In this section of the web site you will find articles contributed by guest writers.
To those fortunate enough to be apathetic about the final outcomes of NRL games, I would like you to do something for me. Please chug a foaming schooner of H2O from the Ganges and then embark on a seven-day pushbike ride across the desert without any Alka-Seltzer or Imodium. Make sure you’re wedgied from head-to-toe…
Earlier this afternoon the Newcastle Knights posted a statement in response to the seven week suspension handed out to Melbourne youngster Jordan McLean last night. For those who haven’t read it yet: “The Newcastle Knights is frustrated with the inconsistencies in relation to the NRL Judiciary following Jordan McLean’s seven-week suspension. Firstly, the Club takes…
Let me start by saying that I live in Great Britain, I watch and enjoy Super League, and support a Super League club. I also watch the NRL. I’ll get straight to the point. I find drawing comparisons between the two leagues pointless, and grasping from a British point of view. It annoys me to…
Round 7 saw Saints keep their 100% winning record this season, London keep their 100% losing record so far this season and Wigan snatching a win in the dying seconds of their fixture with the Catalan Dragons. London Broncos vs Castleford Tigers Tigers hit back after their round 6 loss against Salford, scoring 9 tries…
Each and every week until the finals I will present the totally unofficial LeagueFreak.com power rankings. Just a quick explanation, these are not based on who the better team is, or who would win if they played each other etc, it’s more a who would be happier with where they are, form, judgement type of…
Unfortunately this issue has raised it’s ugly head again this weekend and surely it is time for the NRL heavyweights to use their combined IQ’s and implement a solution. Every week we see at least one NRL club being reduced to 16 players (3 subs) and in the case of the West Tigers game against…
I’m sure by now everyone has heard the breaking news that Andrew Fifita four year deal with the Dogs has been torn up. There are conflicting reports as to why but the official line is that the Dogs could not agree to a few terms after third party deals fell through. Fans, rightfully, questioned whether…
Superintendent Rooster Trent Robinson has harnessed one of league’s great uncontrollables and guaranteed his side a more favourable deal in next weekend’s penalty count. After winning only six infraction contests in his dux year of 2013 and being mercilessly lashed again so far this season, Robinson broke the emergency glass to stop the rot in…
The spotlight is on… the match review panel: Hull Kingston Rovers Chairman Neil Hudgell launch a scathing attack on the Rugby Football League match review panel after a series of inconsistent bans across the league. Mr Hudgell pointed to Justin Poore’s 3-game ban for an offence almost identical to that of Widnes’ Willie Isa, who…
Each and every week until the finals I will present the totally unofficial LeagueFreak.com power rankings. Just a quick explanation, these are not based on who the better team is, or who would win if they played each other etc, it’s more a who would be happier with where they are, form, judgement type of…
Round 6 saw Rangi Chase return for Salford, Leeds putting 54 points against London on the score-board and one of the lowest scoring games I’ve ever seen. Warrington Wolves vs Wigan Warriors The Thursday night game. Low scoring and quite scruffy is how I’d describe this one, nevertheless a good game of Rugby League. Warrington…
As the novelty of America’s favourite pastime reverbs around the Harbour City, we must take time to reflect on the more important facts we have uncovered from the game’s visit to town. Undoubtedly, what follows was identified as the most stunning discovery. Did you know there have been over 100 movies made about baseball? It’s…
Fans are fuming at the Bulldogs last minute loss to the Penrith Panthers on Saturday afternoon, prompting all sorts of calls from the blue and white faithful. Typical “sack him” calls have started while many are optimistic about what lies ahead for Des Hasler’s men. But is there really anything to worry about? After all,…
With reports that Tigers youngster James Tedesco has signed with the Sydney Roosters, fans have rightfully questioned whether there is any loyalty left in rugby league. Until there is an official announcement from the clubs we have to assume it is just a rumour at this time, however if true, continues a worrying trend of…
The spotlight is on…the first five games: The competition has started taking shape without too many shocks. Here we take a quick look at the main points across the league, from St Helens’ excellent Luke Walsh-led start, to Bradford and London’s struggles at the foot of the table. 1. So far, 1704 have been scored…
Each and every week until the finals I will present the totally unofficial LeagueFreak.com power rankings. Just a quick explanation, these are not based on who the better team is, or who would win if they played each other etc, it’s more a who would be happier with where they are, form, judgement type of…
Craig Bellamy has constructed his lofty reputation by producing country club lobster from Burger King yield. The Storm maestro has a sharp eye for the discarded, neglected and misunderstood orphans of the rugby league streets. He spots them through the cold night sky and takes them in with a base contract and a hug before…
In my last article I included Daly Cherry-Evans in my 1-13 of most overrated players in the NRL. A lot of people are not too happy with this, so I’d like to make my point a little bit clearer. First of all, I’m a fan like all the people who will be reading this…
The spotlight is on… Classy Cas’: Castleford Tigers sit joint top of Super League after four straight victories has given Daryl Powell’s men the perfect start to the new season. Powell took over from Ian Millward in May last year and brought some much needed stability to the club with a return of 11 points…
When I mentioned in my last article on the site that Braith Anasta was my ‘dud of the week’ it got me thinking, it really did. It got me thinking that Braith Anasta has probably been the most overrated player in the game for a very long time. I have seen worse players than Anasta…
I’m sitting in my kitchen eating my breakfast which due to lent is far less yummy than normal. Today alone I have read several articles belly aching over clubs keeping their talent out of the media and how it’s the fans right to hear from their idols. (Please cough loudly in a sarcastic tone) What…
The NRL is back for another season and opening round was a real cracker, apart from the Sharks vs Titans game on Monday which was well and truly a shocker of a game. Here is my team of the round. (I am not a stats guy, its all about the eye test) Fullback: Greg Inglis…
As we found over the weekend, confirmed today, Andrew Fifita has agreed to big money deal rumoured to be around $850,000, at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. This is absolutely fantastic news for Mr Fifita and family. But is it great news for the doggies? On the surface it seems like a questionable acquisition. Canterbury are already…
The long anticipated round one fixtures have come and gone. We saw some great footy, especially at Brookvale Oval when the Storm beat the Eagles in a golden point thriller, while the Dragons and Eels ran up big scores no one expected to see. The Sharks are in crisis, Newcastle have lost their best attacking…
I’ve tried to reserve my judgement about Matt Elliott. I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. He certainly talks a good game, and he says the right things, so I thought there was a chance that his poor record is due to a statistical anomaly, rather than him being a poor coach….
LeagueFreak.com guest writer Daniel Nichols has posted an interview with South Sydney, North Sydney and South Queensland’s former captain Mario Fenech. Although Fenech is best known to younger viewers for his time at the footy show, his tough and aggressive play earned him Origin jersies and with a bit of luck he would have toured…
How It Will Finish 1. Roosters 2. Bulldogs 3. Bunnies 4. Storm 5. Sea Eagles 6. Warriors 7. Sharks 8. Panthers 9. Knights 10. Cowboys 11. Titans 12. Broncos 13. Tigers 14. Dragons 15. Eels 16. Raiders Roosters: Did a magnificent job in keeping their premiership winning side together. Luke O’Donnell is the only player…
The Spotlight is on… Bradford: this week the RFL hit Bradford Bulls with a 6-point deduction that leaves them 4 points adrift of London at the bottom of the Super League table. With the threat of relegation at the end of the season, this is absolutely disasterous for Francis Cummins and his squad. A dark…
If you are a rugby league fan in the UK who only follows Super League and not the NRL you must have had the time of your life on Saturday morning. Not because Wigan put in a respectable performance, though they did, and not because the shoulder charge seemed to reappear for a game (hallelujah!!)….
The Spotlight is on… progress and improvements: Rugby League is to undergo some fundamental changes in 2015 after the RFL announced that Super League members were ‘virtually unanimous’ in voting for a 12-team competition with meaningful movement between Super League and the Championship. The Championship will also revert to 12 teams and in the latter…