The sadness in the rugby league community continues with the news today of the death of Kiwi legend Olsen Filipaina. The Footy Almanac pays tribute to a universally admired and respected player who was a trailblazer for Polynesian footballers seeking to play in the bigger leagues of New Zealand and Australia.
Almanac Rugby League: The 2022 All Stars clashes
February 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment
The 2022 rugby league season kicks off on Saturday evening with the annual Maori v Indigenous All Stars matches. Ian Hauser provides all the details you need to know.
Almanac Rugby League: Vale Johnny ‘Chook’ Raper
February 10, 2022 by 3 Comments
Johnny Raper, chosen as one of the original Immortals of rugby league, has passed away at the age of 82 after a long illness. Ian Hauser pays tribute to a player who revolutionised the position of lock forward.
Almanac Rugby League: Vale Johnny Gleeson, Kangaroo No. 391
December 27, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Rugby League in Queensland (and Australia) is mourning the passing of Johnny Gleeson, a true champion of the 1950s and 60s.
Buckley v Tutty: Fifty years on from the most important case in the history of Australian Sport
December 13, 2021 by 6 Comments
Today is a day to remember (and perhaps thank if you are a professional athlete) Dennis Tutty, a now long retired Balmain Tigers player who in 1971 took on the sporting establishment and won in the High Court.
Almanac Rugby League: Wearing the Tiger stripes again after 22 years
November 16, 2021 by 5 Comments
When he recently purchased a retro jumper, Craig Dodson found his childhood love of the Balmain Tigers come flooding back.
Almanac Rugby League: 2022, here we come!
November 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment
The NRL has released the draws for the 2021 season for the NRLW and the 2022 season for the NRL. Get your diaries out and mark in the details!
Almanac Film Review: ‘Brothers Close and Far’, a film/documentary by Anthony O’Brien
November 11, 2021 by 4 Comments
Anthony O’Brien’s film/documentary ‘Brothers Close and Far’ had its premiere screening in Brisbane on Saturday. The Footy Almanac community was well represented at the screening and we have gathered three reviews for your pleasure.
Almanac Rugby League – On Being a Dolphin: A Chat with Petero Civoniceva
October 28, 2021 by 1 Comment
With the recent announcement that the Redcliffe-based Dolphins will join the NRL as the 17th franchise in the 2023 season, we thought it timely to re-visit Sasha Lennon’s conversation with rugby league legend Petero Civoniceva, a Redcliffe boy, and highlight his thoughts on what it means to be a Dolphin.
Almanac Rugby League: A Premiership Uncelebrated
October 28, 2021 by 2 Comments
Wayne Ball is a lifelong Penrith supporter. He is on top of the world,with the Panthers premiership, but has not been able to celebrate it with his fellow supporters. But he wants the world to know. Here he chronicles the various celebrations of premierships past. [Classic anecdotes of youth, and reflections on maturity. – JTH]
Almanac Rugby League: Norm ‘Sticks’ Provan
October 15, 2021 by 1 Comment
This John Campbell painting celebrates his day at the 1965 NSWRL Grand Final – even though his beloved Bunnies lost. It was also Norm Provan’s last game for St George. John also penned a few words.
Almanac Rugby League: Vale Norm ‘Sticks’ Provan
October 14, 2021 by 1 Comment
Norm Provan, the 12th Immortal of rugby league, has passed away aged 88. The Footy Almanac pays tribute to an icon whose image is preserved in the NRL’s premiership trophy.
Almanac Rugby League: Redcliffe-based Dolphins to join the NRL (and the QCup Grand Final)
October 14, 2021 by Leave a Comment
The Redcliffe-based Dolphins consortium has won the licence to become the NRL’s 17th team in 2023. Ian Hauser suggests that ‘now the fun begins’! He also comments on last weekend’s exciting QCup Grand Final between the Norths Devils and the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls.
Almanac Rugby League: Farewell Benji Marshall
October 7, 2021 by 1 Comment
The Footy Almanac pays tribute to NRL and NZ rugby league great Benji Marshall who has announced his retirement.
Almanac Rugby League – 2021 NRL Grand Final: The last word
October 7, 2021 by 1 Comment
The Almanac’s rugby league editor Ian Hauser has the last word on the 2021 NRL Grand Final.
Almanac Rugby League – 2021 NRL Grand Final Review: Panthers triumph!
October 5, 2021 by 2 Comments
Alan Whiticker (Penrith) and Mark Courtney (South Sydney) return to review Sunday night’s absorbing 2021 NRL Grand Final.
Almanac Rugby League – 2021 NRL Grand Final: History to be made on Sunday
September 30, 2021 by 3 Comments
And so it all comes down to this! Ian Hauser previews the 2021 NRL Grand Final.
Almanac Rugby League: Alan Whiticker (Penrith) and Mark Courtney (Souths) preview the 2021 NRL Grand Final
September 30, 2021 by 2 Comments
Rugby League historians Alan Whiticker (Penrith) and Mark Courtney (South Sydney) offer their thoughts in the lead-up to this Sunday’s 2021 NRL Grand Final.
Almanac Rugby League – 2021 NRL Finals, Week 3: Four has to become two
September 23, 2021 by Leave a Comment
This weekend’s NRL qualifiers have Ian Hauser salivating! Two magnificent clashes in prospect and all to play for ahead on next week’s Grand Final.
Almanac Rugby League – 2021 NRL Finals, Week 2: Can the battered Roosters crow again?
September 16, 2021 by 1 Comment
After a dramatic Week 1 of NRL finals, Ian Hauser looks ahead to what we can expect in this weekend’s Week 2.
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