RL; The Evolving Game

France took to RL c 1934 and by the outbreak of WW II, were a top international team. That couldn't happen today. Looking at some of the rules (many before my time) showed what a different game it was. I'm not a rules nerd but try to keep up. So as I see it:

After the war the game had zero to five yard defensive lines, depending on rule changes over time. No replacements became two for injuries. There was no limit on tackles, you only lost possession for rule breaches. The game was slower, the impacts less intense.

Over the years ten metre defensive lines, limited tackle, four rotating replacements, six again calls. The game is super fast, players need to be fit, muscled and think very quickly. It works in a pro comp but doesn't work when sides are mismatched as evidenced in WC internationals. Pitting full time athletes against part time and amateur players is producing one sided score lines and few if any upsets. 

The solution: In horse racing they have a handicap system but I can't see that being adopted in RL. So I'd propose two WC divisions, each of eight teams with promotion / relegation between them. Putting Jamaica up against NZ or Greece against Samoa isn't right.

Summary: RL rules have evolved over time to suit a pro comp. They are then used in internationals but they are not designed for such uneven playing rosters. Even a moderate difference in standard can quickly blow out a to huge, lopsided score line. The WC was once played by fewer sides with closer matches. The desire to bring more teams in like other codes is good, but it doesn't work in a game which rewards superiority to an extreme degree. 

World Cup 2021 : Round Three (Mens)

The Third round of the RL WC 2021 has nearly been completed. I've been watching closely and here are my candid observations which I will share. Some games are still to be played, updated soon.

Group A:

England 94-4 Greece. 

Greece had an amazing journey to get here but was no chance. However, a clunky England and a polished Greece effort had the score only 10-4 to England after 20 minutes. Then England got into gear and the scoreline raced to 44-4 by half time. 

Greece was brave but part timers and amateurs were always going to struggle with the pace of the game and the final score reflected that. Not a perfect game by England and next week(s) will test them. 

Samoa 62-4 France.

Could the French team put off an upset against a disappointing Samoa? The latter started better and took an early 16-0 lead. France came back but couldn't convert anything into points. Then Samoa came back and suddenly the half time score of 28-0.  

The second half didn't change anything, France showing little penetration and Samoa turning both chances and half chances into points. The scoreline didn't reflect the effort France put in but the modern game is ruthless like that.

Group B: 

Australia 66-6 Italy. 

Another big victory on the cards but it was 'only' 20-0 after the first 30 minutes. Then a couple of tries on half time had it blow out to 30-0 at the turn around. The UK ref was in awe of the Kangaroos as usual.

The second half was a continuance with Italy scoring a slick try. The ref continued with his 'never give the lesser side an even break' mentality. I sped through some of the second half due to that. Italy worked hard and deserved better officiating. 

Fiji 30-14 Scotland. (Picture above).

A comfortable win for Fiji Bati was on the cards, a slippery ground perhaps a bit of a leveler. The scoreline of 12-4 to Fiji after 30 minutes and 18-8 at the break was a nice surprise for the Bravehearts. With better goal kicking for Scotland...

Scotland having a player sin binned for an accidental high hit cost them. With 15 minutes to go, the score was an amazing 24-14 and as the game started to get feisty one from each side was sin binned. Scotland have been so poor this tournament but this was a level or two up for them. Fiji didn't seem to cope so well with the wet conditions. 

Group C: 

Lebanon 74-12 Jamaica. 

The less fancied Jamaica started brightly but once the Cedars got hold of the ball, they were slick. They led 30-0 at the quarter mark as Jamaica's defensive frailties were harshly exposed. Jamaica expertly regained the ball from their numerous kick offs but their attacking forays were effectively dealt with. 

Lebanon had a player sin binned at the end of the first half for a cheap shot. 42-0 at the half time hooter.

Lebanon took off their leading player for the second stanza with an eye on next week. Despite being a player down, Lebanon was still in control. Then suddenly a length of the field try got the Reggae Warriors on the scoreboard. They got another too but unfortunately for them kept conceding

New Zealand 48-10 Ireland. 

The Kiwis were hot favourites but for the first 15 minutes it was the Wolfhounds that lead, albeit by two points. Five minutes later it was 10-2 to NZ. After 30 minutes it was 16-6 so not the score most expected. 24-6 was the turn around score.

The Kiwis took control, helped by some 'kindly' calls by the referee and Ireland having some head injuries reducing their bench. 44-6 with about a quarter of the match to play looked ominous. However, a clunky NZ effort limited the damage. 

The sport is supposed to be cleaning up itself regarding head shots, but this game showed its resolve - at this tournament at least - on this is unacceptably feeble.

Group D: 

Tonga 92-10 Cook Is. 

The favoured Tongan team scored quickly but then a 'try' to the Kukis was denied which I thought it was OK. Anyway, Tonga stamped their authority on the game and the scores were soon rattling up. 52-0 at the half way point!

The second half had the Kukis getting a few points but they couldn't handle the Tongan forwards throughout and paid the price. The Cook Is coach said they just didn't turn up and apologised for the performance. 

PNG 36-0 Wales. 

PNG wanted to confirm their place in the next round with Wales an outside chance with a big score win. The rain poured down, making handling difficult. Still, PNG soon showed their class while Wales struggled to put pressure on their opponent. By half time, it was 24-0 to the Kumuls with Wales looking naive at times.

The second half was better for Wales but I don't know how long the game would have to been played for them to score. Solid defence by PNG and clunky attack by Wales ensured PNG didn't concede.

World Cup 2021 : Round Two (Mens)

The second round of the RL WC 2021 has nearly been completed. I've seen every match in full and have a few observations to share. 

Group A:

England 42-18 France. 

The hosts were hot favourites against a youthful France and were up 18-0 in quick time. Then France got a roll on and turned opportunities into points. The 18-12 half time score was a surprise although I never felt France had enough to win.

The second half started like the first with England taking control but France was playing with more belief despite falling behind on the scoresheet. England won't win the WC against the top sides on that performance and France has a chance to make the next round on theirs.

Samoa 72-4 Greece.

A star studded Samoa was hurting after a shocking defeat, taking on a team at their first World Cup. It didn't look good for Greece. After 5 minutes it was 12-0 to the island team and it looked like this was going to be an embarrassment. Thankfully, the scoring didn't maintain that momentum but I found it a hard watch.

For the first ten minutes of the second period not only was Samoa unable to score but Greece got a very good try! But then normal service was resumed. I must say the Greek players were gutsy and showed some enterprise.

Group B: 

Australia 84-0 Scotland. This was always going to be a one sided contest. Scotland looked a very ordinary squad against Greece and here they were coming up against one full of skill and ruthlessness. So it proved as Australia scored a point a minute up to half time. I was picking a century score as Scotland would tire. 

The second half continued the one sided affair. However, Scotland played their 'best' in the last fifteen minutes which scuttled the ton being achieved. 

Fiji 60-4 Italy. 

Fiji had the much more experienced roster so a big ask for Italy. Two mistakes from the Azzurri and a good kick chase by Fiji had them three tries up and ahead 18-0 after 15 minutes. A late shot by a Fijian player deserved time on the sideline but substandard officiating kept him on the pitch. It ended up 30-0 at the change around.

The match was more open in the second period and Fiji showed their flare. Then after 15 minutes, Italy scored a slick try but any hope of a fight back didn't materialise as the Azzurri were tiring. Another late Fijian cheap shot only resulting only in a penalty. Player protection?

Group C: 

Lebanon 32-14 Ireland. 

A close encounter was expected and much riding on the outcome. An Irish win and it was bye-bye to the Cedars. The first 20 minutes were tight, but ten minutes later, it was 20-0 to Lebanon. Lebanon was effectively ball stealing in the tackle. Both sides had a player sin binned as they left the field for half time after one of a few skirmishes. 20-4 was the halftime score. 

The Wolfhounds started the second period the better side and at the 50 minute mark it was 20-10. Lebanon regrouped and pulled away. The Cedars were more polished and clinical, while the Wolfhounds were passionate but less controlled.

New Zealand 68-6 Jamaica. 

This was a David v Goliath confrontation. The Kiwis didn't disappoint with an 18-0 lead in 20 minutes,  poor goal kicking keeping the score lower than it could have been. Despite that, NZ lead 34-0 at the break.

Jamaica came out and again tried so hard, their short kick off game was amazing but their tactical kicking was abysmal. The last try going to the Reggae Warriors was a highlight. (Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Pic above) had a fine game.

Group D: 

Tonga 32-6 Wales. 

Tonga is one of the favourite teams against a side mainly of part timers. It could only have one outcome and at first, all Wales could do was defend. Then Wales took a surprise lead and at the quarter mark, they lead 6-0. It was proving to be a surprisingly even contest. Tonga seemed a bit flat but they took full advantage of some mistakes late in the half and lead 16-6 at the turnaround. 

The second period was again a gutsy effort from Wales but their mistakes and poor options on attack meant it was about how they could keep the score respectable. The scoreline flattered Tonga although they were clearly the better side. The first ever female World Cup ref did a decent job but like all refs at the tournament, the lesser sides haven't been given any favours.

PNG 32-16 Cook Is. 

PNG were the favourites but having no luck with decisions in the last game, it was a must win match for them. The Kukis were into the quarter finals with a victory. Unexpectedly then, the first half was a tight affair. PNG were slightly on top but lost a man for ten minutes and that gave the Cooks a leg up. The score at the break was 10-8 to PNG.

PNG came out of the blocks and took control of the game by opening up a handy lead. The Kukis never gave up but couldn't go with the Kumuls. 

Palau XIII Broncos League Placings : 2000-23

Palau XIII Broncos hasn't been featuring in the Elite 1 top flight much in the 21st century but its recent efforts at playing at this level deserve recognition. It is based at Palau-del-Vidre in the Occitanie region and switched from the XV man code in 1952. While it is optional to be promoted in the French Rugby league, they took the plunge in the 2013-14 season. For a small club, a brave move indeed.

I would like to talk about all the historical victories at the top of the game in France, but the club's success has come in lower divisions when winning lower grade league titles. That makes their current status at the top all the more meritorious. I hope than sustain their place viably and without putting themselves at too much financial risk. It has the smallest budget of top flight teams.

It withdrew voluntarily from the top flight Elite One after the 2020-21 season so its brief stay at the top ended with solid results for a club on a tight budget.  

World Cup 2021 : Round One (Mens)

The first round of the RL WC 2021 has been completed. I've seen every match in full and have a few observations to share. 

Group A:

England 60-6 Samoa. For a game that was supposed to have the island nation as favourites (never by me I'll add), it turned out very differently. 

The half time score of 18-6 to the host nation meant it was still there for either side to take. However, England took control and Samoa fell apart under the pressure. The scoreline was a surprise.

France 34-12 Greece. France has a long history in the game and Greece is relatively new. The former is rebuilding its reputation and the latter has only recently become legalised after a bizarre governmental ban. 

France took control and led 20-0 at the break but Greece battled hard and scored a couple of tries while not letting the scoreline get too much away from them. Greece surprised many with its effort while France will need to up their game to get through to the knock out stage.

Group B: 

Australia 42-8 Fiji. Australia are the favourites and while they comfortably won the match, they weren't at their best. Fiji were galant but short on quality. Fiji scored first but Australia came back to lead 18-4 by half time. In the second half the Kangaroos were always in control  

Italy 28-4 Scotland. This was a tough one to predict but Italy was polished and Scotland clunky. The Azzurri led 12-0 after the first stanza and went on with the job, effectively shutting out their opponents until conceding a late try. 

Group C: 

Ireland 48-2 Jamaica. Ireland had more quality in its squad and that showed. From the get go Ireland was on top and comfortably led 18-2 when the sides changed ends. They added another 30 unanswered points in the second forty. Jamaica showed plenty of heart but that wasn't enough against some classy opponents. 

New Zealand 34-12 Lebanon. The Kiwis were clear favourites but Lebanon always proves to be a tricky outfit and this was no different. Short kick offs worked for them and they soon led. The NZ side came back and led 18-6 at half time. Another brisk start by Lebanon and it was 18-12 but then the Kiwis turned it up a notch and pulled away. 

Group D: 

Tonga 24-18 PNG. Tonga had the much stronger roster but never got on top. The game was close throughout although the 18-6 half time score may have looked otherwise. PNG bombed a certain try down the touchline which would have had it 18-12. 

PNG took the game to their more fancied opponents and got to 18-18 and should have been ahead but for a try being ruled out which seemed OK to me. A last gasp try after an amazing sequence of passing got Tonga a late winner. 

Cook Is 18-12 Wales. The Cook Is team had many pro players while Wales was almost exclusively part timers. However, the Welsh side defied their status and their well drilled and disciplined style unsettled their adversaries. By half time Wales were surprised leaders 12-8.

In the second half the Cook Is team upped their game, played in a controlled manner and kept the Welsh side pinned in their own half. At around the three quarter point, two quick tries had the Island nation ahead 18-12 and looking like pulling away. However, the arm wrestle resumed, with Wales having a chance at the end to tie the match but they came up short. An absorbing contest. 

Picture source: SkySport.

World Cup Draw : 2021

I've bumped forward this article written some time back. Due to a postponement, it was been put back a year but it's starting in a few days. To see a detailed article click here. It also shows towards the bottom which media outlets you can watch matches through. I'm planning to sign up with Spark Sport in New Zealand. 

Now for the older article:

The draw was made by Prince Harry, the patron of the Rugby Football League. It took place at Buckingham Palace with the Prince alongside Dame Katherine Grainger DBE (former Olympic rowing champion) and Jason Robinson OBE (former Rugby League player). It covers men's, women's and wheelchair competitions.

	Men's World Cup
	Group A	England	Samoa	France	Greece
	Group B	Australia	Fiji	Scotland	Italy
	Group C	NZ	Lebanon	Jamaica	Ireland
	Group D	Tonga	PNG	Wales	Cook Is
	Women's World Cup
	Group A	England	Brazil	PNG	Canada
	Group B	Australia	NZ	France	Cook Is
	Wheelchair World Cup (Men)
	Group A	England	Australia	Spain	Norway
	Group B	France	Wales	Scotland	USA

In the men's draw, Jamaica is a surprise package, qualifying ahead of the USA and Canada. So too is Greece, where the game is severely hampered at home by authorities. Hopefully, qualifying will help the situation there. 

For the women, Brazil is new to the game and the dark horse for that tournament. As for the Wheelchair games, it's nice to see three non-traditional sides there in Norway, Spain and the USA.

NRL Women's Honours Board: 2018-22

The women's game in Australia was first held in 2018 with sides aligned to existing clubs in the men's NRL competition. Four entrants were involved in the first year, moving to six in 2021 and ten in 2023. There are a league competition (Lge) and finals (Fls).

League: The Brisbane Broncos is the most successful with four titles in a row from 2018 to 2021. With some player defections, fortunes suffered accordingly and 2022 was for them an annus horibilis. The Sydney Roosters won the 2022 title.

Finals: The same pattern here with Brisbane winning the first three, then missing the grand final match and not making the finals at all. The Roosters took the trophy in 2021 and Newcastle in 2022. Overall the Brisbane side is the most successful in this competition too but that may not last long.

Summary: It's early days so comparing clubs is difficult. New sides such as Newcastle and Paramatta have done well in a short space of time. The NZ Warriors were there for three years but not the last two nor for 2023 either. They initially pulled out for a single season due to Covid issues but haven't applied since which is mystifying. 

Photo credit: NRL.

UK Women's Honours Board: 2017-22

The Challenge Cup for women started in 2012 but the league in 2017, so I decided to do the summary from the later date. Even then it was a bit unusual with Castleford in the league and Wigan St Pats in the cup. The 2020 season was cancelled due to Covid.

League: There has been a different winner of the league each of the five seasons, yet the most successful club wasn't one of them. That's an unusual outcome. Leeds has secured one more point than Saints in the seasons they were both in the competition. 

Finals: Bradford won in 2017 as part of the treble winning season for them. Then it was Wigan, Leeds, Saints and Leeds. Leeds are therefore the most successful (56 points) from St Helens (48).

Cup: After Bradford lifted the trophy in 2017, Leeds did it twice and St Helens followed them with a double of their own. 

Summary: Saints are the top side in this period although Leeds would but for being involved in one less season. York is the big improver with two excellent campaigns in 2021 and 22. The talent isn't well spread and unless that changes, expect the same leading sides - Saints, Leeds and York - in 2023.

Picture credit: Leeds Rhinos.

NRL Honours Board: 2020-22

There are just two competitions in the season, the league (Lge) and finals (Fls). The majority of the clubs are located in Sydney, with others scattered along the Eastern Seaboard and New Zealand. The last three years have seen a shift in which club is leading the way. 

Twenty points for the top side in the league, going down to one for the wooden spoon winner. The Finals tops at sixteen and goes down to four. 

League: Penrith has won two of the last three titles as well as a second so have been the most successful with 58 points. Melbourne is next with 50 with a title, second and an uncustomary fifth. The only other club to make the top two in a season is Cronulla-Sutherland, which they did in 2022.

Finals: Penrith are again ahead of the rest with two wins and a second. South Sydney (28) move into second ahead of a downward heading Melbourne (26), although the latter have at least won a grand final. Paramatta (20) made the grand final this year.

Total Points: Penrith (102) are clearly the best side over the past three years, with Melbourne (76), South Sydney (65) and Paramatta (61) doing their best to stay with them. Who would bet against Penrith in 2023?

Picture credit: NRL.

SL Honours Board: 2020-22

How have the clubs fared over the last three years and how would they be ranked over that period? I put together a points system that gives an indication of performance. I chose a maximum 16 points for each of the three competitions.

League (Lge): With eleven sides in 2020, points went from sixteen for the winner down to six for last place. For the other seasons, it went down to five. Wigan, Catalans and St Helens have all had a turn winning over the three years. The Summary columns show the tightness with Saints just ahead with 46 points.

Finals (Fnl): Points here go from sixteen down to four and six clubs involved in any one season. With Saints winning the three, they collected a total of 48 points. Wigan, Catalans and Leeds came equal second on 24.

Challenge Cup (CC): The unpredictability of a knock out competition means that the points are more evenly shared. As with the Finals but an additional two (eight sides) are rewarded. Leeds, Saints and Wigan each won one year, with the latter two on top with 28 points for the three year period. 

Total Points: No prize for guessing St Helens in first place with five firsts and 122 points. Wigan is next with two wins and 96. The Catalan Dragons follow with one league title and 78 points. Leeds won a Challenge Cup and is fourth with 76 points.

I feel the Catalan side deserves special mention as they have far more travel to contend with but have been consistently competitive in all three competitions. 

Picture credit: Catalan Dragons.

UK League One Finals : 2022

Doncaster in action. Pic credit: Doncaster RL.

The third tier of UK RL is League One and a rather convoluted elimination system as you will see. Eleven sides took part with the top side (Keighley) automatically promoted. The next five below them go into a playoff scenario to see which team would join them. 

Round One: Second placed Swinton got a bye while third placed North Wales were beaten by fourth ranked Doncaster 12-26. Neither side was eliminated at this juncture although North Wales went into a sudden death match next week. In the other fixture - which was an eliminator - fifth placed Rocddale lived to fight another day when it accounted for Oldham 38-24. 

Round Two: Swinton defeated Doncaster 32-12 with gave the victor a second bye and the vanquished got another chance next week. The other game was a sudden death affair with out of form North Wales losing 20-36 to Rochdale. 

Round Three: This decided who went to the promotion match with Swinton. Doncaster was too good for Rochdale, winning impressively 52-20. Still with me?

Round Four: Finally the grand final! Hot favourite Swinton was given a stern test before prevailing 16-10 to take the second promotion spot. Hard luck Doncaster but I couldn't help but wonder if two byes in three weeks worked against Swinton. 

UK Championship Finals : 2022

Leigh's home gound to host Super League matches next year.
Pic source: Leigh RL.

Of the fourteen teams in the UK division two Championship, the top six moved forward into the finals series. Third to sixth were in the quarter finals with the top two having a week off. Fifth (Batley) beat fourth (Barrow) 18-8 and sixth (York) eliminated third (Halifax) 26-24. 

In came the second finishing side from the league table (Featherstone) and they were majorly upset by Batley 32-28. Then the top side (Leigh) showed why they were overwhelming favourites in despatching  York 70-10. 

The final could only go one way but a gutsy effort by Batley kept the scoreline somewhat respectable. Leigh head upstairs to the elite Super league comp with hopes of making the journey a more lasting one than the previous time (one season). 

Australia Women's 2022 Season

There were six sides competing, four from NSW and two from Queensland. They are all connected with traditional RL clubs so the names are familiar. They played each other once with four teams progressing to the finals and two ending their season at this point.

The two Queensland sides propped up the table and were eliminated. The Roosters looked strong in taking the title but at the lower end of the table Parramatta was lucky to sneak through on a favourable points differential.

In the finals, the top side Sydney Roosters took on the lowly Parramatta side but was surprisingly eliminated 10-24. Newcastle expectedly overcame St George 30-6. 

The final was tight for much of the game, but Newcastle deservedly won 32-12, although the scoreline was somewhat flattering. Amazingly Parramatta only won two games out of seven despite making the grand final.

Pictured left, we see the Knights celebrating during the grand final. Picture credit: NRL.

NRL Finals Series : 2022

The top eight teams from the regular season progressed to the finals series. In the first round, the top four sides meet, the winners get a bye the following week, the losers survive but play the next week. All other matches are a knockout scenario.

The top ranked team from the league (Penrith) and the third placed side (North Queensland) won their ties for a well earned week off. Second placed Cronulla and forth ranked Parramatta had to go again and now in a must win encounter. 

Of the other four teams, Melbourne (5th) and Sydney Roosters (6th) both lost to lower finishing sides from the league table. 

In the next round, the two higher ranked sides won reasonably comfortably and advanced to take on the rested sides. Having a week off didn't seem to matter for Parramatta who traveled to North Queensland and toughed out a gritty victory. Penrith meanwhile cruised into the grand final, looking every bit the champion side.

The grand final itself was a battle of the West, both sides from that area of Sydney. Penrith were the league winners and favourites. In the first half, they were in total control and it was over as a contest well before the final hooter. Parramatta got some consolation scores late on. 

Picture credit: NRL.