The world of rugby league is in mourning following the death on Sunday of Noel Kelly, one of the game’s real hard men. Kelly was named as hooker in the ARL’s Team of the Century, a reflection of his standing in the code. The Footy Almanac pays tribute to one of Ipswich’s greatest sons.
Almanac Rugby League – Vale Noel Kelly: one of the greats and a true hard man of the code
June 16, 2020 by 1 Comment
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 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 – 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 – Some push pianos, others play them
April 16, 2020 by 6 Comments
In our continuing series of rugby league stories, Steve and Col Wilson tinkle the ivories to explain why ‘some players push pianos while others play them’. They argue that it’s one aspect of the game that has never changed.
Almanac Rugby League – State of Origin x 2 plus International footy
June 20, 2019 by 6 Comments
With a HUGE weekend of rugby league in store, Ian Hauser casts his eye over all five matches to try to pick a few winners. Not surprisingly, geography plays a significant part in some of his choices.
Almanac Rugby League – Farewell Greg Inglis
April 18, 2019 by 1 Comment
‘The word “great” tends to be overused in rugby league, but I believe the word is strongly applicable to Greg Inglis.’ So says rugby league author and historian Liam Hauser as he looks back on the career of club, Origin and Test star Gregory Paul Inglis.
Almanac Rugby League – Australian Indigenous All Stars v New Zealand Maori All Stars: a promising start to the new season
February 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment
The rugby league season kicked off last night when the Australian Indigenous All Stars took on the NZ Maori All Stars – and a promising start to the season it was. Here’s how Ian Hauser saw it.
Almanac Rugby League – Australia v New Zealand: the winners
October 14, 2018 by 1 Comment
Yesterday’s feast of rugby league at Mt Smart Stadium came in three courses but we’ll have to wait until next weekend for dessert. Here’s how it panned out.
Almanac Rugby League – Australia v New Zealand Test matches
October 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Just when you thought it was all over, this weekend sees three Australian rugby league teams take on their Kiwi counterparts at Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland. For possibly the first time, the programme will see the men’s Junior Kangaroos, the Jillaroos and the Kangaroos in action at the same venue on the same day. Here’s a preview
Almanac Rugby League – Kangaroos Merit Team
July 16, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Our rugby league editor runs his eye over the Kangaroo Merit Team selected over the weekend. He has one or two bones to pick.
Almanac Rugby League – Reflections of a Rugby League Internationalist…..
June 23, 2018 by 2 Comments
The Almanac welcomes first-time contributor LeaguePartisan, a true devotee of rugby league and its international cause. How a Toowoomba kid’s start in footy became an addiction to the wide world of rugby league. (Welcome aboard, Damian, and may this be the first of many. – Ed.)
Almanac Rugby League – Book Review: ‘The Immortals of Australian Rugby League’ by Liam Hauser
Liam Hauser’s previous rugby league books have focussed on State of Origin and NRL Grand Finals. Here ecumenical football follower Adam Muyt reviews Liam’s latest publication, ‘The Immortals of Australian Rugby League’.