Almanac Rugby League – Farewell Fit for a Legend

Darren Lockyer’s farewell cavalcade finally came to a triumphant end at the fitting venue of Elland Road. The hallowed Leeds ground was the scene of arguably Lockyer’s greatest performance – Australia’s 44-4 thrashing of Great Britain in the 2004 Tri-Nations final. Lockyer laid on five tries, scored one himself and kicked six goals as Australia [Read more]

Almanac Rugby League – Unpretty Kiwis out of Four Nations

Getting rid of Foxtel for the summer during the week has already back-fired – no Channel 9 coverage of the England vs. New Zealand clash at Hull means I am forced to trundle down to the local drinking hole at 10am on Sunday morning to catch a replay.  The sticky carpet and faint odour of [Read more]

Almanac Rugby League – Benji back to form in half-baked victory

 by Will Evans My childhood recollections of seeing my heroes in black and white play at Wembley aren’t great.  The Kiwis approached the first Test of the 1993 away series against Great Britain with confidence after pushing Australia earlier in the year and drawing a home series with the Lions one-all the previous season.  But, [Read more]

Almanac Rugby League – Welcome Wembley return despite curse of the commentators

Still bristling from Channel 9’s insulting 45 minute highlights package of the Kangaroos vs. Kiwis opener last week, I was somewhat appeased to find the Wembley double-header televised live.  My eyes grew heavy sitting through the dour second half of the NZ vs. Wales clash, however, and I left it for the Foxtel IQ to [Read more]