Almanac Rugby League – Vale Sam Backo

August 4, 2025 by 2 Comments

The rugby league world is mourning the passing of Sam Backo, the rampaging front rower of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Footy Almanac pays tribute to a great player and a wonderful servant of the community.

Almanac Rugby League: A league lamb no longer lost

April 1, 2025 by 4 Comments

Although a firm AFL follower Andrew ‘Dougie’ Fraser admits he is also a fellow NRL traveller and recalls his attraction to the game and the Canberra Raiders.

Footy Almanac Lunch: Sydney (March 29)

March 19, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Here’s a colourful reminder of our Almanac lunch coming up in Sydney on March 29. (Design by the marketing team at Souths Juniors – Ed.)

Almanac Rugby League: Countdown to Las Vegas

February 20, 2025 by 2 Comments

Just 10 days now until the 2025 NRL season kicks off in Las Vegas. What’s happening between now and then?

Almanac Rugby League (Controversy): Should Les Boyd be elevated to rugby league’s Hall of Fame?

August 22, 2024 by 7 Comments

Controversy surrounds this week’s announcement that hard man Les Boyd has been elevated to rugby league’s Hall of Fame. What’s the fuss all about?

Almanac Rugby League Meets Bob Dylan: Juxtaposition or Oxymoron?

June 13, 2024 by 3 Comments

Can there possibly be a link between rugby league and Bob Dylan cover songs? Moondance has unearthed this unlikely scenario.

Almanac Rugby League – The Pacific Championships Week 2: Double headers will bring in the crowds

October 19, 2023 by 1 Comment

Week 2 of the rugby league Pacific Championships features double headers in Auckland and Port Moresby where big crowds can be expected. Ian Hauser offers his thoughts on the four matches.

Almanac Rugby League -The Pacific Championships

October 12, 2023 by Leave a Comment

The inaugural Pacific Championships begins this weekend with matches in Port Moresby and Townsville. Read more about the tournament here.

Almanac Rugby League – Book Release: ‘Rugby League in New Zealand: a people’s history

August 23, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Glen Dwyer from the Newtown Jets brings to our attention a new book about rugby league win New Zealand, ‘Rugby League in New Zealand: a people’s history’ by Ryan Bodman.

Almanac Rugby League: International rugby league gets a shot in the arm!

August 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment

International rugby league received its biggest boost in decades yesterday with the announcement of a new Pacific Championships to be played in 2023 and 2024.

NRL Round 23 and NRLW Round 3: Some crazy stuff going on!

August 3, 2023 by Leave a Comment

The NRLW didn’t take long to provide a fascinating season in line with that in the NRL. Ian Hauser looks at the winners and losers as he tries to find good picks for this weekend.

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.)

State of Origin Game 3: A game of two halves

July 12, 2023 by 2 Comments

It was a game of two halves with NSW coming out on top in both attack and defence to defeat Queensland 24-10. Ian Hauser reviews Game 3 of State of Origin.

A huge week for rugby league!

May 31, 2023 by 1 Comment

No matter whether near or far, wherever rugby league fans are, it’s a HUGE week! Ian Hauser reports in from London.

Almanac Rugby League – Vale John Sattler: One of South Sydney’s greatest

March 22, 2023 by 5 Comments

Rugby league icon John Sattler was immortalised in an image from the 1970 Grand Final. Russel Hansen pays a moving tribute to the South Sydney legend who passed away yesterday.

Almanac Rugby League – NRL 2023, Round 1: Get your tips in!

March 1, 2023 by Leave a Comment

The NRL 2023 season kicks off tonight. Our rugby league editor Ian Hauser previews the season and tries to find the winners in Round 1.

Almanac Rugby League – 2021/22 World Cup Wrap: The Roos hot to trot!

November 24, 2022 by Leave a Comment

The Jillaroos and Kangaroos produced powerful performances to dominate their respective finals of the 2021/22 rugby league World Cup. Ian Hauser offers his wrap of the tournament.

Almanac Rugby League: 2021/22 World Cup Finals Preview

November 17, 2022 by Leave a Comment

The 2021/22 Rugby League World Cup reaches its climax this weekend. Ian Hauser brings you up to date with the finalists.

Almanac Rugby League: 2021/22 World Cup Update

November 10, 2022 by Leave a Comment

We’re getting to the pointy end of the 2021/22 Rugby League World Cup competitions. Ian Hauser brings you up to date.