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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE RFL | ISSUE 61

O RRRIIISSSSIIININNGGG TTTTOO TTTHHHEEEE TTTOOOPPP

QUESTION TIME

GOING GLOBAL BULLETIN October 2009

CONTENTS

5 Media Matters SEE THE SUPER POWERS OF INTERNATIONAL RUGBY 6 Grand Designs North Eastern LEAGUE CLASH THIS OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER Promise 8 12 Passing On Their Experience

14 Higgins At The Helm

15 Super Human!

18 Taking Aim

19 Euro-vision Rising To The Top 10 20 Promising Signs

24 Helping The Grass Roots Thrive

26 Learning With The Skolars

27 Making The Grade One Hell Of A WeekendQuestion 28 Tales From Wembley PgTime 16 & 17 16

Friday 23rd October Saturday 31st October Saturday 14th November Published by the Rugby League Services Department of the RFL. V ENGLAND V The RFL, The Zone, St Andrews Road, , HD1 6PT. CubsGoing To Lions , DW STADIUM, Tel - 01484 448000 | Fax - 01484 545582, Global 22 Saturday 24th October Saturday 7th November FINAL Email - [email protected] | Internet - www.rfl.uk.com Pg 26 & 27 AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND V NEW ZEALAND STADIUM, THE STOOP, GALPHARM STADIUM, HUDDERSFIELD The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the RFL Board of Directors. FAMILY TICKET OFFER GROUP STAGE FINALOFFER* DISCOUNT RECEIVED ON Contributors - Tom Hoyle, Phil Caplan, Neil Barraclough, swpix.com, Dave Williams, John FOR 2 ADULTS AND OFFER Connaughton, Phil Hodgson, Dave Burke, Dave Woods, Callum Irving, 2 JUNIOR TICKETS for A FINAL TICKET WHEN £40 1010 for99 £10£10 PURCHASING ANY GROUP GAME If you are interested in advertising in the Rugby League Bulletin, please contact - [email protected] NOTE: ALL TICKET OFFERS Main Cover Photograph - The Angel of the North © The Rugby League Ltd 2009 Designed by - Tom Hoyle Tickets from £20 adults, £10 conc. Printed by - Redwood Print Ltd Tel - 01484 711111 Call 0844 856 1113 or visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk INSIDE THIS ISSUE RL MEDIA MATTERS .... with John Ledger IN NUMBERS Welcome to the October edition of the Rugby League When my former Bulletin .... colleagues presented me 8 with a satellite navigation he latest issue contains some fantastic interviews and features which I am sure will make great Teams that took part in the system as a farewell gift Treading to all followers of the game. expanded engage “play offs” for 2009 when I left the We’ve got interviews with RFL Match Officials Director Stuart Cummings and Super League’s most expensive teenager Richie Myler, as well an article on the game in the North East and a feature on Post to join the RFL in touring. July, there were the Back on the field the continues to carry on at a great pace and we are just day’s away from one of Rugby League’s biggest events, the engage Super League . inevitable wisecracks on the accompanying card .... For over a decade the Grand Final has gone from strength to strength and I am sure that 2009 will continue that trend, with once again providing a great venue for an event that has cemented itself in the British sporting calendar. I’m sure you’ll find it interesting to read John Ledger’s feature on all the previous finals. 713 Players registered to take part in t’s a special Rugby League version: the only Once the Grand Final is done and dusted it’s international action that will be the main attraction. Masters Rugby Iroad programmed in is the M62,” one wag This autumn’s Gillette Four Nations is sure to be a great spectacle and the chance to see some of the wrote. world’s top stars is a real treat for fans, both here and in France. Another quipped that I might find it useful to International action is also set to take place in the Community Game with the Great Britain locate the kitchen at Red Hall because after 19 Community Lions set to travel across the Channel at both open age and under 18 level, whilst the years at I had never worked under18s are also set to take on the touring Australian Institute of Sport in late November. out where to go to make a cup of tea.

On the domestic front the National Conference League and BARLA regional leagues have got off to Little did I know that within just two months I’d a great start and are now in full swing and along with the Gillette National Youth League are further require sat nav not to get to a Rugby League proof of the strength of the game up and down the country. match but to find myself around the venue 1,506 where one was being staged. Touchline Managers qualified as Wembley like Theseus in a modern day concrete Nowhere was the 2009 Carnegie TOM HOYLE part of the RESPECT campaign Rugby League has long embraced technology and plate glass labyrinth. written about in more glowing terms than in the Editor - the sport was among the first to have video Daily Telegraph, a newspaper which has treated replays for crucial decisions and the first The new Wembley may be one of the world’s Rugby League with contemptuous disdain in to have match officials linked by an active most wonderful sporting venues but away from recent years. communication system - and the professional the public areas it’s a maze of unfathomable referees are currently involved in a research dimensions, a place staffed by blank-faced In the Bank Holiday Monday edition programme with Leeds Metropolitan University stewards whose grasp of the venue is as limited correspondent Andrew Baker wrote that “this is which has them hooked up to GPS. as their grasp of English. a wholesome sport which bright young people can enjoy, as spectators as well as players”, a There is little I wouldn’t have given to have my I lost count of I got lost in service sport that has “clung on to some of its most own satellite tracking system on the afternoon tunnels or was directed to corridors which led cherished traditions while accelerating into the 16,968 of Saturday August 29, the day no further than a locked door; of the occasions future.” Wolves ended their 35-year wait for Wembley when a simple request to a steward such Visits to the Community section glory with victory over in as “Which way to the tunnel area” was met Baker continued along the same theme saying of the RFL website in the month the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final. with a look last seen on the faces of the two “there was plenty of skill on display at Wembley, of August Crucifixion supervisors in Monty Python’s Life of but speed and commitment are the key to I saw my first Challenge Cup Final in 1983, Brian played by Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle. success in the sport” and concluded that “there when the underdogs of Featherstone had their was no crowd violence, none of the on-field day against Hull FC, and have attended all but To compound matters I also forgot to Sky+ the violence or cheating that plagues the other one Final in the intervening 26 years, the last match at home before I left for London, leaving code of rugby. Instead, a good, clean, fast game 14 as Rugby League correspondent for the me indebted to the work of the journalists that has glimpsed the future and sees little to Yorkshire Post and, writing as my alter ego Ed whose match reporting in the Sunday and fear.” Hughes, the Sunday Times. Monday newspapers was consumed more avariciously than usual. Except, perhaps, the continued indifference of Even though I arrived at Wembley at 9.30 on important newspapers like the Daily Telegraph, the morning of the match and left three hours As is usually the case with the Challenge Cup which has given little more than cursory 76,560 after and had hoisted Final, the match delivered a rich tapestry of mentions to Rugby League since Baker’s Spectators in attendance at the the Cup, I somehow contrived to miss the vast material for the media, many members of which prescient and pertinent article. Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at majority of the 2009 Final. focused on what winning at Wembley meant to Wembley Warrington’s Lee Briers, a player who down the Quite why the Daily Telegraph takes the stance Not that I was ever likely to see the whole years must have felt fated not to get his hands it does is, like the way to the Wembley tunnel, glorious show because with so much going on on a major trophy. lost on me. As a sat nav is unlikely to find the behind the scenes, there is much to prevent the answer perhaps a few e-mails to sports editor RFL Media Manager from witnessing the action. The Rugby League writers did what they always David Bond ([email protected]) from do and did the Final full justice while some Rugby League Bulletin readers who occasionally Even so, I had hoped to have seen more than of the national papers who have in the past or regularly read the Daily Telegraph may elicit the fleeting 10 minutes that I did and to have been less than supportive of the sport wrote in an explanation. spent less time lost deep inside the bowels of glowing terms about a magical day.

- 4 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 5 - Iestyn Harris, and all in their first Grand Final appearance. 2002 battled hard for the Bulls but Leeds inexorably Agony again for grew in confidence after falling behind to an The win was Daniel Anderson’s team’s 31st of 18 v 19 St Helens early by Vainikolo. a season that had already seen them claim the Carnegie Challenge Cup and the engage Super ontroversy once again reigned at Old A try by winner Matt League Leaders’ Shield and saw them add a CTrafford as St Helens clinched their fourth Diskin plus three goals from the trusted boot of third trophy in some style. Super League title by the narrowest of margins took Leeds into the interval with against the luckless Bulls. a 10-4 lead and though closed Hull gave as good as they got for long periods GRAND DESIGNS the gap with a 44th minute try, there was no with , , Paul Cooke A drop-goal from decided the title way back. and Garreth Carvell standing tall but their but Bradford were left to rue an error by the collective efforts could not deny Saints. video referee, who dismissed a perfectly good Attendance - 65,547. try by Paul Deacon. Tries by and took Saints to the break leading 10-4 and some superb Bradford’s captain had earlier landed the 2005 defence allied to further tries from Willie Talau, conversion to a third-minute try by Bulls exact revenge Ade Gardner and completed and instead of being 12-0 ahead, Bradford were Bradford Bulls 15 v 6 the job. overcome by a creeping sense of injustice. radford Bulls made history in their fifth Attendance - 72,582. Saints overhauled the Bulls with two tries of Bsuccessive Grand Final appearance by their own by Mike Bennett and Long to set up becoming the first club to climb on to the a tense second half which Bradford looked set winners’ podium from third place in the Super 2007 to dominate when Robbie Paul and Michael League table. Rampant Rhinos run amok Withers grabbed tries early in the second half. Leeds Rhinos 33 v 6 St Helens Twelve successive wins made for the perfect A 56th-minute try by helped ending to the season as the Bulls avenged stunning second half performance swept level the scores before Long stepped up to their 2004 defeat by their biggest rivals with a ALeeds to their second Grand Final victory as snatch victory with his vital one-pointer. performance which brooked no argument. St Helens endured defeat at Old Trafford for the first time in the Super League era. As Rugby League prepares for its annual day out at the Theatre of Dreams, Attendance - 61,138. In perfect conditions, Brian Noble’s team JOHN LEDGER looks back on the history of the .... executed the perfect game plan by playing to Leading 8-6 at half-time, the Rhinos delivered their strengths on a warm, dry night in front of a an authoritative display following the restart 2003 capacity Old Trafford crowd. by scoring 25 points without reply to shatter Bowing out in style Saints’ dream of a successful title defence. handed the call to video referee David Campbell, The tide was turned against Wigan by two Bradford Bulls 25 v 12 Wigan Bradford trailed 8-6 at the halfway stage after 1998 who ruled out Pryce’s effort much to the quickfire penalties which set up the position Farrell leads Wigan to glory Leeds had stolen ahead with a try by Danny For all the probing of Sean Long, who had frustration of Bulls fans who still feel their fate that allowed Fereti Tuilagi to score in his last radford bade farewell to three of their most McGuire and two goals from Kevin Sinfield but endured an injury-ravaged season, St Helens Leeds Rhinos 4 v 10 was sealed by the hand of God and not by the appearance for Saints. Bcelebrated figures with a famous Grand the Bulls’ mighty pack stamped its authority on could not crack a Leeds team which gave coach hand of Withers. Final victory over opponents who had become proceedings as the second half unfolded. Tony Smith the perfect send-off in his last he first title-deciding final since 1973 ended Even then Wigan were still not done and, led by the first team to reach Old Trafford from match in charge before he took on the England as it had done 25 years before with defeat T Bradford did create ample opportunities to win Farrell, they threw all they had at their derby outside the top two. A 53rd-minute try by role in a full-time capacity. for Leeds as Wigan Warriors won the inaugural the game but were undone by a combination rivals who held firm before striking the killer complimented a first half effort from Leon Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. of their own hesitancy at the line and the blow with a last-minute try by Tim Jonkers, to , and Pryce and with both defences proving tough Second half tries by Ali Lauitiiti, , defensive discipline of a St Helens team which which Sean Long added his fourth goal. signed off in style as the Bulls became the first to break down three goals by Paul Deacon set and Jamie Jones Buchanan, plus a There was little between the two sides in held firm under intense pressure. club to win the Challenge Cup and Super League the seal on arguably Bradford’s best Grand Final first half effort by , completed a a tense, nervous contest which saw Wigan Attendance - 58,132. Grand Final in the same year. achievement. one-sided victory by a Leeds team superbly overturn an early deficit to win through with Saints had to win it the hard way by clawing marshalled by man of the match a solitary try and three goals by their captain their way back after conceding a sparkling try to Missing scrum-half though injury Attendance - 65,537. and captain Kevin Sinfield. . , who evaded Sonny Nickle and Paul 2001 and with Andy Farrell hampered by a leg injury, Atcheson to race 60 metres from a scrum and Bradford’s really wild show Wigan were no match for rampant Bradford who Attendance - 71,352. Leeds broke the deadlock on 20 minutes with slide over for a try he converted himself. Bradford Bulls 37 v 6 Wigan Warriors knocked the stuffing out of the Warriors before 2006 a try by New Zealand centre Richie Blackmore running away with proceedings in the final half Saints simply unstoppable following smart play by Ryan Sheridan and A penalty by Sean Long enabled Saints to close radford coach Brian Noble threw an hour. Hull FC 4 v 26 St Helens 2008 Iestyn Harris, who was unable to add the goal. the gap and after James Lowes had been held Bimaginary gorilla off his back as the Bulls Double up for Leeds up between the posts struck with the buried their reputation as the chokers in the Tries by , a deserved winner of t Helens completed a clean sweep of Leeds Rhinos 24 v 16 St Helens Wigan responded with a try three minutes equalising try on 65 minutes for Long to coolly Super League pack with a comprehensive Grand the Harry Sunderland Trophy, Shontayne Hape domestic trophies with an inevitable victory before the break through , who S slot over the touchline conversion. Final hammering of Wigan. and Lowes won the day for Bradford, who were over rank outsiders Hull FC, who battled hard efending champions Leeds rose to the ghosted past four defenders on a scampering also indebted to their captain Paul Deacon for throughout but never seemed likely to triumph challenge magnificently to retain the run to the posts for Farrell’s conversion to put D Attendance - 50,717. The Bulls had lost four of their five previous his six goals and drop-goal. League title for the first time in their history his side 6-4 ahead. finals in the Super League era but were a class with a compelling performance against St apart in a match which saw Attendance - 65,537. Helens. The second half was tryless but not short of 2000 score a hat-trick of tries in a man-of-the-match action with both sides repeatedly going close. Saints edge derby thriller award-winning performance. Once again Saints went into the final as However the outcome was settled by the boot St Helens 29 v 16 Wigan Warriors 2004 favourites only to be completely outplayed by a of Farrell who landed two penalties to take the Bradford romped to a 26-0 half-time lead with Wait over for Leeds team they had beaten 38-10 in the Qualifying Super League trophy to Wigan. he final scoreline did scant justice to the the Australian full-back’s hat-trick plus a try by Bradford Bulls 8 v 16 Leeds Rhinos Semi-final two weeks earlier. Tcontribution Wigan made to an epic Grand James Lowes and five goals by Henry Paul. With Attendance - 43,443. Final won by St Helens with a resplendent finish 40 minutes of the biggest match of the season eeds Rhinos ended their 32-year wait for Heavy rain could not dampen the Rhinos’ in the closing quarter of the match. still remaining, the destiny of the Super League Lthe league title by grinding out a thrilling fervour as they hit back after conceding an title was already decided. victory over their arch-rivals Bradford Bulls with early try by James Graham to score two of their 1999 Tries either side of the interval by Chris Joynt a performance packed full of Yorkshire grit. Saints praise the hand of God own through Harry Sunderland Trophy winner plus one from ensured St Helens Wigan spared themselves the embarrassment Lee Smith and . Bradford Bulls 6 v 8 St Helens always had their noses in front but a tenacious of being milled with a 63rd minute try by A late try by Danny McGuire five minutes from effort from Wigan kept the eventual champions Adrian Lam, to which David Furner added the the end finally decided a compelling contest, the St Helens hit back after the break with two id he it or didn’t he The debate ? on their toes throughout. conversion, but Bradford finished with a canter. outcome of which hung in the balance despite more tries from Matt Gidley and Ade Gardner still rages on as to whether Bradford D Leeds having dominated for long stretches. but Leeds’s dominance was never threatened Bulls winger Michael Withers actually got his Trailing 17-4 early in the second half Wigan, Further tries by Stuart Fielden and Graham and two tries by Danny McGuire sealed an fingertips to the ball in the move that led to whose only points had come from a try by Andy Mackay set the seal on a night few Bradford Leeds’s ploy of kicking the ball to Bradford’s impressive win. Leon Pryce touching down by the posts. Farrell, closed to within a point with converted fans will ever forget. powerhouse winger Lesley Vainikolo in the first tries by David Hodgson and Tony Smith. half left the giant New Zealander exhausted Attendance - 68,810. Referee Stuart Cummings wasn’t sure and Attendance - 60,164. and diluted their rivals’ biggest threat.

- 6 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 7 - Here to help Back to his roots e’re here to eorge Taylor is heading back to his roots as to bring in teams from Whelp” – that’s Ghe prepares to take on another huge task in Yorkshire and .” the message to spreading the rugby league word. clubs, schools, He continues: “The time is colleges and The former North East Regional Development probably right for a new universities from Jo Manager has taken on a new role as the RFL’s person to come into the Drapier, the RFL’s Armed Forces development officer. north east role. I’m sure new North East Jo’s experience will stand Regional Manager. And the move brings Taylor full circle after five her in really good stead years of working tirelessly in the north east. and hopefully she’ll make Miss Drapier, who has previously worked in lots more progress in the region.” the RFL’s equity and ethics office as well as “Rugby League is not yet a more recently being the Bradford and For now, though, Taylor’s focus is on the Armed Service Area Co-ordinator, is part of an ever traditional sport within the Forces and a working patch that he describes in expanding team that is aiming to spread the forces but it is getting a lot more size as “somewhere between the world and the rugby league gospel in the north east. popular.” universe”. “It was a massive decision to move up here,” she “I’d liken the situation in the Armed Forces to says. “I lived in Bradford so it was a big move for He explains: “I was in the RAF for 23 years what it was in the north east,” he says. “Rugby me personally but the job is a huge pull. There’s before I started working in rugby league.” League is not yet a traditional sport within the lots of potential here and hopefully I can make forces but it is getting a lot more popular. a big impact by using my experience from the Mr Taylor, who has overseen the development Yorkshire region.” of north since 2004, is rightly “I want to take a lot from what I’ve learned proud of the progress that has been made. in the community game and impart that Working alongside her will be John Gray knowledge into the Forces. That could be (Regional Development Officer), Andy Kelly He says: “One of the biggest things is the fact showing people how to set up clubs or how to (Regional Talent Coach), Robin Peers (Regional that we’ve formalised our league structure in attract funding – there’s a lot to get stuck into. Talent Coach) as well as current staff members the region. We’ve got more kids playing and Jade Mackie (Youth Volunteer Co-ordinator), more kids registered to play, and we’ve also “I’ve got an awful lot of groundwork to do and Peter Wharton (Match Officials Development now got a north east division in the Rugby there’ll be a lot of travelling but it’s a challenge Officer) Simon Flynn (Community Sports Coach), League Conference meaning that we don’t have I’m relishing.” Danny Wilson (Community Sports Coach) and Steve Beaty (Community Sports Coach). “There’s lots of potential here one of those kids that was playing 10 different and hopefully I can make a big League sports a week and still being full of energy. impact by using my experience Rugby league is a high-energy sport and I just from the Yorkshire region.” couldn’t get enough of it.” potential Now, with a glittering professional career under “We’re here to support the clubs,” says Miss hris Thorman is living proof of the rugby his belt and many playing years still ahead of Drapier. “We’re not here to tell them what to do. Cleague potential that exists in the north him, Thorman says the region’s potential love of We want them to be visible, viable and really east. rugby league is enormous. vibrant over the next four or five years. His professional career has taken in spells at “Myself and my brother Paul made it to the very “We want the club competition to grow and Huddersfield, London, Hull FC and Australian first training session of the Newcastle Eagles,” grow and that’s our biggest focus area. We can club . he says. do all the schools work we want but if we don’t have the school-club links then there is no real And that’s not all – his two brothers, Neil and “All rugby league in the north east has to do progression available. The clubs are an integral Paul, play for Thunder and London is broaden its catchment area and there’s no part of how we develop up here and we want Skolars respectively, while his mum has also reason why it can’t be a massive success story. them to know that we’re here to offer them as filled the role of Thunder chairperson. I’m sure rugby league would suit a lot of the much support as possible.” kids up there. There is a lot of energy required It’s quite a set of achievements for a family that with the constant running around.” Miss Drapier had only been in her new role for North had no rugby league background whatsoever. four days when RL Bulletin caught up with Thorman freely admits that Wallsend is still the area he thinks of as “home”, although his her. “The first few months will be spent going Chris explains: “I was basically a kid full of to visit the clubs and seeing what’s going energy that was a very keen sportsman. A professional responsibilities make it difficult for on there,” she said. “That will mean both the note came round my school in Wallsend when I him to travel back as frequently as he would community clubs and also seeing how we can was about 10 years old saying that they were enjoy. work together with . Eastern setting up a rugby league club that was going to be based in and around the school. He says: “I don’t get the chance as often as I “Another big part of our objectives is to further like but I love going back up there. My next trip develop rugby league in the schools, colleges “I loved it from the very beginning and I think will be to watch Paul run the Great North Run. I and universities across the region. The first my parents loved it even more because I was fancy getting into that sort of thing myself - but couple of months are about assessing things always worn out after a rugby league training only once I’ve retired. I could quite fancy getting and seeing where we want to go before the Promise stuck into triathlons and things like that!” session or game! I think they breathed a sigh work starts on how we can get there.” of relief that I’d found my sport because I was NEIL BARRACLOUGH looks at what’s going on in And what are her hopes in the longer term? “We “All Rugby League in the North East has to do is broaden its want to make sure that there are opportunities the North East .... catchment area and there’s no reason why it can’t be a massive for north east-based players, coaches and volunteers to progress to the highest level of success story” the game.” - 8 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 9 - iven what has happened to him in the last “The worst thing was the cold. I G12 months, Richie Myler could be forgiven a trace of arrogant swagger as he walks through hated playing in the winter, as ON DEBUT: the streets of his native Widnes. did most of the players. That’s Myler in Paris where I think the game loses a Instead, it would be hard to find a more unassuming player than the England scrum-half, lot of talent.” a player who has taken a phenomenal year in Rising to Widnes who signed him up as a 15-year-old and his elegant stride. in 2007 he moved on to , where he was named Co-operative National League Young Only a year ago Myler was playing in the Co- Player of the Year the following season. operative National League, the undoubted star of a competition his team, Salford Reds Last year ended with the then 18-year-old were to go on and win with their Grand Final making his England bow, an experience he will victory over Celtic Crusaders. the top never forget. Even though Salford were already assured of a “It was brilliant. Playing alongside so many Super League place having secured a three-year He has enjoyed a mercurial rise from Widnes St Marie’s to experienced players really helped and it made licence just a few months before, the bright me hungry for more,” said Myler. lights of the top division were still a distant Super League’s most expensive teenager inside just four dream. years but Richie Myler’s feet remain firmly planted on the “I’m pretty laid back but I was surprised by how easy it was to fit in to the England scene. It But, having played a leading role in Salford’s ground, as JOHN LEDGER discovered .... wasn’t quite as straight-forward against France Grand Final success, Myler took a major step earlier this year because they were much forward to a place where the world appears to tougher opponents but I still think I handled it be at his feet. ok.”

As England prepared to depart for Australia for As under-statements go, “I handled it ok” just the , Myler became the about encapsulates Myler’s character. only player from outside Super League to be drafted into coach Tony Smith’s squad for the In Paris the teenager was in irrepressible form, warm-up game against at Doncaster’s scoring a memorable hat-trick of tries and Keepmoat Stadium. kicking nine goals for a 30-point haul against Bobbie Goulding’s France. “It’s been a mad few weeks, Although his form dipped somewhat in the probably the most difficult time closing months of the engage Super League I’ve known as a player,” season, Myler is still a strong contender for selection for the Gillette Four Nations this autumn. Nonplussed by the occasion, Myler more than held his own in a team featuring established The fact that England’s coach is Tony Smith, Super League stars of the calibre of Martin the man who persuaded Warrington’s owner Gleeson, Stuart Fielden and . to splash out £200,000 to secure his services possibly helps, but Myler is wise He made his debut in Super League in February enough not to take anything for granted. of this year, scoring a try as Salford returned to the top flight with a 28-16 success against “Tony is a coach who has always selected Celtic Crusaders. players on form and I’m certainly not taking it as given that I’ll be part of his plans just because Although Salford had it tough in their first few I’m joining him at Warrington,” said Myler. months in Super League, Myler looked as if he had never played anywhere else, form which “I know I still have a lot of work to do and I’m earned him a deserved call up by England for FOUR POINTER: Myler touches down going to work hard between now and the Four the mid-season Gillette International against Nations to try and justify my selection. France in Paris. “It would be awesome to play for England in the Any doubts that the Widnes wonderkid might “All the fuss surrounding the move has been With his stepfather Rob Myler, the former Four Nations, it’s been a goal of mine all year be overawed by donning the same No 7 jersey difficult but now it’s all over I’m just looking Warrington player, as a coach at the Hornets, and I hope I get the chance to have a crack at once worn by the likes of , forward to what lies ahead. Rugby League was always going to play a large the Kiwis and the Aussies. Alex Murphy and were quickly “I had a great time at Salford and still have a lot part in young Richie’s life. dispelled as Myler delivered a masterclass of “As a kid growing up in Widnes, playing against scrum-half play, albeit against weakened French “Within a few weeks I was And when Rob moved on to Widnes St Marie’s, Australia and New Zealand was always opposition. playing in the under-7s, always his son followed him. everyone’s dream and now I’m so close to living that dream it’s not something I’m going to let Clearly impressed by what he had seen, England as a half-back. I couldn’t get “I really enjoyed my years as a junior, it was a go.” coach Smith went on to lure Myler from Salford enough rugby. In fact I still great experience and I learned a lot by training earlier this month to take him to Warrington and playing alongside some good kids at St Wolves in a reported £200,000 deal, a fee can’t,” Marie’s,” he said. which makes the 19-year-old the world’s most “It would be awesome to play for expensive teenager. of friends at the club but this is a new chapter “The worst thing was the cold. I hated playing England in the Four Nations, it’s in my career and it’s one I’m determined to make in the winter, as did most of the players. That’s been a goal of mine all year” “All the fuss surrounding the a success.” where I think the game loses a lot of talent. move has been difficult but Myler’s career began just 14 years ago when he “If you love playing Rugby League as a kid but If he does get to line up against Australia at now it’s all over I’m just looking played his first game of Rugby League as a five- can’t stand the cold it can be a real turn off. I’m the DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday October 31 forward to what lies ahead.” year-old with Halton Hornets. sure we’d see a lot more players staying within then all the cold, dark nights spent training and the game if we moved the junior league season playing at Halton Hornets will no doubt seem “Within a few weeks I was playing in the under- from winter to summer.” worth it for Richie Myler. “It’s been a mad few weeks, probably the most 7s, always as a half-back. I couldn’t get enough difficult time I’ve known as a player,” said Myler. rugby. In fact I still can’t,” he recalled. Myler’s talent at St Marie’s was spotted by

- 10 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 11 - Passing on their experience

ALEX FERGUSON catches up with two former internationals who are now working for the RFL ....

wo months into his new role as the RFL’s His main role in the RFL is to put systems in THead of Player Development, BJ Mather has to place for talent identification and talent no doubts he made the right decision to return development, ensuring that clubs spot the best to his Rugby League roots. talent and put them through the best process.

Mather joined the RFL in July from The former Great Britain international was keen where he was the Academy Coach and has to point out the work done by the RFL prior to moved into more of a strategic role at Red Hall. his arrival.

“At London Irish my role as Academy and “The likes of , Richie assistant coach was very much an outdoor role managing the development of players,” he Myler, and Sam explained. “Since moving to the RFL I have now Tomkins are exciting talents and adopted a more strategic position within the RFL. with a little bit of nurturing, they will be producing for us for a “The only thing I really miss is the banter from while,” the boys on the training ground!”

Mather, a former dual-code international, was “The Whole Sport Plan was already set in motion fortunate enough to work alongside some prior to moving into my position within the RFL,” influential coaches including John Monie and he said. during a Wigan career which included a try-scoring feat in the 1994 Carnegie “I have been quite fortunate with the fact win against . that there has been some great work done arren Rogers worked with some great “I am thoroughly enjoying coaches in a playing career that earned him beforehand. With the measures already in place, D working for RFL as it gives me it makes my job easier to ensure that these five England caps and wide respect during his “The only thing I really miss is systems are carried out correctly and talent is time as a winger with Rams, Salford the opportunity to pass on my the banter from the boys on the nurtured in the best possible way.” City Reds and Tigers. knowledge and experience to training ground others in the Rugby League !” In his new role at the RFL, Mather will work Rogers learned much by working alongside the closely with Performance Director John Roberts, likes of , and game.” After leaving Wigan he moved on to join Coaching Manager Vinnie Webb and Head in his 15 years as a professional short-lived Australian Super League club Perth of Human Performance Clive Brewer while Rugby League player, a period which saw him Western Reds before returning to England for a also heading up a team of three National score over 200 tries including a club record 23 stint with . Development Managers. for Castleford in 1999. His main role within the RFL is working with coaches from the grass roots to a professional “I was lucky to be a part of a successful Wigan As the Head of Player Development, Mather “Despite never being a coach level helping coaches identify career paths and aiding their personal progression. side and was happy with what I achieved in is eager to watch the youth flourish in Super myself, I can draw a lot of my career. Although I do not regret moving to League. Perth, I feel that I could have developed more experience from my playing With a distinguished playing career behind as a player if I had stayed with the successful “The likes of Tom Briscoe, Richie Myler, Kyle career and the coaches I have him, Darren is keen to use this experience to coaching set-up at Wigan” said Mather. Eastmond and are exciting talents help educate coaches’ progress through the and with a little bit of nurturing, they will be worked under.” development pathway and forge a career within Post-playing career, Mather has taken a lot of producing for us for a while,” said Mather. the game. knowledge and experience under the guidance “During my career, I was fortunate to work with of Toby Booth and Brian Smith who he worked “Hopefully now with these players coming some great coaches including Andy Gregory, The former Castleford flier said, “I am alongside at London Irish. through the ranks, England will now have Stuart Raper and Graham Steadman. I took a thoroughly enjoying working for RFL as it gives the strength and depth that they have been lot of ideas and philosophies on board when me the opportunity to pass on my knowledge Mather said, “Both Toby and Brian were somewhat lacking in recent years.” moving in to my current role in the RFL.” said and experience to others in the Rugby League instrumental in my progress as a coach which the former England international. game. has stood me in a good position in my new role England Captain Jamie Peacock was the one in the RFL.” player that Mather pinpointed as the ideal role “Despite never being a coach myself, I can draw “The RFL has been instrumental in developing model in the modern era. a lot of experience from my playing career and the way I approach the game. With their Mather retired in 2004 following a spell at the coaches I have worked under.” guidance and the impact of former coaches, I Japanese side Kubota to take up Mather added, “Jamie Peacock has shown his can continue to flourish in my new role. coaching positions at RU followed by quality for many years, you just have to look at Rogers hung up his boots in 2004 to head the Fylde. In 2006, he was appointed as Academy his appearances in the engage Super League community development teams at Dewsbury “Whether I am helping amateur or professional coach for London Irish before moving into his Dream Team to show how influential a figure he and then Hornets before joining teams, my aim is to help further the careers of current position as Head of Player Development is. He is the ultimate professional, gets stuck in the RFL as ’s Club and Coach coaches and implement some of my experiences this summer. and never takes a backward step.” Development Officer in January 2008. into practise.”

- 12 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 13 - Never has the epithet “Stevie Wonder” been worn by a more worthy recipient. And never has the match Higgins at the ball for the Rugby League The 2009-10 amateur Rugby League season, Challenge Cup final endured which kicked into action last month, is in rude such an arduous journey. health and attracting some of the biggest names DAVID BURKE joined Steve helm in the game. PHIL HODGSON explains .... Prescott on his long trek ....

t Regional League level, whether it be in teve Prescott, the former St Helens, Athe Iggesund League, the GMB SWakefield and Hull international full back, Union Hull & District League, the Kukri North IN CHARGE: delivered the ball for Warrington’s triumph West Counties League, the or Higgins over Huddersfield on Aug 29 after a gruelling the CMS Yorkshire League, there are some well- 900 mile bike ride from to Windsor known figures around. Castle, a 24 mile dragon boat paddle down the River Thames in atrocious conditions and a half Many former - and quite a few current marathon from Uxbridge to Wembley. - professional players delight in putting something back into the grassroots. Ex-Hunslet, Steve, 35, was diagnosed with terminal stomach Bradford Northern, Wigan, Halifax Blue Sox, cancer three years but remarkably completed Wales and Great Britain prop Kelvin Skerrett, every mile of the energy-sapping two week who is coaching Yorkshire League Unison trek and deserved every cheer from the 76,560 Division One outfit Methley Royals, is a prime crowd when he completed a triumphant lap of example of stars of yesteryear getting heavily honour at half-time with his band of intrepid involved with their local sides while Bentley adventurers. Good Companions, who are in the same section, have Castleford Tigers prop Liam Higgins at the Even searing 110 degree plus temperatures, helm. 5am breakfast calls and 48,000 feet of tortuous SUPER HUMAN! climbs - almost twice the height of Everest Ironically the sides met at Methley recently - could not deter Steve and his pals. rain from Windsor Castle to Teddington Lock. in what was each team’s opening match of the campaign, although Skerrett was absent The effort was so demanding the cyclists were The arduous seven hour paddle left most of the fund-raisers vowing never to climb inside a because of business commitments; and the burning 6,000 calories a day. spoils on this occasion went to the Companions, dragon boat again! who posted a stunning 44-22 success in Steve, married to Linzi with sons Taylor (seven) blistering heat. and Koby (two), said, “I know I have a terminal But at least we had a laugh with guest paddler disease and will never get cured but life is for Johnny Vegas, the St Helens born comedian, Neither was at full strength as one of the living now. My condition is stable at the moment joining us on one leg on the Thames and elements of early-season amateur Rugby and I am taking it one day and one scan at a entertaining the tow-path walkers and the League kicked in. The Royals lacked several time. crews with his slapstick humour. players because of holidays, a half-marathon, illness, injuries and work commitments. Bentley, “The support for this event was incredible and The half-marathon drained the last ounce of meanwhile, travelled up the A1 without half-a- it was a brilliant experience. I knew it was going energy from most of the group who expect to dozen regulars who were at Doncaster Races. to be tough but we all dug in and enjoyed every raise more than £100,000 for Christies Cancer minute.” Hospital in and the RFL Benevolent It’s a syndrome that can easily frustrate commitments. Coaches have to accept that things. Full-time players have more time to Fund, now known as Try Assist. professional players, whose main experience – although players have, equally, to accept that take on board complex drills and it may also be There were spills too which left ex-Great Britain is that of being employees with contractual no coach worth his salt will allow the wool to be that their ability to follow detailed instructions stars and Lee Jackson nursing But the two week training camp left many of the 25-strong group boasting bodies like the obligations. pulled over his eyes!” – having a good “rugby brain” - is a factor in cuts and bruises. them making it to the top. professionals! Higgins had an extra difficulty, when taking Many of the climbs - the steepest were in the “They soon settled with me over at Bentley, in that many of the players first few days around Carcassonne - were used A customs officer at Dover was certainly It s largely about confidence, impressed. He took a break from searching and I’ve got to admit it’s been a were friends of his from childhood. “I found that “ ’ ” in the Tour de France. lorries with his sniffer dog to shout to Steve gratifying experience.” very difficult, telling them what to do. But I’d been helping out for some time previously, so “I like to keep things simple, on a game related There were plenty of laughs but not much and his pals, ”It’s all right lads I’m not looking for the lads were at least used to me being around. basis and, above all, I try to ensure that the partying. Early nights at 10pm were the norm steroids!” Skerrett, indeed, left Methley’s neighbours players have fun at our training sessions, on even for super-fit RL legends like former Great Oulton several years ago because of the poor “They soon settled with me and I’ve got to Monday and Wednesday evenings.” Britain stars , Chris Joynt, But the star of the show was Prekkie whose attitude of Raiders players to training, and has admit it’s been a gratifying experience.” , , Connolly and indomitable spirit continually lifted the group. fired out a warning to the Royals lads that he Higgins must be doing something right. Bentley Jackson. will not tolerate a similarly sloppy attitude. Good Companions topped Division One last At the end of all 11 cycling days he even had “I like to keep things simple, season and every indication is that they will Jimmy Gittins and Pete Stephenson, who were the determination to push the pedals even Higgins has had the same experience since on a game related basis and, make a real impact at a higher level. left paralysed after suffering broken necks faster shouting, ”Sprint finish!” – and more often playing amateur RL, deserve special praise than not was up with the leaders. taking over at Bentley at the beginning of above all, I try to ensure that the last season. “There have been times when I’ve “It’s largely about confidence,” he says. “We – completing the trip on a specially adapted only had eight players turn up,” he reflects, players have fun at our training played Premier Division side Moorends-Thorne quad bike. Steve should not have worn the generic team somewhat ruefully, “and I’ve got to admit that sessions,” in a Doncaster Cup game last year and some cycling shirt. I’ve wondered, on those nights, whether I of the players were a little apprehensive. But We averaged more than 80 miles a day on the should carry on. I told them just to get in their faces and, after bike including one marathon stint of 120 miles His should have been unique - the initial letter Higgins approach is to make training as 30 minutes, they realised that we were just from Abbeville to Calais and then Dover to of his Christian name emblazoned in red and “But I’ve had to accept that the lads are enjoyable, and as simple, as possible. “It’s easy as good as Moorends. Some of them couldn’t Ashford. yellow on a blue vest. amateurs, after all. Many of them may to fall into the trap of thinking you’re in charge believe it but the experience did them a power have to work, or could have pressing family of a Super League side and overcomplicating of good.” Then came the dragon boat paddle in torrential Steve was Superman in Lycra!

- 14 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 15 - first go on TV you think it’s something new and different, but it’s not. You’re still doing the same IN CONTROL: job and it’s what you do. It’s what you’ve trained LOOKING ON: Stuart shows who’s incharge for and worked for so you know you’re prepared. Cummings oversees training

How do you fill the week of a full time match official? The full time guys are out officiating all weekend, whether refereeing or touch judging. The day after they’ve officiated they’ll do a recovery session, which is usually in the pool, and they’ll also do a match review of their own game and their own performance as well as some conditioning.

Each game has a reviewer attending it and the referee will meet with the reviewer to go through any key incidents, look at where they were strong, look at where they can improve and then build targets for the following week.

I will then run a group review of aspects that I could work but it’s got to be right for the clubs. think we need to improve on, areas we’ve done It’s their competition and they’ll be the ones well in and other incidents that might prove to who make the final decision. be talking points. That takes care of Monday, which usually lasts from 6am to 4pm. Tony Smith recently argued in favour of Tuesday is their big physical day, with two getting rid of video referees altogether. training sessions that will develop both their By the same measure would that also be a fitness and then any of the areas we identified decision for the clubs? on Monday. Yes.

Wednesday is a day off before another pool session on Thursday. That session is designed How closely have you followed the to give a good aerobic workout without the introduction of two referees in the NRL? Has officials having to be on their legs all the time. it benefited the game in your opinion? They’ll follow that with some pilates – which I’ve followed it very closely, but it’s difficult to they hate – and then spend the rest of Thursday tell how much of a benefit it’s had on the game. looking ahead at the games they’re officiating I’ve had a couple of audio DVDs over here that in that weekend. have all the officials’ vocabulary on but I’ve not had enough to work out if there’s a benefit. I don’t know enough about how much of the At the opposite end of the spectrum, has information from the trailing referee is reaching there been any upsurge in new referees the main referee and how many times the coming into the game? trailing referee is picking up on something that Our development department looks after the main referee has missed. recruitment and development of the referees coming into the system but I’m really pleased with the number and quality of the referees Is it something that the RFL is looking at or that come into my level, which is Grade Three. are you firmly against the concept? They appear to be getting younger – like We’re not looking at it in this moment but who policemen – and that’s down to the work we’re knows where we’ll get to in the future. We’ll doing in schools. It’s good for the sport in the need to see whether there’s a benefit and long term but you can never have enough match whether that benefit would match the extra officials. We’ve just got to keep trying to attract financial commitment that would be required. people. You have to point out the positives in officiating: from a health point of view it’s a great way to focus your fitness and it’s also a Have the Australians made any great position from which to be involved in the representations that they would like to play game. under two referees at international level? They’ve certainly not mentioned anything to me about international games being refereed under How much benefit has the RESPECT campaign two officials. The game between Australia and had in terms of referees starting out on their New Zealand earlier this season was controlled careers? by just one referee – – and I’ve no statistics on it, and it’s only anecdotal they’ve not suggested that they’re looking at QuestionHave you been pleased with the overall Timeincidents crop up that referees have to rule on evidence, but the message I’m getting back is anything else. standard of refereeing this season in the but the key to refereeing is getting consistency that the refs don’t feel as threatened as they NEIL BARRACLOUGH engage Super League and Co-operative among all the refs around the ruck. They have used to when going to some games. One of ? to judge and get that pace right and I think our biggest problems is getting people to keep Within the domestic game, are there any Absolutely. We’ve moved on in Super League they’ve done that pretty well. Having spoken going once they start going out refereeing and rulings or interpretations that you believe met up with Stuart and the Championship squad is probably the to the clubs only recently we’re all agreed that we don’t seem to be losing as many people as need to be looked at? Are there likely to be strongest it’s ever been. we understand the ruck area and that gives us a we have done in the past. any new rules introduced for next season? Cummings, RFL strong foundation. We’re at the stage where we’re trying to get some ideas together and we’re having a look Match Officials What have been the benefits of referees There have been calls for the video referee at whether there are areas for improving. At going full time? How does it help their You obviously refereed at the highest level to be used at all Super League games. How the moment there’s nothing concrete, just a Director .... performance? yourself - how did you cope with the pressure likely is that or has that idea been scrapped? few ideas being knocked around, although I In my view we’ve now got great consistency and scrutiny? It’s still on the table but ultimately it’s for the don’t think we’ll see any major changes, if any around the ruck, which is key to the game. Other You never even give it a thought. When you clubs to decide. I think we have a system that changes at all, for next year.

- 16 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 17 - rugbyleague.com European Cup Fixtures

ROUND 1 Saturday 17/10/09, Stadio Del Plebiscito, ut the Dewsbury based official faces more Padova challenges than most by juggling his top B Italy v Scotland flight officiating with a full time job. KO 15.00

Child said: “It’s quite hard to balance refereeing Sunday 18/10/09, Tullamore RUFC, with work but thankfully I’ve got a really Tullamore understanding employer in Leeds City Council. I Ireland v Serbia usually touch judge and referee every weekend KO 14.30 which means doing something on a Friday night Taking Aim and a Sunday afternoon. This year it’s also ROUND 2 been a bit different with the Thursday night As one of the engage Super League’s rising young Saturday 24/10/09, Tripoli Olympic Stadium, Championship games and me starting to referee. Tripoli referees, is used to dealing with pressure .... Lebanon v Italy “We train on Tuesday nights and then twice KO 20.000 a month we’ll also have a meeting at Leeds Carnegie campus. I usually try to train twice a Sunday 25/10/09, FK Smedervo Stadium, week on my own but that can vary depending MAN IN MIDDLE: Smederevo on your other commitments. If you’re doing James takes control Serbia v Wales two games a week then you’ve got a pretty KO 14.00 solid fitness base already and it’s just a case of maintaining that with your own training.” ROUND 3 Sunday 1/11/09, Hughenden, Scotland v Lebanon “Refereeing is definitely KO 15.00 something I’d recommend – even if it’s just taking the course so Sunday 1/11/09, Pontypridd RUFC, Pontypridd that you know the rules a bit Euro-vision Wales v Ireland better,” This autumn’s Rugby League European Federation KO 17.00

Child, who has been refereeing for nearly 15 (RLEF) six-team European Cup tournament is promising FINALS DAY years despite his relatively young age, says he to be the biggest and most exciting yet with a new title Sunday 08/11/09, Celtic Crusaders RL, would not hesitate to encourage refereeing to , , anybody who may be considering picking up the sponsor and more TV coverage than ever before. 3rd v 3rd KO 11.00 whistle. 2nd v 2nd KO 13.30 PHIL CAPLAN finds out more .... 1st v 1st KO 16.00 “Refereeing is definitely something I’d recommend – even if it’s just taking the course he tournament, which kicks off on Saturday but the seedings for future international so that you know the rules a bit better,” he said. “As a media organisation that is TOctober 17 and features Scotland, Wales, competitions such as qualification for the 2013 totally committed to the sport, we Ireland, Serbia, Lebanon and Italy, will be World Cup. “We’ve got lots of juniors in our society officially known as the rugbyleague.com are also delighted to support the – probably about 20 or so who are all under 16 European Cup and will be staged in six countries “The inclusion of Italy, Serbia and Lebanon RLEF’s excellent and successful years old – and they get lots of enjoyment out over a four week period. in this year’s tournament should also act as of refereeing. If you give it a go and you’re good work in promoting Rugby League incentive to other emerging Rugby League enough then you can really make something of throughout Europe.” nations on what just can be achieved by it. As long as you enjoy it, that’s the main thing.” “We’re very excited about the competing in the European Shield or Bowl. guaranteed to play three games in total. competition which will be staged in “One day I saw an advert in six countries and benefit from title “We’re delighted to welcome rugbyleague.com These matches will not only determine the ultimate champions but provide all important the local paper asking for new sponsorship and more TV coverage on board as title sponsors and are extremely than ever before.” grateful to for broadcasting a rankings for the 2010 European Cup which referees and I just thought “why number of the games to millions of homes.” will include France and will see the eventual not?’” winners qualify for the 2011 Four Nations A “Finals Day” taking place at Brewery The rugbyleague.com European Cup will see alongside England, Australia and New Zealand. Field, Bridgend on Sunday November 8 will the six nations divided into two groups of He added “I took up refereeing March 1995. I : feature all six teams and three games from Andrew Whitelam, rugbyleague.com, Head of was only 11-and-a-half years old. People often the tournament, including the final, will be “The inclusion of Italy, Serbia and Content and Editorial, said, “rugbyleague.com think you’ve been plucked from obscurity when broadcast live on Sky Sports. Lebanon in this year’s tournament is delighted to be supporting the European you first start doing professional games but I’d Cup for the next two seasons. We believe the been refereeing for quite a while before I got to should also act as incentive to other rugbyleague.com, which is a newly launched tournament will be highly competitive and that level. emerging Rugby League nations website that provides dedicated global extremely entertaining. coverage of Rugby League, have agreed a two on what just can be achieved by “I’d like to try to establish myself year partnership with the RLEF which will see competing in the European Shield or “As a media organisation that is totally more regularly in Super League them support the tournament in 2009 and Bowl.” committed to the sport, we are also delighted 2010. to support the RLEF’s excellent and successful Child, who has been a regular on Super League “I’ve done 10 Super League games this year over the next few years – that’s three with each team playing each of the other work in promoting Rugby League throughout touchlines during recent years, has this year and I’ve got quite a lot of experience touch Kevin Rudd, RLEF Executive and Development teams in their group once. Pool One will feature Europe. the aim.” made the transition to being the man in the judging. I want to push on and get some more Officer said, “We’re very excited about the European Shield winners Italy, Lebanon and middle of the action. games in Super League now. There are three competition which will be staged in six Scotland who last year secured their first World “We hope all supporters will enjoy following the “I’d never played the game but I used to go part time referees who are all pushing for Super countries and benefit from title sponsorship and Cup victory. Another World Cup side from last action in the coming weeks on rugbyleague. watch Dewsbury with the family and my dad “I love it,” he said. “There are highs and lows, League games and it’s good that there is that more TV coverage than ever before. year, Ireland, will contest Pool Two alongside com.” used to play amateur rugby league. I never as there are with anything, but I’ve been competition between us. Serbia and Wales. fancied playing and none of my friends were fortunate enough to go to Russia, France, Italy, “All the games in the competition are vitally Tickets for the rugbyleague.com European Cup really into rugby league so they didn’t drag me New Zealand and Australia through refereeing. I’d like to try to establish myself more regularly important, so the level of intensity is expected On Saturday November 8 the tournament Finals Day on Sunday November 8 at Brewery down to training either. One day I saw an advert They’ve all been paid trips and as rugby league in Super League over the next few years to be extremely high. All teams will come will climax with a “Finals Day” at which the Field, Bridgend are now available by calling the in the local paper asking for new referees and I expands there are going to be more and more – that’s the aim.” together for a Finals Day in November which respective sides finishing third, second and top RFL ticket hotline on 0844 856 1113 or visiting just thought “why not ’” opportunities for referees to travel. ? will not only determine the overall winners of each group will meet meaning each country is www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk

- 18 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 19 - CLUB FOCUS - OXFORD CAVALIERS

progress in recent years. A club physiotherapist is one of the major roles that needs fulfilling at the club and a shortage of funds has prevented injured players from being given regular treatment throughout the season.

Another aim of the club is to begin an under Promising signs 19 side. Cavaliers coach Mark Shaw said, “We are responding to a growing interest in youth players to take up rugby league. This marks Rugby League is a sport that is very rarely heard of in the city of Oxford. A city that is the next level in the club’s development as the dominated by Football, and Rugby Union has prevented the rise of the 13 a-side under 19 team will act as a feeder into the open age team and strengthen our position in the game over the years but Rugby League is slowly increasing in popularity thanks to a RLC competition.” Funding is going to be the key in getting this project off the ground along small group of people who make up the committee of the Oxford Cavaliers Rugby League with a lot of hard work which the committee is Football Club. JOHN CONNAUGHTON takes up the story .... willing to put in. With many things now in the right place there is a good feeling surrounding Oxford Cavaliers and he Oxford Cavaliers are now one of five rugby league in the city of Oxford. Once help Trugby league side’s in the city of Oxfordshire has been received in the form of funding, the but are the only club not affiliated with any ball can continue to role and develop the game of the city’s universities. The other clubs in an area that can bridge the gap between the are Oxford University , Maroons and north and south divide. Mavericks, and also Oxford Brookes Bulls who are a new set up started in September 2008.

There are many players and coaches who have appeared for more than one of the clubs which shows that there are people wanting to become involved in the game.

The Oxford Cavaliers began back in 1996 with the club name and colours representing the city’s civil war heritage. The club crest is the red and blue royal standard that flew over Oxford when King Charles I held his court in Christchurch College. Since the club began there is one surviving member at the club today, committee member and coach Mark ‘Bulldog’ Shaw who has been through the highs and lows Not only that but more opportunities will associated with the club. become available for young people in Oxford to become part of a team and gain valuable Now onto 2009 and The Oxford Cavaliers are experience of being part of a team. The in the best position they have been in since the Cavaliers are a friendly and down-to-earth club club was born. This season they have moved who welcome any players or anyone interested home from Marston Ferry Road to Kidlington’s in getting involved in rugby league as the clubs premier sporting facility Stratfield Brake Sports main aim is to spread the greatest game in this Ground, which boasts a fine pavilion, two cricket part of the country and make it even bigger grounds, one football pitch and three rugby than it already is. pitches. There are two upcoming fixtures that have The move has been a welcomed by all involved been arranged by the Cavaliers with a further at the club and has enabled them to hold their two in the pipeline. “We have arranged a fixture latest presentation evening for the squad, against the Brookes Bulls University Rugby friends, family, and supporters to unwind at the League side and we are hoping to turn this into end of a long, hard season. week throughout the year rather than a month organiser and club captain John Connaughton, a three game test” said Connaughton. “We are leading up to the start of the season and all share the same vision for the club and are set to play the first fixture at our home ground Not only has it seen the change of home but stopping after the final game. hoping to use the next few months to recruit and have discussed playing the second game has also seen many changes in the squad and new players and sponsors and also to cement at the University with the hope of attracting the people involved behind the scenes. The Club captain John Connaughton states, “The Oxford as being a rugby league city. many students. It is hoped that the third and club was only two years ago struggling to fulfil vision the committee has for the club is for the final meeting will be held at a neutral venue in fixtures due to lack of numbers, but with a lot of current squad of players to remain together Bridges have already started to be built Oxford to try and attract people from all over hard work behind the scenes and advertising in throughout the year instead of going their between the clubs now main sponsors Oxford Oxford.” local press, the last two seasons have seen the separate ways and trying to gain contact later and Cherwell Valley College and also the local clubs numbers increase dramatically. on in the year. We believe that continuing press so the future is bright for the club. The It is the Cavaliers belief that if they can put on training and arranging friendly fixtures each addition of the new website has been another a good show and publicise these events then The club has had over 40 players on their month will keep a core of lads together so plus point for the club which offers regular families will begin to see the attraction of the cards for each of the last two seasons with the the club will only continue to get bigger and updates, player profiles and match reports and 13-a-side game. The first fixture will take place majority being from rugby league backgrounds. stronger.” results. at Stratfield Brake, Kidlington on Saturday 3rd What the club has moved on from is the reliance October with a kick off time of 2.30pm. of rugby union clubs supplying them with their The newly formed committee, which consists There is currently talk within the committee players who want to remain fit throughout of Chairman Matt Walsh, Secretary Kev Mason, of putting together a sponsorship pack and For more information on the Oxford Cavaliers their pre season. This has prompted the Treasurer Stuart James, First team Coach Mark approaching local businesses as funding the RLFC visit their website at www.pitchero.com/ committee to go with pushing training once a Shaw, Kit Manager John Conway and match day club has proved a major problem for the clubs clubs/oxfordcavaliersrlfc

- 20 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 21 - ALTOGETHER: Community Lions U18s & Going Australian Schoolboys global

There can surely never have been a time in the history of Rugby League when young men – and some not so young - have had more opportunities than now to travel to all parts of the globe playing the game they love. PHIL HODGSON looks at how rugby league really YOUNG AT HEART: is world wide .... Masters Rugby

ime was when the only opposition available words, “boldly go where it has never gone Meanwhile, while GB Pioneers were flying out Great Britain teams, all continuing their fine having insisted that their posts be advertised) With the likes of Great Britain Students, Tat professional level was provided by before.” to Norway in July, another team – Hammersmith work of around three decades, and BARLA for another three years. always a real power under coach Paul Fletcher, Australia, France and New Zealand – with – was on its way to Belgium. I ask readers to go International Manager Mick Turner is rightly Combined Forces and British Police impressing occasional but ill-fated forays into countries The Pioneers, the “playing arm” in a sense of over that last phrase again and ask themselves proud of the Association’s achievements. Taylor said: “We are delighted to continue in in their respective World Cups Down Under last such as Italy, South Africa and the United States the ever-active European Development Manager if, only 20 years ago, they could have envisaged our posts, and we aim to bring coaches from all autumn – Combined Forces winning their event of America – while the situation was even worse Kevin Rudd, made a week-long trip to Norway reading something like that outside a fantasy “Their knowledge of players of parts of the country into the mix. – the sport has never been as global for our for the amateurs. recently (unthinkable once) and beat the hosts piece. players. 24-0 before an admittedly bemused crowd quality in their own competitions “Obviously I’ll have my own assistants in place In pre-BARLA days, all that leading grassroots in Oslo. Interestingly, despite the scoreline, But it’s true. A team from London has visited will be invaluable in helping at training sessions and during matches, but I’m Add to that the continued development of players had to look forward to was a couple reports suggest that the Norwegians were Belgium as part of an expansionist drive. seeking added input from coaches in Hull and Women’s Rugby League, who have toured Down of fixtures with France each season. Exotic as “dominant for long spells in the second period Incredible. ensure that we select the Cumbria, for example, and in the Rugby League Under since 1996, and the inspiring World Cup those were, it was in fact a narrow world, one as the sun came out but inexperience let them strongest squads possible for Conference and the Armed Forces. win by the England Wheelchair team 10 months which appears now to have been from the dark down at crucial moments.” And what a quote All this is, of course, spearheaded by the BARLA the GB Community Lions.” ago (not to mention Masters Rugby for the Over ages following the worldwide explosion of from Norwegian Rugby League founder and “Their knowledge of players of quality in their 35s and a forthcoming visit to the Dubai Sevens Rugby League in recent years. coach Warren Helig, who said: “This is just the “BARLA has played a vital role, own competitions will be invaluable in helping for BARLA veterans, and the slogan “play Rugby beginning of another great Viking era. With Turner took the Open Age squad to the South ensure that we select the strongest squads League and see the world” couldn’t be more apt. BARLA, and its clubs, has been the undoubted more effort of this sort, we will conquer Rugby over many years, in expanding Pacific last summer, and although most of the possible for the GB Community Lions.” catalyst for the continuing crusade. Shaw Cross League!” Rugby League’s horizons and games were lost – all by very narrow margins Sharks, of Dewsbury, set a powerful agenda – the venture was in reality a huge success. in 1977 by driving, through Managers Alan The Pioneers are doing tremendous work, not long may that continue” Lancaster and the redoubtable Dougie Hird, a only for those in virgin territory but also for He says: “BARLA has played a vital role, over BARLA Great Britain tour of Australia and New British players, many of them from beyond what many years, in expanding Rugby League’s Zealand – a huge success which paved the way we could once accurately term our heartlands, horizons and long may that continue. While a for many subsequent trips, at many age levels, who are being given the chance to sample life ON THE ATTACK: trip to the South Pacific is naturally seen as by BARLA sides. in other climes through their involvement with GB Community being ambitious, it was a tremendous boost Rugby League. Lions to the grassroots game and was a wonderful In the same year the go-ahead Shaw Cross experience for those who went, all of whom outfit hosted an American outfit, Texas The GB Pioneers have, in recent years, have returned home as better players and, I like Longhorns of Dallas. And while the American made trips to places such as Estonia, Latvia, to think, as more rounded people.” adventure has yet to fully bite, there has been Czechoslovakia and the Ukraine, paving the way phenomenal growth elsewhere – and the rate of for others to help cement our sport in those For the last four or five years, amateur expansion shows every sign of increasing. countries. Rugby League in this country has also been represented by the Great Britain Community Shaw Cross have continued their experiment, BARLA Great Britain’s Under 23s side – another Lions, launched as the representative pinnacle launched several years early, of making team used for expansionist purposes – followed for players from BARLA, the Student game, the reciprocal visits to France but the advent of the Pioneers by touring the Ukraine during the Rugby League Conference, and such as the a new team – Great Britain Pioneers, made up summer, and the Under 23s had previously Armed Forces and the British Police. mainly of Students – in 2005 is taking the game made three successive trips to Italy, where into areas which would once have been almost the host country has now been included in the While BARLA’s role is now officially seen beyond imagining. European Cup. as expanding the code, the Lions’ primary function is to take on the best of the Managed by Gerard Keenan – who was paraded Germany have also have been involved in the equivalent opposition and beat them. Manager before the crowd at the recent Challenge Cup Simone Franchini Nines in Italy in recent years, Jimmy Aspinall, whose attention to detail is FEELING THE HEAT: Final at Wembley as the International Volunteer and there was a memorable Test match in phenomenal, and coach Jimmy Taylor have both BARLA in the South of the Year – the GB Pioneers’ very function Padua last year which has certainly helped both done a fine job in their first four years at the Pacific is to enable Rugby League to, in capt in Kirk’s countries` development. helm and were recently re-appointed (after

- 22 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 23 - Helping the grass roots thrive TOM HOYLE explains it wasn’t just the players of and Huddersfield Giants who got to grace the famous Wembley turf ....

even volunteers were rewarded for the hard “The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final is a Gerard Keenan – International Volunteer of the Swork at the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final. celebration of our game and the game wouldn’t Year be the same without the many thousands of Phil Roberts – Coach of the Year The winners were presented with the volunteers who devote their time to help keep Tim Fellows – Unsung Hero prestigious National Volunteer Awards at the the sport thriving at grass roots level,” said RFL Gill Johnson – The In League Together Award half time interval in front of a huge Wembley Chief Executive Nigel Wood. crowd. For more information on Volunteering visit “In recent years we’ve seen many remarkable www.tryit.co.uk “the game wouldn’t be the same examples of volunteers in our game and this year has certainly been no different. I’m sure without the many thousands the volunteers enjoyed their experience at of volunteers who devote their Wembley and I’d like to congratulate them on time to help keep the sport their achievements.” thriving at grass roots level,” The 2009 winners were -

Peter Kearns – Volunteer of the Year The individuals were selected by an Jamie Hobbs – Young Volunteer of the Year independent panel and were recognised for Janet Pendlebury – Volunteer Co-ordinator of their efforts throughout the year. the Year

- 24 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk After being launched as a pilot in 2008, this season sees the first competition proper of the North London Junior League. CALLUM IRVING of the explains ....

he league has been launched with the Tsupport of the borough councils of Haringey, Enfield and Barnet as well as several schools partnerships that will provide the bedrock of participants for the clubs.

The clubs: Arnos Grove Gladiators, East Barnet Learning with Bulls, Edmonton Tigers, Hornsey Hawks, Warriors are all based in some of the most challenging areas of the boroughs and offer Making the grade opportunities to those who are untouched by other sporting opportunities. the Skolars The Student Rugby League is ready to kick off again for another season. The competition will initially run at under 11 TOM HOYLE looks at what’s happening this time around .... and under 13 through the winter and will on the project with the support of the Skolars After the successful game plans are now afoot culminate in a grand final series. Community Coaches. A summer course of for a rematch as well as to take the Masters on hilst the professional season enters its For the colleges the Carnegie Champion “It’s another option for players who maybe went estate urban rugby took place this summer and tour around the UK. Wfinal stages there are plenty of other Colleges trophy will be the one they all have through the academy programmes at clubs but The competition will also feed into the Skolars’ culminated in the annual “estate of origin” finals community game competitions that are just their eye on. Almost 50 colleges from Yorkshire, didn’t make a full-time contract. They come performance structure and will allow talented which took place at Skolars Friday Night Lights’ “Fitness in the Park” was a new initiative for the getting started and the Student Rugby League the North West and Cumbria are battling it out to Uni and get noticed,” said Student Rugby athletic North Londoners to develop through event on the eve of the Carnegie Challenge Cup summer of 2009. is one of them. from September until March, with just one being League Manager Matt Jeffery. community clubs up to a performance level. This Final. lucky enough to get their hands on the coveted would follow the example set by Andre Vine Led by the Skolars community coaches and run This season 70 universities and 44 colleges prize. “The high standard of Student Rugby League and Smokie Junor who have developed through Meanwhile, a Tag Rugby competition is now in on an informal basis, the project was run in five will take to the field for the biggest SRL is recognised by professional clubs, and at this system to go on to represent the Skolars its second season and is a vital part of Skolars’ of the largest parks in the borough of Haringey season ever, with new sides entering the fray Over the years the quality of play within Championship clubs like , Gateshead first team in the Co-operative Championship. commitment to offer Rugby League to all and utilized the parks as natural fitness from as far afield as Sunderland, Cumbria and the SRL has continually improved and it’s and London Skolars, they make up the core of competitors. equipment. . perhaps no surprise that several players the team The Skolars also run a number of successful have progressed through the ranks to earn Rugby League derivative. Skolars tag has become an important part of The weekly sessions were based on fun and “The high standard of Student professional contracts. “It’s another option for players the summer programme. Held at Finsbury Park engaging with a wider section of the North who maybe went through the Urban Rugby for example is in its seventh in North London, the competition runs every London community, with the main purpose Rugby League is recognised by Players such as Andy Raleigh at Huddersfield, season and runs through the summer months. Tuesday and is open to both female and male aimed at raising participation levels and tackling professional clubs,” at Salford and Halifax’s Rob academy programmes at clubs It’s a variation on 13 a-side Rugby League but competitors of all age groups and experience. obesity. Worrincy have all progressed through the SRL but didn’t make a full-time can be played anywhere and on any surface pathway and the coming years are almost from grass to basketball courts. It’s been a Skolars are the lead organisation for Masters For the latest news on the London Skolars visit At the top of the tree will be the newly certain to produce yet more talent. contract.” tremendous tool both in getting Rugby League Rugby League in London and staged the first www.skolarsrl.com expanded “Super 8” competition. out into the more deprived areas of North ever game of its type in the capital when the The production line is also not just confined to To keep up to date with the latest news on the London but also as a recruitment tool to the Skolars Masters took on their counterparts from After a successful inaugural season last year as players. There are a number of Super League SRL visit their new website at www.studentrl. Skolars junior ranks. Harlequins RL. Staged at New River Stadium as a six team competition, this year will see Edge figures who have earned their stripes, such as com part of the London Rugby League Heritage Day, Hill University and Gloucester University added former England Students coach , Urban Rugby is proving hugely popular in further glamour was added to the occasion as to the founder teams at Northumbria, St Mary’s, (now in charge at Hull FC), and Hull’s director the housing estates of Haringey and Enfield the game was refereed by former Super League Hull, Leeds Met Carnegie, and Jon Flatman, a former president of Birmingham where an estate leader is appointed to lead official John Connolly. Loughborough. University’s Rugby League club.

- 26 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 27 - After 27 years commentating on the Challenge Cup Final The 2009 Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley gave Ray French handed over the microphone to DAVE WOODS. two young journalists the opportunity to write match Here’s Dave’s account of the big day .... Tales from reports on the clash between Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves after winning an RFL competition. he lift doors were welded shut and the darkened tomb and asked, with humorous irony: ALEX FERGUSON tells us how it happened .... Toxygen was beginning to dwindle away. “You boys in a spot of bother?” We’d been trapped inside the lift between levels two and three of the new for We cheered and hugged and vowed to keep in six hours. touch.

The five of us, dishevelled and slightly delirious, Well, ok, it wasn’t quite like that. But we were had swapped stories about the children we trapped in that lift for very nearly ten minutes, Wembley thought we’d never see again. One, in a rage, and I did have to loosen my new tie (bought had smashed the intercom loud speaker but still specially for the big day) as it was getting a couldn’t stop the insistently calm recorded voice little warm. telling us not to panic. Not the best start to my first ever BBC TV This was it. A childhood dream turned to a Wembley commentary and you can add your terrible nightmare. We’d given up hope. Silently own punch line about how, having listened, it we sprawled on the lift floor, waiting in weak would have been better if I had stayed stuck silence for the end. in that lift, but looking back, it was quite humorous. It’s been a dream since the age The rest of the day? Amazing. ollowing the success of last year’s “Junior Wembley experience was invaluable. The of seven to commentate on the FJournalist competition”, the RFL also ran a facilities offered to the press were a different telly on Rugby League’s big day It’s been a dream since the age of seven to “Student Journalist competition” which looked to class and it has given me the motivation to work commentate on the telly on Rugby League’s pick out the most promising writers currently in hard in the future to experience more occasions out in London big day out in London and it lived up to every higher education. like this. expectation. I was the proverbial kid in a toy Then, suddenly, as if the angels themselves shop. After the entrants went through an extensive Daley Schofield, aged 12, Rochdale (Winner of were singing, we heard voices, then a banging selection process and competed against other the “Junior Journalist” competition) and then a shaft of piercing light as the great The night before passed in relative sobriety. young journalists at the semi-finals, Carnegie metal doors parted and a cheerful cockney Just the seven pints of lager and one punch up Ambassador Barrie McDermott had the difficult I first heard about the RFL’s competition when technician popped his beaming face into our outside Faringdon tube station; apart from that decision of selecting the two winners most my dad spotted the advert in one of our local the girlfriend behaved herself. I stuck to the worthy of a place at the Wembley Carnegie papers and I agreed to enter it. fizzy water with a big day looming. Challenge Cup Final. I did my first match report at my grandma’s on After much deliberation, the winner from each the game between Huddersfield and Castleford. And at then end of it all it felt competition was chosen, and given the prize Firstly, I wrote my notes on it and then typed it great. A lifetime’s ambition of overnight accommodation and the unique all up at home. I didn’t hear anything about the fulfilled. opportunity of writing a match report in the competition for a long time and I almost forgot press area at the 2009 Carnegie Challenge Cup all about it. Final at Wembley. The day itself began with an 8am call and a Then one day, which seemed like months later, 9.30am stroll from the breakfast room to the The two winners reflected on their experience when I was in the car with my mum, she said I big silver car that whisked me off through the of being involved in the student and junior had received a letter from the RFL. She thought grotty suburbs, past the hundreds of run down journalist competition. my dad had bought some tickets in my name, betting shops, boarded up and neon lit but when I came to open it, I found tickets to kebab shops that make Wembley such a magical the semi-final match between the Huddersfield venue. John Hill, Aged 21, Rochdale (Winner Of The Giants and Saint Helens. I was happy just to be “Student Journalist” Competition) going to the Halliwell-Jones Stadium. Then quick chat with production folk in the TV truck, a whimsical experience with a lift, which I I was delighted and honoured when I learnt When I got there, I found two other boys I would think I mentioned, and then up to the TV gantry about being selected as the winner of the RFL be competing against. They were both older and sit, for hours, reading and re-reading all the Sports Journalist Competition 2009. I had never than me, but I could only give it my best shot. preparatory notes made during the week. been to a Challenge Cup Final before this year I thought I had put in quite a good report but a so it was all a new experience for me. few weeks later, I was overwhelmed to learn There are millions of facts to be digested and I had won. I was very excited to be going to then hopelessly forgotten once the game kicks When the new Wembley Stadium was built Wembley and to be watching Warrington for the off, except for the quickest ever try at Wembley there was a lot of controversy about the first time in the competition. (Graham Rees, 35 seconds, 1972). That fact amount of money that was spent on the ground, gets trotted out as Warrington score early. but from what I have seen it is worth every Part of the prize was to stay in the four- penny. The stadium has that ‘wow factor’ and star Copthorne Tara Hotel, where I got the The rest is a blur of primrose and blue and claret it was a fitting venue for the sport’s oldest autographs of , Robbie Paul, Justin and gold and sunshine and cheers. And at then competition. Morgan and Brian Noble. At Wembley, not only end of it all it felt great. A lifetime’s ambition did I get the opportunity to watch a great game fulfilled. The atmosphere on the day was fantastic and from the press box, I was also lucky enough to I felt it was very much an entertaining game. attend the press conference, speak to Barrie Then I pack up my things, before the Wembley The Challenge Cup Final is always a date I look McDermott and write another match report. cleaners tidy them and me away, and head for forward to on the sporting calendar and it didn’t the Great Hall for the promised celebratory drink disappoint. Overall, I really enjoyed an amazing experience off the producer, being careful to take the stairs and am looking forward to entering the not the lift. I am thankful to the RFL because the whole competition next year.

- 28 - RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN www.tryit.co.uk www.tryit.co.uk RUGBY LEAGUE BULLETIN - 29 - WIN... the chance to be a mascot at the England versus France... Gillette Four Nations match.

This October England host France in losing last year’s World Cup Final to New Zealand who will the Gillette Four Nations at Doncaster’s be keen to prove that their victory over the Kangaroos was not a fluke. Keepmoat Stadium and the Rugby League Bulletin is on the look out for two lucky Whoever makes the final at Elland Road, Leeds on 14 children to be mascots and help lead out November it is sure to an absolute cracker. the teams .... Tickets for the Gillette Four Nations tournament featuring Australia, England, France and World Champions New Zealand are now available from £20 for adults and £10 s one of the mascots, you will be given the once in a for concessions on 0844 856 11 13 or via www.englandrl. Alifetime opportunity of accompanying out a player from co.uk Family ticket offers are also available. one of the international sides as well as receiving three free tickets to the game. To be in with a chance of being a mascot, simply answer This autumn’s Gillette Four Nations is the biggest the following question: international Rugby League tournament to be held in the northern hemisphere since 2000. Where will England play France on Friday October 23? a) Doncaster Under coach Tony Smith, England will start the tournament b) as underdogs but will be confident of beating the French c) Nottingham on Friday 23 October when the two sides meet in Doncaster. All answers should be sent to [email protected] and Australia will start the tournament as favourites despite the deadline for entries is Monday 12 October. CUSTOMISED BALLS R ! ALISE YOU range of balls. PERSON printed onto one of our Have your club details

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