarter Finals Sep-18 Catalans 18 Salford 22 Sep-19 Hull FC 4 Wigan 36 Sep-18 Leeds 48 Hull Kingston Rovers 18 Sep-19 Warrington 20 St Helens 18

Semi Finals Oct-03 Leeds 26 Wigan 12 Oct-03 Salford 24 Warrington 22 FINAL Oct-17 Leeds 17 Salford 16 62 2020 Super League Season Statistics & results: rugbyleagueproject.org

2020 SL Final Ladder Home Away Overall Pos Team P W L D F A PD P W L D F A PD P W L D F A Pts PD 1 Wigan 9 8 1 - 235 146 89 8 5 3 - 173 132 41 17 13 4 - 408 278 26 130 2 St Helens 8 6 2 - 217 78 139 9 6 3 - 252 117 135 17 12 5 - 469 195 24 274 3 Warrington 10 9 1 - 260 82 178 7 3 4 - 105 122 -17 17 12 5 - 365 204 24 161 4 Leeds 9 5 4 - 195 200 -5 8 5 3 - 174 190 -16 17 10 7 - 369 390 20 -21 5 Hull FC 9 4 5 - 212 233 -21 8 5 3 - 193 203 -10 17 9 8 - 405 436 18 -31 6 Catalans 6 4 2 - 164 104 60 7 4 3 - 212 155 57 13 8 5 - 376 259 16 117 7 Salford 9 5 4 - 206 177 29 9 3 6 - 148 292 -144 18 8 10 - 354 469 16 -115 8 Huddersfield 9 2 7 - 163 243 -80 9 5 4 - 155 124 31 18 7 11 - 318 367 14 -49 9 Castleford 8 4 4 - 185 180 5 8 2 6 - 143 199 -56 16 6 10 - 328 379 12 -51 10 Wakefield 8 2 6 - 168 202 -34 11 3 8 - 156 301 -145 19 5 14 - 324 503 10 -179 11 Hull KR 8 3 5 - 150 206 -56 9 - 9 - 140 320 -180 17 3 14 - 290 526 6 -236

2020 Super League Season: Best attack: St Helens (27.59 ppg - 128.09%) Total games played: 93 Best defense: St Helens (11.47 ppg - 53.25%) Total points scored: 4,006 Worst attack: Hull Kingston Rovers (17.06 ppg - 79.20%) Average points per game: 43.08 Worst defense: Hull Kingston Rovers (30.94 ppg - 143.64%)

Round 1 Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Huddersfield 10 Wigan 42 John Smith’s

Thu Jan 30th 7:45pm Wigan 16 Warrington 10 DW Stadium Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Hull FC 29 Catalans 34 KCOM Stadium Fri Jan 31st 7:45pm Hull KR 30 Wakefield 12 KCOM Craven Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Salford 12 Wakefield 22 AJ Bell Stadium Fri Jan 31st 7:45pm St Helens 48 Salford 8 Totally Wicked Round 6 Sat Feb 1st 6:00pm Catalans 12 Huddersfield 32 Gilbert Brutus Fri Mar 6th 7:45pm St Helens 10 Huddersfield 12 Totally Wicked Sun Feb 2nd 4:45pm Leeds 4 Hull FC 30 Headingley Fri Mar 6th 7:45pm Wakefield 26 Hull FC 27 Mobile Rocket

Round 2 Fri Mar 6th 7:45pm Warrington 9 Castleford 8 Halliwell Jones

Thu Feb 6th 7:45pm Warrington 19 St Helens 0 Halliwell Jones Sat Mar 7th 5:00pm Catalans 30 Salford 14 Gilbert Brutus Fri Feb 7th 7:45pm Castleford 16 Wigan 12 Mend-a-Hose Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Wigan 30 Hull KR 16 DW Stadium Fri Feb 7th 7:45pm Hull FC 25 Hull KR 16 KCOM Stadium Round 7

Round 3 Thu Mar 12th 7:45pm Hull FC 4 Warrington 38 KCOM Stadium

Fri Feb 14th 7:45pm Leeds 52 Hull KR 10 Headingley Fri Mar 13th 7:45pm Salford 18 Wigan 14 AJ Bell Stadium Fri Feb 14th 7:45pm Salford 10 Huddersfield 12 AJ Bell Stadium Sun Mar 15th 3:30pm Castleford 28 St Helens 14 Mend-a-Hose Sat Feb 15th 5:00pm Catalans 36 Castleford 18 Gilbert Brutus Round 2 Sun Feb 16th 3:00pm Hull FC 18 St Helens 32 KCOM Stadium Sun Aug 2nd 6:30pm Huddersfield 26 Leeds 27 Headingley

Sun Feb 16th 3:00pm Wakefield 18 Warrington 8 Mobile Rocket Round 4

Round 4 Sun Aug 2nd 4:15pm St Helens 34 Catalans 6 Headingley

Fri Feb 21st 7:45pm Castleford 32 Wakefield 15 Mend-a-Hose Round 8

Fri Feb 21st 7:45pm Hull KR 4 Huddersfield 22 KCOM Craven Sat Aug 8th 4:15pm Castleford 14 Catalans 40 Headingley Sat Feb 22nd 2:00pm Salford 8 Leeds 22 AJ Bell Stadium Sat Aug 8th 6:30pm Warrington 40 Hull KR 10 Headingley Sun Feb 23rd 3:00pm Wigan 26 Hull FC 12 DW Stadium Sun Aug 9th 6:30pm Leeds 0 St Helens 48 Headingley Round 5 Sun Aug 9th 1:00pm Salford 54 Hull FC 18 Headingley Thu Feb 27th 7:45pm Hull KR 8 Castleford 28 KCOM Craven Sun Aug 9th 3:15pm Wakefield 22 Wigan 23 Headingley Fri Feb 28th 7:45pm Leeds 36 Warrington 0 Headingley

63 Round 9 Round 18

Sat Aug 15th 6:00pm Huddersfield 18 Warrington 19 Totally Wicked Thu Oct 8th 7:45pm Hull FC 22 Leeds 40 Headingley

Sat Aug 15th 4:00pm Wakefield 0 Catalans 58 Totally Wicked Round 15

Sun Aug 16th 4:00pm St Helens 10 Castleford 0 Totally Wicked Fri Oct 9th 6:15pm Catalans 34 Hull KR 4 Gilbert Brutus Sun Aug 16th 6:00pm Wigan 28 Leeds 10 Totally Wicked Fri Oct 9th 5:30pm Wakefield 16 St Helens 20 Headingley Round 10 Fri Oct 9th 7:45pm Warrington 14 Wigan 18 Headingley

Sat Aug 29th 6:30pm Leeds 50 Salford 12 Halliwell Jones Round 16

Sun Aug 30th 4:15pm Huddersfield 12 Hull FC 31 Halliwell Jones Tue Oct 13th 5:30pm Hull FC 18 Huddersfield 16 Halliwell Jones Sun Aug 30th 1:00pm Hull KR 18 St Helens 32 Halliwell Jones Tue Oct 13th 2:00pm Hull KR 24 Salford 22 Halliwell Jones Sun Aug 30th 6:30pm Warrington 36 Wakefield 0 Halliwell Jones Tue Oct 13th 7:00pm Warrington 32 Leeds 6 Halliwell Jones Round 18 Thu Oct 15th 7:00pm St Helens 48 Wakefield 6 Halliwell Jones

Sun Aug 30th 4:15pm Wigan 30 Castleford 22 Halliwell Jones Round 15

Round 11 Sun Oct 18th 3:00pm Hull FC 48 Castleford 6 KCOM Stadium

Thu Sep 3rd 6:00pm Hull KR 34 Wigan 18 Headingley Round 17

Thu Sep 3rd 8:15pm Salford 30 Castleford 37 Headingley Thu Oct 22nd 5:00pm Castleford 38 Hull KR 24 Totally Wicked Fri Sep 4th 6:00pm Huddersfield 6 St Helens 54 Headingley Thu Oct 22nd 8:00pm Huddersfield 14 Wakefield 18 Totally Wicked Fri Sep 4th 8:15pm Warrington 37 Hull FC 12 Headingley Fri Oct 23rd 7:00pm St Helens 40 Leeds 8 Totally Wicked

Round 12 Fri Oct 23rd 5:00pm Wigan 58 Salford 12 Totally Wicked

Thu Sep 10th 8:15pm Castleford 10 Warrington 12 Totally Wicked Round 18

Thu Sep 10th 6:00pm Hull FC 26 Wakefield 23 Totally Wicked Sun Oct 25th 2:00pm Wakefield 48 Hull KR 18 Mobile Rocket Fri Sep 11th 8:15pm Leeds 13 Huddersfield 12 Totally Wicked Mon Oct 26th 7:00pm Leeds 28 Castleford 24 Headingley Fri Sep 11th 6:00pm St Helens 21 Hull KR 20 Totally Wicked Mon Oct 26th 5:00pm Salford 12 St Helens 10 Headingley

Round 10 Round 19

Sat Sep 12th 5:00pm Catalans 12 Wigan 28 Gilbert Brutus Thu Oct 29th 7:00pm Hull KR 16 Hull FC 31 Totally Wicked Round 7 Thu Oct 29th 5:00pm Leeds 6 Wakefield 30 Totally Wicked

Thu Sep 17th 3:00pm Huddersfield 29 Wakefield 6 John Smith’s Fri Oct 30th St Helens 6 Wigan 18 Totally Wicked

Round 13 Fri Oct 30th 5:00pm Warrington 24 Salford 0 Totally Wicked

Thu Sep 24th 8:00pm Castleford 19 Huddersfield 31 Halliwell Jones Round 18

Thu Sep 24th 6:00pm Hull FC 22 Salford 28 Halliwell Jones Fri Oct 30th 5:00pm Warrington 19 Huddersfield 12 Totally Wicked

Thu Sep 24th 2:00pm Hull KR 16 Leeds 41 Halliwell Jones Round 11

Fri Sep 25th 6:00pm Warrington 30 Catalans 16 Halliwell Jones Sun Nov 1st 2:00pm Wakefield 18 Leeds 20 Mobile Rocket

Fri Sep 25th 8:00pm Wigan 28 Wakefield 16 Halliwell Jones Round 2

Round 14 Mon Nov 2nd 3:00pm Salford 42 Catalans 24 AJ Bell Stadium

Tue Sep 29th 5:00pm Salford 20 Warrington 18 AJ Bell Stadium Round 20

Tue Sep 29th 7:00pm Wigan 0 St Helens 42 AJ Bell Stadium Fri Nov 6th 5:00pm Wakefield 20 Salford 28 Headingley Wed Sep 30th 7:00pm Huddersfield 32 Hull KR 22 John Smith’s Fri Nov 6th 7:00pm Wigan 19 Huddersfield 6 Headingley

Wed Sep 30th 6:00pm Leeds 6 Catalans 34 Headingley Semi Finals

Thu Oct 1st 7:00pm Castleford 28 Hull FC 32 Mend-a-Hose Thu Nov 12th 7:00pm Warrington 14 Hull FC 27 Halliwell Jones Round 12 Fri Nov 13th 7:00pm Catalans 26 Leeds 14 Halliwell Jones

Sun Oct 4th 2:00pm Catalans 40 Wakefield 8 Gilbert Brutus Prelim Finals

Round 15 Thu Nov 19th 7:00pm Wigan 29 Hull FC 2 DW Stadium Thu Oct 8th 5:30pm Huddersfield 16 Salford 24 Headingley Fri Nov 20th 7:45pm St Helens 48 Catalans 2 Totally Wicked

Grand Final

Fri Nov 27th 8:00pm Wigan 4 St Helens 8 KCOM Stadium

64 2020 St Helens edge Wigan in instant classic to win Grand Final Justin Davies @JustDavies90 Super League Grand Final Report courtesy of LeagueUnlimited.com Wigan Warriors St Helens

James Graham went out a winner as St Helens were crowned back-to-back Champions 8-4 in a drama-filled Super League Grand Final against Wigan Warriors. 4 8 Probably fitting that the 2020 year in Rugby League ended with a 19-year old scoring the match winner off a missed field goal. Both St Helens and Wigan slugged Halftime Score 0 2 their guts out for 80 minutes and it was an effort play from Saints forward Jack Welsby dive over as Saints were crowned Champions again. Match Scoresheet Tries Jake Bibby Jack Welsby It was a record breaking eighth title for Saint Helens. The side has been the class outfit of Super League in recent seasons and whilst they were made to dig deep against a rugged Wigan Warriors side, there is an old saying which rang true again - Goals Zak Hardaker (0/2) (2/2) “Never Write off Saints.” Teams The game was resembled in the two champions in James Graham and Sean O’Loughlin who took the field for their final game of rugby league. It was tough, Fullback 6 1 Lachlan Coote uncompromising and fought right to the end. The first half was played almost Wing 23 Jake Bibby 2 Thomas Makinson exclusively in the Warriors half as the only points were a Lachlan Coote penalty goal for Saints to make it 2-nil. Centre 1 Zak Hardaker 3

The usually slick attack of the Saints looked rushed in the first half. Centre 4 Oliver Gildart 22 Jack Welsby tried to spark his side with several restarts but the Wigan defense kept turning up. Wing 5 5 These two played out another tough contest which Wigan edged to take the League Leaders shield so tonight was no surprise. Five-Eighth 7 6 Jonny Lomax

In the second half, the roles were reversed. Wigan turned the screw and scored what Halfback 7 7 looked like the match winner in the 65th minute. A sweep play to the right side saw Front Row 19 Joe Bullock 8 Jake Bibby dive over to make it 4-2 Wigan. It was set up by Bevan French, who was steady under the high ball all game and desevered to go out a winner. Hooker 9 9 (c)

Another inspirational member of this special St Helens side was awarded the Harry Front Row 38 10 James Graham Sunderland Medal in hooker James Roby. He racked up 60 tackles in a tireless Second Row 11 11 performance and is another star in the galaxy of performance from both sides tonight. Second Row 12 20 James Bentley

Fairytale endings are rare in Rugby League but James Graham gets his. The Lock 17 14 inspirational forward bowed out after almost 500 games of Rugby League and the emotion shown by the prop at the full-time whistle shows what the game is all about. Bench 8 12 Whilst Wigan stalwart Sean O’Loughlin won’t do the same, he is a legend of the game and will be missed by Wigan and Rugby League fans. Bench 15 13 Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook Bench 13 Sean O’Loughlin (c) 16 Matty Lees Saints leveled up the contest at 4-4 in the 72nd minute after Coote kicked his second penalty goal of the night. had a wild shot at field goal which Bench 16 17 gifted Wigan a chance to put the game to bed. Zac Hardaker who earlier hit the crossbar with a conversion, failed to make the distance and kept the game in the Coach balance. Date Friday, November 27th, 2020 Referee Chris Kendall 2020 has been a tough year for everyone in society. Rugby league hasn’t been immune and the ability for those players to put on that contest tonight is a testament Kick Off 8:00 PM (local time) Venue KCOM Stadium to the power of rugby league and we hope the fans wherever they were enjoyed that wonderful game.

65 Castleford Tigers

and Bradley Martin (Bench) played their first and only game against Hull KR, while Sam SEASON REVIEW Hall appeared in Castleford’s win over Wigan at the start of the year, winger Bradley By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org Graham played against Hull FC and fellow wing man Jack Sanderson played in 3 games, scoring a try on debut. The Tigers season started out well as they picked up early wins over heavyweights Wigan and St.Helens to sit in 4th place when the game went into lockdown. Sadly for Castleford Looking Ahead though, their season went south fast after the resumption, as they scored just two Castleford have made some astute tweaks to their roster for 2021. Niall Evalds is a big wins, which saw them slip out of the top 4, then they went into freefall, first out of finals addition while will improve the side’s depth, as will his Giants team mate contention and then further south towards the bottom 4. who will be on loan to the Tigers. Lewis Bienek from Hull FC will also move to Castleford. For a team that had spent all of their previous 6 seasons sitting firmly in the top 6, 2020 came as quite a shock to see the club have its worst season ever under coach Daryl The club has lost Mike McMeeken to Catalans and have let Junior Moors go. Bailey Powell. Hodgson, Lewis Carr, Calum Turner and are also all departing, taking up places in Championship sides next year. Yet despite the sharp downturn in form, Castleford were far from easy beats. 6 of their last 9 losses for the season were by 10 points or less, giving them plenty to work from for next 2020 SEASON RESULTS season. Position: 9th | Played 17, Won 6, Lost 11 | For 344, Against 408

Turning point Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue Lockdown. When the game went into lockdown, Castleford had 4 wins and 2 losses (1 of which was by just 1 point), but after the game resumed, they had just 2 wins from 10 SL 2 Wigan W 16 - 12 D Powell M Shenton Mend-a-Hose Jungle games. There were no dramatic squad changes to explain the change in form, but for SL 3 Catalans L 18 - 36 D Powell M Shenton some reason, nothing clicked at all and they hobbled out of finals contention. SL 4 Wakefield W 32 - 15 D Powell M Shenton Mend-a-Hose Jungle What Worked SL 5 Hull KR W 28 - 8 D Powell M Shenton KCOM Craven Park Defence – Despite winning 6 of 16 games, Castleford’s defence finished up being ranked SL 6 Warrington L 8 - 9 D Powell M Shenton 6th in the Super League, just 12 points shy of 5th place. Rebuilding a team around a strong defence is not such an arduous task and will mean that the Tigers are every chance SL 7 St Helens W 28 - 14 D Powell M Shenton Mend-a-Hose Jungle of returning to the finals in 2021. SL 8 Catalans L 14 - 40 D Powell M Shenton Emerald Headingley SL 9 St Helens L 0 - 10 D Powell M Shenton What Didn’t Work Scoring tries. While their defence wasn’t the worst in 2020 (it was 4th worst), the side SL 18 Wigan L 22 - 30 D Powell M Shenton Halliwell Jones Stadium struggled to find a regular go-to player to get across the stripe. They had just 7 players SL 11 Salford W 37 - 30 D Powell M Shenton Emerald Headingley score 3 tries or more, with only Huddersfield fairing worse (they had 6) SL 12 Warrington L 10 - 12 D Powell M Shenton Totally Wicked Stadium Best Player CC 6R Hull FC L 16 - 29 D Powell M Shenton Totally Wicked Stadium Paul McShane had arguably his best season, which saw him pick up the Man of Steel SL 13 Huddersfield L 19 - 31 D Powell M Shenton Halliwell Jones Stadium award and was also duly rewarded as Castleford’s only player in the . The skilful rake has quickly become a fan favourite and widely regarded as the SL 14 Hull FC L 28 - 32 D Powell M Shenton Mend-a-Hose Jungle club’s best player in their current squad. SL 15 Hull FC L 6 - 48 D Powell M Shenton KCOM Stadium SL 17 Hull KR W 38 - 24 D Powell M Shenton Totally Wicked Stadium Rookies Castleford gave 5 players their Super League debuts in 2020. Bailey Hodgson (fullback) SL 18 Leeds L 24 - 28 D Powell P McShane Emerald Headingley

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Niall Evalds (Salford Red Devils), Suaia Matagi, Jordan Turner (both , Matagi on loan), Lewis Bienek (Hull FC).

Losses: Mike McMeeken (), Bailey Hodgson (Newcastle Knights), Lewis Carr (), Calum Turner (Newcastle Thunder), Matt Cook (), Junior Moors (released).

66 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 18 11 12 CC 6 13 14 15 17 18 Season Stats

Opponent WIG CAT WAK HKR WAR STH CAT STH WIG SAL WAR HUL HUD HUL HUL HKR LEE Starts Bench T G FG Pts BLAIR, Cheyse C C SR B SR SR C C C SR C C 11 1 5 - - 20 CLARE, James W W W W W W W W FB FB FB C 12 - 4 - - 16 COOK, Matt B B - 2 - - - - EDEN, Greg FB W W W W W W 7 - 7 - - 28 FEKI, Sosaia W 1 - - - - - FLEMING, Daniel B - 1 - - - - FOSTER, Alex B C C C C C B SR 6 2 1 - - 4 GRAHAM, Bradley W 1 - - - - - GRIFFIN, George PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 13 - 1 - - 4 HALL, Sam B - 1 - - - - HEPI, Tyla B B B B PR PR PR 3 4 - - - - HODGSON, Bailey FB 1 - - - - - HOLMES, Oliver SR SR SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR L 11 1 2 - - 8 MARTIN, Bradley B - 1 - - - - MASSEY, Nathan L L L L L L L L L L L B PR PR 13 1 1 - - 4 MATA’UTIA, Peter C C C C C HB HB FE 8 - 2 - - 8 McMEEKEN, Mike B B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 14 2 4 - - 16 McSHANE, Paul HK HK HK HK HK HK HK FE HK HK HK HK HK HB HK FE HK 17 - 2 - - 8 MILLINGTON, Grant SR SR B B B B PR B B B B B B L B 4 11 2 - - 8 MILNER, Adam B B B L HK B B B B HK L L 5 7 1 - - 4 MOORS, Junior B B B SR SR B 2 4 - - - - O’BRIEN, Gareth FB FB FB FB FE FE FB FB 8 - 3 7 1 27 OLPHERTS, Derrell W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 14 - 8 - - 32 O’NEILL, Jacques B B B B B B L B B B HK 2 9 2 - - 8 PEACHEY, Lewis B B B B - 4 - - - - RANKIN, Jordan FB FB FB FB FB FB 6 - - - - - RICHARDSON, Daniel HB HB HB HB HB HB FE HB HB FE FE HB FE HB HB 15 - 2 50 1 109 SANDERSON, Jack W W W 3 - 1 - - 4 SENE-LEFAO, Jesse B B B B B SR B B B 1 8 - - - - SHENTON, Michael C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 16 - 6 - - 24 SMITH, Daniel PR B B B PR B B PR B 3 6 - - - - TRUEMAN, Jacob FE FE FE FE FE FE HB FE HB FE 10 - 1 - - 4 TURNER, Calum W B B B HB 2 3 1 - - 4 WATTS, Liam PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 12 - 1 - - 4

67 Catalans Dragons

playmaker who looks best suited at fullback, could well be next in line to take over from SEASON REVIEW . By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org Looking Ahead The Dragons were a consistently improved outfit in 2020, with their defence quite clearly The Dragons have been relatively quiet in the offseason, but look to have already started the most improved. In 2019 they conceded 26.7 points per game yet in 2020 they their transition to a younger side. They’ve picked up forwards Gil Dudson and Mike knocked that average down to 19.9. The fact they reached the finals despite only playing McMeeken while letting experienced players and both move to 3 of 13 games in France upon the resumption of the competition only further adds to Lezignan, while releasing club Stalwarts Remi Casty and Mickael Simon, as well as David their improvement. Mead. will also be moving off to Carcassone.

Catalans reached the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup and also managed to reach With the prospects of the team returning to a normal home and away season next year, the final 4 of the Super League, despite playing less games than every other side. They they have all the foundations in place to build on the great performance of 2020 and magnificently dispatched of Leeds in the Semi Final with a commanding 26-14 victory, become even better, who knows, they may even make it to the Grand Final this time. but were dominated the following week by eventual Premiers St.Helens.

Turning point Round 14 v Leeds – The Dragons had struggled against the top 3 sides (Leeds, Wigan and St.Helens) since 2017 (7 wins and 20 losses), so when they belted Leeds 34-6, it 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 6th (Prelim. Finalists) | Played 17, Won 10, Lost 7 | For 458, Against 367 gave them plenty of confidence which then saw them decimate Wakefield 40-8 and Hull KR 34-4 in their next two games. Given they had played so few games, every loss Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue had a bigger impact on their win percentage and was also thus more likely to send them packing out of the finals. This three-game-run essentially secured their place in the finals. SL 1 Huddersfield L 12 - 32 S McNamara R Casty Stade Gilbert Brutus SL 3 Castleford W 36 - 18 S McNamara R Casty Stade Gilbert Brutus What Worked SL 5 W 34 - 29 S McNamara R Casty KCOM Stadium . The controversial Australian Rugby Union and former League player, came Hull FC to the club on essentially a last chance deal to continue his playing career and he had SL 6 Salford W 30 - 14 S McNamara R Casty Stade Gilbert Brutus an immediate impact playing at centre. The Dragons won 7 of 11 regular season games SL 4 St Helens L 6 - 34 S McNamara R Casty Emerald Headingley when Folau played, and in the 5 games where he scored tries, the Dragons went on to win those matches. SL 8 Castleford W 40 - 14 S McNamara R Casty Emerald Headingley SL 9 Wakefield W 58 - 0 S McNamara R Casty Totally Wicked Stadium What Didn’t Work CC 6R Wakefield W 36 - 24 S McNamara R Casty The John Smith’s Stadium Promotion of new talent. The fact they didn’t get to play many games at home and also played less games than every other Super League side, really hampered their ability to SL 10 Wigan L 12 - 28 S McNamara R Casty Stade Gilbert Brutus bring through any new, young players. By seasons end, the Dragons had 14 players aged CC QF Salford L 18 - 22 S McNamara R Casty Totally Wicked Stadium 29 years or over, meaning there will be some big roster changes coming across the next SL 13 Warrington L 16 - 30 S McNamara R Casty Halliwell Jones Stadium 1-2 seasons. SL 14 Leeds W 34 - 6 S McNamara R Casty Emerald Headingley Best Player SL 12 Wakefield W 40 - 8 S McNamara R Casty Stade Gilbert Brutus Sam Tomkins had a strong year, one of his best in several seasons as he spent the entire SL 15 Hull KR W 34 - 4 S McNamara R Casty Stade Gilbert Brutus season at fullback. He was at his attacking best either running the ball back or when chiming into the backline in sweeping attacking plays. SL 2 Salford L 24 - 42 S McNamara R Casty AJ Bell Stadium Rookies SL SF Leeds W 26 - 14 S McNamara R Casty Halliwell Jones Stadium The Dragons didn’t bring through any new players in 2020 due to the impacts of SL PF St Helens L 2 - 48 S McNamara R Casty Totally Wicked Stadium Covid-19. Arthur Mourgue played 5 of his 7 games for Catalans in 2020. A handy

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Gil Dudson (Salford Red Devils), Mike McMeeken (Castleford Tigers).

Losses: Lewis Tierney (), Antoni Maria, Sam Moa (both Lezignan), Lucas Albert (Carcassone), Remi Casty, Mika Simon, David Mead (all released).

68 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 3 5 6 4 8 9 CC 6 10 CC Q 13 14 12 15 2 SF PF Season Stats

Opponent HUD CAS HUL SAL STH CAS WAK WAK WIG SAL WAR LEE WAK HKR SAL LEE STH Starts Bench T G FG Pts ALBERT, Lucas HB HB 2 - - - - - BAITIERI, Jason B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B - 16 1 - - 4 BELMAS, Lambert B - 1 - - - - BOUSQUET, Julian PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR B B B PR PR 11 4 3 - - 12 CASTY, Rémi PR PR PR PR PR L PR PR PR L PR B PR PR PR PR L 16 1 - - - - DA COSTA, Alrix B B HK HK 2 2 1 - - 4 DAVIES, Tom W W W W W W W W W W W 11 - 13 - - 52 DRINKWATER, Josh HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 15 - 1 - - 4 FOLAU, Israel C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 15 - 5 - - 20 GARCIA, Benjamin L L L L L HK L L L SR L L L L L L SR 17 - 3 - - 12 GOUDEMAND, Mickaël B B B B B B B - 7 - - - - JULLIEN, Benjamin B B SR SR B B B B B SR SR SR 5 7 2 - - 8 KASIANO, Sam B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B - 16 2 - - 8 LANGI, Samisoni C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 15 - 6 - - 24 MALONEY, James FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 17 - 3 70 - 152 MARIA, Antoni B B B PR 1 3 - - - - McILORUM, Mike HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 14 - 1 - - 4 MEAD, David C C C W W FB W W 8 - 7 - - 28 MOA, Sam B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR 9 2 - - - - MOURGUE, Arthur FB FB FB B B 3 2 1 1 - 6 ROMANO, Arthur W C 2 - - - - - SÉGUIER, Paul B B B SR B B 1 5 1 - - 4 SIMON, Mickaël B B - 2 - - - - TIERNEY, Lewis W W W W W 5 - 1 - - 4 TOMKINS, Joel SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 11 - 3 - - 12 TOMKINS, Sam FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 13 - 5 2 - 24 WHITLEY, Matt SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 15 - 8 - - 32 YAHA, Fouad W W W W W W W W W W W W W 13 - 11 - - 44

69 Huddersfield Giants

the back end of the season, holding down his spot on the bench for 5 weeks. Young rake SEASON REVIEW Reiss Butterworth got promoted to Super League in 2020 after spending a few years in By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org League 1 and Championship.

The Giants exploded out of the blocks to start the year, scoring three consecutive solid Looking Ahead wins before suffering a heavy loss to Wigan. They bounced back magnificently with a hard Interim coach Luke Robinson has been replaced by former Saflord coach Ian Watson. fought win over competition heavyweights St.Helens. The Giants have been reasonably quiet on the transfers front, bringing in just 2 players – from Saints and Australian half . Suaia Matagi will return to But much like the sides below them on the ladder, the suspension of the competition Castleford after spending a year on loan at the Giants. He will be joined at the Tigers by coincided with a form slump that they struggled to get out of. If not for a 3 game run in Jordan Turner. Reiss Butterworth will be moving to Dewsbury Rams, Adam Walne is off to the back half of September after their coach Simon Woolford was replaced, Huddersfield Barrow and has called time on his glittering career. would’ve been sitting at the bottom of the table. The club has shown at the end of 2020 that it has a reliable defensive unit, while the Their season rounded out with a string of 5 narrow losses in a disappointing, but not addition of Cogger to the halves alongside Sezer could see the Giants attack lift a gear in overly worrying season. 2021.

Turning point Changing coaches. Simon Woolford’s time as coach came to an end after Huddersfield 2020 SEASON RESULTS went down 13-12 to Leeds in a rather good performance, however it was the Giants 6th Position: 8th | Played 19, Won 7, Lost 12 | For 318, Against 385 straight loss. Luke Robinson stepped in and immediately saw Huddersfield win 3 straight games, before losing the last 5 games – with all but the last match decided by 8 points or Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue less (The last game was a 13 point loss to Wigan). SL 1 Catalans W 32 - 12 S Woolford A Sezer Stade Gilbert Brutus SL 3 Salford W 12 - 10 S Woolford A Sezer AJ Bell Stadium What Worked Luke Robinson. Despite losing 2 games more than they won under Robinson, SL 4 Hull KR W 22 - 4 S Woolford A Sezer KCOM Craven Park Huddersfield had a points difference of +11 under his tenure, their defence looking more SL 5 Wigan L 10 - 42 S Woolford A Sezer The John Smith’s Stadium committed. The Giants last 4 games of the year saw them keep their opposition to under SL 6 W 12 - 10 S Woolford A Sezer Totally Wicked Stadium 20 points. This consistently reliable defence is a great platform for the club to work from St Helens in 2021. CC 5R Toronto L 0 - 18 S Woolford A Sezer The John Smith’s Stadium SL 2 Leeds L 26 - 27 S Woolford A Sezer Emerald Headingley What Didn’t Work Simon Woolford. Unfortunately the Australian coach was unable to replicate the success SL 9 Warrington L 18 - 19 S Woolford A Sezer Totally Wicked Stadium he had in his debut season where he won 12 of his opening 14 games, before losing the SL 10 Hull FC L 12 - 31 S Woolford L Cudjoe Halliwell Jones Stadium last 5 games. 2019 was much worse with some very patchy form and 2020 looked to be SL 11 St Helens L 6 - 54 S Woolford L Cudjoe Emerald Headingley a repeat of that. The club opted to go in a different direction and the performance of the side under Robinson appeared to justify the decision to axe Woolford. SL 12 Leeds L 12 - 13 S Woolford A Sezer Totally Wicked Stadium SL 7 Wakefield W 29 - 6 L Robinson A Sezer The John Smith’s Stadium Best Player SL 13 Castleford W 31 - 19 L Robinson A Sezer Halliwell Jones Stadium . The Australian halfback was the Giants marquee signing and he showed plenty to prove that he is someone they can build the club around. A good playmaker with SL 14 Hull KR W 32 - 22 L Robinson A Sezer The John Smith’s Stadium a very handy kicking game and a high accuracy as a goal kicker makes him a must have SL 15 Salford L 16 - 24 L Robinson A Sezer Emerald Headingley in this side. SL 16 Hull FC L 16 - 18 L Robinson A Sezer Halliwell Jones Stadium Rookies SL 17 Wakefield L 14 - 18 L Robinson A Sezer Totally Wicked Stadium Teenage winger Dominic Young made his debut in 2019, however only played the one SL 18 Warrington L 12 - 19 L Robinson A Sezer Totally Wicked Stadium game, a feat he repeated in 2020, both times playing against St Helens. Back Rower Owen SL 20 Wigan L 6 - 19 L Robinson A Sezer Emerald Headingley Trout who made his debut with the Rhinos last year turned out in 6 games for the Giants at

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Jack Ashworth (St Helens), Jack Cogger (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ricky Leutele (Melbourne Storm), (Hull FC).

Losses: Jordan Turner, Suaia Matagi (both Castleford Tigers, Matagi on loan), Reiss Butterworth (Dewsbury Rams), Adam Walne (), Akuila Uate (retired).

70 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 3 4 5 6 CC 5 2 9 10 11 12 7 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 Season Stats

Opponent CAT SAL HKR WIG STH TOR LEE WAR HUL STH LEE WAK CAS HKR SAL HUL WAK WAR WIG Starts Bench T G FG Pts BUTTERWORTH, Reiss B HK B 1 2 - - - - CLOUGH, Paul B B B B L L 2 4 1 - - 4 CUDJOE, Leroy C C C C C C C C C C C C 12 - 2 - - 8 EDWARDS, Ken B B B B HK SR SR SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR PR 12 5 - - - - ENGLISH, Matthew PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B B 12 2 2 - - 8 GASKELL, Lee FE FE HB FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 10 - 1 1 - 6 GAVET, James B B B B SR PR PR B PR B B B B B B B 4 12 2 - - 8 GOLDING, Ashton FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 11 - 2 - - 8 HEWITT, Sam B B B SR B B PR B PR 3 6 - - - - HOLMES, Tom B HK B FE HB HB B B HK HK HK B 7 5 - - - - LAWRENCE, Michael L L L L PR B L L L PR L L SR L L L L PR 17 1 - - - - MATAGI, Suaia PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B 12 2 2 - - 8 McGILLVARY, Jermaine W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 17 - 9 - - 36 McINTOSH, Darnell FB FB FB FB FB W W W W W W W W 13 - 3 - - 12 McQUEEN, Chris L SR SR B SR B SR SR 6 2 2 - - 8 MOORE, Brandon HK HK HK HK 4 - - - - - MURPHY, Aaron SR SR SR SR B SR B 5 2 - - - - O’BRIEN, Adam HK HK HK HK SR B HK HK HK HK HK 10 1 3 - - 12 RUSSELL, Oliver FE B FE FE FE B L B B FE 6 4 1 11 - 26 SENIOR, Louis W W W FB W FB FB W 8 - 5 - - 20 SEZER, Aidan HB HB FE HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB FE HB HB HB HB HB 17 - 7 38 1 105 TA’AI, Ukuma B B B B B SR B PR PR 3 6 1 - - 4 TROUT, Owen B B B B B B - 6 1 - - 4 TURNER, Jordan C C C C C SR C FE FE HB B C B SR 12 2 2 - 1 9 WALNE, Adam B - 1 - - - - WARDLE, Jacob C C C C C C C C SR C C C C C C W C C 18 - 6 - - 24 WARDLE, Joe SR SR SR SR PR SR B SR SR SR SR 10 1 - - - - WILSON, Oliver B B B B B B PR PR B B 2 8 - - - - WOOD, Sam C C C W W W SR B B L B B W W W L 12 4 2 - - 8 YOUNG, Dominic W 1 - - - - -

71 Hull FC

Looking Ahead SEASON REVIEW The broom has been put through the roster at Hull FC with 10 players all departing. Ratu By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org Naulago is going to Rugby Union, Lewis Bienek will head to Castleford, Liam Harris is off to Halifax, Ryan Johnson has been signed by Sheffield, Kieran Buchanan has accepted Hull FC had a strong end of season run, where they won 4 of their last 5 games to storm a deal at Batley and has accepted an offer to return to Australia with the into the finals, beat Warrington in the Semi Final and reach the penultimate weekend of Brisbane Broncos. Ryan Johnson, Charlie Patterson and Charlie Graham have all been the year before the Grand Final, where they went down to Wigan 29-2 in a disappointing released while stalwart has finally retired at the age of 39, after playing 479 end to their otherwise very solid season. first class games across Australia and England, including on the International stage.

The pre-lockdown portion of the season saw Hull perform inconsistently, scoring 3 wins They have secured the services of tenacious Wests Tigers and former State of Origin half and 4 losses before coach was unceremoniously dumped, live on air by club Josh Reynolds, a significant signing for the club. boss Adam Pearson shortly after their 38-4 loss to Warrington.

When the competition resumed, Hull had appointed Andy Last to take over as coach. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 5th (Prelim. Finalists) | Played 21, Won 11, Lost 10 | For 467, Against 531 The team was besieged by continued inconsistency, best shown by their Challenge Cup appearances, which were just 4 days apart. The beat Castleford 29-16 before going down to Wigan 36-4 in a contest that they were never really in. Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue SL 1 Leeds W 30 - 4 L Radford S Taylor Emerald Headingley Turning point Two weeks after their Challenge Cup loss, because finally things started to click, as Hull SL 2 Hull KR W 25 - 16 L Radford D Houghton KCOM Stadium went on a four game winning run where they beat Huddersfield 18-16, Castleford 48-6, SL 3 St Helens L 18 - 32 L Radford D Houghton KCOM Stadium Hull KR 31-16 and Warrington 27-14 in the Semi Final. It all ended in the Preliminary SL 4 Wigan L 12 - 26 L Radford D Houghton DW Stadium Final when they meekly bowed out with a 2-29 loss to Wigan. SL 5 Catalans L 29 - 34 L Radford D Houghton KCOM Stadium What Worked SL 6 Wakefield W 27 - 26 L Radford D Houghton Mobile Rocket Attack. 23 of Hull’s 30 players in 2020 managed to score a try, highlighting the potency SL 7 Warrington L 4 - 38 L Radford D Houghton KCOM Stadium of their attack across the field. Only the two Grand Finalists, Wigan and St.Helens scored more points than Hull in 2020. SL 8 Salford L 18 - 54 A Last D Houghton Emerald Headingley SL 10 Huddersfield W 31 - 12 A Last D Houghton Halliwell Jones Stadium What Didn’t Work SL 11 Warrington L 12 - 37 A Last D Houghton Emerald Headingley Defence. Hull really were a team of two halves, of the field that is. Their attack was able to score points as easily as their defence could concede them. Only 3 teams conceded more SL 12 Wakefield W 26 - 23 A Last D Houghton Totally Wicked Stadium points than Hull in 2020, which is very concerning and a something that needs to be CC 6R Castleford W 29 - 16 A Last D Houghton Totally Wicked Stadium rectified if they are to be any hope of improving in 2021. CC QF Wigan L 4 - 36 A Last D Houghton AJ Bell Stadium Best Player SL 13 Salford L 22 - 28 A Last D Houghton Halliwell Jones Stadium was an absolute standout for the Hull side in 2020, as seen by him SL 14 Castleford W 32 - 28 A Last S Taylor Mend-a-Hose Jungle picking up 3 of the 5 performance related club awards at the end of the year. He secured the clubs Player of the year award as well as the Player’s Player award and Try of the year. SL 18 Leeds L 22 - 40 A Last M Sneyd Emerald Headingley SL 16 Huddersfield W 18 - 16 A Last M Sneyd Halliwell Jones Stadium Rookies SL 15 Castleford W 48 - 6 A Last M Sneyd KCOM Stadium Young half Ben McNamara made his Super League debut in 2020, appearing in 4 games, winning 3 of them in what was a confidence boosting start to his senior career. He was the SL 19 Hull KR W 31 - 16 A Last D Houghton Totally Wicked Stadium only Super League debutant for the club in 2020. SL SF Warrington W 27 - 14 A Last D Houghton Halliwell Jones Stadium SL PF Wigan L 2 - 29 A Last D Houghton DW Stadium

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers).

Losses: Ratu Naulago (Bristol Bears RU), Lewis Bienek (Castleford Tigers), Josh Jones, (Huddersfield Giants), Liam Harris (Halifax), Ryan Johnson (Sheffield Eagles), Kieran Buchanan (), Gareth Ellis (retired), Albert Kelly, Ryan Johnson, Charlie Patterson, Charlie Graham (all released).

72 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 CC 6 CC Q 13 14 18 16 15 19 SF PF Season Stats

Opponent LEE HKR STH WIG CAT WAK WAR SAL HUD WAR WAK CAS WIG SAL CAS LEE HUD CAS HKR WAR WIG Starts Bench T G FG Pts BIENEK, Lewis B - 1 - - - - BOWDEN, Josh B B B B B PR L B B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 11 7 2 - - 8 BROWN, Jack B B PR B B B B B B 1 8 2 - - 8 BUCHANAN, Kieran W W W B B FB 4 2 2 - - 8 CATOR, Joe L B L L L L B L L L L L L 11 2 1 - - 4 CONNOR, Jake FE FE FE FE C B FE HB HB FE HB HB FB FE FE FB FB FB 17 1 4 15 1 47 ELLIS, Gareth L L B L B PR PR PR 6 2 - - - - FARAIMO, Bureta W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 15 - 5 - - 20 FASH, Brad B L B B PR L PR PR PR B B L B B B B B 7 10 - - - - FONUA, Mahe B C C W W W W B B C B W C C C C C C C 15 4 7 - - 28 GRIFFIN, Josh C C SR C C C C C C C C C C SR SR C C C 18 - 5 3 - 26 HOUGHTON, Danny HK HK HK HK HK HK HK B B HK B B HK B B B B 9 8 2 - - 8 JOHNSTONE, Jordan HK B B B B B HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 12 5 1 - - 4 JONES, Josh SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 7 - - - - - KELLY, Albert FE FE FE FE FE HB FE FE 8 - 4 - - 16 LANE, Jordan B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 11 1 3 - - 12 MATONGO, Masi B B B B PR 1 4 - - - - MA’U, Manu SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 13 - 3 - - 12 McNAMARA, Ben B FE B FE 2 2 1 - - 4 NAULAGO, Ratu W W W W W W W W W W W 11 - 8 - - 32 SAO, Liligiifo PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR B B L B PR PR PR B B B 11 7 1 - - 4 SATAE, Tevita B B B B PR B B B B B PR B B B B B B B 2 16 2 - - 8 SAVELIO, Andre B L L SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 10 2 4 - - 16 SCOTT, Cameron C W W W 4 - 1 - - 4 SHAUL, Jamie FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 14 - 7 - 1 29 SNEYD, Marc HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB FE HB HB HB HB HB HB 17 - 2 56 5 125 SWIFT, Adam W W W W W 5 - 3 - - 12 TAYLOR, Scott PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 11 - - - - - TUIMAVAVE, Carlos C C C B C C C C C C C FE C C C C C FE FE 18 1 8 - - 32 WYNNE, Connor FB FB B 2 1 - - - - 73 Hull KR

just his 4th season in the Super League, had a standout season and looks set to become SEASON REVIEW one of the top rakes in the competition in the near future. By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org Looking Ahead Hull KR weren’t expected to be world beaters in 2020, far from it. After narrowly evading The club has made some huge signings moving into 2021 and they had to! Korbin Sims relegation at the end of 2020 thanks solely to having a less woeful points difference than will join the forward pack from the St.George-Illawarra Dragons, while Albert Vete from the , it was expected that they would be next to drop down, especially the Melbourne Storm and Ryan Hall from the Sydney Roosters, will both be lining up for given the newly promoted Toronto Wolfpack had dominated the Championship. the Red and Whites next year. The side will also have 20-year-old Muizz Mustapha on loan from the Rhinos. The side has had a major clean out of players too, with , The Rovers though opened the season with a solid 30-12 win over Wakefield, but sadly, Matty Gee, and Nathaniel Peteru all departing for the newly promoted that’s where their season peaked. They lost their 5 games before the competition was Leigh Centurions. , Dan Murray and Will Oakes are all heading to new clubs, shut down due to the Coronavirus. while the loans for Elliot Wallis and Harvey Livett have both ended. and Weller Hauraki have both been released. Three weeks after the resumption, the Rovers scored just their 7th win in 30 games against Wigan, with an emphatic 34-18 victory. It would be a month before their next and 2020 SEASON RESULTS final win of the season, over Salford. Position: 11th | Played 19, Won 4, Lost 15 | For 330, Against 593 Hull KR finished at the bottom of the table, but will not be relegated, giving them yet another chance to redeem themselves in 2021. Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue SL 1 Wakefield W 30 - 12 T Smith J Ellis KCOM Craven Park Turning point Round 3 vs Leeds – After a promising start where they beat Wakefield before going down SL 2 Hull FC L 16 - 25 T Smith J Ellis KCOM Stadium in a tight local derby with Hull FC, The Rovers looked to have improved on 2019. But SL 3 Leeds L 10 - 52 T Smith D Hadley Emerald Headingley Leeds soon set the record straight as they scored a 52-10 win. Hull KR lost their next 6 SL 4 Huddersfield L 4 - 22 T Smith D Hadley KCOM Craven Park games, conceding 204 points (an average of 34 per game) and never recovered. SL 5 Castleford L 8 - 28 T Smith D Hadley KCOM Craven Park What Worked SL 6 Wigan L 16 - 30 T Smith R Brierley DW Stadium Very little. Their attack and defence both worsened compared to last year, however the CC R5 Leigh W 22 - 19 T Smith W Hauraki KCOM Craven Park one small glimmer of light came in the form of , who bagged 11 tries in 12 games. SL 8 Warrington L 10 - 40 T Smith W Hauraki Emerald Headingley SL 10 St Helens L 18 - 32 T Smith W Hauraki Halliwell Jones Stadium What didn’t work SL 11 W 34 - 18 T Smith W Hauraki Emerald Headingley Their attack was almost 2 points per game worse than last year, while their defence was Wigan over 4 points per game worse. Coach Tony Smith has a lot of work to do and only has a SL 12 St Helens L 20 - 21 T Smith W Hauraki Totally Wicked Stadium very short off-season in which to do it. CC QF Leeds L 18 - 48 T Smith W Hauraki Totally Wicked Stadium

Best Player SL 13 Leeds L 16 - 41 T Smith R Brierley Halliwell Jones Stadium . In his second year at the Rovers and has gone from strength to strength. SL 14 Huddersfield L 22 - 32 T Smith W Hauraki The John Smith’s Stadium Made the transition to part time back rower seamlessly and dominated in the process. SL 15 Catalans L 4 - 34 T Smith W Hauraki Stade Gilbert Brutus He and Elliott Minchella were the standout players for the club in what was an otherwise bleak season. SL 16 Salford W 24 - 22 T Smith W Hauraki Halliwell Jones Stadium SL 17 Castleford L 24 - 38 T Smith W Hauraki Totally Wicked Stadium Rookies SL 18 Wakefield L 18 - 48 T Smith J Ellis Mobile Rocket William Tate was the only debutant at the club in 2020. He played 4 games across Fullback and wing and looked solid. Jez Litten though, in his second year at the club and SL 19 Hull FC L 16 - 31 T Smith W Hauraki Totally Wicked Stadium

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Albert Vete (Melbourne Storm), Ryan Hall (Sydney Roosters), Korbin Sims (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Brad Takairangi (Parramatta Eels), (Warrington Wolves), Muizz Mustapha (Leeds Rhinos, loan).

Losses: Jamie Ellis, Matty Gee, Ryan Brierley, Nathaniel Peteru (all Leigh Centurions), Robbie Mulhern (Warrington Wolves), Mitch Garbutt (Toulouse Olympique), Dan Murray (Halifax), Will Oakes (Dewsbury Rams), Elliot Wallis (, loan), Harvey Livett (loan from Warrington Wolves finished), Kyle Trout, Weller Hauraki (both released).

74 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 4 5 6 CC 5 8 10 11 12 CC Q 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Season Stats

Opponent WAK HUL LEE HUD CAS WIG LEI WAR STH WIG STH LEE LEE HUD CAT SAL CAS WAK HUL Starts Bench T G FG Pts ABDULL, Jordan L B B FE FE FE HB FE C HB HB HB 10 2 3 1 - 14 BRIERLEY, Ryan HB FE HB HB HB HB FE FE FE FE 10 - 3 8 - 28 CROOKS, Ben W W W W W W FB FB W W W W 12 - 11 - - 44 DAGGER, Will FB FB FB FB W W FB FB FB FB W FB 12 - 1 12 - 28 ELLIS, Jamie FE HB HB HB HB FE HB FE 8 - 3 21 - 54 GARBUTT, Mitch B B B B B PR PR L 3 5 - - - - GEE, Matty PR L B SR SR B SR B B B B SR B 6 7 - - - - HADLEY, Dean B SR L L L B SR SR SR SR SR B SR 10 3 3 - - 12 HARRISON, Owen B B B SR 1 3 - - - - HAURAKI, Weller SR SR L PR PR PR PR PR SR SR SR 11 - - - - - KEINHORST, Thomas C 1 - 1 - - 4 KENNY-DOWALL, Shaun C C C C C C C C C C C C W W C W C C C 19 - 4 - - 16 KEYES, Joseph FE FE FE B HB 4 1 - - - - KING, George B B PR PR 2 2 - - - - LAWLER, George PR L L PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR L B PR PR 14 1 - - - - LEWIS, Mikey HB HB HB FE FB B B FE 6 2 2 5 - 18 LINNETT, Kane C C C C C C SR C C C C C SR C C C C 17 - 2 - - 8 LITTEN, Jez HK HK HK B B HK HK B HK 6 3 1 - - 4 LIVETT, Harvey SR SR SR SR SR SR L B C B C 9 2 2 - - 8 MAHER, Will B B PR PR B B PR PR PR B B 5 6 - - - - MILNES, Rowan HB FE B 2 1 - - - - MINCHELLA, Elliott B B B B B HK HK B L L B L HK L HK L 9 7 3 - - 12 MINIKIN, Greg W W W W W W W W W W C 11 - 6 - - 24 MULHERN, Robbie B PR PR B PR B L L B PR B L B 7 6 1 - - 4 MURRAY, Daniel PR PR FE PR PR B PR B B B B B B PR 7 7 - - - - PARCELL, Matt HK HK HK HK B HK HK HK B HK HK 9 2 5 - - 20 PETERU, Nathaniel PR PR B B B SR B SR SR 5 4 - - - - QUINLAN, Adam FB FB FB FB FB 5 - 3 - - 12 RAWSTHORN, Nick C W C W W W 6 - 1 - - 4 RYAN, Ethan W W W W W W 6 - 3 - - 12 STORTON, Matthew SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 10 1 - - - - TATE, William FB W W FB 4 - 1 - - 4 TROUT, Kyle B B B B B B B B B B B - 11 - - - -

75 Leeds Rhinos

all played 3 games each while hooker Jarrod O’Connor and back rower Sam Walters both SEASON REVIEW played 4 matches. By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org Looking Ahead After two below-standard seasons for the successful Leeds outfit, where they ran 9th in Leeds have let a few players go, seemingly to free up space for some juniors and to 2018 and 8th in 2019, programming returned to normal in 2020 as the Rhinos camped build up some capital in order to buy some prominent players down the line. Adam themselves in the top 4 for the majority of the season. Cuthbertson’s 6 years at the club has come to an end as he moves to York, Muizz Mustapha who was on loan, will return to Hull KR while Rhys Evans (Bradford) and They won the Challenge Cup in a nail biting victory over Salford, 17-16, but their form Wellington Albert (Keighley) are both departing the club. from that point on became inconsistent and ultimately ended their Premiership hopes early. The Rhinos have yet to make any singings for 2021. Given their improved performance in 2020, they look set to remain at the top end of the ladder again for next year. Overall though, it was a better season than the previous two – with the club back at the top end of the table. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 4th (Semi Finalists) | Played 22, Won 13, Lost 8 | For 474, Against 462 Turning point Round 14 v Catalans. With Leeds having won 7 of their 10 Super League games, they Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue went into their match against Catalans fielding a team made up largely of rookies, so as to rest their stars for the upcoming against Wigan (which they SL 1 Hull FC L 4 - 30 R Agar S Ward Emerald Headingley won). The Dragons beat Leeds 34-6. Leeds again rested their stars prior to the Challenge SL 3 Hull KR W 52 - 10 R Agar L Gale Emerald Headingley Cup Final and again lost, this time 32-6 to Warrington. After winning the Challenge Cup, SL 4 Salford W 22 - 8 R Agar L Gale AJ Bell Stadium Leeds failed to win back-to-back games for the rest of the season, eventually losing their semi-final 14-26 to Catalans. SL 5 Warrington W 36 - 0 R Agar L Gale Emerald Headingley SL 2 Huddersfield W 27 - 26 R Agar L Gale Emerald Headingley What Worked SL 8 St Helens L 0 - 48 R Agar L Gale Emerald Headingley Ash Handley. The Rhinos Winger bagged 19 tries in 18 games in 2020, 14 in the Super League, which was more than any other player. His prolific ability to cross the stripe SL 9 Wigan L 10 - 28 R Agar L Gale Totally Wicked Stadium meant the Rhinos would often target his side of the field and would regularly be rewarded SL 10 Salford W 50 - 12 R Agar L Gale Halliwell Jones Stadium with points. SL 12 Huddersfield W 13 - 12 R Agar L Gale Totally Wicked Stadium What Didn’t Work CC QF Hull KR W 48 - 18 R Agar L Gale Totally Wicked Stadium Player Rotation. While its commonplace in the Super League, especially when resting SL 13 Hull KR W 41 - 16 R Agar L Gale Halliwell Jones Stadium players for upcoming big games, it can sometimes bring about inconsistency and that is SL 14 Catalans L 6 - 34 R Agar A Cuthbertson Emerald Headingley exactly what happened to Leeds in 2020. They lost 3 games when resting their stars and it hampered their chances of building momentum leading into the finals, culminating in a CC SF Wigan W 26 - 12 R Agar L Gale Totally Wicked Stadium 26-14 loss to Catalans in the Semi-Final, ending their season. SL 18 Hull FC W 40 - 22 R Agar L Gale Emerald Headingley SL 16 Warrington L 6 - 32 R Agar A Cuthbertson Halliwell Jones Stadium Best Player and Ash Handley formed a lethal edge combination in 2020 which CC Final Salford W 17 - 16 R Agar L Gale produced 12 tries in the 10 games that they played together in 2020 and 25 tries SL 17 St Helens L 8 - 40 R Agar B Dwyer Totally Wicked Stadium between the two of them for the year. SL 18 Castleford W 28 - 24 R Agar L Gale Emerald Headingley Rookies SL 19 Wakefield L 6 - 30 R Agar L Gale Totally Wicked Stadium 6 players made their Super League debuts with the Rhinos in 2020. Loui McConnell SL 11 Wakefield W 20 - 18 R Agar B Dwyer Mobile Rocket played just the 1 game. Corey Hall, Winger Liam Tindall and scrum half SL SF Catalans L 14 - 26 R Agar L Gale Halliwell Jones Stadium

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Zane Tetevano (Penrith Panthers).

Losses: (York City Knights), Rhys Evans (Bradford Bulls), Wellington Albert (), Muizz Mustapha (Hull KR, loan), (retired), (released).

76 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 3 4 5 2 8 9 10 12 CC Q 13 14 CC S 18 16 CC F 17 18 19 11 SF Season Stats

Opponent HUL HKR SAL WAR HUD STH WIG SAL HUD HKR HKR CAT WIG HUL WAR SAL STH CAS WAK WAK CAT Starts Bench T G FG Pts BRISCOE, Luke W W W W W W B B W W W W 10 2 4 - - 16 BRISCOE, Tom W W W W W W W W W W W W 12 - 6 - - 24 BROADBENT, Jack FE FE FE 3 - - - - - CUTHBERTSON, Adam B B B B B B L B PR B PR PR B 4 9 - - - - DONALDSON, James B B SR B B B B B B B B B B L B 2 13 3 - - 12 DWYER, Brad HK HK HK HK HK HK B B B B B B HK B B HK B 8 9 2 - - 8 EVANS, Rhys B C C C C 4 1 1 - - 4 FERRES, Brett B PR SR B 2 2 - - - - GALE, Luke HB HB HB FE FE HB FE HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB 17 - 4 13 4 46 HALL, Corey B B B - 3 - - - - HANDLEY, Ash W W W W W FB FB W W W W W W W W W W W 18 - 19 - - 76 HARRISON, James L B B PR 2 2 - - - - HOLROYD, Tom PR B B B B B PR PR B 3 6 - - - - HURRELL, Konileti C C C C C C B C C C C C 11 1 6 - - 24 LEEMING, Kruise B B HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK B HK 11 3 2 - - 8 LUI, Robert FE FE FE HB HB FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE 15 - 1 - - 4 MARTIN, Rhyse SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR 14 1 4 51 - 118 McCONNELL, Loui B - 1 - - - - McLELLAND, Callum FE HB B HB HB HB HB 6 1 - - - - MELLOR, Alex B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 11 1 2 - - 8 MUSTAPHA, Muizz B B - 2 - - - - MYLER, Richard B B B B FB FB FB FB FB FB FE FB FB FB 10 4 6 - - 24 NEWMAN, Harry W C C C C C C C C C C 11 - 3 - - 12 O’CONNOR, Jarrod HK HK B B 2 2 - 2 - 4 OLEDZKI, Mikolaj PR B B PR PR B B PR L L PR PR PR PR PR B PR B PR 13 6 2 - - 8 PRIOR, Matt PR PR PR L L PR PR L PR L L L L PR L 15 - - - - - SEUMANUFAGAI, Ava PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 16 - 3 - - 12 SMITH, Cameron L L L B B L B B B L L B B B 6 8 3 - - 12 SUTCLIFFE, Alex B C B SR C B C C B 5 4 1 - - 4 SUTCLIFFE, Liam C SR B C C C C C C C C C C C 13 1 5 1 - 22 THOMPSON, Bodene SR SR SR SR SR C SR L L SR SR 11 - - - - - TINDALL, Liam W W W 3 - 1 - - 4 WALKER, Jack FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 10 - 5 - - 20 WALTERS, Sam SR SR SR SR 4 - 1 - - 4 WARD, Stevie SR 1 - - - - - WHITELEY, Harvey B B - 2 - - - -

77 Salford Red Devils

Looking Ahead SEASON REVIEW Salford have made a number of signings already, picking up Wigan trio Morgan Escare, By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org Joe Burgess and Jack Wells, as well as Huddersfield pair and Oli Roberts who will both be on loan. Harvey Livett will also join the club alongside free agent Salford had 2 storylines in 2020 – the side struggling to crack into finals contention in Sam Luckley. Departing the club are Niall Evalds, Gil Dudson, Kris Welham as well as Mark Super League and the side who very nearly snatched their second ever Challenge Cup Flanagan who has decided to retire. title and first in over 80 years, but went down to Leeds 17-16. They’ve really bolstered their depth for 2021 and could well improve across the park next Salford lost their opening 5 games before finally snaring a victory against Wigan, their year, potentially building as a threat to the top sides. 8th in 51 Super League contests between the two. They won all bar 5 of their remaining games but two off field matters eventually ensured they wouldn’t play finals football. Their third last game of the year against Warrington saw Salford unable to compete. It would’ve 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 7th | Played 21, Won 10, Lost 11 | For 416, Against 526 been their 4th game in 11 days and as such, they only had 9 regular players available, as well as 2 loan players and 2 academy players, leaving them 4 short of the 17 required. Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue Warrington were handed a 24-0 win. SL 1 St Helens L 8 - 48 I Watson L Mossop Totally Wicked Stadium Four days later, the Super League deducted 3 wins from Salford due to a “failure to meet SL 3 Huddersfield L 10 - 12 I Watson L Mossop AJ Bell Stadium the terms of a financial commitment agreed to in 2013.” The decision saw the Reds drop SL 4 Leeds L 8 - 22 I Watson M Flanagan AJ Bell Stadium from 7th to 9th and out of the Premiership race. SL 5 Wakefield L 12 - 22 I Watson L Mossop AJ Bell Stadium Turning point SL 6 Catalans L 14 - 30 I Watson L Mossop Stade Gilbert Brutus The resumption of the competition. Salford had 1 win and 5 losses when the competition locked down, but after it resumed they had 8 wins and 5 losses, as well as making it all the SL 7 Wigan W 18 - 14 I Watson L Mossop AJ Bell Stadium way to the Challenge Cup Final. SL 8 Hull FC W 54 - 18 I Watson L Mossop Emerald Headingley SL 10 Leeds L 12 - 50 I Watson M Flanagan Halliwell Jones Stadium What Worked Their ability to win tight games. 8 of the Reds wins in 2020 were by a margin of 8 points SL 11 Castleford L 30 - 37 I Watson M Flanagan Emerald Headingley or less, while they lost just 4 games of the same margin. This clutch nature of the club CC QF Catalans W 22 - 18 I Watson M Flanagan Totally Wicked Stadium makes them a difficult opponent for whoever they come up against…except Leeds. The SL 13 Hull FC W 28 - 22 I Watson M Flanagan Halliwell Jones Stadium Rhinos racked up big wins of 50-12 and 22-8 as well as the 1 point win in the Challenge Cup final. SL 14 Warrington W 20 - 18 I Watson L Mossop AJ Bell Stadium CC SF Warrington W 24 - 22 I Watson L Mossop Totally Wicked Stadium What Didn’t Work SL 15 Huddersfield W 24 - 16 I Watson L Mossop Emerald Headingley Defence. This was a huge problem for the side in 2020. Salford had the third worst defence and third worst points difference, yet still managed to win 8 of 18 games. If they SL 16 Hull KR L 22 - 24 I Watson T McCarthy Halliwell Jones Stadium can improve this area of their game, they will become a huge threat. CC F Leeds L 16 - 17 I Watson L Mossop Wembley Stadium SL 17 Wigan L 12 - 58 I Watson L Mossop Totally Wicked Stadium Best Player had a strong season, scoring 10 tries in as many games and averaging over SL 18 St Helens W 12 - 10 I Watson L Mossop Emerald Headingley 10 points per game. He was at his absolute best on the wing where his finishing was a key SL 19 Warrington L 0 - 24* Totally Wicked Stadium part to Salford’s ability to win tight games. SL 2 Catalans W 42 - 24 I Watson L Mossop AJ Bell Stadium Rookies SL 20 Wakefield W 28 - 20 I Watson L Mossop Emerald Headingley Salford debuted 2 new players this year. Connor Aspey who played just 1 game off the * Round 19 saw Salford unable to field a side and were bench and winger Luis Roberts., who appeared in 2 games. thus handed a 24-0 loss to Warrington from the Super League

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Morgan Escare, Joe Burgess, Jack Wells (all Wigan Warriors), Harvey Livett (Warrington Wolves), Danny Addy (Leigh Centurions), Elijah Taylor (Wests Tigers), Sebastine Ikahihifo, (both Huddersfield Giants, loan), Sam Luckley (free agent).

Losses: Niall Evalds (Castleford Tigers), Gil Dudson (Catalans Dragons), Kris Welham (Featherstone Rovers), Mark Flanagan (retired).

78 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 CC Q 13 14 CC S 15 16 CC F 17 18 19 2 20 Season Stats

Opponent STH HUD LEE WAK CAT WIG HUL LEE CAS CAT HUL WAR WAR HUD HKR LEE WIG STH WAR CAT WAK Starts Bench T G FG Pts ACKERS, Andy B B B B HK B HK B B 2 7 1 - - 4 ASHALL-BOTT, Oliver FB FB FB 3 - 1 - - 4 ASPEY, Connor B - 1 - - - - ATKIN, Chris HB HB HB B HB HB HB FE HB HB HB 10 1 2 - - 8 BROWN, Kevin HB HB HB HB HB HB HB FE HB HB 10 - 2 - - 8 BURKE, Greg L L B B B L B B L B B L L B 6 8 - - - - CHAMBERLAIN, Ed W C C 3 - 2 3 - 14 DUDSON, Gil PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR B B 11 2 - - - - EVALDS, Niall FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 11 - 9 - - 36 FLANAGAN, Mark B B L B B B L L L L L B L 7 6 - - - - GILMORE, Tom FE FE 2 - 1 - - 4 GREENWOOD, James SR SR SR SR B SR SR SR SR 8 1 3 - - 12 IKAHIHIFO, Sebastine B B B B B PR PR B B B PR B PR B B B 4 12 - - - - INU, Krisnan C W W W C W W B W W W W W 12 1 12 41 - 130 JOHNSON, Josh B PR B 1 2 - - - - JONES, Connor HK HK HK HK C B HK 6 1 1 - - 4 JONES, Josh B - 1 - - - - KEAR, Elliot C B B C C B C B C C C W 8 4 1 - - 4 LANNON, Ryan B B B SR PR SR SR B SR SR 6 4 - - - - LOLOHEA, Tuimoala FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE FE HB FE FE FE HB FE FE FE 18 - 8 16 - 64 LUSSICK, Joey HK B B B HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK B HK 13 4 3 - - 12 McCARTHY, Tyrone SR SR L B SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR L SR B B 14 3 1 - - 4 MOSSOP, Lee PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 14 - - - - - ORMONDROYD, Jack SR SR B SR SR 4 1 - - - - PAULI, Pauli B B SR SR B B B B B B B B B B B B B SR SR SR 5 15 2 - - 8 ROBERTS, Luis W W 2 - - - - - ROBERTS, Oliver SR SR SR SR SR PR SR B 7 1 - - - - SARGINSON, Dan C C C C C FB FB FB FB FB FB 11 - 3 - - 12 SIO, Ken W W W W W W W W 8 - 8 - - 32 WATKINS, Kallum C C C C C C C C 8 - 3 - - 12 WELHAM, Kris C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 15 - 1 - - 4 WILLIAMS, Rhys W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 18 - 7 - - 28 YATES, Luke B B PR L B L L L PR PR PR L B B PR PR PR PR 13 5 3 - - 12

79 St Helens

Looking Ahead SEASON REVIEW After picking up former player and Test star James Graham mid-season, the gritty forward By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org decided to retire after winning just his second Premiership with the club, after his first back in 2006. Saints have also moved on and Dominique Peyroux who are St.Helens opened their season with a 40 point hammering of Salford, but won just 1 of both joining Toulouse, while Jack Ashworth (Huddersfield), Callum Hazzard (North Wales) their next 4 games before the competition went into lockdown. and Joe Sharratt (Barrow) are also heading to new clubs in 2021.

When the game resumed, St.Helens came out all powerful and destroyed all before them. St.Helens have made some big signings to bolster their side for next year, signing 3 strong They had a hiccup in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final, losing to Warrington by 2 points, players from the NRL in Joel Thompson (Manly), Agnatius Paasi (Warriors) and Sione but their demolitions of Leeds (twice), Catalans (twice) and Wigan made it clear just how Mata’utia (Newcastle). They’ve also acquired Dan Norman from the London Broncos. much better they were than the rest of the competition. It’s hard to see Saints being anything less than favourites once again in 2021. They hammered Catalans 48-2 in the Preliminary Final, advancing to the Grand Final, where they won a gripping Grand Final with a stunning last gasp try. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 2nd (Premiers) | Played 20, Won 14, Lost 6 | For 543, Against 221 Turning point August. When the competition resumed, St.Helens won 12 of their 14 games to take Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue out the League Leaders shield and the Premiership with relative ease. Saints were on a completely other level to the rest of the competition. SL 1 Salford W 48 - 8 K Woolf J Lomax Totally Wicked Stadium SL 2 Warrington L 0 - 19 K Woolf J Lomax Halliwell Jones Stadium What Worked SL 3 Hull FC W 32 - 18 K Woolf J Lomax KCOM Stadium Everything. Half of Saints games in 2020 saw them keep their opponents scoreline in single digits, 3 of each were scoreless and 4 were tryless. Their defence conceded an SL 6 Huddersfield L 10 - 12 K Woolf J Roby Totally Wicked Stadium average of just 11.47 points per game. Meanwhile their attack was also amazing, scoring SL 7 Castleford L 14 - 28 K Woolf J Roby Mend-a-Hose Jungle more points than any other side, averaging 27.59 points per game, second only to SL 4 Catalans W 34 - 6 K Woolf J Roby Emerald Headingley Catalans average of 28.92 per game. SL 8 Leeds W 48 - 0 K Woolf J Roby Emerald Headingley What Didn’t Work SL 9 Castleford W 10 - 0 K Woolf J Roby Totally Wicked Stadium For a team that lost just 5 games all year, scored more points than everyone else, SL 10 Hull KR W 32 - 18 K Woolf J Roby Halliwell Jones Stadium conceded less than everyone else and won the Premiership, it’s hard to see how anything went wrong. SL 11 Huddersfield W 54 - 6 K Woolf J Lomax Emerald Headingley SL 12 Hull KR W 21 - 20 K Woolf J Roby Totally Wicked Stadium Best Player CC QF Warrington L 18 - 20 K Woolf J Lomax AJ Bell Stadium Jonny Lomax and Alex Walsmley were both brilliant in 2020, playing some of their best and most consistent footy, with both being rewarded with selection in the Super League SL 14 Wigan W 42 - 0 K Woolf J Roby AJ Bell Stadium dream team at the end of the season. But Morgan Knowles was the absolute stand out. SL 15 Wakefield W 20 - 16 K Woolf J Roby Emerald Headingley The loose forward was an absolute toiler, especially in defence and was duly named as the St.Helens player of the year, as well as being named in the Dream Team as well. SL 16 Wakefield W 48 - 6 K Woolf J Roby Halliwell Jones Stadium SL 17 Leeds W 40 - 8 K Woolf J Roby Totally Wicked Stadium Rookies SL 18 Salford L 10 - 12 K Woolf J Graham Emerald Headingley Half a dozen rookies made their club and Super League debut in 2020. Young playmaker appeared in 3 games, while Jake Wingfield, Matty Foster, Nico Rizzelli and SL 19 Wigan L 6 - 18 K Woolf J Roby Totally Wicked Stadium Ben Davies all played the 1 game in 2020. SL PF Catalans W 48 - 2 K Woolf J Roby Totally Wicked Stadium SL GF Wigan W 8 - 4 K Woolf J Roby KCOM Stadium

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Joel Thompson (Manly Sea Eagles), Agnatius Paasi (New Zealand Warriors), Sione Mata’utia (Newcastle Knights), Dan Norman (London Broncos).

Losses: Joseph Paulo, Dom Peyroux (both Toulouse Olympique), Jack Ashworth (Huddersfield Giants), Callum Hazzard (), Joe Sharratt (Barrow Raiders), James Graham (retired).

80 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 6 7 4 8 9 10 11 12 CC Q 14 15 16 17 18 19 PF GF Season Stats

Opponent SAL WAR HUL HUD CAS CAT LEE CAS HKR HUD HKR WAR WIG WAK WAK LEE SAL WIG CAT WIG Starts Bench T G FG Pts AMOR, Kyle B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B - 16 - - - - ASHWORTH, Jack B B B B - 4 - - - - BATCHELOR, Joe B B B PR 1 3 - - - - BENTLEY, James HK HK HK SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 17 - 4 - - 16 COOTE, Lachlan FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 16 - 10 70 - 180 COSTELLO, Matty C C B C C W FB 6 1 2 - - 8 DAVIES, Ben C 1 - - - - - DODD, Lewis B B HB 1 2 1 3 - 10 EAVES, Joshua HK 1 - 1 - - 4 FAGES, Théo HB HB HB HB HB HB FE FE HB FE FE HB FE HB HB HB HB HB 18 - 4 - 1 17 FOSTER, Matty B - 1 - - - - GRACE, Regan W W W W W W W W W W W W W C W W W W W 19 - 12 - - 48 GRAHAM, James PR PR PR L L PR PR L L PR PR PR 12 - 1 - - 4 KNOWLES, Morgan L C L L L L SR L L SR SR L L L L L 16 - 2 - - 8 LEES, Matthew B PR B B B B B PR PR B B PR PR PR PR PR B B 8 10 - - - - LOMAX, Jonathan FE FE FE FE FE FE HB HB FE HB HB HB FE HB FE FE FE FE FE 19 - 2 3 - 14 MAKINSON, Thomas W W W W W W W W W W W W 12 - 6 8 - 40 McCARTHY- L L B L B B B B B B B B L B B B B B 4 14 3 - - 12 SCARSBROOK, Louie NAIQAMA, Kevin C W C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 19 - 9 - - 36 NISBET, Tom W 1 - - - - - PAULO, Joseph B B B B SR B 1 5 - - - - PERCIVAL, Mark C C C C C 5 - - 5 - 10 PEYROUX, Dominique SR SR SR SR SR B B B B B SR B B B 6 8 1 - - 4 RIZZELLI, Nico W 1 - - - - - ROBY, James HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 15 - 2 - - 8 SIMM, Josh C C C W C C 6 - 3 - - 12 SMITH, Aaron B B B B B B B B HK B B B B 1 12 4 - - 16 TAIA, John SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B B SR SR SR SR SR 16 2 3 - - 12 THOMPSON, Luke PR PR PR PR PR 5 - 3 - - 12 WALMSLEY, Alex PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 18 - 9 - - 36 WELSBY, Jack W FB FB FB C W FE W W W B C FE C C C 15 1 9 - - 36 WINGFIELD, Jake B - 1 - - - -

81 Wakefield Trinity

Rookies SEASON REVIEW Three players made their Super League debuts in 2020 for the club. Young hooker Harry By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org Bowes played 2 games, skilful half Connor Bailey appeared in 5 games while played 3 games up front a year after making his International debut for Turkey. Since 2017 we had seen Wakefield move into being a consistent top 8 side before they dipped down to 9th last year, just a win shy of the 8th placed Leeds. The slide continued Looking Ahead again in 2020 as they dropped down to second last and seemingly are finding themselves Wakefield have picked up talented young half Mason Lino from the Newcastle Knights. slipping down to the all-too familiar territory of the bottom 3. Since joining the Super Lino is an accomplished goal kicker, having kicked 64 goals at 84.21% in the NRL, and League in 1999, Trinity have had just 7 seasons where they have finished higher than 8th. possesses a clever kicking game. He’s also played 3 Tests for Samoa. The side has lost some experienced campaigners in , Craig Kopczak, and The year started reasonably well as they scored 2 wins from their opening 5 games, but , while Daniel Barcoe and Harry Dodd will also be leaving the club. the suspension of the competition destroyed their season. When the game resumed, Wakefield went on a 9 game losing run, consigning them to last place. Three consecutive wins against Huddersfield, Hull KR and Leeds helped them move up to second last. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 10th | Played 21, Won 6, Lost 15 | For 365, Against 553 Turning point Coronavirus lockdown. It would be easy to blame Covid-19 for every club, but it really did Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue seem to decimate the side’s momentum. Wins over Warrington and Salford and a 1 point SL 1 Hull KR L 12 - 30 C Chester J Miller KCOM Craven Park loss to Hull FC saw Wakefield Trinity building some nice form, but the lockdown destroyed it all. They lost 9 straight games once the game resumed, ending their season at the same SL 3 Warrington W 18 - 8 C Chester J Miller Mobile Rocket time. SL 4 Castleford L 15 - 32 C Chester J Miller Mend-a-Hose Jungle SL 5 Salford W 22 - 12 C Chester J Miller AJ Bell Stadium What Worked The end of the year. For the first time since 2012, Wakefield managed to win 3 straight SL 6 Hull FC L 26 - 27 C Chester J Miller Mobile Rocket games at the tail end of the season. They had become notorious for dropping off at the CC 5R Bradford W 17 - 14 C Chester J Miller Mobile Rocket end of seasons as well as being inconsistent. Winning back-to-back games late in the SL 8 Wigan L 22 - 23 C Chester J Miller Emerald Headingley year had been a huge issue for the club and a key factor denying them of more finals appearances. SL 9 Catalans L 0 - 58 C Chester J Miller Totally Wicked Stadium CC 6R Catalans L 24 - 36 C Chester J Miller The John Smith’s Stadium What Didn’t Work SL 10 L 0 - 36 C Chester J Miller Halliwell Jones Stadium Attack – Twice in 2020 Wakefield were kept scoreless, a feat they’ve not previously Warrington achieved since being in Super League. In fact, 12 of their 19 games this year saw them fail SL 12 Hull FC L 23 - 26 C Chester R Lyne Totally Wicked Stadium to score 20 points, which is a big issue when you consider that the average winning score SL 7 Huddersfield L 6 - 29 C Chester R Lyne The John Smith’s Stadium in 2020 was 30 points. SL 13 Wigan L 16 - 28 C Chester J Miller Halliwell Jones Stadium Best Player SL 12 Catalans L 8 - 40 C Chester J Miller Stade Gilbert Brutus . The big mobile forward was clearly Trinity’s best player in 2020. He SL 15 St Helens L 16 - 20 C Chester R Lyne Emerald Headingley finished second on the clubs top tryscoring list with 6, which is impressive when you consider that he had only scored 1 try in his entire NRL and Super League career prior to SL 16 St Helens L 6 - 48 C Chester R Lyne Halliwell Jones Stadium 2020. His brilliant form was rewarded with selection in the Super League Dream Team at SL 17 Huddersfield W 18 - 14 C Chester J Miller Totally Wicked Stadium the end of the season. SL 18 Hull KR W 48 - 18 C Chester R Lyne Mobile Rocket SL 19 Leeds W 30 - 6 C Chester J Miller Totally Wicked Stadium SL 11 Leeds L 18 - 20 C Chester J Miller Mobile Rocket SL 20 Salford L 20 - 28 C Chester R Lyne Emerald Headingley

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Mason Lino (Newcastle Knights).

Losses: Ryan Atkins (York City Knights), Danny Brough (Bradford Bulls), Danny Kirmond, Daniel Barcoe, Harry Dodd (all York City Knights), Craig Kopczak (Featherstone Rovers), (released).

82 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 3 4 5 6 CC 5 8 9 CC 6 10 12 7 13 12 15 16 17 18 19 11 20 Season Stats

Opponent HKR WAR CAS SAL HUL BRA WIG CAT CAT WAR HUL HUD WIG CAT STH STH HUD HKR LEE LEE SAL Starts Bench T G FG Pts ARONA, Tinirau B PR L PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR L 11 1 2 - - 8 ARUNDEL, Joe C C 2 - - - - - ASHURST, Mat SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR SR SR SR SR 14 1 3 - - 12 ATKINS, Ryan W C C C 4 - 2 - - 8 AYDIN, Yusuf B B L 1 2 - - - - BAILEY, Connor FE HB B B HB 3 2 - - - - BATCHELOR, James B B SR SR B SR SR SR SR 6 3 - - - - BATTYE, Eddie PR B B L B B B B 2 6 1 - - 4 BOWES, Harry B HK 1 1 - - - - BROUGH, Danny HB FE 2 - - 4 - 8 CROFT, Jack C W C C C C 6 - - - - - CROWTHER, Jordan B HK B B HK B HK HK HK HK HK 7 4 - - - - FIFITA, David B B B PR B B B PR PR B B 3 8 1 - - 4 GIGOT, Tony FB FB C B FE HB HB 6 1 1 6 - 16 GREEN, Chris B PR B B B B B PR PR B 3 7 - - - - GWAZE, Titus B - 1 - - - - HAMPSHIRE, Ryan FB HB FE HB HB HB HB FE FE FE HB FE HB HB FB 15 - 3 36 1 85 JOHNSTONE, Tom W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 14 - 9 - - 36 JONES-BISHOP, Ben W W W W W W W W 8 - 3 - - 12 JOWITT, Max FB FB FE HB HB W FB FB FB HB HB FB FB FB 14 - 6 7 - 38 KAY, Liam W W W 3 - 2 - - 8 KERSHAW, Lee W W 2 - 1 - - 4 KING, George B B PR 1 2 - - - - KIRMOND, Danny B B B - 3 - - - - KOPCZAK, Craig PR PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR B PR PR PR 12 2 1 - - 4 LYNE, Reece C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 18 - 3 - - 12 MILLER, Jacob FE FE HB HB FE HB FE FE FE FE HB FE FE FE FE 15 - 2 - 2 10 NAVARRETE, Romain B B B PR B PR B B PR B B 3 8 - - - - PITTS, Jay SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 14 - 3 - - 12 SENIOR, Innes W W W W W W C W 8 - 4 - - 16 TANGATA, Adam B B B B B B B B B B B B - 12 1 - - 4 TANGINOA, Kelepi PR PR PR B PR PR SR PR B SR SR SR PR PR SR PR B SR SR PR 17 3 6 - - 24 TUPOU, Bill C W W W W W C C C C C C C C C C C 17 - 2 - - 8 WALKER, Alex FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 9 - 2 - - 8 WALKER, Brad L B B 1 2 - - - - WESTERMAN, Joe L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L L SR 17 - 4 - - 16 WOOD, Josh HK B B B B HK HK B HK HK HK 6 5 1 - - 4 WOOD, Kyle B HK HK HK B HK B B HK HK B B B B B B HK FE 8 10 1 - - 4

83 Warrington Wolves

Five-Eighth. Warrington has also signed Rob Mulhern from Hull KR and Rob Butler from SEASON REVIEW the London Broncos. By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org They’ve let go of some key personnel too. Ben Murdoch-Masila will return to the NRL after The Wolves had a very inauspicious start to their 2020 campaign, with their star-studded coming to terms with the Warriors, while Harvey Livett is off to Salford, Caalum Green is attack failing to fire, as they scored just 46 points in their opening 5 matches. heading to Oldham, Reece Hamlet has signed with Braford and has been released. But then it clicked, and when it fired, it was unstoppable. They surged to the top of the ladder on the back of 8 straight Super League victories before the Challenge Cup If the Wolves can perform on a par with 2020 in 2021, then they will again be in the top 4 distracted them briefly, before they returned to the winners circle, only to go down to Hull at the end of the season. FC in the Semi-Final.

Turning point 2020 SEASON RESULTS Round 7 against Hull FC. Prior to this game, the Wolves had won 2 of 5 games and scored Position: 3rd (Semi Finalists) | Played 20, Won 13, Lost 7 | For 421, Against 273 just 46 points, but against Hull, everything finally fell into place as Warrington ran away with a 38-4 win before the season went into lockdown. When it resumed, Warrington beat Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue Hull KR 40-10. They would also beat St.Helens in the Challenge Cup quarter final in a 9 SL 1 Wigan L 10 - 16 S Price C Hill DW Stadium game winning streak. SL 2 St Helens W 19 - 0 S Price S Ratchford Halliwell Jones Stadium What Worked SL 3 Wakefield L 8 - 18 S Price S Ratchford Mobile Rocket Defence. The Wolves defence was consistently strong all year, with just 4 of their 20 SL 5 Leeds L 0 - 36 S Price C Hill Emerald Headingley games this year seeing them concede 20 points or more in a game. Only Premiers SL 6 Castleford W 9 - 8 S Price C Hill Halliwell Jones Stadium St.Helens had better defence (by just 9 points). SL 7 Hull FC W 38 - 4 S Price C Hill KCOM Stadium What Didn’t Work SL 8 Hull KR W 40 - 10 S Price C Hill Emerald Headingley Closing out tight games. Despite winning a majority of their games, when it came to SL 9 Huddersfield W 19 - 18 S Price C Hill Totally Wicked Stadium matches with a margin of 6 points or less, the Wolves won 4 and lost 4, one of those losses came in the Challenge Cup Semi against Salford, just several days after losing another SL 10 Wakefield W 36 - 0 S Price C Hill Halliwell Jones Stadium tight game also to Salford. SL 11 Hull FC W 37 - 12 S Price S Ratchford Emerald Headingley SL 12 Castleford W 12 - 10 S Price S Ratchford Totally Wicked Stadium Best Player and Mike Cooper were both named in the Super League Dream Team after both CC QF St Helens W 20 - 18 S Price C Hill AJ Bell Stadium players had their best seasons at the Wolves. Cooper has long been a hard worker in the SL 13 Catalans W 30 - 16 S Price C Hill Halliwell Jones Stadium front row and has finally been rewarded for his consistently tough performances. SL 14 Salford L 18 - 20 S Price D Patton AJ Bell Stadium Rookies CC SF Salford L 22 - 24 S Price C Hill Totally Wicked Stadium The Wolves saw 5 players make their Supre League debut’s in 2020. Cole Oakley, Nathan SL 15 Wigan L 14 - 18 S Price C Hill Emerald Headingley Roebuck and Connor Wrench all played 1 game each, while Eribe Doro and Ellis Longstaff played 2 games. SL 16 Leeds W 32 - 6 S Price C Hill Halliwell Jones Stadium SL 19 Salford W 24 - 0 Totally Wicked Stadium Looking Ahead SL 18 Huddersfield W 19 - 12 S Price C Hill Totally Wicked Stadium The Wolves have made one of the biggest signings in recent Super League history by picking up Greg Inglis. Inglis was medically retired early in the 2019 season but will make SL SF Hull FC L 14 - 27 S Price C Hill Halliwell Jones Stadium his way to the Wolves in 2021, where he can play at either Fullback, Wing, Centre or Round 19 saw Salford unable to field a side and were thus handed a 24-0 loss to Warrington from the Super League

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: Greg Inglis (free agent), Robbie Mulhern (Hull KR), Rob Butler (London Broncos).

Losses: Ben Murdoch-Masila (New Zealand Warriors), Harvey Livett (Salford Red Devils), Reece Hamlet (Bradford Bulls), Callum Green (Oldham), Anthony Gelling (released).

84 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 CC Q 13 14 CC SF 15 16 19 18 SF Season Stats

Opponent WIG STH WAK LEE CAS HUL HKR HUD WAK HUL CAS STH CAT SAL SAL WIG LEE SAL HUD HUL Starts Bench T G FG Pts AKAUOLA, Sitaleki B B B B B B B W B 1 8 1 - - 4 ASHTON, Matthew FB FB B B FB FB FB FB FB B W W 9 3 9 - - 36 AUSTIN, Blake FE HB FE FE FE FE FE HB HB FE HB FE FE L HB FE FE 17 - 8 - 4 36 BRAND, Keanan C C C 3 - - - - - BURRELL, Luther B B B B - 4 - - - - CHARNLEY, Josh W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 18 - 5 - - 20 CLARK, Daryl L HK HK HK B B HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK B HK HK 14 3 4 - - 16 CLARK, Jason PR SR L L L L L B L L L B L L L L 14 2 - - - - COOPER, Mike SR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 16 - 1 - - 4 CURRIE, Ben HK L SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 18 - 3 - - 12 DAVIS, Matt B B B B B B L B B B B 1 10 1 - - 4 DEAN, Riley FE 1 - 1 - - 4 DORO, Eribe B B - 2 - - - - GELLING, Anthony C C C C C C C C C C C C C 13 - 7 - - 28 HILL, Chris SR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 14 - 1 - - 4 HUGHES, Jack SR L SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 10 - - - - - JOHNSON, Luis B B B PR B 1 4 - - - - KIBULA, Samuel B B - 2 - - - - KING, Toby C C C C C C C C C SR SR C C C C C C C 18 - 3 - - 12 LATU, Leilani PR PR PR 3 - 1 - - 4 LINEHAM, Tom W W W W W W W W W W W 11 - 6 - - 24 LONGSTAFF, Ellis B SR 1 1 - - - - MAMO, Jake C B B C C C C W W W W B 9 3 2 - - 8 MURDOCH-MASILA, Ben PR SR SR SR SR SR SR L B B B B B 8 5 3 - - 12 OAKLEY, Cole B - 1 - - - - PATTON, Declan HB B HB HB 3 1 - 4 - 8 PHILBIN, Joseph B PR PR B B B B B B B B B B B PR 3 12 - - - - RATCHFORD, Stefan HB FE FB FB FB FB FB FB FB L FE HB FE FB FB FB FB 17 - 2 52 - 112 ROBSON, Ellis B B SR B PR 2 3 - - - - ROEBUCK, Nathan W 1 - 1 - - 4 SHELFORD, Kyle B - 1 - - - - THEWLIS, Josh FB W 2 - 1 - - 4 WALKER, Danny B B B HK HK B B B HK B B HK B HK B 5 10 1 - - 4 WIDDOP, Gareth HB HB HB HB HB FE FE HB HB FE FE HB HB 13 - 4 10 1 37 WRENCH, Connor C 1 - - - - -

85 Wigan Warriors

Looking Ahead SEASON REVIEW Wigan has picked up two very good signings for 2021, with young NRL half Jai Field and By Andrew Ferguson, LeagueUnlimited.com & RugbyLeagueProject.org England Test player and former Canberra Raider John Bateman returning to the club after 2 seasons in the NRL. While the signings are impressive, Wigan will see 11 of their 2020 2020 was a season of near enough-but-not-good-enough for the Wigan Warriors. They squad departing the club. dominated once again, as they always do, reaching the Challenge Cup semi-final and the Super League Grand Final, but failed to collect any silverware. Morgan Escare, Joe Burgess and Jack Wells are all heading to Salford, and will be going to Leigh, Max Roberts, James Barran and Ben Holcroft will line The Warriors were consistently strong all year, losing just 4 of their 17 Regular Season up for Oldham, Harry Rushton will try his hand at the NRL with the Canberra Raiders, Super League games, bouncing back after every loss with a win. They dominated Hull FC Nathan Wilde will line up for Newcastle and club legend Sean O’Loughlin has retired. in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final before being beaten by Leeds in the Semi. Wigan has culled a lot of depth players, however they still have a very strong all-round Wigan went on to finish the year with the same number of wins as League Leaders and side, meaning they will be a top 4 side comfortably, yet again. eventual Premiers St.Helens. They reached the Grand Final and lost a thrilling encounter on the siren when Jack Welsby scored a freakish try to give Saints an 8-4 win. 2020 SEASON RESULTS Position: 1st (Grand Finalists) | Played 21, Won 15, Lost 6 | For 489, Against 318 Turning point Challenge Cup Semi Final. Wigan came into this match having had their second string Round Opposition Result Score Coach Captain Venue side belted by Saints 42-0. The Warriors then lost the Challenge Cup semi to Leeds. They then had 4 League games, all away from their home ground against solid and tricky SL R1 Warrington W 16 - 10 A Lam S O’Loughlin DW Stadium outfits. Wigan beat them all then dominated Hull FC 29-2 in the Prelim to advance to the SL R2 Castleford L 12 - 16 A Lam S O’Loughlin Mend-a-Hose Jungle Grand Final. SL R4 Hull FC W 26 - 12 A Lam T Leuluai DW Stadium

What Worked SL R5 Huddersfield W 42 - 10 A Lam T Leuluai The John Smith’s Stadium Bevan French. The speedy fullback was one of the top 3 best players of the year. He SL R6 Hull KR W 30 - 16 A Lam T Leuluai DW Stadium scored 15 tries in 2020, 13 in the Super League, equal with Tom Davies and behind only SL R7 Salford L 14 - 18 A Lam T Leuluai AJ Bell Stadium Ash Handley (who had 14 tries). He is pure x-factor at the back and Adrian Lam used him brilliantly throughout the year. SL R8 Wakefield W 23 - 22 A Lam T Leuluai Emerald Headingley SL R9 Leeds W 28 - 10 A Lam L Farrell Totally Wicked Stadium What Didn’t Work SL R18 Castleford W 30 - 22 A Lam T Leuluai Halliwell Jones Stadium Clutch plays. Sure, it was only 2 games where it mattered, but it cost them a Challenge Cup Final appearance and a Super League title. SL R11 Hull KR L 18 - 34 A Lam L Farrell Emerald Headingley SL R10 Catalans W 28 - 12 A Lam T Leuluai Stade Gilbert Brutus Best Player CC QF Hull FC W 36 - 4 A Lam S O’Loughlin AJ Bell Stadium Bevan French was dominant as already mentioned, which saw him named as Wigan’s player of the year and player’s player of the year. He was also named in the Super League SL R13 Wakefield W 28 - 16 A Lam T Leuluai Halliwell Jones Stadium Dream team. Liam Farrell was also a standout player, picking up Wigan’s Coach’s player of SL R14 St Helens L 0 - 42 A Lam J Greenwood AJ Bell Stadium the year award and also being named in the Super League Dream team. CC SF Leeds L 12 - 26 A Lam S O’Loughlin Totally Wicked Stadium Rookies SL R15 Warrington W 18 - 14 A Lam S O’Loughlin Emerald Headingley The Warriors gave Super League debuts to 5 players in 2020. Kai Pearce-Paul, James SL R17 Salford W 58 - 12 A Lam T Leuluai Totally Wicked Stadium McDonnell, Sam Halsall, Umyla Hanley (son of former Superstar ) and Ben Kilner. in his second season, after playing just 1 game last year, was named SL R19 St Helens W 18 - 6 A Lam T Leuluai Totally Wicked Stadium as Wigan’s Young Player of the Year. SL R20 Huddersfield W 19 - 6 A Lam T Leuluai Emerald Headingley SL PF Hull FC W 29 - 2 A Lam S O’Loughlin DW Stadium SL GF St Helens L 4 - 8 A Lam S O’Loughlin KCOM Stadium

2021 PLAYER MOVEMENTS

Gains: John Bateman (Canberra Raiders), Jai Field (Parramatta Eels).

Losses: Morgan Escare, Joe Burgess, Jack Wells (all Salford Red Devils), Harry Rushton (Canberra Raiders), Craig Mullen, Ben Flower (both Leigh Centurions), Nathan Wilde (Newcastle Thunder), Max Roberts, James Barran, Ben Holcroft (all Oldham), Sean O’Loughlin (retired).

86 2020 PLAYER RECORDS

Round 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 18 11 10 CC Q 13 14 CC S 15 17 19 20 PF GF Season Stats

Opponent WAR CAS HUL HUD HKR SAL WAK LEE CAS HKR CAT HUL WAK STH LEE WAR SAL STH HUD HUL STH Starts Bench T G FG Pts BIBBY, Jake C C C C C C C C W W W C W W W W W W 18 - 5 - - 20 BOUROUH, Amir B HK 1 1 - - - - BULLOCK, Joe B B B PR PR PR PR PR B PR PR PR PR PR PR 11 4 1 - - 4 BURGESS, George PR B B PR B B B B 2 6 1 - - 4 BURGESS, Joe W W W W W W W W W W W W 12 - 6 - - 24 BYRNE, Liam B B B B PR PR PR PR PR PR PR 7 4 1 - - 4 CLARK, Mitch B B B B B B B L 1 7 - - - - CLUBB, Tony B PR PR PR B B B B B 3 6 - - - - FARRELL, Liam SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR 20 - 8 - - 32 FLOWER, Ben B B PR PR B B B B B 2 7 1 - - 4 FRENCH, Bevan FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB FB 20 - 15 - - 60 GILDART, Oliver C C C C C C C C C 9 - 5 - - 20 GREENWOOD, Joe B B B B SR B SR B B B 2 8 1 - - 4 HALSALL, Samuel W 1 - - - - - HANKINSON, Chris C C C 3 - - 3 - 6 HANLEY, Umyla FB 1 - - - - - HARDAKER, Zak C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C 19 - 5 68 - 156 HASTINGS, Jackson HB HB FE HB HB HB FE HB HB FE HB HB HB FE HB HB HB HB HK HB 20 - 9 - 1 37 HAVARD, Joseph B B B B L L L PR PR PR PR 7 4 - - - - ISA, Willie SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR SR B SR C SR SR SR SR SR 20 1 2 - - 8 KILNER, Ben B - 1 - - - - LEULUAI, Thomas FE HK HB FE FE FE HB FE FE FE FE HB FE FE FE FE FE FE 18 - 1 - - 4 MANFREDI, Dominic W W W W W W W W W W W 11 - 3 - - 12 MARSHALL, Liam W W W W W W W W W 9 - 6 - - 24 McDONNELL, James C 1 - - - - - O’LOUGHLIN, Sean L L L L L B B 5 2 - - - - PARTINGTON, Oliver PR PR PR PR PR L L PR L PR PR L L L L L 16 - 1 - - 4 PEARCE-PAUL, Kai B - 1 - - - - POWELL, Sam HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK HK 18 - 12 - - 48 SHORROCKS, Jake B HB B 1 2 - - - - SHORROCKS, Joseph B B B B B B - 6 - - - - SINGLETON, Brad B PR PR PR PR PR 5 1 - - - - SMITH, Harry FE B B B B B FE B HB B B B FE B B HB 5 11 3 - 2 14 SMITHIES, Morgan B B L L L L B B B B B B B B B 4 11 - - - - WELLS, Jack B SR 1 1 - - - -

87 2020 Championship & League 1

The second and third division club competitions in the UK got underway as usual, however the impact of the coronavirus pandemic saw them both close indefinitely in March. Two months later, the RFL and the clubs discussed resuming the competitions but in empty stands. Most of the clubs opposed this option as it was not financially viable. On July 20th, the RFL board decided to abandon both competitions, as well as ruling that there would be no promotion or relegation in 2020.

Championship played 5 rounds while League 1 only managed the 2. The first Round of the League 1 competition was postponed initially due to the impact of Storm Ciara and then after rescheduling, some teams were playing Challenge Cup fixtures, while North Wales had to abandon their match due to a waterlogged ground.

2020 RFL Championship 2020 RFL League 1 Round 1 Round 2 Fri Jan 31st 7:30pm Dewsbury 10 Leigh 36 Tetley’s Sat Feb 29th 2:30pm London Skolars 16 North Wales 40 Sat Feb 1st 5:00pm Toulouse 22 York City 10 Ernest-Argelès Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Coventry Bears 8 Newcastle 28 Butts Park Sun Feb 2nd 3:00pm Batley 18 Featherstone 38 Mount Pleasant Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Doncaster 22 Barrow 32 Keepmoat Sun Feb 2nd 3:00pm Bradford 14 London 18 Tetley’s Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm West Wales 10 Hunslet Hawks 50 Llanelli Sun Feb 2nd 3:00pm Halifax 18 Sheffield 17 MBI Shay Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Workington 24 Keighley 6 Sun Feb 2nd 3:00pm Oldham 6 Widnes 36 Sun Feb 2nd 3:00pm Whitehaven 0 Swinton 14 Recreation Gnd Round 3

Round 2 Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Doncaster 50 West Wales 10 Keepmoat Sat Feb 8th 3:00pm Leigh 58 Sheffield 10 Leigh Sports Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Hunslet Hawks 29 North Wales 6 South Leeds Sat Feb 8th 6:00pm Toulouse 58 Oldham 6 Ernest-Argelès Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Newcastle 30 Workington 22 Sun Feb 9th 3:00pm London 36 Whitehaven 20 Trailfinders Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Rochdale 29 Keighley 14 Crown Oil Arena Sun Feb 9th 3:00pm Widnes 32 Batley 12 Halton Security

Round 3 Sun Feb 16th 3:00pm Batley 20 Swinton 10 Mount Pleasant Sun Feb 16th 3:00pm Bradford 22 Featherstone 30 Tetley’s Sun Feb 16th 3:00pm Leigh 34 York City 0 Leigh Sports Sun Feb 16th 3:00pm Sheffield 14 Toulouse 26 Castle Park Sun Feb 16th 6:15pm Whitehaven 14 Oldham 16 Recreation Gnd Sun Feb 16th 3:00pm Widnes 12 London 38 Halton Security Tue Feb 18th 7:45pm Halifax 16 Dewsbury 18 MBI Shay

Round 4 Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Batley 18 Sheffield 19 Mount Pleasant Sun Mar 1st 6:15pm Dewsbury 20 Widnes 8 Tetley’s Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Halifax 28 York City 4 MBI Shay Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm London 10 Featherstone 34 Trailfinders Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Oldham 12 Bradford 26 Bower Fold Sun Mar 1st 3:00pm Whitehaven 4 Toulouse 40 Recreation Gnd

Round 5 Sat Mar 7th 5:00pm Toulouse 34 Batley 14 Ernest-Argelès Sun Mar 8th 6:15pm Bradford 28 Sheffield 0 Tetley’s Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Featherstone 35 Swinton 24 L.D. Nutrition Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Leigh 34 Halifax 20 Leigh Sports Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Oldham 6 Dewsbury 24 Vestacare Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm Widnes 40 Whitehaven 16 Halton Security Sun Mar 8th 3:00pm York City 12 London 18

88 Rugby league podcasts

One of the most popular ways fans interact with the game in the current age is by podcast. There are hundreds of podcasts available and on this page we’re excited to share with you some of these podcast.

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89 Not even Covid could not stop the Silktails progress. The club completing construction on their centre of excellence in Suva, while players continued on in the domestic 2020 Rugby Vodaphone Cup competition and Fiji Origin Series. In December, 11 Silktails players were named in an extended Fijian train on squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. League news Kaiviti will pick up where they left off in 2021, basing themselves in Sydney for the Ron Masey Cup with international travel restrictions expected to continue (at least for the beginning of the season). This is expected to coincide with a partnership with the Sydney Roosters which will allow a clear pathway from Fijian domestic rugby league from places through the Silktails to the NRL. But it does not end there. In July another potential Pacific Island based club emerged with Pacifique Trieze announcing themselves as a potential candidate for QLD you did not Cup expansion in 2024. The club would represent the French speaking Polynesian region with development camps across New Caledonia and Vanuatu and a strategic partnership with the French Rugby League Federation which could open up a pathway even realise for young French players to the NRL in future. The Toronto Wolfpack may be dead, but Rugby League in Canada isn’t. played the Picture it; January 2021, the best Canadian Rugby League players from the West vs the best Canadian Rugby League players from the East for the first time.

The men’s and women’s match ups took place under a dome AT Lamport Stadium, great game Tornoto due to extreme cold conditions during the time of year. These matches were hugely significant, for the women it would prove an early opportunity to impress in the lead up to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. For the men, it would be the first time that many national team selectors and coaches based in the East would see many By Michael Carbone @ChasingRoosPod players from the West live.

Covid killed the Toronto Wolfpack. International Rugby League was put on hold. The The West took out the womens match 24-18, while for the men it was the East New Zealand Warriors squad spent an entire season away from home. State of Origin victorious 42 -12. A perfect start to the Canadian season and hopefully a tradition they was forced to the end of a late NRL season. can continue in future.

But you’ve heard about all of that, right? Like the rest of the world, Covid put a stop to domestic Rugby League in Canada for the rest of 2020, but this did not stop off field progress. In the west the Rugby League In this article I aim to highlight some of the lesser-known stories, news, challenges and British Columbia added a sixth club (The Whistler Wolves), elected a new board of triumphs of 2020 from around the rugby league world – From some places you may not directors and rebranded their competition and representative sides. Alberta Rugby even believe the game is played. League added a third club (The Calgary Crusaders). Meanwhile in the East, new junior clubs and masters clubs were established in Ontario despite the lose of the Toronto Africa on the rise. Wolfpack. The international rugby league family continued to grow in 2020. Particularly in Africa with Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco all earning affiliate status with Cameroon The only officially sanctioned men’s International recommended for affiliate membership. Our sports first member from Asia emerged with the Philippines earning observer status, and Japan not too far behind. Rugby League match was played between The Netherlands and Germany… Serbia’s on again – off again domestic season … just when you thought 2020 couldn’t get any stranger right? The Serbian season was paused on two occasions, finally coming to a conclusion in November with Red Star Belgrade claiming their fourth title in a row. The Semi-Pro The Griffin Cup has been held between the neighbouring nations for eight years now. Serbian club, who featured in the , defeated their “eternal derby” The Dutch winning the latest encounter in an rain soaked 20-18 thriller in Zwolle; the rivals Partizan Belgrade 20-12. Not only was this score line closer than previous third choice venue after Covid restrictions forced location changes just days prior to Serbian grand finals; Partizan managed to hand Red Star their first regular season the match. loss in four years during the season, proving that the overall competition in the Balkan nation is improving. We saw twice as many women’s internationals with a double header in Auckland in November. Tonga shelacking Niue 66-8 in the opener with an impressive Kiwi Ferns 28 Get ready for the Papua New Guineans, Fijians, and the - 8 over Fetu Samoa in the main event. French Polynesians It is worth noting an unofficial match up took place in in Sydney’s South-West in March All the NRL expansion talk is around “Brisbane 2”, but the real expansion is coming between Brazil and newcomers Peru, which Brazil won 30-14. from the pacific pathways underneath the NRL.

The recent success of the PNG Hunter side in the Intrust Super QLD Cup has opened up The 2021 Rugby League World Cup will (still) be the a pathway for otherwise unknown talent from the only nation in the world were Rugby biggest we have ever seen. League is the national sport with the likes of Justin Olam and Eden Gebbie earning We follow a sport where administration is often questioned. The team behind the NRL contracts. 2021 Rugby League World Cup however have been a breath of fresh air. In 2020 they continued to deliver funding for development programmes across the UK, announced Get ready for the flood gates are about to open! Not only is Hunters coach Matthew Pool Groups via a draw hosted by Prince Harry, and unveiled the largest sponsorship in Church unearthing new talent for next season, the Fijians are not far behind. Founded the tournament’s history, Cazoo. All of this during a pandemic! by , the Kaiviti Silktails were granted entry into the 2020 Ron Masey Cup (third tier under Canterbury NSW Cup and the NRL). The club featured in one The tournament administration led by Jon Dutton have all year remained realistic game before the season was cancelled due to Covid; a 40-14 thrashing of the Windsor about the significant challenges relating to the pandemic, particularly in England. Wolves. Despite the challenges they have pushed on, planned for the worst… I believe this is why we are in for the best tournament Rugby League has seen.

90 Hunters become the hunted Tribesmen 24-10. Undefeated in the shortened season, the Longhorns won their fourth The shortened PNG Digicel Cup proved more intriguing and exciting than ever in 2020. title in a row unleashing 19 year old Irish international and Huddersfield Giants prop, With the QLD Cup season cancelled, the PNG Hunters squad was disassembled and Ronan Michael. The young Giant returned home to his original club after his stint with star players spread across the local domestic clubs. the Canberra Raiders was cut short due to Covid.

Along the way an entire round was split and crowds were affected due to ongoing Things remain friendly in the USA changes in local covid restrictions. Attacking plays were electric and the hits were as The cancelled USARL did not stop some friendly competition in the States with USA big as any you would see in the NRL!! Hawks speedster, leading his NOVA Eagles to a 70-14 baptism to former Toronto Wolfpack trialist and Red Star Belgrade outside back Monte Gaddis’ The minor premiership and last spot in the top 6 were decided in the final round with new club, Cleveland Rugby League. the Rabuak Gurias sneaking past the Lae Tigers for top spot, and the Enga Mioks leaping Waghi Tumbe and Kimbe Cutters for a finals birth. Cleveland, one of several new clubs popping up in the USA including the Queens City Royals from upstate Vermont, and East Palo Alto Razorbacks who featured in two But like the Penrith Panthers who saved their worst for last in the NRL, the favourite Lae California Rugby League friendlies against Sacramento Immortal. Tigers ran out of gas in their grand final. The Hela Wigmen causing a 16-14 grand final upset with a 78th minute game winning try at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. Tongan situation remains clouded After expulsion from the International Rugby League and fielding invitational Yes, they play Rugby League in Poland sides who defeated Great Brittan and Australia in 2019, the Togan Rugby League The first ever Polish Rugby League Champions were crowned in October. Triton administration saga remains unclear in 2020. Warszawa (Warsaw Tritons) defeating Magpie Łódź (Lodz Mahpies) 20-18 in what was described as “a dramatic, energetic final.” by Tritons founder and former Polish An application was received from Tonga Ma’a Tonga Rugby League Inc. for full international, Wojciech “Tek” Sieczkowski. membership of the Asia Pacific Rugby League and International Rugby League. It is understood another application has also been submitted, and an official decision is yet The championship featured four clubs, who played three double header rounds in the to be processed. lead up the final played with no crowd due to covid restrictions. France go champion-less A special mention to match official, Misa Vakadranu who officiated the grand final in Season 19/20 was declared a “white season”, which meant Elite 1 and 2 Champions Poland just two weeks after officiating the international between Netherlands and would not be crowned. Germany. A man truly dedicated to helping the greatest game of all grow in places many would never have imagined possible. At time of writing, the 20/21 Elite 1 competition is 6 rounds deep with Carcassonne on top of the table and Elite 2 on hold. Meanwhile, in Samoa The Apia Barracudas were crowned Rugby League Samoa Vailima Could the Rugby Codes be working together in South Champions after defeating the Letava Bulldogs 24 - 8 at ACP Marist Stadium in Lotopa. Africa? The Northern Bulls have gone back to back. The South African Provincial Champions The Samoan season culminating in their first ever “Island of Origin” series between the defeated the Eastern Eagles 42 - 20 in Saturday’s Final in Pretoria. Upolu Maroons and the Savai’I Blues. Like their Australian counterparts, the Maroons took the final game to win the series. An interesting time in South African Rugby League History with an apparent working relationship between the two Rugby codes for the first time. While I am a little sceptical IRL working towards new confederations in Middle East- of the “working relationship” it does mean funding for Rugby League from the South African government, so I am putting my code biased aside for the time being! Africa and the Americas The Board of International Rugby League (IRL) announced a six-step process to create new regional confederations for the administration of the sport in October. Currently Greece is the word IRL has two Associate Members who represent the confederations – Asia Pacific Rugby In January the Rhodes Knights list their first Greek Rugby League Association mate League (APRL) represents, broadly, the Southern Hemisphere and Rugby League since the competition’s inception in 2014 – Going down to the Attica Rhinos 26-24. European Federation (RLEF) represents the Northern Hemisphere. The match was part of the Greek version of “Magic Round” which included the first ever women’s domestic rugby league match as well.

Euro XIII – Rebels or the Real Deal? The GRLA announced expansion of their competition with the inclusion of Tirana, In May, the administrators behind Rugby League in Spain and Italy announced a new an Albanian club would join the seven Greek clubs in the 20/21 season, but with the developmental competition – Euro XIIIs. A 16-team knockout tournament featuring season postponed several times due to restrictions the Albanians will now join the clubs from nations across Europe including established clubs like Scottish Champions seven Greek clubs in 2021. Edinburgh Eagles and newly created clubs like Leone Venuti (Venice Lions) from Italy.

The news divided fans and administrators across Europe; some sceptical and others Honourable mentions; Brazil and Russia hopeful. After their due-diligence the Rugby League European Federation decided Some nations did not let lockdowns and restrictions get in the way of their against sanctioning the tournament, releasing the following statement; development of the greatest game.

“Whilst we recognise the aims of the tournament, including the opportunity for The team at Brazil Rugby League announced the formation of three new clubs; The São increased participation in the sport - which we all seek - without the full requested Paulo Raiders, Vitória Rhinos and Minas Miners will join the likes of the Rio Warriors financial detail, we cannot make a comprehensive assessment of the competition and and Rio De Janerio Sharks in their Men’s and Women’s Premierships in 2021. its viability. Therefore, we are not in a position to endorse it nor seek to collaborate on its delivery.” Meanwhile 2020 promised a return of Rugby League in Russia including “The Cup of Russia” involving 16 clubs across the country. Unfortunately, this was also a Covid Euro XIII organisers remain determined to push on without the blessing of the RLEF, casualty, but the Russian Rugby League believe this will simply be a pause for the and while the 2021 season has since been postponed (sighting Covid19 as the reason), game, with plans expected to pick up where they left off once restrictions are lifted. clubs voted unanimously to commence in 2022 with the knockout cup competition replaced by a group stage tournament with 4 teams per group. Looking forward to a huge World Cup year. #GrowRugbyLeague Michael Carbone is the host of the Chasing Kangaroos Podcast. As well as Twitter, A young Giant begins season with Canberra Raiders, you can follow Michael on Facebook and Instagram at Chasing Roos Pod. Their goal ends season winning Irish Grand Final is to help share the stories for fans who are passionate about seeing Rugby League The Longhorns were the 2020 All Ireland Champions after defeating the Galway played in more places.

91 INTERNATIONAL MATCHES 1904-2020

Nation Games W D L F A Win % Nation Games W D L F A Win %

Aborigines 12 7 0 5 442 266 58.33% Japan 16 2 0 14 186 704 12.50%

American Samoa 14 5 1 8 408 332 35.71% Latvia 8 4 0 4 260 300 50.00%

Australasia 2 1 1 0 45 28 50.00% Lebanon 48 30 4 14 1660 946 62.50%

Australia (incl. SL) 403 277 12 114 9568 4746 68.73% Malta 29 15 1 13 814 734 51.72%

BARLA 3 3 0 0 134 20 100.00% Moldova 2 1 0 1 50 67 50.00%

Belgium 12 6 0 6 296 265 50.00% Morocco 20 6 1 13 321 752 30.00%

Bosnia-Herzegovina 2 1 0 1 36 64 50.00% New Caledonia 1 0 0 1 0 76 0.00%

Brazil 3 1 0 2 78 90 33.33% New Zealand 368 157 15 196 6689 6688 42.66%

Bulgaria 2 0 0 2 28 118 0.00% New Zealand Maori 33 23 0 10 976 591 69.70%

Cameroon 2 0 0 2 8 18 0.00% New Zealand XIII 4 4 0 0 119 45 100.00%

Canada 40 13 1 26 804 1146 32.50% Nigeria 2 2 0 0 63 22 100.00%

Chile 3 1 0 2 66 132 33.33% Niue 20 6 0 14 350 544 30.00%

Colombia 2 1 0 1 36 70 50.00% Norfolk Island 4 0 0 4 20 296 0.00%

Colonials 3 1 0 2 34 75 33.33% Norway 26 13 1 12 740 634 50.00%

Cook Islands 55 21 1 33 1006 1602 38.18% Other Nationalities 27 15 1 11 525 473 55.56%

Cook Islands XIII 1 0 0 1 17 22 0.00% 87 29 2 56 1656 2611 33.33%

Czech Republic 29 9 0 20 540 1026 31.03% Philippines 4 1 0 3 61 90 25.00%

Denmark 12 8 0 4 428 282 66.67% Poland 9 6 0 3 260 238 66.67%

England 253 171 11 71 5397 3379 67.59% Rotuma 9 3 1 5 166 212 33.33%

England Knights 2 2 0 0 118 28 100.00% Russia (incl. C.I.S.) 55 26 0 29 1247 1869 47.27% Samoa English League 3 3 0 0 192 10 100.00% 78 36 2 40 1830 1756 46.15% (Incl. Western Samoa) Estonia 6 0 0 6 86 362 0.00% Scotland 57 19 3 35 1228 1484 33.33% Fiji 76 39 1 36 1623 1758 51.32% Serbia 55 19 1 35 1166 1948 34.55% Fiji Presidents XIII 4 0 0 4 46 140 0.00% Solomon Islands 4 3 0 1 154 78 75.00% France 353 126 15 212 5291 7502 35.69% South Africa 22 4 0 18 420 879 18.18% France Espoirs 3 2 0 1 78 52 66.67% Spain 14 6 0 8 314 466 42.86% Georgia 8 5 0 3 240 203 62.50% Sweden 17 5 1 11 366 582 29.41% Germany 29 12 0 17 803 874 41.38% The Netherlands 21 10 0 11 464 615 47.62% Ghana 2 1 0 1 22 29 50.00% Tokelau 12 2 0 10 198 428 16.67% Great Britain 271 144 10 117 5138 4280 53.14% Tonga 86 46 3 37 2067 1840 53.49% Greece 24 15 0 9 894 554 62.50% Tonga Invitational 2 2 0 0 30 18 100.00% Hong Kong 5 1 0 4 94 202 20.00% Tonga XIII 2 2 0 0 44 35 100.00% Hungary 15 2 0 13 164 609 13.33% Turkey 6 3 0 3 169 143 50.00% Ireland 67 35 3 29 1775 1555 52.24% Ukraine 18 8 0 10 618 446 44.44% Italy 56 29 3 24 1722 1383 51.79% United States of America 62 36 0 26 1671 1500 58.06% Jamaica 21 7 2 12 408 551 33.33% Vanuatu 4 0 0 4 43 127 0.00%

Wales 168 57 1 110 2746 3746 33.93%

92 INTERNATIONAL RECORDS 1904-2020

Most Games Highest Scores

Player Nation(s) Pl Score by Opponent Score Year Venue

Darren Lockyer Australia 64 122 Denmark Sweden 8 2012 Copenhagen

Jim Sullivan Wales, Great Britain, Other Nationalities, England 57 120 France Serbia 0 2003 Beirut

Cameron Smith Australia 56 112 Ukraine Latvia 0 2010 Kharkiv

Ruben Wiki New Zealand 55 110 Australia Russia 4 2000 Hull

James Graham Great Britain, England 53 104 Lebanon Morocco 0 1999

Adrian Morley England, Great Britain 53 104 Scotland Italy 0 2009 Padua

Petero Civoniceva Australia, Fiji 52 102 Lebanon Serbia 0 2003 Tripoli

Adam Blair New Zealand 51 102 English League Russia 0 2003 Bradford

Mick Sullivan Great Britain, England 51 98 England Russia 4 2004 Moscow

Garry Schofield Great Britain, England 49 96 Germany Czech Republic 0 2010 Kaiserslautern

Mal Meninga Australia 47 96 Lebanon Serbia 4 2011 Tripoli

Jamie Peacock England, Great Britain 47 94 American Samoa Norfolk Island 2 1992 Huntly

Gary Freeman New Zealand 46 94 Italy Spain 4 2017 Turin

Stacey Jones New Zealand 46 92 Italy Russia 6 2011 Padua

Roger Millward Great Britain, England 46 90 Greece Hungary 0 2013 Budapest

Puig Aubert France 46

Most Tries

Player Nation(s) T Most Points In a Game

Mick Sullivan Great Britain, England 45 Player Nation Opponent Year T G FG Pts

Ken Irvine Australia 40 Lebanon Morocco 1999 4 16 0 48

Darren Lockyer Australia 38 Greece Hungary 2013 4 15 0 46

Ryan Hall England, Great Britain 34 Australia Russia 2000 3 17 0 46

Martin Offiah Great Britain, England 34 Mick Nanyn Scotland Italy 2009 2 16 0 40

Greg Inglis Australia 31 Fabrice Estebanez France Serbia 2003 10 0 0 40

Garry Schofield Great Britain, England 31 Maxime Greseque France Serbia 2003 4 12 0 40

Billy Boston Great Britain, Other Nationalities 30 Yacine Dekkiche France Morocco 1999 5 10 0 40

Reg Gasnier Australia 28 Jarrod Sammut Malta Denmark 2012 4 11 0 38

Billy Slater Australia 27 Josh Mentellato Italy Russia 2011 2 14 0 36

Brian Bevan Other Nationalities 26 Aleksandr Skorbach Ukraine Latvia 2010 3 12 0 36

Bob Fulton Australia 26 Jarrod Sammut Malta Norway 2011 4 10 0 36

Raymond Contrastin France 24 Samer El Masri Lebanon Serbia 2003 1 15 0 34

Nigel Vagana New Zealand 24 Wayne Goodwin England Russia 2004 1 15 0 34

Ryan Brierley Scotland Serbia 2019 2 13 0 34

Most Points Vigo Valdavs Latvia Estonia 2008 7 3 0 34

Player Nation(s) T G FG Pts Australia Fiji 2000 4 9 0 34

Johnathan Thurston Australia 13 165 0 382

Puig Aubert France 1 149 12 325 Most Tries In a Game

Mick Cronin Australia 9 140 0 307 Player Nation Opponent Year T Wales, Great Britain, Other Fabrice Estebanez France Serbia 2003 10 Jim Sullivan Nationalities, England 3 148 0 305 Vigo Valdavs Latvia Estonia 2008 7 Australia 22 99 0 282 Australia Italy 1960 6 Great Britain, England 15 96 0 237 Hugh McGahan New Zealand PNG 1983 6 England, Great Britain 6 106 0 236 Jordan Meads Greece Czech Republic 2014 6 Shaun Johnson New Zealand 14 83 1 223 Valentine Holmes Australia Fiji 2017 6 Darren Lockyer Australia 38 33 3 221 Australia Italy 1960 5 Great Britain, England 8 92 0 216 Great Britain France 1991 5 Maxime Greseque France 22 64 0 216 Yacine Dekkiche France Morocco 1999 5 Jonathan Davies Great Britain, Wales 7 86 7 207 Valentine Holmes Australia Samoa 2017 5 Australia 20 73 0 206

Hazem El Masri Lebanon, Australia 14 74 0 204 93 LIST OF INTERNATIONAL RESULTS 1904-2020

Year Date Home Score Away Score City 1922 Jan 14th England 6 Australia 0 Salford 1904 Apr 5th England 3 Other Nationalities 9 Wigan 1922 Dec 11th England 12 Wales 7 London 1905 Jan 2nd England 26 Other Nationalities 11 Bradford 1923 Feb 7th England 2 Wales 13 Wigan 1906 Jan 1st England 3 Other Nationalities 3 Wigan 1923 Nov 1st England 18 Wales 11 Huddersfield 1908 Jan 1st Wales 9 New Zealand 8 Aberdare 1924 Jun 23rd Australia 3 England 22 Sydney 1908 Jan 11th England 18 New Zealand 16 Wigan 1924 Jun 28th Australia 3 England 5 Sydney 1908 Jan 25th England 14 New Zealand 6 Leeds 1924 Jul 12th Australia 21 England 11 Brisbane 1908 Feb 8th England 6 New Zealand 18 London 1924 Aug 2nd New Zealand 16 England 8 Auckland 1908 Feb 15th England 5 New Zealand 8 Cheltenham 1924 Aug 6th New Zealand 13 England 11 Wellington 1908 Apr 20th Wales 35 England 18 Tonypandy 1924 Aug 9th New Zealand 18 England 31 1908 May 9th Australia 10 New Zealand 11 Sydney 1924 Oct 15th England 17 Other Nationalities 23 Leeds 1908 May 30th Australia 12 New Zealand 24 Brisbane 1925 Feb 7th England 27 Wales 22 Workington 1908 Jun 6th Australia 14 New Zealand 9 Sydney 1925 Sep 30th England 18 Wales 14 Wigan 1908 Dec 12th England 22 Australia 22 London 1926 Feb 4th England 37 Other Nationalities 11 Whitehaven 1908 Dec 28th England 31 Wales 7 Salford 1926 Apr 12th Wales 22 England 30 Pontypridd 1909 Jan 2nd England 14 Australia 9 Huddersfield 1926 Oct 2nd England 28 New Zealand 20 Wigan 1909 Jan 23rd England 15 Australia 5 Newcastle 1926 Nov 13th England 21 New Zealand 11 Hull 1909 Feb 3rd England 17 Australia 17 Glasgow 1926 Dec 4th Wales 34 New Zealand 8 Pontypridd 1909 Feb 15th England 6 Australia 5 Birmingham 1927 Jan 15th England 32 New Zealand 17 Leeds 1909 Mar 3rd England 14 Australia 7 Liverpool 1927 Apr 6th England 11 Wales 8 Salford 1909 Jun 12th Australia 11 New Zealand 19 Sydney 1928 Jan 11th England 20 Wales 12 Wigan 1909 Jun 26th Australia 10 New Zealand 5 Brisbane 1928 Jun 23rd Australia 12 England 15 Brisbane 1909 Jul 3rd Australia 25 New Zealand 5 Sydney 1928 Jul 14th Australia 0 England 8 Sydney 1909 Dec 4th England 19 Wales 13 Wakefield 1928 Jul 21st Australia 21 England 14 Sydney 1910 Apr 9th Wales 39 England 18 Ebbw Vale 1928 Aug 4th New Zealand 17 England 13 Auckland 1910 Jun 18th Australia 20 England 27 Sydney 1928 Aug 18th New Zealand 5 England 13 Invercargill 1910 Jul 2nd Australia 17 England 22 Brisbane 1928 Aug 25th New Zealand 5 England 6 Christchurch 1910 Jul 9th Australasia 13 England 13 Sydney 1928 Nov 14th Wales 15 England 39 1910 Jul 13th Australasia 32 England 15 Sydney 1929 Mar 20th England 27 Other Nationalities 20 Leeds 1910 Jul 30th New Zealand 20 England 52 Auckland 1929 Oct 5th England 8 Australia 31 Hull 1910 Dec 10th England 39 Wales 13 Coventry 1929 Nov 9th England 9 Australia 3 Leeds 1911 Apr 1st Wales 8 England 27 Ebbw Vale 1930 Jan 4th England 0 Australia 0 1911 Oct 7th Wales 20 Australia 28 Ebbw Vale 1930 Jan 15th England 3 Australia 0 Rochdale 1911 Nov 8th England 10 Australia 19 Newcastle 1930 Jan 18th Wales 10 Australia 26 London 1911 Dec 16th England 11 Australia 11 Edinburgh 1930 Apr 7th England 19 Other Nationalities 35 Halifax 1912 Jan 1st England 8 Australia 33 Birmingham 1930 Oct 1st England 31 Other Nationalities 18 St Helens 1912 Jan 20th England 31 Wales 5 Oldham 1931 Mar 18th England 23 Wales 18 Huddersfield 1913 Feb 15th Wales 16 England 40 Plymouth 1932 Jan 27th England 19 Wales 2 Salford 1914 Feb 14th England 16 Wales 12 St Helens 1932 Jun 6th Australia 6 England 8 Sydney 1914 Jun 27th Australia 5 England 23 Sydney 1932 Jun 18th Australia 15 England 6 Brisbane 1914 Jun 29th Australia 12 England 7 Sydney 1932 Jul 16th Australia 13 England 18 Sydney 1914 Jul 4th Australia 6 England 14 Sydney 1932 Jul 30th New Zealand 9 England 24 Auckland 1914 Aug 1st New Zealand 13 England 16 Auckland 1932 Aug 13th New Zealand 14 England 25 Christchurch 1919 Aug 23rd New Zealand 21 Australia 44 Wellington 1932 Aug 20th New Zealand 18 England 20 Auckland 1919 Aug 30th New Zealand 26 Australia 10 Christchurch 1932 Nov 30th England 14 Wales 13 Leeds 1919 Sep 6th New Zealand 23 Australia 34 Auckland 1933 Mar 20th England 34 Other Nationalities 27 Workington 1919 Sep 13th New Zealand 2 Australia 32 Auckland 1933 Oct 7th England 4 Australia 0 Manchester 1920 Jun 26th Australia 8 England 4 Brisbane 1933 Nov 11th England 7 Australia 5 Leeds 1920 Jul 3rd Australia 21 England 8 Sydney 1933 Dec 16th England 19 Australia 16 Manchester 1920 Jul 10th Australia 13 England 23 Sydney 1933 Dec 30th Wales 19 Australia 51 London 1920 Jul 31st New Zealand 7 England 31 Auckland 1934 Apr 15th England 32 France 21 Paris 1920 Aug 7th New Zealand 3 England 19 Christchurch 1935 Jan 1st France 18 Wales 11 Bordeaux 1920 Aug 14th New Zealand 10 England 11 Wellington 1935 Mar 28th France 15 England 15 Paris 1921 Jan 19th England 35 Wales 9 Leeds 1935 Apr 10th England 24 Wales 11 Liverpool 1921 Feb 5th England 33 Other Nationalities 16 Workington 1935 Sep 28th New Zealand 22 Australia 14 Auckland 1921 Oct 1st England 6 Australia 5 Leeds 1935 Oct 2nd New Zealand 8 Australia 29 Auckland 1921 Nov 5th England 2 Australia 16 Hull 1935 Oct 5th New Zealand 8 Australia 31 Auckland 1921 Dec 10th Wales 16 Australia 21 Pontypridd 1935 Nov 23rd Wales 41 France 7 Llanelli

94 1936 Feb 1st England 14 Wales 17 Hull 1949 Jan 29th Great Britain 23 Australia 9 Bradford 1936 Feb 16th France 7 England 25 Paris 1949 Feb 5th Wales 14 England 10 Swansea 1936 Jun 29th Australia 24 England 8 Sydney 1949 Mar 12th England 5 France 12 London 1936 Jul 4th Australia 7 England 12 Brisbane 1949 Apr 10th France 11 Wales 0 Marseille 1936 Jul 18th Australia 7 England 12 Sydney 1949 Sep 17th New Zealand 26 Australia 21 Wellington 1936 Aug 8th New Zealand 8 England 10 Auckland 1949 Sep 19th England 7 Other Nationalities 13 Workington 1936 Aug 15th New Zealand 11 England 23 Auckland 1949 Oct 8th New Zealand 10 Australia 13 Auckland 1936 Nov 7th Wales 3 England 2 Pontypridd 1949 Oct 22nd Wales 5 Other Nationalities 6 Abertillery 1936 Dec 6th France 3 Wales 9 Paris 1949 Nov 12th Wales 16 France 8 Swansea 1937 Apr 10th England 23 France 9 Halifax 1949 Dec 4th France 5 England 13 Bordeaux 1937 Aug 7th New Zealand 8 Australia 12 Auckland 1950 Jan 15th France 8 Other Nationalities 3 Marseille 1937 Aug 14th New Zealand 16 Australia 15 Auckland 1950 Mar 1st England 11 Wales 6 Wigan 1937 Oct 16th England 5 Australia 4 Leeds 1950 Jun 12th Australia 4 Great Britain 6 Sydney 1937 Nov 13th England 13 Australia 3 Manchester 1950 Jul 1st Australia 15 Great Britain 3 Brisbane 1937 Dec 18th England 3 Australia 13 Huddersfield 1950 Jul 22nd Australia 5 Great Britain 2 Sydney 1938 Jan 1st France 6 Australia 35 Paris 1950 Jul 29th New Zealand 16 Great Britain 10 Christchurch 1938 Jan 16th France 11 Australia 16 Marseille 1950 Aug 12th New Zealand 20 Great Britain 13 Auckland 1938 Jan 29th England 6 Wales 7 Bradford 1950 Oct 14th Wales 4 England 22 Abertillery 1938 Mar 20th France 15 England 17 Paris 1950 Nov 11th England 14 France 9 Leeds 1938 Apr 2nd Wales 18 France 2 Llanelli 1950 Dec 10th France 16 Other Nationalities 3 Bordeaux 1938 Nov 5th Wales 17 England 9 Llanelli 1951 Mar 31st Wales 21 Other Nationalities 27 Swansea 1939 Feb 25th England 9 France 12 St Helens 1951 Apr 11th England 10 Other Nationalities 35 Wigan 1939 Apr 16th France 16 Wales 10 Bordeaux 1951 Apr 15th France 28 Wales 13 Marseille 1945 Nov 24th Wales 11 England 3 Swansea 1951 Jun 11th Australia 15 France 26 Sydney 1946 Feb 23rd England 16 France 6 Manchester 1951 Jun 30th Australia 23 France 11 Brisbane 1946 Mar 24th France 19 Wales 7 Bordeaux 1951 Jul 21st Australia 14 France 35 Sydney 1946 Jun 17th Australia 8 England 8 Sydney 1951 Aug 4th New Zealand 16 France 15 Auckland 1946 Jul 6th Australia 5 England 14 Brisbane 1951 Sep 19th England 35 Wales 11 St Helens 1946 Jul 20th Australia 7 England 20 Sydney 1951 Oct 6th Great Britain 21 New Zealand 15 Bradford 1946 Aug 10th New Zealand 13 England 8 Auckland 1951 Nov 3rd Other Nationalities 17 France 14 Hull 1946 Oct 12th England 10 Wales 13 Manchester 1951 Nov 10th Great Britain 20 New Zealand 19 Manchester 1946 Nov 16th Wales 5 England 19 Swansea 1951 Nov 25th France 42 England 13 Marseille 1946 Dec 8th France 0 England 3 Bordeaux 1951 Dec 1st Wales 11 Other Nationalities 22 Abertillery 1947 Jan 18th France 14 Wales 5 Marseille 1951 Dec 7th Wales 3 New Zealand 15 Bradford 1947 Apr 12th Wales 17 France 15 Swansea 1951 Dec 15th Great Britain 16 New Zealand 12 Leeds 1947 May 17th England 5 France 2 Leeds 1951 Dec 23rd France 8 New Zealand 3 Paris 1947 Sep 20th England 8 Wales 10 Wigan 1951 Dec 30th France 17 New Zealand 7 Bordeaux 1947 Oct 4th England 11 New Zealand 10 Leeds 1952 Apr 6th France 20 Wales 12 Bordeaux 1947 Oct 18th Wales 20 New Zealand 28 Swansea 1952 Apr 23rd England 31 Other Nationalities 18 Wigan 1947 Oct 25th England 20 France 15 Huddersfield 1952 May 22nd France 22 Great Britain 12 Paris 1947 Nov 8th England 7 New Zealand 10 Manchester 1952 Jun 9th Australia 25 New Zealand 13 Sydney 1947 Nov 23rd France 29 Wales 21 Bordeaux 1952 Jun 28th Australia 25 New Zealand 49 Brisbane 1947 Dec 6th Wales 7 England 18 Swansea 1952 Jul 2nd Australia 9 New Zealand 19 Sydney 1947 Dec 20th England 25 New Zealand 9 Bradford 1952 Sep 17th England 19 Wales 8 Wigan 1947 Dec 28th France 7 New Zealand 11 Paris 1952 Oct 4th Great Britain 19 Australia 6 Leeds 1948 Jan 25th France 25 New Zealand 7 Bordeaux 1952 Oct 18th England 12 Other Nationalities 31 Huddersfield 1948 Mar 20th Wales 12 France 20 Swansea 1952 Oct 25th Wales 22 France 16 Leeds 1948 Apr 11th France 10 England 25 Marseille 1952 Nov 9th Great Britain 21 Australia 5 Manchester 1948 May 29th Australia 19 New Zealand 21 Sydney 1952 Nov 23rd France 10 Other Nationalities 29 Marseille 1948 Jun 12th Australia 13 New Zealand 4 Brisbane 1952 Dec 13th Great Britain 7 Australia 27 Bradford 1948 Sep 22nd England 11 Wales 5 Wigan 1952 Dec 27th France 12 Australia 16 Paris 1948 Oct 9th Great Britain 23 Australia 21 Leeds 1953 Jan 11th France 5 Australia 0 Bordeaux 1948 Oct 23rd Wales 9 France 12 Swansea 1953 Jan 25th France 13 Australia 5 Lyon 1948 Nov 6th Great Britain 16 Australia 7 Manchester 1953 Apr 11th France 13 England 15 Paris 1948 Nov 20th Wales 5 Australia 12 Swansea 1953 Apr 15th Wales 18 Other Nationalities 16 Warrington 1948 Nov 28th France 5 England 12 Bordeaux 1953 May 24th France 28 Great Britain 17 Lyon 1949 Jan 9th France 10 Australia 29 Marseille 1953 Jun 27th New Zealand 25 Australia 5 Christchurch 1949 Jan 23rd France 0 Australia 10 Bordeaux 1953 Jul 4th New Zealand 12 Australia 11 Wellington

95 1953 Jul 18th New Zealand 16 Australia 18 Auckland 1958 Jun 14th Australia 25 Great Britain 8 Sydney 1953 Sep 16th England 24 Wales 5 St Helens 1958 Jul 5th Australia 18 Great Britain 25 Brisbane 1953 Oct 7th Other Nationalities 30 Wales 5 Bradford 1958 Jul 19th Australia 17 Great Britain 40 Sydney 1953 Oct 18th France 10 Other Nationalities 15 Toulouse 1958 Jul 26th New Zealand 15 Great Britain 10 Auckland 1953 Nov 7th England 7 France 5 Bradford 1958 Aug 9th New Zealand 15 Great Britain 32 Auckland 1953 Nov 28th England 30 Other Nationalities 22 Wigan 1959 Mar 1st France 25 Wales 8 Toulouse 1953 Dec 13th France 23 Wales 22 Marseille 1959 Mar 14th Great Britain 50 France 15 Leeds 1954 Jan 9th France 31 USA 0 Paris 1959 Apr 5th France 24 Great Britain 15 Grenoble 1954 Apr 27th Great Britain 17 France 8 Bradford 1959 Jun 13th Australia 9 New Zealand 8 Sydney 1954 Jun 12th Australia 37 Great Britain 12 Sydney 1959 Jun 27th Australia 38 New Zealand 10 Brisbane 1954 Jul 9th Australia 21 Great Britain 38 Brisbane 1959 Jul 4th Australia 12 New Zealand 28 Sydney 1954 Jul 17th Australia 20 Great Britain 16 Sydney 1959 Oct 17th Great Britain 14 Australia 22 Manchester 1954 Jul 24th New Zealand 7 Great Britain 27 Auckland 1959 Oct 31st France 19 Australia 20 Paris 1954 Jul 31st New Zealand 20 Great Britain 14 Greymouth 1959 Nov 21st Great Britain 11 Australia 10 Leeds 1954 Aug 14th New Zealand 6 Great Britain 12 Auckland 1959 Dec 12th Great Britain 18 Australia 12 Wigan 1954 Oct 30th France 22 New Zealand 13 Paris 1959 Dec 20th France 2 Australia 17 Bordeaux 1954 Oct 31st Australia 13 Great Britain 28 Lyon 1960 Jan 20th France 8 Australia 16 Roanne 1954 Nov 7th Australia 34 New Zealand 15 Marseille 1960 Jan 23rd Italy 15 Australia 37 Padua 1954 Nov 7th France 13 Great Britain 13 Toulouse 1960 Jan 24th Italy 22 Australia 67 Treviso 1954 Nov 11th France 15 Australia 5 Nantes 1960 Mar 6th France 20 Great Britain 18 Toulouse 1954 Nov 11th Great Britain 26 New Zealand 6 Bordeaux 1960 Mar 26th Great Britain 17 France 17 St Helens 1954 Nov 13th France 12 Great Britain 16 Paris 1960 Jun 11th Australia 8 France 8 Sydney 1955 Jun 11th Australia 20 France 8 Sydney 1960 Jul 2nd Australia 56 France 6 Brisbane 1955 Jul 2nd Australia 28 France 29 Brisbane 1960 Jul 16th Australia 5 France 7 Sydney 1955 Jul 23rd Australia 5 France 8 Sydney 1960 Jul 23rd New Zealand 9 France 2 Auckland 1955 Aug 6th New Zealand 9 France 19 Auckland 1960 Aug 6th New Zealand 9 France 3 Auckland 1955 Aug 13th New Zealand 11 France 6 Auckland 1960 Sep 24th Australia 13 France 12 Wigan 1955 Sep 12th England 16 Other Nationalities 33 Wigan 1960 Sep 24th Great Britain 23 New Zealand 8 Bradford 1955 Sep 19th Other Nationalities 32 France 19 Leigh 1960 Oct 1st Australia 21 New Zealand 15 Leeds 1955 Oct 8th Great Britain 25 New Zealand 6 Manchester 1960 Oct 1st Great Britain 33 France 7 Manchester 1955 Nov 12th Great Britain 27 New Zealand 12 Bradford 1960 Oct 8th Great Britain 10 Australia 3 Bradford 1955 Dec 11th France 17 Great Britain 5 Paris 1960 Oct 8th New Zealand 9 France 0 Wigan 1955 Dec 17th Great Britain 13 New Zealand 28 Leeds 1960 Dec 11th France 10 Great Britain 21 Bordeaux 1956 Jan 8th France 24 New Zealand 7 Toulouse 1961 Jan 28th Great Britain 27 France 8 St Helens 1956 Jan 15th France 22 New Zealand 31 Lyon 1961 Jul 1st New Zealand 12 Australia 10 Auckland 1956 Jan 31st France 24 New Zealand 3 Paris 1961 Jul 8th New Zealand 8 Australia 10 Auckland 1956 Apr 11th Great Britain 18 France 10 Bradford 1961 Sep 30th Great Britain 11 New Zealand 29 Leeds 1956 May 10th France 23 England 9 Lyon 1961 Oct 21st Great Britain 23 New Zealand 10 Bradford 1956 Jun 9th Australia 12 New Zealand 9 Sydney 1961 Nov 4th Great Britain 35 New Zealand 19 Manchester 1956 Jun 23rd Australia 8 New Zealand 2 Brisbane 1961 Nov 11th France 6 New Zealand 6 Bordeaux 1956 Jun 30th Australia 31 New Zealand 14 Sydney 1961 Nov 19th France 2 New Zealand 23 Perpignan 1956 Nov 1st France 8 Australia 15 Paris 1961 Dec 9th France 5 New Zealand 5 Paris 1956 Nov 17th Great Britain 21 Australia 10 Wigan 1962 Feb 17th Great Britain 15 France 20 Wigan 1956 Dec 1st Great Britain 9 Australia 22 Bradford 1962 Mar 11th France 23 Great Britain 13 Perpignan 1956 Dec 15th Great Britain 19 Australia 0 Manchester 1962 Jun 9th Australia 12 Great Britain 31 Sydney 1956 Dec 23rd France 6 Australia 10 Bordeaux 1962 Jun 30th Australia 10 Great Britain 17 Brisbane 1957 Jan 3rd France 21 Australia 25 Lyon 1962 Jul 14th Australia 18 Great Britain 17 Sydney 1957 Jan 26th Great Britain 45 France 12 Leeds 1962 Jul 23rd New Zealand 19 Great Britain 0 Auckland 1957 Mar 3rd France 19 Great Britain 19 Toulouse 1962 Aug 11th New Zealand 27 Great Britain 8 Auckland 1957 Apr 10th Great Britain 29 France 14 St Helens 1962 Aug 23rd South Africa 30 Great Britain 49 Pretoria 1957 Jun 15th Australia 25 New Zealand 5 Brisbane 1962 Aug 25th South Africa 33 Great Britain 39 Durban 1957 Jun 15th France 5 Great Britain 23 Sydney 1962 Aug 31st South Africa 23 Great Britain 45 Johannesburg 1957 Jun 17th Australia 31 Great Britain 6 Sydney 1962 Nov 17th England 18 France 6 Leeds 1957 Jun 17th France 14 New Zealand 10 Brisbane 1962 Dec 2nd France 17 Great Britain 12 Perpignan 1957 Jun 22nd Australia 26 France 9 Sydney 1963 Feb 17th France 23 Wales 3 Toulouse 1957 Jun 25th New Zealand 29 Great Britain 21 Sydney 1963 Apr 3rd Great Britain 42 France 4 Wigan 1957 Nov 3rd France 14 Great Britain 25 Toulouse 1963 Jun 8th Australia 7 New Zealand 3 Sydney 1957 Nov 23rd Great Britain 44 France 15 Wigan 1963 Jun 22nd Australia 13 New Zealand 16 Brisbane 1958 Mar 2nd France 9 Great Britain 23 Grenoble 1963 Jun 29th Australia 14 New Zealand 0 Sydney

96 1963 Jul 20th Australia 34 South Africa 6 Brisbane 1969 Oct 18th England 40 Wales 23 Leeds 1963 Jul 27th Australia 54 South Africa 21 Sydney 1969 Oct 23rd Wales 2 France 8 Salford 1963 Oct 16th Great Britain 2 Australia 28 London 1969 Oct 25th England 11 France 11 Wigan 1963 Nov 9th Great Britain 12 Australia 50 Manchester 1970 Jan 25th France 11 Wales 15 Perpignan 1963 Nov 30th Great Britain 16 Australia 5 Leeds 1970 Feb 24th England 26 Wales 7 Leeds 1963 Dec 8th France 8 Australia 5 Bordeaux 1970 Mar 15th France 14 England 9 Toulouse 1963 Dec 22nd France 9 Australia 21 Toulouse 1970 Jun 6th Australia 37 Great Britain 15 Brisbane 1964 Jan 18th France 8 Australia 16 Paris 1970 Jun 20th Australia 7 Great Britain 28 Sydney 1964 Mar 8th France 5 Great Britain 11 Perpignan 1970 Jul 4th Australia 17 Great Britain 21 Sydney 1964 Mar 18th Great Britain 39 France 0 Leigh 1970 Jul 11th New Zealand 15 Great Britain 19 Auckland 1964 Jun 13th Australia 20 France 6 Sydney 1970 Jul 19th New Zealand 9 Great Britain 23 Christchurch 1964 Jul 4th Australia 27 France 2 Brisbane 1970 Jul 25th New Zealand 16 Great Britain 33 Auckland 1964 Jul 18th Australia 35 France 9 Sydney 1970 Oct 21st Australia 47 New Zealand 11 Wigan 1964 Jul 25th New Zealand 24 France 16 Auckland 1970 Oct 24th Great Britain 11 Australia 4 Leeds 1964 Aug 1st New Zealand 18 France 8 Christchurch 1970 Oct 25th France 15 New Zealand 16 Hull 1964 Aug 15th New Zealand 10 France 2 Auckland 1970 Oct 28th Great Britain 6 France 0 Castleford 1964 Dec 6th France 18 Great Britain 8 Perpignan 1970 Oct 31st Great Britain 27 New Zealand 17 Manchester 1965 Jan 23rd Great Britain 17 France 7 Manchester 1970 Nov 1st France 17 Australia 15 Bradford 1965 Jun 19th New Zealand 8 Australia 13 Auckland 1970 Nov 7th Australia 12 Great Britain 7 Leeds 1965 Jun 26th New Zealand 7 Australia 5 Auckland 1970 Nov 12th France 4 Australia 7 Perpignan 1965 Sep 25th Great Britain 7 New Zealand 2 Manchester 1971 Feb 7th France 16 Great Britain 8 Toulouse 1965 Oct 23rd Great Britain 15 New Zealand 9 Bradford 1971 Mar 17th Great Britain 24 France 2 St Helens 1965 Nov 6th Great Britain 9 New Zealand 9 Wigan 1971 Jun 26th New Zealand 24 Australia 3 Auckland 1965 Nov 15th France 14 New Zealand 3 Marseille 1971 Sep 25th Great Britain 13 New Zealand 18 Salford 1965 Nov 28th France 6 New Zealand 2 Perpignan 1971 Oct 16th Great Britain 14 New Zealand 17 Castleford 1965 Dec 12th France 28 New Zealand 5 Toulouse 1971 Nov 6th Great Britain 12 New Zealand 3 Leeds 1966 Jan 16th France 18 Great Britain 13 Perpignan 1971 Nov 11th France 11 New Zealand 27 Perpignan 1966 Mar 5th Great Britain 4 France 8 Wigan 1971 Nov 21st France 2 New Zealand 24 Carcassonne 1966 Jun 25th Australia 13 Great Britain 17 Sydney 1971 Nov 28th France 3 New Zealand 3 Toulouse 1966 Jul 16th Australia 6 Great Britain 4 Brisbane 1972 Feb 6th France 9 Great Britain 10 Toulouse 1966 Jul 23rd Australia 19 Great Britain 14 Sydney 1972 Mar 12th Great Britain 45 France 10 Bradford 1966 Aug 6th New Zealand 8 Great Britain 25 Auckland 1972 Jul 8th Australia 36 New Zealand 11 Sydney 1966 Aug 20th New Zealand 14 Great Britain 22 Auckland 1972 Jul 15th Australia 31 New Zealand 7 Brisbane 1967 Jan 22nd France 13 Great Britain 16 Carcassonne 1972 Oct 28th France 20 New Zealand 9 Marseille 1967 Mar 4th Great Britain 13 France 23 Wigan 1972 Oct 29th Great Britain 27 Australia 21 Perpignan 1967 Jun 10th Australia 22 New Zealand 13 Sydney 1972 Nov 1st Australia 9 New Zealand 5 Paris 1967 Jul 1st Australia 35 New Zealand 22 Brisbane 1972 Nov 1st France 4 Great Britain 13 Grenoble 1967 Jul 8th Australia 13 New Zealand 9 Sydney 1972 Nov 4th Great Britain 53 New Zealand 19 Pau 1967 Oct 21st Great Britain 16 Australia 11 Leeds 1972 Nov 5th France 9 Australia 31 Toulouse 1967 Nov 3rd Great Britain 11 Australia 17 London 1972 Nov 11th Australia 10 Great Britain 10 Lyon 1967 Dec 9th Great Britain 3 Australia 11 Manchester 1973 Nov 3rd Great Britain 21 Australia 12 London 1967 Dec 17th France 7 Australia 7 Marseille 1973 Nov 24th Great Britain 6 Australia 14 Leeds 1967 Dec 24th France 10 Australia 3 Carcassonne 1973 Dec 1st Great Britain 5 Australia 15 Warrington 1968 Jan 7th France 16 Australia 13 Toulouse 1973 Dec 9th France 9 Australia 21 Perpignan 1968 Feb 11th France 13 Great Britain 22 Paris 1973 Dec 16th France 3 Australia 14 Toulouse 1968 Mar 2nd Great Britain 19 France 8 Bradford 1974 Jan 20th France 5 Great Britain 24 Grenoble 1968 May 25th Australia 25 Great Britain 10 Sydney 1974 Feb 17th Great Britain 29 France 0 Wigan 1968 May 25th France 15 New Zealand 10 Auckland 1974 Jun 15th Australia 12 Great Britain 6 Brisbane 1968 Jun 1st Australia 31 New Zealand 12 Brisbane 1974 Jul 6th Australia 11 Great Britain 16 Sydney 1968 Jun 2nd France 7 Great Britain 2 Auckland 1974 Jul 20th Australia 22 Great Britain 18 Sydney 1968 Jun 8th Australia 37 France 4 Brisbane 1974 Jul 27th New Zealand 13 Great Britain 8 Auckland 1968 Jun 8th Great Britain 38 New Zealand 14 Sydney 1974 Aug 4th New Zealand 8 Great Britain 17 Christchurch 1968 Jun 10th Australia 20 France 2 Sydney 1974 Aug 10th New Zealand 0 Great Britain 20 Auckland 1968 Nov 7th England 17 Wales 24 Salford 1975 Jan 19th France 9 England 11 Perpignan 1968 Nov 30th Great Britain 34 France 10 St Helens 1975 Feb 16th Wales 21 France 8 Swansea 1969 Feb 2nd France 13 Great Britain 9 Toulouse 1975 Feb 25th England 12 Wales 8 Salford 1969 Mar 9th France 17 Wales 13 Paris 1975 Mar 2nd France 14 Wales 7 Toulouse 1969 Jun 1st New Zealand 10 Australia 20 Auckland 1975 Mar 16th England 20 France 2 Leeds 1969 Jun 7th New Zealand 18 Australia 14 Auckland 1975 Jun 1st Australia 36 New Zealand 8 Brisbane

97 1975 Jun 10th England 7 Wales 12 Brisbane 1980 Nov 15th Great Britain 10 New Zealand 2 Leeds 1975 Jun 14th Australia 30 Wales 13 Sydney 1980 Nov 23rd France 6 New Zealand 5 Perpignan 1975 Jun 15th New Zealand 27 France 0 Christchurch 1980 Dec 7th France 3 New Zealand 11 Toulouse 1975 Jun 21st Australia 26 France 6 Brisbane 1981 Jan 31st France 23 Wales 5 Narbonne 1975 Jun 21st New Zealand 17 England 17 Auckland 1981 Feb 21st England 1 France 5 Leeds 1975 Jun 28th Australia 10 England 10 Sydney 1981 Mar 18th England 17 Wales 4 Hull 1975 Jun 28th New Zealand 13 Wales 8 Auckland 1981 Jun 7th New Zealand 26 France 3 Auckland 1975 Sep 20th Wales 16 England 22 Warrington 1981 Jun 21st New Zealand 25 France 2 Auckland 1975 Sep 27th New Zealand 8 Australia 24 Auckland 1981 Jul 4th Australia 43 France 3 Sydney 1975 Oct 11th France 2 England 48 Bordeaux 1981 Jul 18th Australia 17 France 2 Brisbane 1975 Oct 17th France 12 New Zealand 12 Marseille 1981 Aug 23rd PNG 13 France 13 Port Moresby 1975 Oct 19th Wales 6 Australia 18 Swansea 1981 Nov 8th Wales 15 England 20 Cardiff 1975 Oct 25th England 27 New Zealand 12 Bradford 1981 Dec 6th Great Britain 37 France 0 Hull 1975 Oct 26th France 2 Australia 41 Perpignan 1981 Dec 20th France 19 Great Britain 2 Marseille 1975 Nov 1st England 16 Australia 13 Wigan 1982 Jul 3rd Australia 11 New Zealand 8 Brisbane 1975 Nov 2nd Wales 25 New Zealand 24 Swansea 1982 Jul 17th Australia 20 New Zealand 2 Sydney 1975 Nov 6th Wales 23 France 2 Salford 1982 Jul 25th PNG 5 New Zealand 56 Port Moresby 1977 Jan 29th England 2 Wales 6 Leeds 1982 Oct 2nd PNG 2 Australia 38 Port Moresby 1977 Feb 20th France 13 Wales 2 Toulouse 1982 Oct 24th Wales 7 Australia 37 Cardiff 1977 Mar 20th France 28 England 15 Carcassonne 1982 Oct 30th Great Britain 4 Australia 40 Hull 1977 May 29th New Zealand 12 Australia 27 Auckland 1982 Nov 20th Great Britain 6 Australia 27 Wigan 1977 May 29th PNG 37 France 6 Port Moresby 1982 Nov 28th Great Britain 8 Australia 32 Leeds 1977 Jun 5th France 4 Great Britain 23 Auckland 1982 Dec 5th France 4 Australia 15 Avignon 1977 Jun 11th Australia 21 France 9 Sydney 1982 Dec 18th France 9 Australia 23 Narbonne 1977 Jun 12th New Zealand 12 Great Britain 30 Christchurch 1983 Feb 20th France 5 Great Britain 20 Carcassonne 1977 Jun 18th Australia 19 Great Britain 5 Brisbane 1983 Mar 6th Great Britain 17 France 5 Hull 1977 Jun 19th New Zealand 28 France 20 Auckland 1983 Jun 12th New Zealand 4 Australia 16 Auckland 1977 Jun 25th Australia 13 Great Britain 12 Sydney 1983 Jul 9th Australia 12 New Zealand 19 Brisbane 1978 Jan 15th Wales 29 France 7 Widnes 1983 Oct 2nd New Zealand 60 PNG 20 Auckland 1978 Mar 5th France 11 England 13 Toulouse 1984 Jan 29th France 0 Great Britain 12 Avignon 1978 May 28th England 60 Wales 13 St Helens 1984 Feb 17th Great Britain 10 France 0 Leeds 1978 Jun 24th Australia 24 New Zealand 2 Sydney 1984 Jun 9th Australia 25 Great Britain 8 Sydney 1978 Jul 15th Australia 38 New Zealand 7 Brisbane 1984 Jun 26th Australia 18 Great Britain 6 Brisbane 1978 Jul 22nd Australia 33 New Zealand 16 Sydney 1984 Jul 7th Australia 20 Great Britain 7 Sydney 1978 Jul 30th PNG 21 New Zealand 30 Port Moresby 1984 Jul 14th New Zealand 12 Great Britain 0 Auckland 1978 Oct 15th Wales 3 Australia 8 Swansea 1984 Jul 22nd New Zealand 28 Great Britain 12 Christchurch 1978 Oct 21st Great Britain 9 Australia 15 Wigan 1984 Jul 28th New Zealand 32 Great Britain 16 Auckland 1978 Nov 5th Great Britain 18 Australia 14 Bradford 1984 Aug 5th PNG 20 Great Britain 38 Mount Hagen 1978 Nov 18th Great Britain 6 Australia 23 Leeds 1984 Oct 14th Wales 9 England 28 Ebbw Vale 1978 Nov 26th France 13 Australia 10 Carcassonne 1985 Mar 1st Great Britain 50 France 4 Leeds 1978 Dec 10th France 11 Australia 10 Toulouse 1985 Mar 17th France 24 Great Britain 16 Perpignan 1979 Feb 4th France 15 Wales 8 Narbonne 1985 Jun 18th Australia 26 New Zealand 20 Brisbane 1979 Mar 16th England 15 Wales 7 Widnes 1985 Jun 30th New Zealand 6 Australia 10 Auckland 1979 Mar 24th England 12 France 6 Warrington 1985 Jul 7th New Zealand 18 Australia 0 Auckland 1979 Jun 16th Australia 35 Great Britain 0 Brisbane 1985 Oct 19th Great Britain 22 New Zealand 24 Leeds 1979 Jun 30th Australia 24 Great Britain 16 Sydney 1985 Nov 2nd Great Britain 25 New Zealand 8 Wigan 1979 Jul 14th Australia 28 Great Britain 2 Sydney 1985 Nov 9th Great Britain 6 New Zealand 6 Leeds 1979 Jul 21st New Zealand 8 Great Britain 16 Auckland 1985 Nov 24th France 0 New Zealand 22 Marseille 1979 Aug 5th New Zealand 7 Great Britain 22 Christchurch 1985 Dec 7th New Zealand 22 France 0 Perpignan 1979 Aug 11th New Zealand 18 Great Britain 11 Auckland 1986 Feb 16th France 10 Great Britain 10 Avignon 1979 Oct 14th France 16 PNG 9 1986 Mar 1st Great Britain 24 France 10 Wigan 1979 Oct 28th France 15 PNG 2 Carcassonne 1986 Jul 6th New Zealand 8 Australia 22 Auckland 1980 Jan 26th Wales 7 France 21 Widnes 1986 Jul 19th Australia 29 New Zealand 12 Sydney 1980 Feb 29th England 26 Wales 9 Hull 1986 Jul 29th Australia 32 New Zealand 12 Brisbane 1980 Mar 16th France 2 England 4 Narbonne 1986 Aug 10th PNG 26 New Zealand 36 Goroka 1980 Jun 1st New Zealand 6 Australia 27 Auckland 1986 Aug 17th PNG 24 New Zealand 22 Port Moresby 1980 Jun 15th New Zealand 6 Australia 15 Auckland 1986 Oct 4th PNG 12 Australia 62 Port Moresby 1980 Oct 18th Great Britain 14 New Zealand 14 Wigan 1986 Oct 25th Great Britain 16 Australia 38 1980 Nov 2nd Great Britain 8 New Zealand 12 Bradford 1986 Oct 27th Cook Islands 22 Niue 8 Avarua

98 1986 Oct 27th Western Samoa 34 Tokelau 12 Avarua 1991 Jun 13th New Zealand 60 France 6 Auckland 1986 Oct 29th Niue 16 NZ Maori 32 Avarua 1991 Jun 23rd New Zealand 32 France 10 Christchurch 1986 Oct 29th Tonga 34 Western Samoa 16 Avarua 1991 Jul 3rd Australia 8 New Zealand 24 Melbourne 1986 Oct 31st Cook Islands 10 NZ Maori 32 Avarua 1991 Jul 7th PNG 18 France 20 Goroka 1986 Oct 31st Tokelau 22 Tonga 26 Avarua 1991 Jul 24th Australia 44 New Zealand 0 Sydney 1986 Nov 2nd Cook Islands 0 Western Samoa 48 Avarua 1991 Jul 31st Australia 40 New Zealand 12 Brisbane 1986 Nov 2nd NZ Maori 27 Tonga 18 Avarua 1991 Oct 6th PNG 2 Australia 58 Goroka 1986 Nov 4th Tonga 4 Western Samoa 46 Avarua 1991 Oct 13th PNG 6 Australia 40 Port Moresby 1986 Nov 7th NZ Maori 23 Western Samoa 6 Avarua 1991 Oct 27th France 26 Russia 6 Villeurbanne 1986 Nov 8th Great Britain 4 Australia 34 Leeds 1991 Oct 27th Wales 68 PNG 0 Swansea 1986 Nov 22nd Great Britain 15 Australia 24 Wigan 1991 Nov 9th Great Britain 56 PNG 4 Wigan 1986 Nov 30th France 2 Australia 44 Perpignan 1991 Nov 24th France 28 PNG 14 Carcassonne 1986 Dec 13th France 0 Australia 52 Carcassonne 1992 Feb 16th France 12 Great Britain 30 Perpignan 1987 Jan 24th Great Britain 52 France 4 Leeds 1992 Mar 7th Great Britain 36 France 0 Hull 1987 Feb 8th France 10 Great Britain 20 Carcassonne 1992 Mar 22nd Wales 35 France 6 Swansea 1987 Jul 12th PNG 22 New Zealand 36 Port Moresby 1992 May 31st PNG 14 Great Britain 20 Port Moresby 1987 Jul 21st Australia 6 New Zealand 13 Brisbane 1992 Jun 12th Australia 22 Great Britain 6 Sydney 1987 Oct 24th Great Britain 42 PNG 0 Wigan 1992 Jun 18th C.I.S. 8 France 28 Moscow 1987 Nov 15th France 21 PNG 4 Carcassonne 1992 Jun 26th Australia 10 Great Britain 33 Melbourne 1988 Jan 24th France 14 Great Britain 28 Avignon 1992 Jul 3rd Australia 16 Great Britain 10 Brisbane 1988 Feb 6th Great Britain 30 France 12 Leeds 1992 Jul 5th New Zealand 66 PNG 10 Auckland May Palmerston 1988 PNG 22 Great Britain 42 Port Moresby 1992 Jul 12th New Zealand 15 Great Britain 14 22nd North 1988 Jun 11th Australia 17 Great Britain 6 Sydney 1992 Jul 15th Australia 36 PNG 14 Townsville 1988 Jun 28th Australia 34 Great Britain 14 Brisbane 1992 Jul 19th New Zealand 16 Great Britain 19 Auckland 1988 Jul 9th Australia 12 Great Britain 26 Sydney 1992 Oct 17th American Samoa 26 Tokelau 18 Auckland 1988 Jul 10th New Zealand 66 PNG 14 Auckland 1992 Oct 17th NZ Maori 36 Aborigines 24 Auckland 1988 Jul 17th New Zealand 12 Great Britain 10 Christchurch 1992 Oct 18th Tonga 24 Niue 8 Auckland 1988 Jul 20th Australia 70 PNG 8 1992 Oct 18th Western Samoa 32 Fiji 18 Auckland 1988 Oct 9th New Zealand 12 Australia 25 Auckland 1992 Oct 19th Aborigines 46 Tokelau 18 Auckland 1989 Jan 21st Great Britain 26 France 10 Wigan 1992 Oct 19th NZ Maori 84 Norfolk Island 8 Auckland 1989 Feb 5th France 8 Great Britain 30 Avignon 1992 Oct 20th Cook Islands 23 Niue 22 Auckland 1989 Jul 9th New Zealand 6 Australia 26 Christchurch 1992 Oct 20th Western Samoa 20 Tonga 12 Auckland 1989 Jul 16th New Zealand 0 Australia 8 Rotorua 1992 Oct 21st Aborigines 74 Norfolk Island 2 Auckland 1989 Jul 23rd New Zealand 14 Australia 22 Auckland 1992 Oct 21st NZ Maori 26 American Samoa 12 Auckland 1989 Oct 21st Great Britain 16 New Zealand 24 Trafford 1992 Oct 22nd Niue 14 Fiji 0 Auckland 1989 Oct 28th Great Britain 26 New Zealand 6 Leeds 1992 Oct 22nd Tonga 26 Cook Islands 6 Auckland 1989 Nov 11th Great Britain 10 New Zealand 6 Wigan 1992 Oct 24th American Samoa 94 Norfolk Island 2 Huntly 1989 Nov 19th France 14 New Zealand 16 Carcassonne 1992 Oct 24th Great Britain 6 Australia 10 London 1989 Dec 3rd France 0 New Zealand 34 Carcassonne 1992 Oct 24th NZ Maori 38 Tokelau 14 Huntly 1990 Mar 18th France 4 Great Britain 8 Perpignan 1992 Oct 24th Tonga 23 Fiji 20 Auckland 1990 Apr 7th Great Britain 18 France 25 Leeds 1992 Oct 24th Western Samoa 66 Cook Islands 12 Auckland 1990 May 27th PNG 20 Great Britain 18 Goroka 1992 Oct 26th Aborigines 32 American Samoa 14 Whangarei 1990 Jun 2nd PNG 8 Great Britain 40 Port Moresby 1992 Oct 26th Fiji 58 Cook Islands 6 Auckland Palmerston 1992 Oct 26th Tokelau 44 Norfolk Island 8 Whangarei 1990 Jun 24th New Zealand 10 Great Britain 11 North 1992 Oct 26th Western Samoa 41 Niue 28 Auckland 1990 Jun 27th Australia 34 France 2 Parkes 1992 Oct 28th NZ Maori 6 Tonga 18 Auckland 1990 Jul 8th New Zealand 14 Great Britain 16 Auckland 1992 Oct 28th Western Samoa 44 Aborigines 26 Auckland 1990 Jul 15th New Zealand 21 Great Britain 18 Christchurch 1992 Oct 31st NZ Maori 44 Aborigines 12 Auckland 1990 Aug 5th PNG 4 New Zealand 36 Goroka 1992 Oct 31st Western Samoa 18 Tonga 14 Auckland 1990 Aug 11th PNG 10 New Zealand 18 Port Moresby 1992 Nov 11th France 38 C.I.S. 4 Villeurbanne 1990 Aug 19th New Zealand 6 Australia 24 Wellington 1992 Nov 27th Wales 11 England 36 Swansea 1990 Oct 27th Great Britain 19 Australia 12 London 1992 Dec 13th France 18 Wales 19 Perpignan 1990 Nov 10th Great Britain 10 Australia 14 Trafford 1993 Mar 7th France 6 Great Britain 48 Carcassonne 1990 Nov 24th Great Britain 0 Australia 14 Leeds 1993 Apr 2nd Great Britain 72 France 6 Leeds 1990 Dec 2nd France 4 Australia 60 Avignon 1993 Jun 5th Russia 14 France 30 Moscow 1990 Dec 9th France 10 Australia 34 Perpignan 1993 Jun 19th PNG 35 Fiji 24 Port Moresby 1991 Jan 27th France 10 Great Britain 45 Perpignan 1993 Jun 20th New Zealand 14 Australia 14 Auckland 1991 Feb 16th Great Britain 60 France 4 Leeds 1993 Jun 25th New Zealand 8 Australia 16 Palmerston N

99 1993 Jun 30th Australia 16 New Zealand 4 Brisbane 1995 Oct 9th Wales 28 France 6 Cardiff 1993 Oct 4th Wales 19 New Zealand 24 Swansea 1995 Oct 10th Australia 86 South Africa 6 Gateshead 1993 Oct 16th Great Britain 17 New Zealand 0 London 1995 Oct 10th PNG 28 Tonga 28 Hull 1993 Oct 30th Great Britain 29 New Zealand 12 Wigan 1995 Oct 11th England 46 Fiji 0 Wigan 1993 Nov 6th Great Britain 29 New Zealand 10 Leeds 1995 Oct 12th Western Samoa 56 France 10 Cardiff 1993 Nov 21st France 11 New Zealand 36 Carcassonne 1995 Oct 13th New Zealand 22 PNG 6 St Helens 1994 Mar 4th Wales 13 France 12 Cardiff 1995 Oct 14th Australia 66 Fiji 0 Huddersfield 1994 Mar 20th France 4 Great Britain 12 Carcassonne 1995 Oct 14th England 46 South Africa 0 Leeds 1994 Jun 9th USA 22 Canada 0 Atlantic City 1995 Oct 15th Wales 22 Western Samoa 10 Swansea 1994 Jun 26th PNG 29 France 22 Port Moresby 1995 Oct 16th Cook Islands 64 USA 8 Featherstone 1994 Jul 6th Australia 58 France 0 Sydney 1995 Oct 16th Ireland 48 Moldova 26 Rochdale 1994 Jul 9th Fiji 20 France 12 Suva 1995 Oct 16th Scotland 34 Russia 9 Featherstone 1994 Oct 1st Canada 10 USA 22 Toronto 1995 Oct 18th Cook Islands 58 Russia 20 Leigh 1994 Oct 16th PNG 12 New Zealand 28 Goroka 1995 Oct 18th Moldova 24 Morocco 19 Northampton 1994 Oct 21st Fiji 14 Western Samoa 16 Suva 1995 Oct 18th Scotland 38 USA 16 Northampton 1994 Oct 21st Rotuma 17 Cook Islands 10 Suva 1995 Oct 20th Ireland 42 Morocco 6 Dewsbury 1994 Oct 22nd Aborigines 64 Niue 10 Suva 1995 Oct 20th Russia 28 USA 26 Warrington 1994 Oct 22nd Fiji Pres. XIII 16 NZ Maori 28 Suva 1995 Oct 20th Scotland 10 Cook Islands 21 Castleford 1994 Oct 22nd Great Britain 8 Australia 4 London 1995 Oct 21st England 25 Wales 10 Trafford 1994 Oct 25th Fiji 19 Cook Islands 11 Suva 1995 Oct 22nd Australia 30 New Zealand 20 Huddersfield 1994 Oct 25th Western Samoa 30 American Samoa 10 Suva 1995 Oct 24th Cook Islands 22 Ireland 6 Bury 1994 Oct 26th Fiji Pres. XIII 12 Aborigines 50 Suva 1995 Oct 28th Australia 16 England 8 London 1994 Oct 26th Tonga 28 NZ Maori 8 Suva 1996 Jun 5th France 14 Wales 34 Carcassonne 1994 Oct 27th PNG 16 New Zealand 30 Port Moresby 1996 Jun 12th England 73 France 6 Gateshead 1994 Oct 28th Cook Islands 22 American Samoa 20 Suva 1996 Jun 26th Wales 12 England 26 Cardiff 1994 Oct 28th Fiji 32 Rotuma 12 Suva 1996 Jul 3rd Fiji 14 Cook Islands 8 Auckland 1994 Oct 29th Fiji Pres. XIII 10 Tonga 32 Suva 1996 Jul 3rd NZ Maori 28 Tonga 18 Auckland 1994 Oct 29th NZ Maori 24 Niue 22 Suva 1996 Jul 6th Western Samoa 16 NZ Maori 39 Apia 1994 Oct 30th Wales 4 Australia 46 Cardiff 1996 Jul 8th PNG 56 Tonga 19 Port Moresby 1994 Nov 2nd Fiji 16 American Samoa 14 Suva 1996 Jul 10th Tonga 22 Western Samoa 17 Nuku’alofa 1994 Nov 2nd Western Samoa 50 Rotuma 14 Suva 1996 Aug 6th Scotland 26 Ireland 6 Glasgow 1994 Nov 3rd Aborigines 34 Tonga 16 Suva 1996 Sep 28th PNG 30 Great Britain 32 Lae 1994 Nov 3rd Fiji Pres. XIII 8 Niue 30 Suva 1996 Oct 5th Fiji 4 Great Britain 72 Nadi 1994 Nov 4th Rotuma 32 American Samoa 32 Suva 1996 Oct 5th New Zealand 62 PNG 8 Rotorua 1994 Nov 4th Western Samoa 60 Cook Islands 0 Suva 1996 Oct 11th New Zealand 64 PNG 0 Palmerston N 1994 Nov 5th Aborigines 38 NZ Maori 20 Suva 1996 Oct 18th New Zealand 17 Great Britain 12 Auckland 1994 Nov 5th Great Britain 8 Australia 38 Trafford 1996 Oct 25th New Zealand 18 Great Britain 15 Palmerston N 1994 Nov 5th Tonga 58 Niue 12 Suva 1996 Nov 1st New Zealand 32 Great Britain 12 Christchurch 1994 Nov 9th Fiji 21 Aborigines 20 Suva 1997 Apr 25th Australia (SL) 34 New Zealand 22 Sydney 1994 Nov 9th Tonga 34 Western Samoa 16 Suva 1997 May 11th NZ Maori 46 Tonga 10 Auckland 1994 Nov 11th Western Samoa 29 Aborigines 22 Suva 1997 May 11th New Zealand XIII 21 PNG 18 Auckland 1994 Nov 12th Fiji 11 Tonga 34 Suva 1997 May 11th Cook Islands 22 Fiji 14 Auckland 1994 Nov 20th Great Britain 4 Australia 23 Leeds 1997 May 13th France 30 Ireland 30 Essonne 1994 Dec 4th France 0 Australia 74 Béziers 1997 May 13th NZ Maori 32 Fiji 12 Auckland 1995 Feb 1st Wales 18 England 16 Cardiff 1997 May 13th New Zealand XIII 32 Tonga 10 Auckland 1995 Feb 15th England 19 France 16 Gateshead 1997 May 13th PNG 34 Cook Islands 12 Auckland 1995 Mar 5th France 10 Wales 22 Carcassonne 1997 May 15th NZ Maori 34 PNG 6 Auckland 1995 Jun 9th New Zealand 22 France 6 Auckland 1997 May 15th New Zealand XIII 46 Cook Islands 2 Auckland 1995 Jun 16th New Zealand 16 France 16 Palmerston N 1997 May 15th Tonga 14 Fiji 14 Auckland 1995 Jun 18th Canada 32 France 72 Montreal 1997 May 18th Fiji 22 Tonga 20 Auckland 1995 Jun 23rd Australia 26 New Zealand 8 Brisbane 1997 May 18th New Zealand XIII 20 NZ Maori 15 Auckland 1995 Jul 7th Australia 20 New Zealand 10 Sydney 1997 May 18th PNG 38 Cook Islands 14 Auckland 1995 Jul 14th Australia 46 New Zealand 10 Brisbane 1997 Jul 9th Scotland 20 France 22 Glasgow 1995 Aug 13th Scotland 22 Ireland 26 Dublin 1997 Sep 26th New Zealand 30 Australia (SL) 12 Auckland 1995 Aug 20th USA 12 Russia 19 San Francisco 1997 Nov 1st Great Britain 14 Australia (SL) 38 London 1995 Aug 26th USA 44 Canada 0 Baltimore 1997 Nov 8th Great Britain 20 Australia (SL) 12 Trafford 1995 Oct 7th England 20 Australia 16 London 1997 Nov 16th Great Britain 20 Australia (SL) 37 Leeds 1995 Oct 8th Fiji 52 South Africa 6 Bradford 1997 Dec 6th France 30 South Africa 17 Arles 1995 Oct 8th New Zealand 25 Tonga 24 Warrington 1998 Apr 24th New Zealand 22 Australia 16 Auckland

100 1998 Jun 7th Tonga 20 Samoa 20 Nuku’alofa 1999 Nov 9th USA 54 Japan 0 Kissimmee 1998 Jun 30th Tonga 24 Samoa 8 Nuku’alofa 1999 Nov 11th France 80 Morocco 8 Perpignan 1998 Jul 1st Fiji 22 Tonga 14 Nuku’alofa 1999 Nov 11th Italy 16 Lebanon 36 Perpignan 1998 Jul 4th Samoa 22 Tonga 24 Apia 1999 Nov 11th Japan 14 Canada 0 Kissimmee 1998 Jul 18th PNG 16 Fiji 14 Lautoka 1999 Nov 14th France 38 Lebanon 24 Toulouse 1998 Jul 22nd PNG 34 Fiji 12 Minj 1999 Nov 14th Italy 34 Morocco 0 Toulouse 1998 Jul 26th Fiji 14 PNG 10 Port Moresby 1999 Nov 15th USA 68 Canada 0 Kissimmee 1998 Oct 7th NZ Maori 23 Tonga 12 Port Moresby 1999 Nov 17th France 10 Italy 14 Avignon 1998 Oct 7th PNG 46 Cook Islands 6 Port Moresby 1999 Nov 17th Lebanon 104 Morocco 0 Avignon 1998 Oct 9th Australia 30 New Zealand 12 Brisbane 1999 Nov 21st USA 8 Lebanon 62 Kissimmee 1998 Oct 9th American Samoa 40 Cook Islands 34 Niue 2000 Apr 27th Australia 52 New Zealand 0 Sydney 1998 Oct 9th Tonga 18 Tokelau 4 Niue 2000 May 27th Tonga 23 Fiji 20 Nuku’alofa Colonials 2000 Jun 3rd Fiji 10 Tonga 6 Suva 1998 Oct 9th 30 Niue 28 Niue (NZ Academy) 2000 Jul 3rd France 82 Russia 0 Paris 1998 Oct 9th Rotuma 22 Samoa 18 Niue 2000 Oct 7th Australia 82 PNG 0 Townsville 1998 Oct 11th American Samoa 54 Tokelau 12 Niue 2000 Oct 28th England 2 Australia 22 London 1998 Oct 11th Cook Islands 8 Tonga 16 Niue 2000 Oct 28th France 20 PNG 23 Paris Colonials 1998 Oct 11th Rotuma 11 0 Niue 2000 Oct 28th Ireland 30 Samoa 16 Belfast (NZ Academy) 2000 Oct 28th Tonga 66 South Africa 18 Paris 1998 Oct 11th Samoa 24 Niue 10 Niue 2000 Oct 29th Fiji 38 Russia 12 Hull 1998 Oct 11th Cook Islands 16 NZ Maori 8 Port Moresby 2000 Oct 29th New Zealand 64 Lebanon 0 Gloucester 1998 Oct 11th PNG 44 Tonga 28 Port Moresby 2000 Oct 29th Scotland 16 NZ Maori 17 Glasgow 1998 Oct 13th Cook Islands 22 Tokelau 16 Niue 2000 Oct 29th Wales 38 Cook Islands 6 Wrexham 1998 Oct 13th Tonga 18 American Samoa 16 Niue 2000 Nov 1st Australia 66 Fiji 8 Gateshead 1998 Oct 13th Niue 14 Rotuma 10 Niue 2000 Nov 1st England 76 Russia 4 St Helens Colonials 1998 Oct 13th Samoa 36 4 Niue (NZ Academy) 2000 Nov 1st France 28 Tonga 8 Carcassonne 1998 Oct 14th PNG 46 NZ Maori 0 Port Moresby 2000 Nov 1st Ireland 18 Scotland 6 Dublin 1998 Oct 14th Tonga 30 Cook Islands 22 Port Moresby 2000 Nov 1st Samoa 21 NZ Maori 16 Workington 1998 Oct 15th Tonga 26 Rotuma 22 Niue 2000 Nov 2nd New Zealand 84 Cook Islands 10 Reading 1998 Oct 15th Samoa 42 American Samoa 28 Niue 2000 Nov 2nd PNG 16 South Africa 0 Toulouse 1998 Oct 16th New Zealand 16 Australia 36 Auckland 2000 Nov 2nd Wales 24 Lebanon 22 Llanelli 1998 Oct 17th American Samoa 30 Rotuma 26 Niue 2000 Nov 4th Australia 110 Russia 4 Hull 1998 Oct 17th Samoa 46 Tonga 16 Niue 2000 Nov 4th England 66 Fiji 10 Leeds 1998 Oct 18th NZ Maori 28 Cook Islands 6 Port Moresby 2000 Nov 4th Ireland 30 NZ Maori 16 Dublin 1998 Oct 18th PNG 54 Tonga 12 Port Moresby 2000 Nov 5th Cook Islands 22 Lebanon 22 Cardiff 1998 Oct 31st Great Britain 16 New Zealand 22 Huddersfield 2000 Nov 5th France 56 South Africa 6 Toulouse 1998 Nov 4th Ireland 22 France 24 Dublin 2000 Nov 5th Scotland 12 Samoa 20 Edinburgh 1998 Nov 7th Great Britain 16 New Zealand 36 Bolton 2000 Nov 5th Wales 18 New Zealand 58 Cardiff 1998 Nov 11th France 26 Scotland 22 Perpignan 2000 Nov 6th PNG 30 Tonga 22 Toulouse 1998 Nov 14th Great Britain 23 New Zealand 23 Watford 2000 Nov 11th Australia 66 Samoa 10 Watford 1998 Nov 15th Japan 28 Lebanon 52 Fukuoka 2000 Nov 11th England 26 Ireland 16 Leeds 1998 Nov 18th Scotland 10 Ireland 17 Glasgow 2000 Nov 12th New Zealand 54 France 6 Castleford 1999 Apr 23rd Australia 20 New Zealand 14 Sydney 2000 Nov 12th Wales 22 PNG 8 Widnes 1999 Jul 28th Fiji 10 Samoa 6 Suva 2000 Nov 13th BARLA 60 Morocco 2 Featherstone 1999 Jul 30th Cook Islands 4 Tonga 42 Nuku’alofa 2000 Nov 13th USA 52 Canada 10 Oxford 1999 Jul 31st Fiji 22 Samoa 16 Suva 2000 Nov 15th Italy 66 Canada 6 Bradford 1999 Aug 3rd Cook Islands 13 Tonga 28 Nuku’alofa 2000 Nov 15th Morocco 12 Japan 8 Hull 1999 Aug 4th Cook Islands 4 Tonga 34 Nuku’alofa 2000 Nov 17th BARLA 54 Japan 0 Whitehaven 1999 Aug 4th Fiji 30 Samoa 4 Suva 2000 Nov 17th Italy 40 USA 16 Halifax 1999 Oct 13th France 20 England 28 Carcassonne 2000 Nov 18th England 6 New Zealand 49 Bolton 1999 Oct 15th New Zealand 24 Australia 22 Auckland 2000 Nov 19th Australia 46 Wales 22 Huddersfield 1999 Oct 15th Wales 17 Ireland 24 Swansea 2000 Nov 20th BARLA 20 Italy 18 Dewsbury 1999 Oct 22nd Australia 42 Great Britain 6 Brisbane 2000 Nov 20th Canada 28 Japan 12 Wigan 1999 Oct 22nd New Zealand 74 Tonga 0 Auckland 2000 Nov 20th USA 50 Morocco 10 Wigan 1999 Oct 22nd Scotland 36 Wales 16 Glasgow 2000 Nov 25th Australia 40 New Zealand 12 Trafford 1999 Oct 23rd England 50 France 20 Hull 2001 Jun 10th New Zealand 36 France 0 Auckland 1999 Oct 26th New Zealand 26 Great Britain 4 Auckland 2001 Jun 17th PNG 16 France 27 Port Moresby 1999 Oct 31st Ireland 31 Scotland 10 Dublin 2001 Jun 20th PNG 34 France 24 Goroka 1999 Nov 5th New Zealand 20 Australia 22 Auckland 2001 Jun 26th France 56 Ireland 16 Albi

101 2001 Jul 3rd France 20 Scotland 42 Lézignan 2004 Oct 19th Cook Islands 18 Tonga 10 Auckland 2001 Jul 13th New Zealand 10 Australia 28 Wellington 2004 Oct 19th Samoa 36 Niue 18 Auckland 2001 Jul 29th Wales 33 England 42 Wrexham 2004 Oct 20th Samoa 76 New Caledonia 0 Auckland 2001 Oct 7th PNG 12 Australia 54 Port Moresby 2004 Oct 21st Cook Islands 20 Fiji 12 Auckland 2001 Oct 26th France 12 Great Britain 42 Agen 2004 Oct 21st NZ Maori 70 Samoa 10 Auckland 2001 Nov 11th Great Britain 20 Australia 12 Huddersfield 2004 Oct 23rd Australia 32 New Zealand 12 London 2001 Nov 17th Great Britain 12 Australia 40 Bolton 2004 Oct 23rd Cook Islands 46 NZ Maori 4 Auckland 2001 Nov 24th Great Britain 8 Australia 28 Wigan 2004 Oct 23rd Fiji 34 Niue 24 Auckland 2002 Jun 1st USA 26 Japan 10 Philadelphia 2004 Oct 24th Russia 4 England 98 Moscow 2002 Jul 12th Australia 64 Great Britain 10 Sydney 2004 Oct 24th Scotland 30 Wales 22 Glasgow 2002 Oct 12th New Zealand 24 Australia 32 Wellington 2004 Oct 29th Ireland 43 Scotland 10 Dublin 2002 Nov 2nd Lebanon 36 France 6 Tripoli 2004 Oct 30th France 4 England 42 Avignon 2002 Nov 3rd Wales 22 New Zealand 50 Cardiff 2004 Oct 30th Great Britain 8 Australia 12 Oldham 2002 Nov 9th Great Britain 16 New Zealand 30 Blackburn 2004 Nov 6th Great Britain 22 New Zealand 12 Huddersfield 2002 Nov 16th Great Britain 14 New Zealand 14 Huddersfield 2004 Nov 7th England 36 Ireland 12 Warrington 2002 Nov 23rd Great Britain 16 New Zealand 10 Wigan 2004 Nov 11th France 20 New Zealand 24 Carcassonne 2002 Nov 30th France 10 New Zealand 36 Perpignan 2004 Nov 13th Great Britain 24 Australia 12 Wigan 2003 May 6th Russia 44 USA 14 Moscow 2004 Nov 20th Great Britain 26 New Zealand 24 Hull 2003 May 9th Russia 12 France 29 Moscow 2004 Nov 21st France 30 Australia 52 Toulouse 2003 Jun 27th USA 78 Japan 6 Philadelphia 2004 Nov 27th Great Britain 4 Australia 44 Leeds 2003 Jul 25th Australia 48 New Zealand 6 Sydney 2005 Apr 22nd Australia 32 New Zealand 16 Brisbane 2003 Sep 27th Italy 26 Greece 24 Sydney 2005 Apr 29th The Netherlands 14 Georgia 34 Rotterdam 2003 Oct 18th New Zealand 30 Australia 16 Auckland 2005 Jun 18th Serbia 10 The Netherlands 26 Belgrade 2003 Oct 19th France 72 Morocco 0 Tripoli 2005 Jul 24th Georgia 44 Serbia 12 Tbilisi 2003 Oct 19th Lebanon 102 Serbia 0 Tripoli 2005 Oct 7th Tonga 34 Samoa 20 Nuku’alofa 2003 Oct 22nd France 120 Serbia 0 Beirut 2005 Oct 8th Malta 24 Greece 22 Sydney 2003 Oct 22nd Lebanon 60 Morocco 0 Beirut 2005 Oct 15th Australia 28 New Zealand 38 Sydney 2003 Oct 25th Lebanon 26 France 18 Tripoli 2005 Oct 16th France 80 Russia 0 Arles 2003 Oct 25th Morocco 58 Serbia 4 Tripoli 2005 Oct 16th Wales 22 Scotland 14 Bridgend 2003 Oct 26th Scotland 22 Ireland 24 Glasgow 2005 Oct 21st New Zealand 26 Australia 28 Auckland 2003 Oct 26th Wales 74 Russia 4 Port Talbot 2005 Oct 23rd Russia 48 Georgia 14 Moscow 2003 Nov 1st Ireland 18 France 26 Dublin 2005 Oct 23rd Scotland 6 Ireland 12 Glasgow 2003 Nov 2nd English League 102 Russia 0 Bradford 2005 Oct 29th Ireland 10 Wales 31 Dublin 2003 Nov 2nd Wales 4 Australia 76 Bridgend 2005 Oct 30th Georgia 0 France 60 Tbilisi 2003 Nov 8th Great Britain 18 Australia 22 Wigan 2005 Oct 30th Great Britain 26 New Zealand 42 London 2003 Nov 9th English League 22 Wales 4 Leeds 2005 Nov 5th France 38 Wales 16 Carcassonne 2003 Nov 9th France 6 Scotland 8 Avignon 2005 Nov 6th Great Britain 6 Australia 20 Wigan 2003 Nov 15th Great Britain 20 Australia 23 Hull 2005 Nov 12th France 12 Australia 44 Perpignan 2003 Nov 16th English League 68 France 6 Warrington 2005 Nov 12th Great Britain 38 New Zealand 12 Huddersfield 2003 Nov 22nd Great Britain 12 Australia 18 Huddersfield 2005 Nov 18th France 22 New Zealand 38 Toulouse 2004 Apr 23rd Australia 37 New Zealand 10 Newcastle 2005 Nov 19th Great Britain 14 Australia 26 Hull 2004 May 10th Ireland 74 USA 16 Moscow 2005 Nov 27th Australia 0 New Zealand 24 Leeds 2004 May 12th Russia 64 USA 8 Moscow 2006 Jan 26th USA 40 Japan 10 Philadelphia 2004 May 16th Russia 64 Ireland 6 Moscow 2006 Feb 4th Georgia 46 Russia 19 Tbilisi 2004 Aug 8th The Netherlands 24 Serbia 14 Rotterdam 2006 Feb 23rd Fiji 26 Samoa 4 Auckland 2004 Oct 2nd France Espoirs 46 Morocco 6 Tripoli 2006 Feb 23rd Tonga 64 Tokelau 0 Auckland 2004 Oct 2nd Italy 58 Greece 14 Sydney 2006 Feb 26th Fiji 40 Cook Islands 16 Auckland 2004 Oct 2nd Lebanon 64 Serbia 6 Tripoli 2006 Feb 26th NZ Maori 14 Tonga 42 Auckland 2004 Oct 5th France Espoirs 18 Serbia 4 Tripoli 2006 Mar 2nd Cook Islands 44 Samoa 0 Auckland 2004 Oct 5th Lebanon 48 Morocco 14 Tripoli 2006 Mar 2nd NZ Maori 64 Tokelau 4 Auckland 2004 Oct 9th Lebanon 42 France Espoirs 14 Tripoli 2006 Mar 5th NZ Maori 40 Cook Islands 14 Auckland 2004 Oct 9th Serbia 20 Morocco 20 Tripoli 2006 Mar 5th Tokelau 34 Samoa 28 Auckland 2004 Oct 16th New Zealand 16 Australia 16 Auckland 2006 Mar 7th Tonga 22 Fiji 4 Auckland 2004 Oct 16th Russia 10 France 58 Moscow 2006 Apr 28th The Netherlands 14 Russia 40 Rotterdam 2004 Oct 17th NZ Maori 54 Niue 4 Auckland 2006 May 5th Australia 50 New Zealand 12 Brisbane 2004 Oct 17th Tonga XIII 22 Cook Islands XIII 17 Auckland 2006 May 13th Serbia 10 Georgia 45 Belgrade 2004 Oct 17th Tonga 56 Fiji 6 Auckland 2006 May 26th Georgia 57 The Netherlands 16 Tbilisi 2004 Oct 17th Wales 12 Ireland 25 Port Talbot 2006 Jun 4th Italy 34 USA 6 Sydney 2004 Oct 18th Tonga XIII 22 American Samoa 18 Auckland 2006 Jun 4th Serbia 6 Russia 44 Belgrade

102 2006 Jun 12th Italy 6 South Africa 76 Montelanico 2008 May 9th Australia 28 New Zealand 12 Sydney 2006 Jun 13th Italy 20 South Africa 60 Montelanico 2008 Jun 13th Italy 58 Germany 26 Padua 2006 Jun 17th The Netherlands 38 Serbia 26 Rotterdam 2008 Jun 27th France 8 England 56 Toulouse 2006 Jun 22nd Russia 24 Georgia 0 Moscow 2008 Jun 28th Estonia 10 Latvia 48 Tallinn 2006 Jun 28th Great Britain 46 New Zealand 14 St Helens 2008 Jul 12th Czech Republic 18 Italy 38 Prague 2006 Jul 22nd Germany 38 Estonia 24 Tallinn 2008 Aug 3rd Germany 62 Czech Republic 20 Karlsruhe 2006 Aug 4th The Netherlands 34 Czech Republic 28 Rotterdam 2008 Aug 3rd Latvia 62 Estonia 10 Riga 2006 Aug 12th Czech Republic 28 Serbia 36 Prague 2008 Sep 20th Serbia 4 Russia 30 Novi Sad 2006 Sep 29th Samoa 30 Fiji 28 Campbelltown 2008 Sep 28th Russia 80 Lebanon 0 Naro-Fominsk 2006 Sep 29th Tonga 56 Cook Islands 14 Campbelltown 2008 Oct 5th Lebanon 20 Serbia 14 Bhamdoun 2006 Oct 4th Fiji 30 Tonga 28 Sydney 2008 Oct 10th England 74 Wales 0 Doncaster 2006 Oct 4th Samoa 46 Cook Islands 6 Sydney 2008 Oct 18th New Zealand 56 Tonga 8 Auckland 2006 Oct 7th Fiji 40 Cook Islands 4 Sydney 2008 Oct 25th England 32 PNG 22 Townsville 2006 Oct 8th Lebanon 36 Malta 10 Sydney 2008 Oct 26th Australia 30 New Zealand 6 Sydney 2006 Oct 14th New Zealand 18 Australia 30 Auckland 2008 Oct 26th Scotland 18 France 36 Canberra 2006 Oct 21st Australia 20 New Zealand 15 Melbourne 2008 Oct 27th Tonga 22 Ireland 20 Sydney 2006 Oct 22nd England 26 France 10 Leeds 2008 Oct 31st Samoa 20 Tonga 12 Sydney 2006 Oct 22nd Russia 12 Ireland 50 Moscow 2008 Nov 1st Fiji 42 France 6 Wollongong 2006 Oct 22nd Samoa 10 Tonga 18 Leeds 2008 Nov 1st New Zealand 48 PNG 6 Gold Coast 2006 Oct 28th Greece 44 Serbia 26 Athens 2008 Nov 2nd Australia 52 England 4 Melbourne 2006 Oct 28th Lebanon 22 Russia 8 London 2008 Nov 5th Ireland 34 Samoa 16 Sydney 2006 Oct 28th New Zealand 18 Great Britain 14 Christchurch 2008 Nov 5th Scotland 18 Fiji 16 Gosford 2006 Oct 28th USA 54 Japan 18 Philadelphia 2008 Nov 8th England 24 New Zealand 36 Newcastle 2006 Oct 29th England 40 Tonga 18 London 2008 Nov 8th Scotland 0 Tonga 48 Rockhampton 2006 Oct 29th France 28 Samoa 6 Colomiers 2008 Nov 9th France 10 Samoa 42 Sydney 2006 Oct 29th Wales 14 Scotland 21 Bridgend 2008 Nov 9th PNG 6 Australia 46 Townsville 2006 Nov 4th Australia 12 Great Britain 23 Sydney 2008 Nov 10th Fiji 30 Ireland 14 Gold Coast 2006 Nov 5th England 38 Samoa 14 Hull 2008 Nov 15th New Zealand 32 England 22 Brisbane 2006 Nov 5th France 10 Tonga 48 Castres 2008 Nov 16th Australia 52 Fiji 0 Sydney 2006 Nov 5th Ireland 18 Lebanon 18 Dublin 2008 Nov 23rd Australia 20 New Zealand 34 Brisbane 2006 Nov 11th New Zealand 34 Great Britain 4 Wellington 2009 May 8th Australia 38 New Zealand 10 Brisbane 2006 Nov 12th England 32 Tonga 14 Widnes 2009 Jun 6th Morocco 32 Italy 10 Lyon 2006 Nov 18th Australia 33 Great Britain 10 Brisbane 2009 Jun 13th France 12 England 66 Paris 2006 Nov 25th Australia 16 New Zealand 12 Sydney 2009 Jul 4th Czech Republic 30 Germany 4 Olomouc 2007 Jan 25th Malta 82 Japan 0 2009 Jul 11th Italy 38 Czech Republic 8 Venice 2007 Jan 26th Fiji 50 Cook Islands 12 Coffs Harbour 2009 Jul 18th Germany 30 Italy 42 Cologne 2007 Apr 20th Australia 30 New Zealand 6 Brisbane 2009 Jul 22nd PNG 54 Fiji 10 Port Moresby 2007 Jun 22nd Great Britain 42 France 14 Leeds 2009 Jul 24th Latvia 6 Ukraine 40 Riga 2007 Jul 7th Germany 6 Serbia 38 Karlsruhe 2009 Jul 25th PNG 14 Fiji 2 Port Moresby 2007 Aug 4th Czech Republic 22 Germany 44 Prague 2009 Jul 26th Estonia 0 Ukraine 86 Riga 2007 Aug 18th Serbia 56 Czech Republic 16 Belgrade 2009 Aug 8th Estonia 4 Latvia 74 Tallinn 2007 Oct 13th New Zealand 0 Australia 58 Wellington 2009 Aug 15th Morocco 46 Belgium 12 Beziers 2007 Oct 19th Tonga 14 Fiji 12 Nuku’alofa 2009 Oct 10th Italy 34 Malta 10 Sydney 2007 Oct 20th Ireland 58 Russia 18 Dublin 2009 Oct 14th New Zealand 40 Tonga 24 Rotorua 2007 Oct 21st Latvia 54 Estonia 38 Tallinn 2009 Oct 17th Cook Islands 22 Samoa 20 2007 Oct 27th France 46 Scotland 16 Perpignan 2009 Oct 17th Greece 34 Italy 14 Sydney 2007 Oct 27th Great Britain 20 New Zealand 14 Huddersfield 2009 Oct 17th Italy 0 Scotland 104 Padua 2007 Oct 27th Russia 0 Lebanon 48 Naro-Fominsk 2009 Oct 17th Wales 12 England 48 Bridgend 2007 Nov 2nd Ireland 16 Lebanon 16 Dewsbury 2009 Oct 18th Ireland 82 Serbia 0 Tullamore 2007 Nov 3rd France 38 PNG 26 Avignon 2009 Oct 23rd England 34 France 12 Doncaster 2007 Nov 3rd Great Britain 44 New Zealand 0 Hull 2009 Oct 24th Australia 20 New Zealand 20 London 2007 Nov 4th Scotland 16 Wales 18 Glasgow 2009 Oct 24th Cook Islands 24 Fiji 22 Port Moresby 2007 Nov 9th Samoa 42 USA 10 Widnes 2009 Oct 24th Lebanon 86 Italy 0 Tripoli 2007 Nov 9th Wales 26 Lebanon 50 Widnes 2009 Oct 24th Serbia 8 Wales 88 Smederevo 2007 Nov 10th France 22 PNG 16 Bordeaux 2009 Oct 25th PNG 44 Tonga 14 Port Moresby 2007 Nov 10th Great Britain 28 New Zealand 22 Wigan 2009 Oct 31st England 16 Australia 26 Wigan 2007 Nov 14th Lebanon 16 Samoa 38 Featherstone 2009 Oct 31st Fiji 26 Tonga 16 Port Moresby 2007 Nov 17th France 14 New Zealand 22 Paris 2009 Oct 31st France 12 New Zealand 62 Toulouse 2008 Feb 23rd Morocco 44 Serbia 6 Lyon 2009 Nov 1st PNG 42 Cook Islands 14 Port Moresby

103 2009 Nov 1st Scotland 22 Lebanon 10 Glasgow 2011 Oct 23rd Serbia 6 Italy 52 Belgrade 2009 Nov 1st Wales 42 Ireland 12 Pontypridd 2011 Oct 23rd USA 40 Jamaica 4 Camden 2009 Nov 7th England 20 New Zealand 12 Huddersfield 2011 Oct 28th Australia 26 New Zealand 12 Warrington 2009 Nov 7th France 4 Australia 42 Paris 2011 Oct 29th England 42 Wales 4 Leigh 2009 Nov 8th Ireland 16 Lebanon 40 Bridgend 2011 Oct 29th France 46 Scotland 10 Perpignan 2009 Nov 8th Italy 42 Serbia 14 Bridgend 2011 Oct 29th Italy 19 Lebanon 19 Belgrade 2009 Nov 8th Wales 28 Scotland 16 Bridgend 2011 Oct 29th Serbia 28 Russia 36 Belgrade 2009 Nov 14th England 16 Australia 46 Leeds 2011 Oct 30th PNG 12 Fiji 26 Mount Hagen 2009 Nov 14th USA 37 Jamaica 22 Jacksonville 2011 Nov 5th England 20 Australia 36 London 2010 May 7th Australia 12 New Zealand 8 Melbourne 2011 Nov 5th Ireland 16 France 34 Limerick 2010 Jun 2nd Fiji 24 Samoa 4 Apia 2011 Nov 5th Wales 0 New Zealand 36 London 2010 Jun 4th Malta 30 Norway 20 Ħamrun 2011 Nov 12th England 28 New Zealand 6 Hull 2010 Jun 12th England 60 France 6 Leigh 2011 Nov 13th Wales 14 Australia 56 Wrexham 2010 Jun 26th Czech Republic 4 Serbia 56 Prague 2011 Nov 19th England 8 Australia 30 Leeds 2010 Jun 27th Russia 52 Ukraine 14 Naro-Fominsk 2012 Apr 20th New Zealand 12 Australia 20 Auckland 2010 Jul 3rd Serbia 40 Germany 14 Belgrade 2012 Apr 28th Denmark 122 Sweden 8 Copenhagen 2010 Jul 17th Germany 96 Czech Republic 0 Kaiserslautern 2012 May 12th Germany 25 Serbia 24 Karlsruhe 2010 Jul 31st Latvia 4 Russia 54 Riga 2012 May 12th USA 20 Tonga 28 Honolulu 2010 Sep 18th Ukraine 112 Latvia 0 Kharkiv 2012 May 19th Germany 26 Russia 32 Karlsruhe 2010 Sep 19th USA 22 Canada 16 Toronto 2012 Jun 9th Serbia 24 Italy 18 Belgrade 2010 Oct 9th France 58 Ireland 24 Avignon 2012 Jun 16th Wales 16 France 28 Wrexham 2010 Oct 10th Scotland 22 Wales 60 Glasgow 2012 Jul 7th Italy 72 Germany 10 Bologna 2010 Oct 16th France 26 Scotland 12 Albi 2012 Jul 7th Morocco 26 Lebanon 30 Berrechid 2010 Oct 16th New Zealand 50 Samoa 6 Auckland 2012 Jul 14th Czech Republic 42 Hungary 16 Prague 2010 Oct 17th Wales 31 Ireland 30 Neath 2012 Jul 21st Canada 18 Jamaica 12 Toronto 2010 Oct 23rd France 11 Wales 12 Albi 2012 Jul 28th Sweden 10 Norway 36 Stockholm 2010 Oct 23rd New Zealand 24 England 10 Wellington 2012 Aug 4th Norway 36 Denmark 6 Oslo 2010 Oct 24th Australia 42 PNG 0 Sydney 2012 Aug 11th Canada 36 Lebanon 18 Toronto 2010 Oct 24th Ireland 22 Scotland 42 Dublin 2012 Sep 8th Canada 24 USA 28 Toronto 2010 Oct 24th Samoa 22 Tonga 6 Sydney 2012 Sep 8th Russia 32 Italy 18 Naro-Fominsk 2010 Oct 30th New Zealand 76 PNG 12 Rotorua 2012 Sep 22nd Russia 21 Serbia 20 Naro-Fominsk 2010 Oct 30th Sweden 20 Norway 20 Gothenburg 2012 Sep 22nd USA 36 Canada 14 Fairfield 2010 Oct 31st Australia 34 England 14 Melbourne 2012 Sep 29th Denmark 12 Malta 74 Copenhagen 2010 Nov 6th England 36 PNG 10 Auckland 2012 Oct 7th Cook Islands 28 Lebanon 24 Sydney 2010 Nov 6th New Zealand 20 Australia 34 Auckland 2012 Oct 13th Australia 18 New Zealand 10 Townsville 2010 Nov 13th Australia 12 New Zealand 16 Brisbane 2012 Oct 14th Scotland 18 Ireland 30 Edinburgh 2010 Nov 16th USA 36 Jamaica 26 Jacksonville 2012 Oct 19th Ireland 4 56 Belfast 2010 Nov 18th Jamaica 32 Canada 12 Jacksonville 2012 Oct 20th France 20 Wales 6 Lens 2010 Nov 20th USA 46 Canada 12 Jacksonville 2012 Oct 27th Wales 12 England 80 Wrexham 2011 May 6th Australia 20 New Zealand 10 Gold Coast 2012 Oct 28th Scotland 24 England Knights 62 Edinburgh 2011 Jul 9th Norway 32 Germany 28 Oslo 2012 Nov 3rd England 44 France 6 Hull 2011 Jul 23rd Germany 36 Malta 12 Kaiserslautern 2012 Nov 11th England 48 France 4 Eccles 2011 Jul 23rd Hungary 16 Czech Republic 38 Kecskemét 2013 Apr 19th Australia 32 New Zealand 12 Canberra 2011 Jul 31st Canada 40 Jamaica 10 Markham 2013 Apr 20th Samoa 4 Tonga 36 Sydney 2011 Aug 27th USA 18 Canada 2 Philadelphia 2013 May 4th Germany 28 The Netherlands 22 Karlsruhe 2011 Sep 2nd Malta 64 Norway 24 St Julian’s 2013 May 18th Serbia 46 Germany 10 Belgrade 2011 Sep 10th Ukraine 4 Russia 36 Kharkiv 2013 May 25th Serbia 10 Russia 24 Belgrade 2011 Sep 18th Canada 18 USA 16 Markham 2013 Jun 29th Italy 38 Russia 18 Monselice 2011 Sep 30th Serbia 10 Ukraine 4 Belgrade 2013 Jun 29th The Netherlands 6 Belgium 22 Rotterdam 2011 Oct 2nd Denmark 28 Norway 8 Copenhagen 2013 Jul 6th Canada 36 USA 20 Toronto 2011 Oct 9th Canada 22 South Africa 36 Markham 2013 Jul 6th Ukraine 42 Norway 14 Kharkiv 2011 Oct 15th USA 40 South Africa 4 Camden 2013 Jul 13th Norway 26 Czech Republic 14 Oslo 2011 Oct 16th Australia 42 New Zealand 6 Newcastle 2013 Jul 20th Canada 38 Jamaica 14 Toronto 2011 Oct 16th Italy 92 Russia 6 Padua 2013 Jul 20th Norway 22 Sweden 40 Oslo 2011 Oct 16th Lebanon 96 Serbia 4 Tripoli 2013 Jul 27th Germany 30 Italy 66 Karlsruhe 2011 Oct 16th Scotland 26 Ireland 6 Glasgow 2013 Aug 3rd Sweden 38 Denmark 12 Stockholm 2011 Oct 19th South Africa 6 Jamaica 20 Camden 2013 Aug 10th Russia 30 Germany 0 Naro-Fominsk 2011 Oct 21st France 18 England 32 Avignon 2013 Aug 17th Denmark 60 Norway 10 Copenhagen 2011 Oct 22nd Russia 0 Lebanon 32 Vereya 2013 Aug 24th USA 44 Canada 16 Philadelphia

104 2013 Sep 7th Canada 20 USA 28 Toronto 2014 Oct 17th Bosnia-Herz. 4 Greece 58 Belgrade 2013 Sep 14th Italy 32 Serbia 20 Monselice 2014 Oct 17th Serbia 50 Hungary 0 Belgrade 2013 Sep 23rd USA 36 Canada 14 Philadelphia 2014 Oct 17th Wales 18 Scotland 42 Workington 2013 Sep 28th Canada 22 USA 30 Toronto 2014 Oct 18th Ireland 22 France 12 Dublin 2013 Sep 28th Czech Republic 4 Ukraine 68 Prague 2014 Oct 19th Fiji 40 Lebanon 28 Sydney 2013 Oct 18th France 18 USA 22 Perpignan 2014 Oct 19th Hungary 6 Bosnia-Herz. 32 Belgrade 2013 Oct 19th Lebanon 34 Fiji 4 Sydney 2014 Oct 19th PNG 32 Tonga 18 Lae 2013 Oct 20th New Zealand 50 Cook Islands 0 Doncaster 2014 Oct 19th Serbia 22 Greece 50 Belgrade 2013 Oct 26th Australia 28 England 20 Cardiff 2014 Oct 25th Australia 12 New Zealand 30 Brisbane 2013 Oct 26th Wales 16 Italy 32 Cardiff 2014 Oct 25th England 32 Samoa 26 Brisbane 2013 Oct 27th Hungary 0 Greece 90 Budapest 2014 Oct 25th France 42 Wales 22 Albi 2013 Oct 27th New Zealand 42 Samoa 24 Warrington 2014 Oct 25th Ireland 4 Scotland 25 Dublin 2013 Oct 27th PNG 8 France 9 Hull 2014 Oct 31st Scotland 22 France 38 Edinburgh 2013 Oct 28th Fiji 32 Ireland 14 Rochdale 2014 Nov 1st New Zealand 14 Samoa 12 Whangarei 2013 Oct 29th Tonga 24 Scotland 26 Workington 2014 Nov 2nd Australia 16 England 12 Melbourne 2013 Oct 30th USA 32 Cook Islands 20 Bristol 2014 Nov 2nd Wales 14 Ireland 46 Wrexham 2013 Nov 1st New Zealand 48 France 0 Avignon 2014 Nov 8th New Zealand 16 England 14 Dunedin 2013 Nov 2nd Australia 34 Fiji 2 St Helens 2014 Nov 9th Australia 44 Samoa 18 Wollongong 2013 Nov 2nd England 42 Ireland 0 Huddersfield 2014 Nov 15th New Zealand 22 Australia 18 Wellington 2013 Nov 3rd Scotland 30 Italy 30 Workington 2015 Apr 18th Belgium 50 Czech Republic 12 Brussels 2013 Nov 3rd Wales 16 USA 24 Wrexham 2015 May 2nd Fiji 22 PNG 10 Gold Coast 2013 Nov 4th PNG 4 Samoa 38 Hull 2015 May 2nd Samoa 18 Tonga 16 Gold Coast 2013 Nov 5th Tonga 22 Cook Islands 16 Leigh 2015 May 2nd The Netherlands 12 Belgium 60 Rotterdam 2013 Nov 7th Scotland 22 USA 8 Eccles 2015 May 3rd Australia 12 New Zealand 26 Brisbane 2013 Nov 8th New Zealand 56 PNG 10 Leeds 2015 May 3rd Lebanon 34 Malta 16 Sydney 2013 Nov 9th Australia 50 Ireland 0 Limerick 2015 May 9th Latvia 12 Spain 32 Riga 2013 Nov 9th England 34 Fiji 12 Hull 2015 May 16th Serbia 20 Russia 15 Belgrade 2013 Nov 10th Tonga 16 Italy 0 Halifax 2015 May 22nd France 68 Serbia 8 Perpignan 2013 Nov 10th Wales 24 Cook Islands 28 Neath 2015 May 24th Sweden 16 Denmark 30 Belgrade 2013 Nov 11th France 6 Samoa 22 Perpignan 2015 Jun 6th Spain 16 Germany 32 Valencia 2013 Nov 15th New Zealand 40 Scotland 4 Leeds 2015 Jun 13th Denmark 24 Norway 12 Copenhagen 2013 Nov 16th Australia 62 USA 0 Wrexham 2015 Jun 20th Germany 46 The Netherlands 12 Karlsruhe 2013 Nov 16th England 34 France 6 Wigan 2015 Jun 20th Italy 14 Serbia 21 Trieste 2013 Nov 17th Samoa 4 Fiji 22 Warrington 2015 Jun 21st Belgium 34 Malta 35 Leeds 2013 Nov 23rd Australia 64 Fiji 0 London 2015 Jul 4th Ukraine 20 Russia 34 Belgrade 2013 Nov 23rd England 18 New Zealand 20 London 2015 Jul 12th Ireland 34 Belgium 0 Dublin 2013 Nov 30th Australia 34 New Zealand 2 Trafford 2015 Jul 18th Ukraine 12 Italy 40 Kiev 2014 May 2nd Australia 30 New Zealand 18 Sydney Havlichkuv 2015 Jul 25th Czech Republic 12 Sweden 40 Brod 2014 May 3rd Samoa 32 Fiji 16 Sydney 2015 Aug 29th Serbia 16 Ireland 24 Belgrade 2014 May 3rd The Netherlands 16 Germany 70 Rotterdam 2015 Sep 5th Malta 22 Ireland 34 St Julian’s 2014 May 17th Serbia 40 Ukraine 14 Niš 2015 Sep 12th Russia 26 Italy 6 Moscow 2014 May 24th Belgium 10 Spain 12 Brussels 2015 Sep 12th Ukraine 4 Serbia 64 Lviv 2014 May 24th Russia 24 Ukraine 18 Vereya 2015 Sep 20th USA 28 Canada 36 Philadelphia 2014 Jun 8th Spain 54 Belgium 10 Valencia 2015 Sep 26th Spain 40 Malta 30 Valencia 2014 Jun 21st Russia 20 Serbia 6 Naro-Fominsk Havlichkuv 2014 Jun 28th Belgium 32 The Netherlands 16 Brussels 2015 Oct 3rd Czech Republic 14 Belgium 4 Brod 2014 Jun 28th Malta 18 Greece 32 St Julian’s 2015 Oct 10th Malta 30 Greece 0 Marsa 2014 Jun 28th Norway 10 Denmark 16 Oslo 2015 Oct 16th Wales 18 Scotland 12 Wrexham 2014 Jul 5th Italy 54 Ukraine 12 Trieste 2015 Oct 17th France 31 Ireland 14 Albi Havlichkuv 2014 Jul 12th Czech Republic 8 Malta 34 2015 Oct 17th Greece 4 Spain 76 Athens Brod 2015 Oct 17th Norway 30 Sweden 20 Oslo 2014 Jul 19th Canada 24 Jamaica 20 Toronto 2015 Oct 17th Tonga 28 Cook Islands 8 Campbelltown 2014 Jul 19th USA 18 Samoa 12 Philadelphia 2015 Oct 18th USA 28 Canada 34 Philadelphia 2014 Jul 26th Italy 22 Russia 18 Trieste 2015 Oct 23rd Scotland 22 Ireland 24 Edinburgh 2014 Aug 10th Canada 52 USA 14 Toronto 2015 Oct 24th England 84 France 4 Leigh 2014 Aug 16th Denmark 44 Sweden 6 Copenhagen 2015 Oct 25th South Africa 12 Lebanon 40 Pretoria 2014 Aug 28th Sweden 24 Norway 12 Stockholm 2015 Oct 30th Wales 14 France 6 Cardiff 2014 Sep 20th Serbia 45 Italy 6 Belgrade 2015 Oct 31st South Africa 16 Lebanon 50 Pretoria 2014 Oct 11th Greece 68 Czech Republic 16 Athens

105 2015 Nov 1st England 26 New Zealand 12 Hull 2017 Sep 9th The Netherlands 28 Sweden 24 Amsterdam 2015 Nov 7th England 2 New Zealand 9 London 2017 Sep 16th Canada 18 USA 36 Toronto 2015 Nov 7th France 32 Scotland 18 Roanne 2017 Oct 6th Greece 68 Bulgaria 8 Belgrade 2015 Nov 7th Ireland 4 Wales 30 Dublin 2017 Oct 8th Malta 24 Italy 24 Sydney 2015 Nov 14th England 20 New Zealand 14 Wigan 2017 Oct 8th Serbia 50 Greece 8 Belgrade 2015 Dec 4th USA 20 Jamaica 14 Jacksonville 2017 Oct 10th Serbia 50 Bulgaria 20 Belgrade 2015 Dec 8th Canada 18 Jamaica 18 Stanford 2017 Oct 13th France 34 Jamaica 12 Perpignan 2015 Dec 12th USA 34 Canada 24 Jacksonville 2017 Oct 14th Malta 48 Hungary 16 Sydney 2016 May 6th Australia 16 New Zealand 0 Newcastle 2017 Oct 21st Czech Republic 26 Norway 30 Krupka 2016 May 7th PNG 24 Fiji 22 Sydney 2017 Oct 27th Australia 18 England 4 Melbourne 2016 May 7th Samoa 18 Tonga 6 Sydney 2017 Oct 28th Fiji 58 USA 12 Townsville 2016 May 8th Cook Islands 30 Lebanon 20 Sydney 2017 Oct 28th New Zealand 38 Samoa 8 Auckland 2016 Jun 12th Italy 22 Lebanon 26 Catania 2017 Oct 28th PNG 50 Wales 6 Port Moresby 2016 Jun 25th Ukraine 46 Czech Republic 6 Lviv 2017 Oct 29th France 18 Lebanon 29 Canberra 2016 Jul 16th Canada 38 Jamaica 2 Hempstead 2017 Oct 29th Ireland 36 Italy 12 Cairns 2016 Jul 16th Sweden 24 Norway 40 Stockholm 2017 Oct 29th Scotland 4 Tonga 50 Cairns 2016 Jul 23rd USA 54 Jamaica 4 Philadelphia 2017 Nov 3rd Australia 52 France 6 Canberra 2016 Aug 6th Germany 12 Belgium 26 Dortmund 2017 Nov 4th England 29 Lebanon 10 Sydney 2016 Aug 7th Denmark 50 Sweden 18 Copenhagen 2017 Nov 4th New Zealand 74 Scotland 6 Christchurch 2016 Aug 13th The Netherlands 6 Germany 8 Rotterdam 2017 Nov 4th Samoa 18 Tonga 32 Hamilton 2016 Sep 3rd Belgium 36 The Netherlands 12 Brussels 2017 Nov 5th Fiji 72 Wales 6 Townsville 2016 Sep 3rd Italy 26 Ireland 60 Milan 2017 Nov 5th Italy 46 USA 0 Townsville 2016 Sep 24th Canada 8 USA 14 Toronto 2017 Nov 5th PNG 14 Ireland 6 Port Moresby 2016 Sep 24th Czech Republic 12 Norway 6 Krupka 2017 Nov 10th Fiji 38 Italy 10 Canberra 2016 Sep 24th Spain 4 Serbia 64 Valencia 2017 Nov 11th Australia 34 Lebanon 0 Sydney 2016 Oct 1st USA 20 Canada 14 Philadelphia 2017 Nov 11th New Zealand 22 Tonga 28 Hamilton 2016 Oct 8th Czech Republic 12 Ukraine 62 Prague 2017 Nov 11th Samoa 14 Scotland 14 Cairns 2016 Oct 8th Ireland 58 Malta 10 Dublin 2017 Nov 12th England 36 France 6 Perth 2016 Oct 8th Samoa 18 Fiji 20 Apia 2017 Nov 12th PNG 64 USA 0 Port Moresby 2016 Oct 15th Australia 26 New Zealand 6 Perth 2017 Nov 12th Wales 6 Ireland 34 Perth 2016 Oct 15th Russia 40 Spain 6 Moscow 2017 Nov 17th Australia 46 Samoa 0 Darwin 2016 Oct 15th Wales 50 Serbia 0 Llanelli 2017 Nov 17th Chile 54 Brazil 8 Los Ángeles 2016 Oct 16th Ireland 16 Jamaica 68 Dublin 2017 Nov 18th Colombia 22 Brazil 18 Los Ángeles 2016 Oct 21st Wales 16 Jamaica 16 Wakefield 2017 Nov 18th New Zealand 2 Fiji 4 Wellington 2016 Oct 22nd France 6 England 40 Avignon 2017 Nov 18th Tonga 24 Lebanon 22 Christchurch 2016 Oct 22nd Serbia 14 Italy 62 Belgrade 2017 Nov 19th England 36 PNG 6 Melbourne 2016 Oct 22nd Spain 6 Ireland 46 Valencia 2017 Nov 24th Australia 54 Fiji 6 Brisbane 2016 Oct 28th Scotland 12 Australia 54 Hull 2017 Nov 25th Tonga 18 England 20 Auckland 2016 Oct 29th England 16 New Zealand 17 Huddersfield 2017 Dec 2nd Australia 6 England 0 Brisbane 2016 Oct 29th Italy 14 Wales 20 Monza 2018 Feb 18th Malta 40 Hungary 28 Sydney 2016 Oct 30th Ireland 70 Russia 16 Dublin 2018 Jun 16th Czech Republic 20 Norway 12 Prague 2016 Nov 4th Italy 76 Russia 0 Leigh 2018 Jun 16th Japan 20 Hong Kong 32 Tokyo 2016 Nov 5th England 38 Scotland 12 Coventry 2018 Jun 23rd PNG 26 Fiji 14 Campbelltown 2016 Nov 5th New Zealand 8 Australia 14 Coventry 2018 Jun 23rd Tonga 38 Samoa 22 Campbelltown 2016 Nov 11th Scotland 18 New Zealand 18 Workington 2018 Jun 24th England 36 New Zealand 18 Denver 2016 Nov 13th England 18 Australia 36 London 2018 Jun 24th Malta 24 South Africa 30 Sydney 2016 Nov 20th Australia 34 New Zealand 8 Liverpool 2018 Jun 30th Hungary 0 Ireland 70 Budapest 2017 May 5th Australia 30 New Zealand 12 Canberra 2018 Jun 30th Malta 22 Ukraine 34 Marsa 2017 May 6th England 30 Samoa 10 Campbelltown 2018 Jul 14th Czech Republic 64 Hungary 10 Chrudim 2017 May 6th Lebanon 24 Malta 4 Sydney 2018 Aug 25th Germany 24 Czech Republic 4 Munster 2017 May 6th Tonga 26 Fiji 24 Campbelltown 2018 Sep 1st Norway 76 Poland 0 Stavanger 2017 Jun 3rd Lebanon 6 Italy 4 Beirut 2018 Sep 1st The Netherlands 38 Germany 22 Rotterdam 2017 Jun 10th Italy 94 Spain 4 Turin 2018 Sep 8th Ukraine 26 Greece 28 Kharkiv 2017 Jun 17th Norway 38 Sweden 18 Oslo 2018 Sep 15th Greece 60 Malta 4 Athens 2017 Jul 22nd Hungary 6 Czech Republic 26 Budapest 2018 Sep 15th Norway 40 Germany 22 Porsgrunn 2017 Jul 22nd USA 48 Jamaica 6 Jacksonville 2018 Sep 22nd Sweden 4 The Netherlands 24 Gothenburg 2017 Aug 19th Denmark 24 Norway 46 Copenhagen 2018 Sep 28th Poland 32 Hungary 0 Sydney 2017 Aug 26th Germany 18 The Netherlands 30 Munster 2018 Oct 1st Hungary 20 Greece 18 Windsor 2017 Aug 29th Jamaica 28 Canada 14 Kingston 2018 Oct 1st Malta 36 Philippines 10 Windsor

106 2018 Oct 1st Solomon Is 22 Turkey 30 Windsor 2019 Oct 12th Poland 16 Sweden 50 Lodz 2018 Oct 4th Hong Kong 6 Poland 62 Sydney 2019 Oct 19th Poland 0 Norway 68 Lodz 2018 Oct 4th Hungary 18 Vanuatu 13 Sydney 2019 Oct 25th Australia 26 New Zealand 4 Wollongong 2018 Oct 4th Japan 0 Turkey 60 Sydney 2019 Oct 26th Malta 28 Turkey 12 Sydney 2018 Oct 4th Malta 16 Niue 26 Sydney 2019 Oct 26th Scotland 86 Serbia 0 Glasgow 2018 Oct 6th Spain 32 Russia 24 Valencia 2019 Oct 26th Spain 8 Ireland 42 Valencia 2018 Oct 7th Greece 38 Vanuatu 0 Sydney 2019 Oct 26th Tonga Invitational 14 Great Britain 6 Hamilton 2018 Oct 7th Japan 6 Poland 58 Sydney 2019 Nov 1st Greece 24 Scotland 42 London 2018 Oct 7th Philippines 12 Niue 24 Sydney Lignano 2019 Nov 2nd Italy 34 Spain 4 Sabbiadoro 2018 Oct 7th Solomon Is 32 Hong Kong 12 Sydney 2019 Nov 2nd New Zealand 12 Great Britain 8 Auckland 2018 Oct 9th Solomon Is 44 Japan 22 Windsor 2019 Nov 2nd Samoa 18 Fiji 44 Auckland 2018 Oct 10th Hungary 10 Malta 20 Sydney 2019 Nov 2nd Tonga Invitational 16 Australia 12 Auckland 2018 Oct 10th Niue 16 Greece 8 Sydney 2019 Nov 9th Fiji 22 PNG 20 Christchurch 2018 Oct 10th Philippines 29 Turkey 16 Sydney 2019 Nov 9th Ireland 25 Italy 4 Dublin 2018 Oct 10th Vanuatu 4 Poland 44 Sydney 2019 Nov 9th New Zealand 23 Great Britain 8 Christchurch 2018 Oct 11th Hong Kong 30 Japan 32 Windsor 2019 Nov 9th Serbia 6 Greece 82 Belgrade 2018 Oct 12th Italy 18 South Africa 8 Sydney 2019 Nov 16th PNG 28 Great Britain 10 Port Moresby 2018 Oct 13th Greece 26 Hungary 18 Sydney 2019 Nov 16th USA 16 Cook Islands 38 Jacksonville 2018 Oct 13th Malta 24 Niue 16 Sydney 2020 Sep 26th The Netherlands 20 Germany 18 Zwolle 2018 Oct 13th New Zealand 26 Australia 24 Auckland 2018 Oct 13th Philippines 10 Poland 14 Sydney KEY 2018 Oct 13th Russia 36 Serbia 18 Vereya Blue highlighting is used to differentiate years. 2018 Oct 13th Solomon Is 56 Hong Kong 14 Sydney Matches in bold and underline are part of that year’s Rugby League World Cup 2018 Oct 13th Sweden 6 Norway 46 Gothenburg 2018 Oct 13th Turkey 27 Vanuatu 26 Sydney 2021 Rugby League World Cup Schedule 2018 Oct 17th England 44 France 6 Leigh Pool Matches - Week 1 2018 Oct 20th Australia 34 Tonga 16 Auckland Pool A England v Samoa Sat 23 Oct 2:30PM at St. James Park 2018 Oct 20th Serbia 24 Spain 20 Belgrade Pool B Australia v Fiji Sat 23 Oct 7:30PM at KCOM Stadium Pool B Scotland v Italy Sun 24 Oct 2:30PM at Kingston Park 2018 Oct 27th England 18 New Zealand 16 Hull Pool C Jamaica v Ireland Sun 24 Oct 5:00PM at Emerald Headingley Stadium 2018 Oct 27th France 54 Wales 18 Carcassonne Pool C New Zealand v Lebanon Sun 24 Oct 7:30PM at Halliwell Jones Stadium 2018 Oct 27th Ireland 36 Scotland 10 Dublin Pool A France v Greece Mon 25 Oct 2:30PM at 2018 Nov 3rd Ireland 10 France 24 Dublin Pool D Tonga v PNG Tue 26 Oct 7:30PM at Totally Wicked Stadium 2018 Nov 3rd Scotland 12 Wales 50 Edinburgh Pool D Wales v Cook Islands Wed 27 Oct 7:30PM at 2018 Nov 4th England 20 New Zealand 14 Liverpool Pool Matches - Week 2 2018 Nov 10th France 28 Scotland 10 Carcassonne Pool B Australia v Scotland Fri 29 Oct 7:30PM at 2018 Nov 11th England 0 New Zealand 34 Leeds Pool B Fiji v Italy Sat 30 Oct 2:30PM at Kingston Park 2018 Nov 11th Wales 40 Ireland 8 Wrexham Pool A England v France Sat 30 Oct 5:00PM at University of Bolton Stadium Pool C New Zealand v Jamaica Sat 30 Oct 7:30PM at Emerald Headingley Stadium 2018 Nov 13th Jamaica 38 Canada 8 Jacksonville Pool C Lebanon v Ireland Sun 31 Oct 2:30PM at Leigh Sports Village 2018 Nov 13th USA 62 Chile 0 Jacksonville Pool A Samoa v Greece Sun 31 Oct 5:00PM at Keepmoat Stadium 2018 Nov 17th Canada 62 Chile 12 Jacksonville Pool D Tonga v Wales Mon 1 Nov 7:30PM at Totally Wicked Stadium 2018 Nov 17th USA 10 Jamaica 16 Jacksonville Pool D PNG v Cook Islands Tue 2 Nov 7:30PM at Halliwell Jones Stadium 2018 Nov 23rd Brazil 52 Colombia 14 São Paulo Pool Matches - Week 3 2019 May 18th Greece 56 Norway 26 London Pool C New Zealand v Ireland Fri 5 Nov 7:30PM at Emerald Headingley Stadium 2019 Jun 21st Cook Islands 66 South Africa 6 Sydney Pool A England v Greece Sat 6 Nov 2:30PM at Bramall Lane 2019 Jun 22nd Fiji 58 Lebanon 14 Sydney Pool B Fiji v Scotland Sat 6 Nov 5:00PM at Kingston Park Pool B Australia v Italy Sat 6 Nov 7:30PM at Totally Wicked Stadium 2019 Jun 22nd Jamaica 26 USA 24 Kingston Pool C Lebanon v Jamaica Sun 7 Nov 12:00PM at Leigh Sports Village 2019 Jun 22nd New Zealand 34 Tonga 14 Auckland Pool D Tonga v Cook Islands Sun 7 Nov 2:30PM at Riverside Stadium 2019 Jun 22nd PNG 6 Samoa 24 Sydney Pool A Samoa v France Sun 7 Nov 5:00PM at Halliwell Jones Stadium 2019 Aug 24th Czech Republic 18 Serbia 10 Prague Pool D PNG v Wales Mon 8 Nov 7:30PM at Keepmoat Stadium 2019 Sep 14th Germany 18 The Netherlands 56 Bremen Quarter Finals 2019 Sep 14th Turkey 24 Greece 38 Istanbul QF 1 1st Pool B v 2nd Pool C Fri 12 Nov at John Smith’s Stadium 2019 Sep 21st Serbia 36 Canada 8 Belgrade QF 2 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool D Sat 13 Nov at Anfield 2019 Sep 28th Poland 34 Czech Republic 18 Lodz QF 3 1st Pool C v 2nd Pool B Sat 13 Nov at KCOM Stadium 2019 Sep 29th Fiji 16 Lebanon 42 Sydney QF 4 1st Pool D v 2nd Pool A Sun 14 Nov at University of Bolton Stadium 2019 Oct 2nd Cameroon 4 Morocco 8 Lagos Semi Finals 2019 Oct 2nd Nigeria 25 Ghana 12 Lagos SF 1 W QF 1 v W QF 3 Fri 19 Nov at Elland Road 2019 Oct 5th Ghana 10 Cameroon 4 Lagos SF 2 W QF 2 v W QF 4 Sat 20 Nov at Emirates Stadium 2019 Oct 5th Nigeria 38 Morocco 10 Lagos Final 2019 Oct 12th Malta 23 Italy 20 Sydney F W SF 1 v W SF 2 Sat 27 Nov at

107 Later that night he ran into a young boy out on the pitch in Port Moresby. “[The young boy clad in Bulldogs gear] must’ve put it on and hustled his way through security claim- Footy ing to be our tee boy. And tonight he ended up being our tee boy,” laughed Hopoate. Samson got to meet all the Bulldogs players after the game and the players made sure bringing the he went home with a big bag of goodies. “When he had to leave, he was tearing up cause he didn’t want to go. I don’t know if I’ll ever see this boy again but we hope he had a memorable experience tonight, Samson,” smiles said Hopoate. Memorable was an understatement! The young fella would have had the time of his life!

By Biggest Tiger @TheBiggestTiger & @FootySmiles And finally, we will end this short sojourn through smiles on the Central Coast in June. When NSW’S strict COVID protocols were in place, there was a clause that said This year has had highlights, believe it or not. We have all been affected byThe 19 you could go out for a walk if you had a dog. Several NZ Warriors players rang up the That Should Not Be Named, but such adversity has helped showcase people’s love and Central Coast Animal Care Facility to see if they had any dogs that the players could compassion in the rugby league community. take for a walk. The boys got out of their apartments, and the dogs got out of their enclosures. Win win. Three of the best examples of this are listed below. From looking after animals in need, to a car accident survivor in Dubbo; rugby league worked hard to make sure we stayed Even after the NSW Gov and the NRL relaxed their respective protocols, the likes of positive as a community. Kodi Nikorima, Jazz Tevaga, Josh Curran, Karl Lawton, Wayde Egan, Isaiah Papali’i, Agnatius Paasi, King Vuniyayawa and Leivaha Pulu were still keen to proceed with their Firstly let’s head back to September, and it was no wonder the Panthers were on fire on doggy-date arrangements. the field when they were so relaxed and at ease off the field. Six year old Durakai from Dubbo was on the long road to recovery following a serious accident on his family’s The Warriors later used the opportunity to help the dogs further, by posting on their farm. With the support of Brent Naden and his loving family, Durakai enjoyed his first Instagram accounts, shining light on the great little pets in a hope to connect them ever NRL game as the Panthers beat the Bulldogs. with new owners.

The Panthers boys went above and beyond to make sure he felt special. Brent Naden Although the rugby league community was faced with a lot, we all were, our true love even organised for all of the players to come over and get a socially distanced photo. and compassion shone. To ice the proverbial cake, Nathan Cleary gave Durakai a pair of his boots. Understand- ably, the little bloke wanted to wear them straight away, not knowing they weren’t his We found a way to smile. size! For more great stories, follow FootySmiles on the major social media channels. A wonderful gesture, and a lifelong memory. You can also listen to stories like this on the Sports Best Friends podcast. For information and feel-good stories on the growth of rugby league around the world, Let’s travel further back, to February, and we find ourselves in Papua New Guinea. And you should follow Chasing Kangaroos, and listen to its podcast. as most rugby league lovers know, the game is not a game there- it’s a religion. Like many footy players have before, Will Hopoate handed some of his training kit from the bus to local kids on the way to the game.

cept to keep fantasy going during the NRL shut down. The concept was pretty simple, Fantasy Footy but it wasn’t as easy to roll out. We used stats from the 2004 season to create a Retro concept. This was awesome for the old school footy fans as it meant we could draft all our old favourites. Andrew NRLCEO @Fantasy_NRLCEO Johns, Darren Lockyer, , , and Hazem El Masri in his record breaking point scoring season. Suddenly, while the death toll Fantasy footy isn’t just for geeks anymore, but fantasy drafts sure are. rung for rugby league’s fear mongers, its most dedicated would have the option to draft the greats. If you think that SuperCoach is geeky, then welcome to NRLCEO on TheBench, we take it to the next level. We didn’t play rounds 1 to 13. We picked random rounds, out of order, so there wasn’t a way people could rort the system. Well, maybe a few did when they figured out the NRLCEO has been running privately since 1999 with competitions opened up to the team lists. Once Saint Peter V’Landys got the game back up and running we got back public in 2009. For the past decade, the NRLCEO team has developed and evolved our to the real thing and even though it was a shortened season we still had a fantastic ideas to the stage it’s at today. year. We don’t realise how much impact these virtual concepts have on our lives and our social connections. When six blokes created a competition together last century, they had no idea their 6’Some Cup would explode to become one of the most unique fantasy football league So onto 2021 and we hope that we can have a more normal season again, but we have websites Australia has to offer. learnt this year that we should never assume. Hopefully Saint PVL keeps the game running and the players keep the stats pumping so we can continue to hook them to When living at college or university, many people think it is just partying, drinking, our veins. sport, drinking, drugs and drinking, but for one group of mates living at John Flynn College in Townsville, rugby league was the main choice of addiction. If you are currently playing your own custom games via Spreadsheets or if you like the sound of a private league that will increase your enjoyment of NRL games exponential- The game has come a LONG way since those days. Keeper leagues and dynasty leagues ly then drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter and we’ll set you up. We aren’t corporate are our speciality. The private leagues are hotly contested and many competitions have stooges or outsourced development teams. now been playing together on our site for longer than a decade. We also use a more simplified scoring system that means that scores are more reflective of real life and We love helping you get the best out of your fantasy footy! often the Sunday afternoon game can be the deciding battle and a try or try assist can be the difference. NRLCEO is a fantasy NRL competition. You can visit their website at http://www. nrlceo.com. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nrlceo 2020 was a crazy year for all, but while everyone was in lock down we decided that we They also have a number of podcasts, with the links to them all found on their needed fantasy footy to continue to help keep us sane. So we developed a crazy con- website here: http://www.nrlceo.com/podcasts/

108 It wasn’t long though, before these questions rose to Super League the surface. On the first episode of our series, which was a mere preamble to the research-heavy chapters that would soon follow, I mentioned that public understanding of the Super League War could be boiled war: 25 years on down to a single phrase: “It’s all about pay TV”. I have heard that line, or variants of, countless times, usually in a pub and invariably delivered with an air of “checkmate” by an overconfident bloke certain Michael Adams @LeagueDigest that he is the first to utter the words, that he alone was the one to have cracked the code. He steps up, a cocksure grin forming as he waits for his drinking companions to recoil in shock Our collective memory-holing of the Super League war is a curious phenomenon. It is hard when he drops the truth bomb: “Super League? Mate, that was just about Pay TV…” to argue for an event in Rugby League’s history being more explosive in the moment or more consequential long-term, and yet there has been so little serious discussion of the event in And the thing is, however trite, he’s not wrong. If I were given only one sentence to sum up the 25 years that followed. Two books - Mike Colman’s Super League: The Inside Story and the entire saga, it would be hard to find a more suitable one. Pay TV funded and prolonged Roy Masters’ Inside Out - both written and published well before the saga’s denouement, the war, and any carve up of Rugby League in compromise could not be achieved without have to date stood as the most authoritative and in-depth accounts across any medium. doing the same for pay TV. To so imperiously reduce the entire affair down to this, however, Even the 25th anniversary was decidedly muted, with a few stories rolling out across Rugby obscures some key truths. Pay TV paid for the war but didn’t start the war. Super League was League media, but the comprehensive retrospectives that I was sure would gazump our little not orchestrated high up in an office onth 6 Avenue as part of Rupert Murdoch’s quest for DIY project failed to materialise. global sporting domination, but in a Broncos boardroom, the end result of six years of tension between the club the NSWRL/ARL. This perhaps should not have been so surprising however. The lone Australian Super League season, 1997, has been all but wiped from the historical record. Newcastle’s goosebump- Nor is it sufficient with this knowledge though to simply condemn Paul Morgan and his fellow inducing ARL grand final victory has long secured its place as THE grand final of that year, “architects” as irredeemable villains. The casting of the ARL as embattled folk heroes in and while all but the most belligerently stubborn Super League denier will grant Brisbane’s some sections of the media (and their own PR department) during the war was viewed with Super League premiership counting as the third of their six premierships, every passing year arched eyebrows at the time and looks even more deluded with the benefit of hindsight. You would still see the wheeling out of the line that “no club has gone back-to-back since the could not point your finger to blame in one direction without being poked in the eye with one Broncos in 1992-1993”. coming the other way. Fault and recrimination lie everywhere; any victories were Pyrrhic; the wreckage very nearly destroyed the game. Mercifully the Roosters’ efforts of 2018-2019 have retired that last fallacy (the only time I will ever refer to a Roosters premiership as being in any way merciful), and yet the Super League Our first chapter, a look at the 1994 season entirely removed from its Super League series, premiership season of 1997 ranks alongside The Story of the Kelly Gang as Australia’s was titled “A Time for Heroes”. We began the story in this way to provide a snapshot of most significant lost film. It has not appeared in classic match replays on the media outlet Rugby League at a high point, when it could be looked at as a game alone, devoid of the who also owned Super League. Its (admittedly dreadful) jerseys have never been reissued off-field machinations that steamrolled the on-field action of 1995. A time where we could or remodelled for heritage games. The 1997 State of Origin series- remembered only for innocently watch the likes of Mal Meninga, and in awe. They were Cattledog and a truly horrific two-tone NSW jersey- has been replaced in the collective uncomplicated heroes in 1994, a perception which fell apart within weeks of the start of the memory not by that most unlikely hero Noel Goldthorpe steering NSW to an epic Tri-Series 1995 season. With self-interest, flawed decision-making and shortsightedness in abundance final win, but only by a void. Without exception Super League representative appearances on both sides of the war, the phrase “there are no heroes in this story” could have been have been asterisked, othering the legacies of players the calibre of Ken Nagas, Craig written for Super League. Greenhill and David Peachey (“only” Super League Tests), as well as a slew of classy club players who struck form at the best/worst time- the aforementioned Goldthorpe, Simon Of course, the naivety of this rose-coloured view of these pre-Super League salad days should Gillies, Matthew Ryan- who all have well-earned NSW jerseys downgraded by the dreaded go without saying. By 1994 Super League planning was well underway behind the scenes, (SL) suffix. and publicly the Broncos, and the Raiders to a lesser extent, were waging war on the ARL over matters such as the judiciary and scheduling. Even the assumption of Rugby League The question then, after a quarter of a century, is why? Why has it been so repressed in reaching new levels of support and popularity must be countered with the reality that much the collective consciousness of ? We joke about “not mentioning of these increases were inflated by the successes of clubs outside of Sydney, with most the war”, but in reality Wikipedia lists well over 100 World War II films made DURING WWII traditional members of “the Sydney comp” struggling to break 10,000 in crowd average, and alone. Almost every aspect of our history is forever analysed, politicised and revised, yet all but a handful thoroughly mediocre on-field. The league was doing well financially and this - however so volatile an era - the history of a code of football, is considered too traumatic had enjoyed an extraordinary run with the Tina Turner promotion, but these undoubted wins for any kind of popular examination? Are scars so fresh, ground so fecund, that gatekeepers are tempered by some creative crack-papering as well as a creeping air of complacency and of the game’s retelling consider the very words Super League to be so trauma-filled and arrogance. The decision to extend the competition to 20 teams for 1995 was boneheaded- triggering they should be buried forever? there is no way around it- and although the ARL had tried with mixed success since the early 1980s to rationalise, it was clear that they were blind to the looming threat that their I would like to say that these grand questions were the spark that spurred me to devote administration had, in good ways and bad, paved the way for. two years (and counting) of my life to restoring this cleared cache. The truth however, is altogether more ignoble and pragmatic. Late in 2018, entirely burnt out and disillusioned Andrew and I were both teenagers at the outset of the Super League War, as were a from two years of covering the Rugby League news cycle in the first iteration of our podcast, seemingly vast majority of our listeners. This has made the journey of research all the more The Rugby League Digest, my co-host Andrew Paskin and I, entirely independently of each introspective. In 1995 I was ARL all the way- all the way that is, until my club team (St George) other, came to the conclusion that we just couldn’t do it anymore. The experience of reliving were threatened with amalgamation or worse, at which point I realised that the Dragons over and over again the same seven stories that whirlpool endlessly around the world of were my sole allegiance and I would support whichever competition kept them afloat. That Rugby League media- with only the name of the homesick player, inept administrator or they stayed with the ARL and, for the short term at least, remained a stand-alone entity dressing room-misplacing coach ever changing- was as gruelling as it was soul-destroying. meant that I never had to then question this tenuous fealty towards the establishment, and We both emerged from the experience personally traumatised but in awe of the ability of so I spent the split year of 1997 doggedly watching the ARL and haughtily turning my back journalists to just relentlessly post on through, never letting slip that their mail was being to Super League advertisements, much less watching any games. I am in many ways then delivered by Punxsutawney Phil. experiencing Super League for the first time through the completion of this project, and it has been reassuring to hear of other listeners similarly having their assumptions and memories No, the weekly grind was no longer for us. Instead we turned to history, already a significant challenged. part of our show and the type of Rugby League content we were both much more interested in consuming and discussing. At that stage I started compiling a list of topics that would make Anybody listening to our series for a grand resolution, a proportioning of blame, or a for good subjects for podcast episodes. As the list grew however, something was quickly declaration of victory for one side or the other may find themselves disappointed. I am no becoming apparent. Any time I encountered a subject from the 1990s and beyond, I would closer to answering those questions than when we started, and even less interested. If there strike the same caveat: “The 1990s Bears would be a good topic- oh, but we would have to are no heroes in this story there are certainly no winners. The telling of the story though cover Super League” ; “I think the 1995 World Cup would make an interesti- oops, can’t do has done nothing but deepen my love for The Greatest Game Of All, and for the flawed but that without Super League”; “How about the birth of the Melbourne St- yep, definitely need to passionate Rugby League men who steered us through this fascinating moment. Whether we do Super League first”. like it or not, this happened, is an important part of our history. I am hoping that 25 years on the game can do a better job of acknowledging that. And so this immense project- to date totalling over 50 audio hours with another 100 or so to follow, put together from an exhaustively compiled collection of research notes which have Michael Adams is a Rugby League historian and host of the Rugby League history recently ticked over the one million words mark- began not with the lofty goal of solving podcast Rugby League Digest. You can follow him on Twitter at @gilbertgantry these grand questions but simply as an inconvenience to be cleared before we could move on to other things. 109 2021 NRL Draw

Round 1 Round 7 (ANZAC) Thursday, Mar 11 Storm vs. Rabbitohs AAMI 8:05pm Thursday, Apr 22 Panthers vs. Knights Panthers 7:50pm Friday, Mar 12 Knights vs. Bulldogs McDonald Jones 6:00pm Friday, Apr 23 Titans vs. Rabbitohs Cbus 6:00pm Broncos vs. Eels Suncorp 8:05pm Eels vs. Broncos TIO (Darwin) 7:55pm Saturday, Mar 13 Warriors vs. Titans Central Coast 3:00pm Saturday, Apr 24 Sharks vs. Bulldogs Netstrata Jubilee 5:30pm Roosters vs. Sea Eagles SCG 5:30pm Cowboys vs. Raiders QLD Country Bank 7:35pm Panthers vs. Cowboys Panthers 7:35pm Sunday, Apr 25 Tigers vs. Sea Eagles Bankwest 1:45pm Sunday, Mar 14 Raiders vs. Tigers GIO 4:05pm Roosters vs. Dragons SCG 4:05pm Dragons vs. Sharks Netstrata Jubilee 6:15pm Storm vs. Warriors AAMI 6:15pm

Round 2 Round 8 Thursday, Mar 18 Eels vs. Storm Bankwest 8:05pm Thursday, Apr 29 Raiders vs. Rabbitohs GIO 7:50pm Friday, Mar 19 Warriors vs. Knights Central Coast 6:00pm Friday, Apr 30 Storm vs. Sharks AAMI 6:00pm Titans vs. Broncos Cbus Super 8:05pm Broncos vs. Titans Suncorp 7:55pm Saturday, Mar 20 Bulldogs vs. Panthers Bankwest 3:00pm Saturday, May 1 Panthers vs. Sea Eagles Bathurst 3:00pm Sea Eagles vs. Rabbitohs Lottoland 5:30pm Bulldogs vs. Eels ANZ 5:30pm Cowboys vs. Dragons QLD Country Bank 7:35pm Knights vs. Roosters McDonald Jones 7:35pm Sunday, Mar 21 Tigers vs. Roosters Campbelltown 4:05pm Sunday, May 2 Warriors vs. Cowboys Mt Smart 2:00pm Sharks vs. Raiders Netstrata Jubilee 6:15pm Dragons vs. Tigers WIN 4:05pm

Round 3 Round 9 Thursday, Mar 25 Panthers vs. Storm Panthers 8:05pm Thursday, May 6 Rabbitohs vs. Storm ANZ 7:50pm Friday, Mar 26 Dragons vs. Sea Eagles WIN 6:00pm Friday, May 7 Panthers vs. Sharks Panthers 6:00pm Rabbitohs vs. Roosters ANZ 8:05pm Eels vs. Roosters Bankwest 7:55pm Saturday, Mar 27 Raiders vs. Warriors GIO 3:00pm Saturday, May 8 Raiders vs. Knights Wagga 3:00pm Broncos vs. Bulldogs Suncorp 5:30pm Tigers vs. Titans Campbelltown 5:30pm Eels vs. Sharks Bankwest 7:35pm Cowboys vs. Broncos QLD Country Bank 7:35pm Sunday, Mar 28 Knights vs. Tigers McDonald Jones 4:05pm Sunday, May 9 Sea Eagles vs. Warriors Lottoland 2:00pm Cowboys vs. Titans QLD Country Bank 6:15pm Dragons vs. Bulldogs Netstrata Jubilee 4:05pm

Round 4 (Easter) Round 10 (Magic) Thursday, Apr 1 Sea Eagles vs. Panthers Lottoland 8:05pm Friday, May 14 Tigers vs. Knights Suncorp 6:00pm Friday, Apr 2 Bulldogs vs. Rabbitohs ANZ 4:05pm Sea Eagles vs. Broncos Suncorp 8:05pm Storm vs. Broncos AAMI 8:05pm Saturday, May 15 Bulldogs vs. Raiders Suncorp 3:00pm Saturday, Apr 3 Titans vs. Raiders Sunshine Coast 5:30pm Sharks vs. Rabbitohs Suncorp 5:30pm Sharks vs. Cowboys Cbus Super 7:35pm Roosters vs. Cowboys Suncorp 7:45pm Sunday, Apr 4 Knights vs. Dragons McDonald Jones 4:05pm Sunday, May 16 Warriors vs. Eels Suncorp 1:50pm Roosters vs. Warriors SCG 6:15pm Storm vs. Dragons Suncorp 4:05pm Monday, Apr 5 Tigers vs. Eels Bankwest 4:00pm Titans vs. Panthers Suncorp 6:25pm

Round 5 Round 11 Thursday, Apr 8 Rabbitohs vs. Broncos ANZ 7:50pm Thursday, May 20 Cowboys vs. Knights QLD Country Bank 7:50pm Friday, Apr 9 Warriors vs. Sea Eagles Mt Smart 6:00pm Friday, May 21 Warriors vs. Tigers Mt Smart 6:00pm Panthers vs. Raiders Panthers 7:55pm Sharks vs. Dragons Netstrata Jubilee 7:55pm Saturday, Apr 10 Titans vs. Knights Cbus Super 3:00pm Saturday, May 22 Titans vs. Bulldogs Cbus Super 3:00pm Bulldogs vs. Storm HBF (Perth) 5:30pm Roosters vs. Broncos SCG 5:30pm Roosters vs. Sharks Central Coast 7:35pm Raiders vs. Storm GIO 7:35pm Sunday, Apr 11 Tigers vs. Cowboys Leichhardt 4:05pm Sunday, May 23 Rabbitohs vs. Panthers Dubbo 2:00pm Eels vs. Dragons Bankwest 6:15pm Eels vs. Sea Eagles Bankwest 4:05pm

Round 6 Round 12 (Indigenous) Thursday, Apr 15 Broncos vs. Panthers Suncorp 7:50pm Thursday, May 27 Broncos vs. Storm Suncorp 7:50pm Friday, Apr 16 Knights vs. Sharks McDonald Jones 6:00pm Friday, May 28 Cowboys vs. Warriors QLD Country Bank 6:00pm Storm vs. Roosters AAMI 7:55pm Tigers vs. Dragons Bankwest 7:55pm Saturday, Apr 17 Sea Eagles vs. Titans Mudgee 3:00pm Saturday, May 29 Panthers vs. Bulldogs Panthers 3:00pm Rabbitohs vs. Tigers ANZ 5:30pm Rabbitohs vs. Eels ANZ 5:30pm Raiders vs. Eels GIO 7:35pm Roosters vs. Raiders HBF (Perth) 7:35pm Sunday, Apr 18 Dragons vs. Warriors Netstrata Jubilee 2:00pm Sunday, May 30 Sharks vs. Titans Coffs 2:00pm Cowboys vs. Bulldogs QLD Country Bank 4:05pm Knights vs. Sea Eagles McDonald Jones 4:05pm

110 Round 13 Round 20 Thursday, Jun 3 Dragons vs. Broncos Netstrata Jubilee 7:50pm Thursday, Jul 29 Roosters vs. Eels SCG 7:50pm Friday, Jun 4 Tigers vs. Panthers Leichhardt 7:55pm Friday, Jul 30 Tigers vs. Warriors Bankwest 6:00pm Saturday, Jun 5 Storm vs. Titans AAMI 7:35pm Broncos vs. Cowboys Suncorp 7:55pm Sunday, Jun 6 Knights vs. Eels McDonald Jones 4:05pm Saturday, Jul 31 Dragons vs. Rabbitohs WIN 3:00pm Byes: Bulldogs, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Roosters, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Warriors Knights vs. Raiders McDonald Jones 5:30pm Storm vs. Panthers AAMI 7:35pm Round 14 Sunday, Aug 1 Bulldogs vs. Titans Bankwest 2:00pm Friday, Jun 11 Sea Eagles vs. Cowboys Lottoland 6:00pm Sharks vs. Sea Eagles Netstrata Jubilee 4:05pm Sharks vs. Panthers Netstrata Jubilee 7:55pm Saturday, Jun 12 Titans vs. Roosters Cbus Super 3:00pm Round 21 Rabbitohs vs. Knights ANZ 5:30pm Thursday, Aug 5 Knights vs. Broncos McDonald Jones 7:50pm Raiders vs. Broncos GIO 7:35pm Friday, Aug 6 Raiders vs. Dragons GIO 6:00pm Sunday, Jun 13 Warriors vs. Storm Mt Smart 2:00pm Eels vs. Rabbitohs Bankwest 7:55pm Eels vs. Tigers Bankwest 4:05pm Saturday, Aug 7 Warriors vs. Sharks Mt Smart 3:00pm Monday, Jun 14 Bulldogs vs. Dragons ANZ 4:00pm Roosters vs. Panthers SCG 5:30pm Sea Eagles vs. Storm Lottoland 7:35pm Round 15 Sunday, Aug 8 Bulldogs vs. Tigers Belmore 2:00pm Thursday, Jun 17 Broncos vs. Rabbitohs Suncorp 7:50pm Titans vs. Cowboys Cbus Super 4:05pm Friday, Jun 18 Cowboys vs. Sharks QLD Country Bank 6:00pm Panthers vs. Roosters Panthers 7:55pm Round 22 Saturday, Jun 19 Knights vs. Warriors McDonald Jones 3:00pm Thursday, Aug 12 Storm vs. Raiders AAMI 7:50pm Dragons vs. Raiders WIN 5:30pm Friday, Aug 13 Dragons vs. Panthers WIN 6:00pm Storm vs. Tigers AAMI 7:35pm Broncos vs. Roosters Suncorp 7:55pm Sunday, Jun 20 Eels vs. Bulldogs Bankwest 2:00pm Saturday, Aug 14 Rabbitohs vs. Titans Central Coast 3:00pm Titans vs. Sea Eagles Cbus Super 4:05pm Sea Eagles vs. Eels QLD Country Bank 5:30pm Cowboys vs. Tigers Lottoland 7:35pm Round 16 Sunday, Aug 15 Warriors vs. Bulldogs Mt Smart 2:00pm Thursday, Jul 1 Roosters vs. Storm SCG 7:50pm Sharks vs. Knights Netstrata Jubilee 4:05pm Friday, Jul 2 Warriors vs. Dragons Mt Smart 6:00pm Panthers vs. Eels Panthers 7:55pm Round 23 Saturday, Jul 3 Bulldogs vs. Sea Eagles ANZ 3:00pm Thursday, Aug 19 Titans vs. Storm Cbus Super 7:50pm Raiders vs. Titans GIO 5:30pm Friday, Aug 20 Raiders vs. Sea Eagles GIO 6:00pm Knights vs. Cowboys McDonald Jones 7:35pm Panthers vs. Rabbitohs Panthers 7:55pm Sunday, Jul 4 Broncos vs. Sharks Suncorp 2:00pm Saturday, Aug 21 Tigers vs. Sharks Tamworth 3:00pm Tigers vs. Rabbitohs Leichhardt 4:05pm Bulldogs vs. Knights ANZ 5:30pm Eels vs. Cowboys Bankwest 7:35pm Round 17 Sunday, Aug 22 Dragons vs. Roosters Netstrata Jubilee 2:00pm Thursday, Jul 8 Sea Eagles vs. Raiders Lottoland 7:50pm Broncos vs. Warriors Suncorp 4:05pm Friday, Jul 9 Rabbitohs vs. Cowboys ANZ 7:55pm Saturday, Jul 10 Bulldogs vs. Roosters Bankwest 7:35pm Round 24 Sunday, Jul 11 Sharks vs. Warriors Netstrata Jubilee 4:05pm Thursday, Aug 26 Knights vs. Titans McDonald Jones 7:50pm Byes: Broncos, Dragons, Eels, Knights, Panthers, Storm, Wests Tigers, Titans Friday, Aug 27 Warriors vs. Raiders Mt Smart 6:00pm Roosters vs. Rabbitohs SCG 7:55pm Round 18 Saturday, Aug 28 Dragons vs. Cowboys WIN 3:00pm Friday, Jul 16 Titans vs. Eels Cbus Super 6:00pm Sharks vs. Broncos Netstrata Jubilee 5:30pm Sea Eagles vs. Dragons Lottoland 7:55pm Storm vs. Eels AAMI 7:35pm Saturday, Jul 17 Raiders vs. Sharks GIO 3:00pm Sunday, Aug 29 Sea Eagles vs. Bulldogs Lottoland 2:00pm Storm vs. Knights QLD Country Bank 5:30pm Panthers vs. Tigers Panthers 4:05pm Cowboys vs. Roosters AAMI 7:35pm Sunday, Jul 18 Warriors vs. Panthers Mt Smart 2:00pm Round 25 Broncos vs. Tigers Suncorp 4:05pm Thursday, Sep 2 Raiders vs. Roosters GIO 7:50pm Rabbitohs vs. Bulldogs ANZ 6:15pm Friday, Sep 3 Sharks vs. Storm Netstrata Jubilee 6:00pm Eels vs. Panthers Bankwest 7:55pm Round 19 Saturday, Sep 4 Rabbitohs vs. Dragons ANZ 3:00pm Thursday, Jul 22 Eels vs. Raiders Bankwest 7:50pm Broncos vs. Knights Suncorp 5:30pm Friday, Jul 23 Roosters vs. Knights SCG 6:00pm Cowboys vs. Sea Eagles QLD Country Bank 7:35pm Cowboys vs. Storm QLD Country Bank 7:55pm Sunday, Sep 5 Titans vs. Warriors Cbus Super 2:00pm Saturday, Jul 24 Rabbitohs vs. Warriors Sunshine Coast 3:00pm Tigers vs. Bulldogs Campbelltown 4:05pm Sea Eagles vs. Tigers Central Coast 5:30pm Panthers vs. Broncos Panthers 7:35pm 2021 NRL Finals Series - begins Friday, Sep 10 Sunday, Jul 25 Dragons vs. Titans Netstrata Jubilee 2:00pm Bulldogs vs. Sharks Bankwest 4:05pm 2021 NRL Grand Final - Sunday, Oct 3

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