The gods of football aligned their stars in 1989 to produce two memorable Grand Finals in the NRL and the AFL. Guy Ragan, a Tigers man through and through, reflects on that game and what might have been. (A great account of a great game. – Ed.)
Almanac Rugby League: NRL 2020 off and re-running, and how!
June 2, 2020 by 1 Comment
Rugby League editor Ian Hauser thinks we learned a lot after just one round of the re-booted NRL season. See if you agree. [Totally agree on the Green Machine – Ed.]
Almanac Book Review – ‘The Big O: the life and times of Olsen Filipaina’ by Patrick Skene
June 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Ian Hauser reviews Patrick Skene’s new book, ‘The Big O: the life and times of Olsen Filipaina’ – a significant addition to the (all too) limited literature of rugby league.
Almanac Rugby League – An old rivalry resumes: Roosters v Rabbitohs
May 29, 2020 by 1 Comment
Roosters v Rabbitohs – the rivalry goes back a century and more. They’re back again tonight and we’ve got them captured by John Campbell’s artwork!
Almanac Rugby League – Where I find my heaven: The 2016 NRL Grand Final
May 28, 2020 by 2 Comments
Cronulla Sharks fanatic Andy Frame watched the 2016 NRL Grand Final from London – so far away physically yet so close emotionally when you’re chasing your first premiership.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL 2020 Round 3: We’re back – but hopefully we’re not the same
May 28, 2020 by 6 Comments
The NRL’s 2020 season recommences on Thursday night with Round 3. Ian Hauser tells us what he’d like to see and not hear as play resumes.
Almanac Book Release – ‘The Big O: the life and times of Olsen Filipaina’ by Patrick Skene
May 28, 2020 by 2 Comments
Today marks the Australian release of Patrick Skene’s first book “The Big O: the life and times of Olsen Filipaina’. The Almanac extends its congratulations and best wishes to Patrick and Olsen. Read more details here.
Almanac Rugby League – New Book Promotion: Patrick Skene’s ‘The Big O: the life and times of Olsen Filipaina’
May 26, 2020 by 2 Comments
Patrick Skene’s first book, ‘The Big O: the life and times of Olsen Filipaina’ will be released in Australia later this week. Here Patrick shares, in detail, his journey to honour a key player in the development of what has been called ‘the Pacific Revolution’.
Almanac Rugby League – Final draw for remainder of the 2020 NRL season
May 21, 2020 by Leave a Comment
The revised NRL 2020 draw has been announced. See all the details here.
Almanac Rugby League – Keep the light on for Jack: A 2016 NRL Grand Final preview
May 21, 2020 by 1 Comment
In 2016, the Cronulla Sharks made the NRL Grand Final for the first time in decades, still seeking their initial premiership. Life-long fan Kath Presdee spent the week leading up to the big match recounting her, and the club’s, journey to that point in time.
Almanac Rugby League – From Big Bal to George Benson: a love letter to PNG Rugby League
May 19, 2020 by 6 Comments
Patrick Skene first took an interest in PNG rugby league when Bal Numapo arrived at the Bulldogs. Patrick’s appreciation went to another level when he attended the PNG Hunters’ first match in the Queensland Cup in 2014 at Redcliffe’s Dolphin Oval.
Almanac Rugby League Obituary – Vale Arthur Summons
May 17, 2020 by 8 Comments
The rugby league world is mourning the death of Arthur Summons, the former Kangaroos captain, who has died aged 84. Liam Hauser provided this career summary and reflects on meeting the great man just a few years ago.
Almanac Rugby League – Looking for an anniversary to mark in 2020?
May 12, 2020 by 4 Comments
Almanac debutant Tim Burke takes us back to the 1970 British rugby league Lions Tour of Australia and New Zealand to commemorate a special 50th anniversary. (Welcome aboard, Tim!)
Almanac Rugby League: Excerpts from a rugby league lover’s diary – The Early Years
May 7, 2020 by 4 Comments
Imagine an Adrian Mole-type character thinking back over the childhood competitiveness of two brothers supporting rival teams. Actually, Paul Connolly has already done it for you!
Almanac Rugby League – The 1965 Grand Final: St George Dragons v South Sydney Rabbitohs
May 5, 2020 by 6 Comments
John Campbell remembers the day his Dad took him and his little brother Lonno to the 1965 Sydney rugby league Grand Final. Caught up in the massive crowd, John and Lonno didn’t see much that day but their experiences, real and imagined, left a huge impression.
Almanac Rugby League – ‘Brookie’ and the 70s
April 30, 2020 by 7 Comments
Adam Muyt is catholic in his footy code tastes but Brookvale Oval on Sydney’s northern beaches really tugs at his heart strings. He takes us back over the years to explain why.
Almanac Rugby League – Another perspective of Channel 9’s ‘The Greatest…’ series
April 30, 2020 by 4 Comments
Rugby League author Liam Hauser takes issue with the Channel 9 panel as he responds to their recent series of programmes on the greatest rugby league Grand Finals and the greatest players from State of Origin.
Almanac Rugby League – NRL 2010: The Saints come marching in (at last!)
April 24, 2020 by 3 Comments
In the absence of real footy, we all need something to celebrate. Newcomer Jason Buffier recalls the 2010 NRL premiership win by the St George Illawarra Dragons. Fans of all codes will relate to this. [Welcome aboard, JNB!]
Almanac Soccer: You’ll never walk alone, even in Japan!
John Campbell just can’t get his head around ‘the world game’ even though he has been to some of the great home grounds of England and Japan. He explains why.