Talking Rugby League: Newcastle Thunder’s demise illustrates major issue in game

TO say that I was disappointed to hear the news from Newcastle last week, that Thunder would be pulling out of Rugby League, would be…

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Jake Wardle the reluctant hero in Wigan Warriors’ Super League Grand Final triumph

JAKE WARDLE isn’t a player who is likely to talk the hind legs off a donkey. Naturally laconic, he appears reluctant to talk about himself,…

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Talking Rugby League: London Broncos’ superb promotion – but challenges to come

I MUST admit to being conflicted by the Championship Grand Final on Sunday afternoon because I wanted both Toulouse and London Broncos to win the…

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Talking Rugby League: Three reflections on Wigan Warriors’ Super League Grand Final win

THERE were three things that I thought were quite remarkable about Saturday’s Super League Grand Final. One was the attendance of 58,137, which was only…

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Talking Rugby League: Penrith Panthers set a template few in Super League follow

ANYONE who watched a thrilling NRL Grand Final on Sunday morning our time would have seen Penrith Panthers grab a late winning try, scored by…

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Talking Rugby League: Can St Helens’ James Roby get the same fairytale send-off as Kevin Sinfield?

It’s always said that the game is bigger than any individual player who plays it. But when it comes to James Roby, I think we…

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Talking Rugby League: Sun rising in the east as Hull KR hit new heights

AT the start of the season, Hull KR and Leigh Leopards were ranked eleventh and tenth respectively in the betting odds to win the Grand…

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Talking Rugby League: The two Super League decisions that reflect badly on officials

TWO decisions were made last week that in my view reflect badly on Rugby League officials.  The first was the RFL disciplinary panel’s decision to…

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Talking Rugby League: What has gone wrong at Leeds Rhinos?

TO see Leeds Rhinos’ collapse in the last few weeks has been truly shocking. To have 50 points run up against them by Wigan at…

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Talking Rugby League: Why have England handicapped themselves for Tonga series?

LAST week the RFL hosted a press conference to preview the forthcoming Test series between England and Tonga.  It’s certainly a series to look forward…

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