Author: Richard de la Riviere
Rugby League Heroes: Phil Clarke (Part 1)
Having firmly established himself as one of the world’s best backrowers, Phil Clarke’s playing career ended prematurely in 1996 when, aged 24, he broke his…
Rugby League Heroes: John ‘Keith’ Bridges
John ‘Keith’ Bridges followed in his father’s footsteps in becoming one of the game’s best hookers. Christened John, but nicknamed Keith after his dad, Bridges…
Rugby League Heroes: Frank Endacott
One of Rugby League’s great international coaches, Frank Endacott led New Zealand to three wins over Australia and a further seven over Great Britain (or…
Hetherington laments Super League’s unfulfilled potential
Super League celebrates its 25th birthday on Monday, having kicked off on 29 March 1996 in Paris. According to Gary Hetherington, however, it has failed…
Rugby League Heroes: David Burke
David Burke is a rare example of a Rugby League journalist who pulled on the boots and played the sport professionally. After three seasons with…
Rugby League Heroes: Tony Grimaldi
Tony Grimaldi was an outstanding backrow forward for Canterbury, Gateshead and Hull in the 1990s and 2000s. His first senior try came in the 1998…
Rugby League Heroes: Lee Crooks (Part 2)
In part 1 of this interview Lee Crooks talked us through his international career among other things. On the domestic front, he signed for Hull…
Rugby League Heroes: Lee Crooks (Part 1)
One of the great ball-playing forwards of the 1980s and 1990s, Lee Crooks represented Hull, Castleford and Great Britain with distinction. He captained the Black…
Rugby League Heroes: David Barends
David Barends was one of many South Africans who was denied the chance to fulfil his potential because of the appalling apartheid regime. Hailing from…
Laurent Lucchese: Super League’s Number One Player
The first name on Super League’s first-ever teamsheet was that of Laurent Lucchese, the Paris St Germain fullback in that wonderful opening-night victory over Sheffield…