nkpom

I loved going to Central Park - a modest drive from Northampton! Of course the Wigan team of the early 90s were a draw in themselves but a big part of the trip was to see Billy in action in the Griffin. I particularly remember a Widnes game when Billy and Big Jim Mills held hundreds in the palms of their hands. He is a real legend; always had time for people when he was at games.

The double header news perhaps shows that using the big oval is not the best option right now, and that the NRL and the clubs involved are doing a poor job at promoting the games. The Dolphins took a game to HBF Park - the rectangular stadium - last year and the place was pretty much sold out and the atmosphere was rocking. This year they're playing my beloved Knights there - I expect another sell out and a great day for all (as long as we win!)

Jamie coming back is excellent news for the game. I saw how good a coach he was with the Broncos’ Academy and then working with Danny Ward with the first team. We’ve lost far too many good coaches in recent years and I’ve no doubt Jamie will be an excellent Head Coach in Super League in not too may years.

It was - in 1997 didn't go too well for the Brits!

Players mature differently and off field stuff often gets in the way of career development. Cody Walker is one of the best players in the world at 34 but at 24 had played ZERO NRL games. Not comparing him to Cody of course!

Yvonne Sampson interviewed Carl just a few months ago for a Face to Face - if you have Watch NRL I would really recommend you watch it. He was still able to swallow and speak four years after his diagnosis - just shows how this disease can quickly progress that he didn't even make Christmas this year.