Damien

He bought $10k of tickets to giveaway to Bulldogs fans for their Manly play off match so I doubt it.

Well one of the more bizarre things I've seen:

At the time I couldn't believe more wasn't made of what Burgess did.

Pretty massive result when you talk about player pools and pathways. Just think with a NRL club at the pinnacle for this to filter into:

I think this from the 1995 Challenge Cup final is more accurate of the team the article refers to and the 1994-1995 season. Think this one is stronger: FB 1 Henry Paul RW 2 Jason Robinson RC 3 Va'aiga Tuigamala LC 4 Gary Connolly LW 5 Martin Offiah SO 6 Frano Botica SH 7 Shaun Edwards (c) PR 8 Kelvin Skerrett HK 9 Martin Hall PR 10 Neil Cowie SR 11 Denis Betts SR 12 Mick Cassidy LF 13 Phil Clarke Substitutions: IC 14 Paul Atcheson IC 15 Andy Farrell

Tuigamala hardly played in that 1994 season and was off the pace really when he did play after his RU move, hence being in the bench in the WCC too, so that rules him out for me compared to Wardle. I'd also have Ellis over Cowie with Mago on the bench instead as an impact forward. Agree with the rest though.

I'm glad Radlinski has clarified this now the Grand Final has been won: "I've been reluctant to talk about it until we're in the conversation but I'll try my best this week," Radlinski told Rugby League Live. "I started conversations with Vegas and always had the World Club Challenge in mind. The date was set, but things have changed. I've read about it in the press like everyone else, unfortunately. "It would be really sad for it to fall away after what was built last year. I thought Penrith were amazing, the occasion was amazing, but to read it's not going to happen, it's not what we want. "We'll play in the UK, we'll play in Australia, we'll play anywhere if it can be done." https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/wigan-penrith-world-club-challenge-30131424

Just as I thought:

You'd need to be more specific. There were three main views I think. Firstly this change is great. Secondly we shouldn't change from Harry Sunderland no matter what. Thirdly those that may not have been against renaming per se but were more concerned around the process, the logic behind it and what it would mean going forward. Those with the second view may have changed their view but I doubt anyone else has.

I think it's hard to compare eras with the changes to the game. 1994 undoubtedly had more star, household names in the backs with Offiah, Robinson, Connolly etc. I think French, Wardle and Field would get a place in that backline though. I think 2024 has a far more dominant pack.

Amazing:

Goosebumps watching this. Amazing:

Ever the optimist

It was a good, close final. Not sure what would be disappointing about it and seen far worse finals.