The winner of the Golden Boot will be announced in our February 2013 issue (382), which goes on sale from Friday 4th January. Inside, we will appraise the winner’s special qualities as a player and contrast them with those of his rivals on the Golden Boot shortlist to explain why our winner deserves the game’s most prestigious individual honour. Who will it be…? The six candidates are: Ben Barba (Canterbury Bulldogs), Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm), Nate Myles (Gold Coast Titans), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos), Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm), Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors).
Also inside, our resident columnist Robbie Hunter-Paul speaks from personal experience in discussing what it takes to be a great leader on and off the field.
As World Cup year finally dawns, what should we be hoping for in 2013 and can Rugby League deliver? Dave Hadfield offers a personal view and Neil Barraclough gathers the thoughts of some of those most closely involved in the game.
On the domestic scene, we catch up with Jon Clarke at Widnes Vikings and Luke Gale at Bradford Bulls.
For Championship fans we have the new season’s fixtures, a look at some do the stars set to shine in this year’s competitions, we meet two Welsh internationals from Keighley Cougars and bring you the inspiring story of London Skolars wing star Ade Adebisi.
Our World Cup countdown series reaches Italy and be warned, the Azzuri are not planning just to come and make up the numbers! We also consider the fortunes of Lebanon, one of the nations unlucky to miss out on qualification and also suffering from the impact of the civil war in Syria.
Our grassroots coverage includes a visit to East Leeds ARLFC, currently enjoying a very positive period of success in the NCL and we look at a pioneering event in Women’s Rugby League, the Pankhurst Cup. More worryingly, we consider the ramifications of the cut in Sport England funding for Rugby League that is bound to have a significant impact on the community game in 2013 and beyond.
There’s lots more besides to get your New Year off to a great start!
