NRL: The best pro comp in the world just got better in 2021. The standard was high and despite Covid, went off better than could be expected. The NZ Warriors were most affected and got respect for the sacrifice of locating in another country to fulfil their match schedule.
The Penrith Panthers (in black, above) were outstanding all season. The Melbourne Storm was just behind them and were both worthy grand finalists. The more experienced Storm took out the big one.
Super League: The northern hemisphere's pro comp continued to lose ground, standard-wise. It even managed to bleed the Toronto club dry, which has now been thrown on the scrap heap. This was a golden opportunity to expand the game, not advance self-interest. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!
As for on-field success, the Leeds Rhinos won the cup, Wigan the league and St Helens the grand final. Nice to have the trophies shared around.
The team to replace Toronto could have been a second French side but instead, Leigh did. In case you don't know, its located within the Wigan metropolitan borough. Pull up the drawbridge lads. On a more positive note, a team from Newcastle is moving up a division to replace Leigh in the second division Championship.
Player welfare: Rugby league is a tough sport, not helped by the huge, rapidly repeated impacts players subject each other to. Reducing the defensive line from ten to five metres would lessen the jarring. Also, taking a much stricter stance on late tackles after a player passes the ball is a must. The whiplash is damaging to the brain.
As to why nothing has been done is apathetic, to say the least. I wrote to the RFL in England some years back, warning them of future lawsuits if nothing was done. I heard nothing back and nothing changed. I think litigation is just starting and those in charge can only blame themselves.
True, the fans want action but player welfare comes first. Often a series of changes are required, as one in isolation can adversely affect the game greatly. I put a series of suggestions which can be read by clicking here. They are a framework only but I tried to seek a restructuring of rules in a way that reduces brain trauma while retaining plenty of action.
2021: The World Cup is scheduled to be played in the UK, but the way the Covid virus is persisting, I don't think it's a given. Empty stadiums aren't right for such an event.
