In the words of Matt O’Hanlon, “you’ve just got to love footy!” It’s the only way to describe the opening five rounds of the 2023 NRL season.
Search Results for: matt O'Hanlon
NRL Round 6: “You’ve just got to love footy!”, says Matt O’Hanlon, and he’s right!
April 6, 2023 by 2 Comments
Almanac Book Review: ‘Marooned’ by Darren Groth
May 18, 2026 by 1 Comment
‘Marooned’, a memoir by writer Darren Groth, is reviewed here by Prop by the Sea (Matt O’Hanlon). It will be launched in Brisbane on May 20.
Almanac Rugby League – You’ve just got to love footy
May 16, 2024 by 2 Comments
After tantalising us with tales of food, footy and travel earlier today, we reprise Matt O’Hanlon’s essay on the virtues of a balanced life.
We originally introduced his piece this way: Matt O’Hanlon takes us on a rollicking ride through his family’s love affair with rugby league. Put on your seatbelt!
(A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since that original offering. Here’s to many wonderful memories! – Ed.)
NRL Grand Final – Part 5: Stewards’ Report
October 2, 2023 by Leave a Comment
The Stewards’ Report is in on Matt O’Hanlon’s tips for NRL Grand Final day. Let’s just say that there’s always next year!
NRL Grand Final – The Road to the Finals: Part Four
September 28, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Matt O’Hanlon sees similarities between this year’s NRL Grand Final opponents and the 1986 Cox Plate blockbuster battle between Bonecrusher and Our Waverley Star. ‘I think this game will be very tight,’ he says.
NRL Finals Week 3: The Road to the Finals – Part 3
September 21, 2023 by 2 Comments
Matt O’Hanlon has studied the Form Guide once again to find the good oil on this weekend’s NRL Preliminary Finals.
NRL Finals Week 2: The Road to the Finals – Part 2
September 14, 2023 by 2 Comments
Matt O’Hanlon casts a very thorough eye over the two NRL semi-finals this weekend, applying the principles of horse-racing and the superior logic of the MOH mind.
Almanac Book Review: ‘Jack Gibson’s Fur Coat: Rugby League Oddities and Artefacts’ by Glen Humphries
August 2, 2023 by 2 Comments
Rugby league raconteur Matt O’Hanlon reviews Glen Humphries’ latest book, ‘Jack Gibson’s Fur Coat: Rugby League Oddities and Artefacts’. (Here’s a conundrum: Is MOH an oddity or an artefact? – Ed.)
Almanac Book Review: ‘The Immortals of State of Origin’ by Liam Hauser
May 18, 2023 by 1 Comment
Rugby league aficionado Matt O’Hanlon reviews sports historian Liam Hauser’s latest book, ‘The Immortals of State of Origin’, in which the author selects his all-time best teams and coaches for both Queensland and New South Wales.
RIP Dean Holland
April 26, 2023 by 8 Comments
Punters build relationships with jockeys – from afar. They may never meet them. Matt O’Hanlon admired Dean Holland and is deeply saddened by his tragic death in a race fall.
Almanac Rugby League: Early season dreams become post-season nightmares
October 6, 2020 by 3 Comments
Matt O’Hanlon and his mates would have been in Sydney last weekend for the NRL Grand Final if 2020 was ‘normal’. Instead, he was left to consider what a disaster of a year it has been for the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of a trip ‘out west’ for the long weekend.
Everyday Obituaries: Vale Tommy Searle
July 9, 2020 by 2 Comments
Tommy Searle was a larger-than-life character who seemed to know everyone on the Gold Coast – and they knew him! His good mate, Matt O’Hanlon, pays tribute to his great mate. [A beautiful homage – Ed.]
Almanac Rugby League: Generations of Brethren
June 11, 2020 by 17 Comments
Brothers Football Club, the O’Hanlon family and a particular table go back over a hundred years. Matt O’Hanlon, part of the third generation, shares this tale of one family’s life in footy – they just love it!
Almanac Hurling (and Travel): An Australian on Tour (in search of kulcha)
April 11, 2018 by 4 Comments
Matt O’Hanlon and G-Squared are on tour in Ireland. Matt is having trouble with the language but he’s loving the kulcha. [Classic O’Hanlon and a great travel yarn – JTH]
Everyday Obituary: An ode to my old man, the Olympics and Usain Bolt.
August 27, 2016 by 15 Comments
Matt O’Hanlon’s father was a wonderful Queenslander (as is Matt). In this magnificent tribute to his Dad, Matt can’t help but demonstrate those elements of a sporting life which once drove the sporting culture and broader Australian culture. Those in powerful positions – in government, in sports administration, in media, and even in educational bureaucracy (not at the coal-face so much) – should read this piece. They will see what sport means to people, the level of their interest and engagement, and the sheer wisdom in Michael Joseph O’Hanlon’s approach. Vale Pop O’Hallaron. [An all-time classic – JTH]
Almanac Rugby League – Homo Morphsuitius
September 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment
For those who recall the grand old days of rugby league in Brisbane – when Brothers and Fortitude Valleys ran around – this piece from that noted biological historian Matt O’Hanlon will resonate. Report of the BRL second division final Grand Final. [Very funny MOH – were they serving double rums free with the cans of XXXX Gold?]
2026 NRL – Round 6: Ups and downs, snakes and ladders.
April 8, 2026 by 4 Comments
How the fortunes of various clubs have changed in such a short period of time! Ian Hauser summarises the NRL season to date and previews Round 6.
NRL Round 24 – Prop by the Sea: You gotta love footy!
August 14, 2025 by 1 Comment
Prop by the Sea is ever mindful of his place on the tipping ladder but is generous in offering The Crabman plaudits for the latter’s perfect score last weekend. A few big games this week will help gauge the prospects of several finals contenders.
Almanac Rugby League: Things don’t always turn out right
October 17, 2024 by 2 Comments
There’s no guarantee you’ll recognise someone you should when you’re both way, way out of context. Our two regular rugby league columnists managed to pass each other by on NRL Grand Final weekend.
Recent Comments