Dunbar

I was looking through pics of Mal Meninga and came across this. Is it a young Wally Lewis and Big Mal? Does anyone know the other two?

Great photos. I was trying to find a pic of Brett Kenny hands in pockets and looking bored before the '85 final and his MoM performance. I don't think I have seen a more laid back player than Kenny.

You have just reminded me... this was more like 1990. I played twice for England Students and the second time was 1994. In my defence, it was a long time ago.

I have to say I look quite small in that picture but I was in the forwards.... preferred 13 but happy in the second row.

That's fantastic. Can't work out what's funnier, the woman joining in or the fella being dragged by his collar. That could just as easily be a scene from an episode of Benny Hill as a game of Rugby!

Second right, middle row... haven't changed a bit (unfortunately!)

England Students 1994... I fully accept that it is only me on here that cares about this one!

Wigan team walking the tunnel at Central Park. This for me highlights the real gladitorial element of our sport.

Some of the action that got him in that state!

Dave Bolton of Wigan in the 1963 Challnge Cup final against Wakefield Trinity... the days before the HIA.

On field head stapling in State of Origin.

One of my favourite ever moments in Rugby League was Mike Gregory running away from Wally Lewis to score in the 1988 3rd test (with a jogging Martin Offiah next to him).

I just took a screen shot of the video.... the moment Burrow landed his right cross (although with the size difference it was more of an uppercut!). Apologies if it comes in poor quality.

Brian Bevan, the most remarkable Rugby League player ever.

Norm Provan and Arthur Summons

1954 Challenge Cup final replay

Agreed. The referee sent it up as a try. The slow shot showed that Makinson was in contact with the ball up to and including the point it was down over the line. If the ref sent it up as no try it would have been a tough decision but as it was it had to be given.

The English forwards deserve huge credit. The Kiwis came out fired up and tried go out muscle the English pack. But with 20 minutes to go England were massively on top. That is all about fitness and mental toughness.

Do you mean the 2021 world cup? By my maths he will be 33, I wouldn't put him out of the reckoning at all.

It wasn't a stamp. Just a badly timed, slightly late play the ball.

A quick review of the game stats for England. Makinson (as we know) was outstanding. Three tries and 170 run metres which topped the English effort. McGilvary was solid again with 129 metres despite getting no attacking chances. The three starting middles all went well. Luke Thompson ran the most with 156 metres while Graham and Tom Burgess both contributed 137 metres. Chris Hill was strong off the bench again with 111. Tom Burgess and John Bateman topped the tackle breaks with 4 each followed by George Burgess, Hodgson and Makinson with three each. Josh Hodgson topped the tackle count with 44 while Thompson put in 41 and Whitehead 38. While Makinson was deservedly man of the match, what a game Thompson had.

Once again England keep a quality team to just two tries. The resilience of this team is exceptional. I am old enough to remember Great Britain/England teams who were guaranteed to capitulate in close games. We have the professionalism and strength of character to win these now.

I have said it before and I will say it again. We should be very proud of this England team.

The Kiwi forwards are gone.