In true Christmas spirit, Totalrl.com found the top 10 most festive names in rugby league.
With Christmas approaching, we thought we’d give give rugby league fans something festive to read.
1. Stanislas Robin
Robin has been on the fringes of the Catalans side for some time and kicks off our countdown of the most festive names in rugby league. The robin, a small bird, can often be seen at winter time enjoying the surroundings, at the same time Robin has most probably a less enjoyable winter during pre-season with the Catalans Dragons in the South of France.
2. Paul Bell
Bell began his career in his native Australia, featuring for Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Western Suburbs Magpies, Western Red and Melbourne Storm, before heading over to Super League with a sole season at Leeds Rhinos. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without bells ringing, so we included Paul Bell for that very reason.
3. Gabriel Farley
There’s no evidence he was named after the Angel Gabriel, but Farley was certainly divine for USA in the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy. The 21 year-old’s performances saw him drafted by the Sydney Roosters, where he played for the development side. Farley was also part of the United States squad for the 2013 World Cup.
4. Nick Fozzard
Christened Nicholas Fozzard, it was only a matter of time before he was playing for St Helens. If you haven’t made the connection yet, St. Nicholas became the model for Santa Claus for his reputation of gift giving. Fozzard was known to giving out a gift or two in his career also, but his gifts were usually in the form of big tackles.
5. Manaia Rudolph
Young Manly sensation Rudolph has been known to leave his opponents red nosed and red faced in the U20’s competition with his blistering pace. The youngster is set to have a bright career ahead of him in the game with plenty of plaudits already to his name.
6. Noel White
Arguably the most festive name in rugby league, White featured for Brisbane Wests and also Australia in the 1940’s. In 2010 he was declared as the oldest living Australian international. Playing during the time of winter rugby league, I’m sure he’ll be hoping for another white Christmas.
7. Gus Merry
Welsh international Merry played for Hull RLFC way back at the turn of the 1900’s. He was also a dual-code international but his career in sport was halted by the outbreak of the First World War. He was also a crane driver during his playing career.
8. James Shepherd
Shepherd made six brief appearances for Eastern Suburbs Roosters in the 1990’s before turning to coaching with Wests Tigers U20’s before joining the Melbourne Storm coaching staff. Shepherd also had a spell as coach of Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Toyota Cup side where he could be found herding his squad to success.
9. Mark Carroll
Forward Carroll featured for Penrith Panthers, South Sydney, Manly-Warringah and London Broncos in his career and was also capped 12 times by Australia. He returned to South Sydney and after some time on the side-lines, he and his club were singing from the same hymn sheet that he should retire prematurely.
10. Antonio Winterstein
Current Samoa and North Queensland outside-back Winterstein concludes our list of the most festive names in rugby league. He was also part of the NRL All Stars team last season and has quickly emerged as one of the most established centres in the competition.
