NRL in 2008

Don't forget to visit NRL News for all your 2008 NRL Rugby League updates, insight and fan discussion.

NRL and Rugby League returns in 2008

Our return to old school Rugby League postings will continue in 2008 when the NRL season kicks off.

In the meantime, you can take advantage of our sister sites the leading Rugby League website online; NRL News. Featuring daily articles, fan feedback and a raw view on all things NRL.

Our network of sites is now supported by John Chow from the blogging community. John Chow has agreed to throw his weight behind some of the following sites within the network. Most namely the leading DOTA Allstars site.

New Vodafone Website

The address for the new Vodafone NZ website is http://vodafonenz.blogspot.com/

Or you can click here

John Chow test continues

The John Chow test continues.

John Chow recently saw himself slapped and slammed by Google and lost his position in the Google directory for his own name!

When you run a Google search on John Chow you now see various other listings in the top results and John Chows popular site is no where to be seen. The likeable Chow is obviously not getting on too well with Google; however this wouldn't worry him too much as his site continues to bring in big cash for the guy that would be internet king.

John Chow started his empire of sorts in mid 2006, kicking off a personal blog under his name 'John Chow' ever since - he continues to grow and reap plenty of financial rewards form his internet fame.

DOTA Allstars post

A very quick shoutout to our partner network blog site that discusses all things DOTA Allstars. If you're not a player of online warcraft game DOTA, then ignore this post. If you know about DOTA, then for the latest hacks, cheats, tips and strategy look no place else for everything DOTA Allstars. Hugely popular everywhere, its a game that continues to take the world by storm. Check it out, the blog updates daily and keeps you abreast of DOTA Allstars news.

Winfield Cup

Rugby League Old School has enjoyed chatting about those classic Rugby League games from yesteryear. As we look ahead to 2008, we will be trying to focus heavily on the Winfield Cup years of Rugby League.

Not only did some of the best games come out of the Winfield Cup in the 80's and 90's - but the Rugby League players and their personalities were certainly standouts in this era. In the hotly contested Winfield Cup, the likes of Steve Roach, Martin Bella, Greg Dowling, Wally Lewis and Benny Elias gave us plenty to cheer or boo for.

So if you loved the Winfield Cup, stay tuned in 2008 - we will be talking plenty of Rugby League from this era. If you would like to post articles here, we would love to hear from you - send an email to: asutcliffe@gmail.com

Regards,
The Winfield Cup Team

NRL Finals 2007

As we move into the NRL Rugby League finals series for 2007 - be sure and visit NRL News for all the latest discussion and information on Rugby League.

Updated multiple times daily, NRL News is the best source for your reading.

Craig Young - St George Dragons

St George Dragons, Craig Young was a member of the 1977 'Baths Babes' side that won the Rugby League Grand Final.

Craig Young was a bullocking front rower - his unusual bash and barge style led to the term "Craig Young Bum on Style" - due to the way that Craig Young would sometimes hit the defence line in reverse as he barged through the defence.

In a 12 year career Craig Young was a tough and fierce competitor - achieving success at the St George Illawarra Dragons and playing 20 Tests for Australia.

Craig Young was named players player on the 1978 Kangaroo Tour and also starred in the 1982 'Invincibles' Kangaroos Rugby League side.

Craig Young has a son Dead; who as of today (2007) plays for the St George Illawarra Dragons.

State of Origin 1992 Game 1

The first 'State of Origin 1992' match was played a ferocious pace, with NSW running out eventual winnings - 14-6 over a Queensland team favoured to win this year.

The match held at the football stadium set the scene for a top quality State of Origin Series.

Out wide Paul 'Mary' McGregor was a big hit for the NSW Blues - proving a handful all night.Even after NSW lost Brad Clyde and Laurie Daley to on-field injuries, they were able to kick on and win the fierce Rugby League State of Origin Battle.

For the Queensland 1992 Origin team; halfback Allan Langer was an inspiration, Gavin Allen worked tirelessly and Mark Coyne proved useful when substituted on for the Maroons.

State of Origin 1992 Teams Were:
May 6th, 1992 - Sydney Football Stadium

NSW 1992 Origin Side (Game 1)
Andrew Ettingshausen
Rod Wishart
Paul McGregor
Brad Fittler
Graeme Mackay
Laurie Daley (captain)
John Simon
Brad Clyde
John Cartwright
Paul Sironen
Paul Harragon
Ben Elias
Glen Lazarus
Bench / Interchange:
Craig Salvatori
Brad Mackay
David Gillespie
Robbie McCormack

Coach: Phil Gould

Queensland 1992 Origin Side (Game 1)
Dale Shearer
Michael Hancock
Peter Jackson
Mal Meninga
Willie Carne
Kevin Walters
Allan Langer
Gary Larson
Bob Lindner
Trevor Gillmeister
Steve Jackson
Steve Walters
Martin Bella

Bench / Interchange:
Mark Coyne
Steve Renouf
Gavin Allen
Gary Coyne

Coach: Graeme Lowe

Canterbury Bulldogs 1987 Team

The Canterbury Bulldogs 1987 team was a formidable outfit, strong and tough - but with plenty of speed and skill to burn also.

Dominating he 1980's along with the Parramatta Eels; the Canterbury Bulldogs built a fortress at Belmore - with Belmore Oval their place to tear apart opposing teams. The Canterbury Bulldogs were under the control of Peter 'Bullfrog' Moore and had Warren 'Wok' Ryan as head coach - earning themselves the name 'the family club' for their strong bloodlines and ties at the clubs higher levels.

The Canterbury Bulldogs Rugby League team in 1987 was made up of the following players:

Glenn Frendo, Scott Bennett, Peter Tunks, Paul Langmack, Steve O'Brien, Tony Currie, Steve Folkes, Eddie Muller, Peter Kelly, Mark Sargeant, Pat Jarvis, Paul Dunn, Sandy Campbell, Peter Mortimer, Mark Bugden, Michael Hagan, David Boyd, David Gillespie, Andrew Farrar, Steve Mortimer, Terry Lamb, Michael Potter, Jason Alchin.

Canterbury Bulldogs 1987 Team Coach: Warren Ryan

Canterbury Bulldogs 1987 Head Trainer: Dave Cooper

Balmain Tigers Winfield Cup 1992

The Balmain Tigers sacked their skipper Benny Ellias for the start of the 1992 Rugby League Season. The 1992 Winfield Cup season looking to be a top quality showing.

Steve Roach chosen as the Balmain Tigers new skipper for 1992.

The Balmain Tigers drove in some new recruits for 1992, the following Rugby League players ushered into the Balmain Tigers squad.

Matt Munro, Matt Burke and Derek McVey.

Losses for the Balmain Tigers in 1992 included:
Gary Freeman, Darren Clark, Craig Izzard, Michael 'Mick' Neil, Wayne Sing, David Anderson.

The Balmain Tigers lineup for the 1992 Winfield Cup (Rugby League) is below:

David Bayssari Utility Back 22 years old from Parramatta
Tim Brasher Centre 21 years old from Wests Juniors
Steve Edmed Front Row 24 years old from Tweed Heads
Ban Elias Hooker 28 years old Local Junior
John Elias Lock 29 years old Wests
James Grant winger/centre 28 years old Rugby Union
Garry Jack Fullback 31 years old Wests
Martin Masella Lock 23 years old Local Junior
Ian McCann Centre 25 years old Local Junior
Gary McFarlane Front Row 29 years old Wests
Steve O'Brien Winger 27 years old Canterbury
Matt Parish Lock 25 years old Rugby Union
Steve Roach Front Row 30 years old Wollongong
Will Robinson 5/8 (five-eighth) 21 years old Local Junior
Paul Sironen Second Row 27 years old Local Junior
Brian Smith halfback 24 years old Rugby Union

Balmain Tigers coach Alan Jones learned plenty in his initial year in Rugby League and could be the man to lead the Balmain Tigers on to bigger things in 1992 Winfield Cup.

Injuries hurt the Balmain Tigers during the Winfield Cup in 1991 - with Benny Elias and Paul Sironen struck down for long periods.

Western Suburbs Magpies 1992

Western Suburbs Magpies went from slow coaches to steam trains in leading up to 1992. Terry Hill was recruited from Easts Roosters, winger Mark Bell from Canberra joined the Magpies and Darren Willis from Penrith also came to the Wests Magpies.

Wests Magpies coach for 1992 Warren Ryan was always on the hunt for Terry Hill, Mark Bell and Darren Willis - saying they were crucial buys.

Western Suburbs Magpies finished 5th in 1991 despite heavy injury problems. Jason Taylor was crucial with his kicking game and direction for the Magpies in 1991 and again is the key in 1992.

Western Suburbs performed well in the Challenge Cup in 1992. The pre-season comp for Rugby League teams. In the forwards Wests Magpies have - Paul Langmack, Jim Dymock and Bob Lindner. They also have Russell Wyer at fullback in 1992 - Russell Wyer going on to real estate in the local Macarthur area.

Western Suburbs Magpies gains in 1992: Mark Bell, Terry Hill, Billy Noke, Darren Willis, Tony Xuereb, David Anderson, Kyle White, Josh White, Steve Kearney.

Losses for the Magpies in 1992: Jamie Ainscough, Cameron Blair, Tony Cosatto, Ron Gibbs, Ivan Henjack, Steve Jackson, and Shaun O'Bryan.

Experienced centre Andrew Farrar was in fine form for the Wests Magpies in 1991 and will again be looked to in 1992.

Gary Freeman Easts Roosters 1992

(Click image on left to enlarge and read)

Heres an article from the Telegraph Mirror 1992 League 'Armchair Guide' a nice liftout from the Telegraph Mirror team.

This page covered the Eastern Suburbs Roosters - featuring 1992 Roosters players such as: (Certainly a decent 1992 line up and player list for the Eastern Suburbs Roosters)

Gary Freeman
Denis Beecraft
Steve Deacon
Nigel Gaffey
Steve Georgallis
Brendan Hall
Wayne Marshall
Jeff Orford
James Matthews
Trevor Paterson
Mark Protheroe
Tim Russell
Craig Salvatori
Kurt Sherlock
Rod Silva

(Lost players from 1991 include: Hugh McGahan, Paul Vautin, David Trewhella, Terry Hill, Matt Burke, Jim Bell, Brad Burke, Michael Cook, Martin Quinn, David Smith

NRL Scores

Brad Fittler 1992

In his early years and well before he was a coach, here is a 1992 shot of Brad Fittler during his years at the Penrith Panthers.

Under coach Phil Gould, the Panthers had won the premiership in 1991 and were naturally hotshots moving into the following year.

Now in 2007 we see Brad Fittler coaching the Sydney Roosters after taking over from Chris Anderson. Freddy getting his first up win in his first game - against former coach Ricky Stuart and the Cronulla Sharks.

Brad 'Freddy' Fittler

NRL Flashback Bulldogs 1988

As the team from 'Old NRL' go back through the archives, today we found a 1987 year book. On the first few pages were new young faces for 1988 - All Bulldogs players with big futures:

1988
Player 1: Tawerat Nikau (20 Years Old)
A player that would go on to represent New Zealand and win an NRL premiership with the Melbourne Storm in 1999.

Player 2: Glen Nissen (21 Years Old)
A blazingly fast winger, Nissen went on to represent Canterbury on many occasions and giving them plenty of points.

Player 3: Robin Thorne (21 Years Old)
The Redcliffe product spent some time at the Bulldogs without really making a massive impact.

Player 4: Max Semrani (21 Years Old)
The former St George youngster came to the Dogs for the 1988 season. A solid player that served Canterbury well.

PLAyer 5: Brandon Lee (23 Years Old)
The oldest of the 1988 new faces, the former Panther joined the Bulldogs also in the bicentenary year.

NRL News

State of Origin Rugby League - The Ultimate

With Origin time still among us, today's post will stay in the tradition of State of Origin Rugby League, true NSW vs Queensland stuff - as we look back upon League players and State of Origin Stars of past years.

We thought it best to rank and give a quick overview of the 5 best State of Origin players of all time. (Proudly supported by NRL News - the Daily Website for Rugby League - www.NRLnews.com)

Best State of Origin Players (NSW and QLD)
1. Wally Lewis (Easy choice, Lewis was the King in Origin - always got the Maroons home)
2. Brett Kenny (Became the NSW version of the king, tough and gutsy always there for NSW)
3. Allan Langer (Close behind the King, little Langer or Alfie or Alf as he was known was brilliant)
4. Mark Geyer (A true NSW enforcer, first man to stand up to the tough Maroons)
5. Andrew Johns (A NSW player of supreme skill and guile, rated best in the world)

Hard to pick the top 5 Origin players, we had to leave out guys like Ben Ellias, Sam Backo, Brad Fittler, Steve Mortimer and Peter Sterling and many, many more.

We'd love to hear your Origin comments, please visit www.NRLnews.com and post your thoughts on the shout box.

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State of Origin 2007

Some great footage here, the promo vision from Channel 9 for the 2007 Origin Series. Some big contact between NSW and QUEENSLAND - enjoy this vision and sound shot from the 2006 series. Stunning!





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