The Best Bits of 2014 in Rugby League | By The 18th Man With 2014 drawing to a close it’s time to take a look back at the thirteen best bits of the year. This list could be never-ending giving the thrills, spills and drama that have taken place this year in rugby league. 13 – New Zealand takes to NRL Auckland 9’s Will it work? Won’t it? There was some skepticism about whether a 9’s style tournament would be a success but in the dazzling Auckland sunshine thousands flocked to watch the sport’s shortened format as the North Queensland Cowboys beat the Brisbane Broncos 16-7 at Eden Park. Click the video below to watch some of the best tries: 12 – Commonwealth Games 9’s Whilst the NRL’s top talent played out one 9’s tournament which was highly publicized and had some big financial rewards, there was another tournament which slipped under the radar. The Commonwealth Games 9’s took place in Cumbernauld in Scotland. Papua New Guinea ran out eventual winners of the tournament which included teams from South Africa, Jamaica and Canada... 11 – International Rugby League blossoms Following on from last year’s World Cup the game’s administrators remained coy on an international calendar for the ‘Big Three’ with disputes seeming to hamper any progress or consistent schedule other countries were busy with their own agenda. Palestine, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia amongst others gained accreditation from the Rugby League European Federation. Ukraine and Russia still fulfilled their fixtures despite ongoing political tensions and Norway headed out to Thailand for a historic test match. Perhaps most heartwarming though was the tale of young Khaled Issa a young Palestinian refugee based out of Beirut who had the chance to train with the Salford Red Devils for a week, his trip funded by the actor David Morrissey. 10 – Cas Renaissance Having been in the doldrums of Super League for the last few seasons Daryl Powell lead Castleford to their first Challenge Cup final in years as they fell to Leeds Rhinos at Wembley cheered on by their loyal legion of fans. Irish international Liam Finn and Marc Sneyd proved to be one of the best half-back pairings of the season as Sneyd was sent on loan and Finn who’d spent the last few years in the Championship returned to the competition. And whilst the onfield success was great, their plans to commence building a new stadium at nearby Glasshoughton look to be setting the Tigers up for a healthy future. 9 – Burgess’ Bunnies end 43 year wait South Sydney Rabbitohs ended a 43 year wait to win the NRL’s Grand Final in emphatic fashion over fellow Sydney-siders the Canterbury Bulldogs. Tries from Adam Reynolds, George Burgess and Greg Inglis cemented the victory for the Bunnies before Ben Teo’o and Sam Burgess departed for pastures new in the other code. 8 – Scotland cement Four Nations spot Carrying on from 2013’s impressive World Cup display Scotland secured their position in 2016’s Four Nations tournament by topping the European Championship table lead by the mercurial Danny Brough and head coach Steve McCormack. It’s hoped that this increased exposure can help generate the sponsorship and finances needed to ensure Scotland RL continues to develop domestically after stagnating over the last few years. 7 – Rhino’s Cup Redemption Finally, after numerous attempts the Leeds Rhinos got their hands on the Challenge Cup. Six attempts, six failures. It took some fabulous running rugby from Ryan Hall lead by the stalwarts of Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield and Danny McGuire to secure the Rhino’s first win in the competition since 1999. 6 – French talent coming through One of the main reason’s for admitting the Dragons into Super League almost 10 years ago was to ensure the continued production of French youngsters, and now one the first generations of home-grown players is coming to the fore with Morgan Escare, Eloi Pelissier and Damien Cardace all featuring reguarly for the Perpignan based club. Meanwhile Theo Fages, one of the less well known names at the Salford Red Devils put in some sterling performances in the halves at the AJ Bell Stadium. 5 – Eighth time lucky New South Wales won this year’s State of Origin in emphatic style over the Queensland Maroons 12-8 in the first game of the series, and 6-4 in the second. In the third game Queensland smashed NSW 32-8 after scoring the first try of the game in the 37th minute. But after eight years of waiting the Shield was finally heading to the Premier State. 4 – PNG take to Queensland Cup Narrowly missing out on the play-offs the PNG Hunters acquitted themselves tremendously in their first season in the Queensland Cup. Their debut season finish of sixth sets them in good stead for next season when they’ll play out of their Kokopo base. Check the video below to see some outstanding running rugby league. 3 – Saint Helens finally grasp Grand Final Marred by a certain punch the 2014 Grand Final was the first time Saint Helens got their first taste of victory in the competition since 2006 and perhaps most satisfying was the depth of British talent which was at the core of the squad: Kyle Amor, Alex Walmsley, Tommy Makinson, James Roby and the ever-young Paul Wellens were cornerstones in the Saint’s success story. 2 – Sam soldiers on for 79 minutes Getting around the house can be no feat with a broken cheekbone but imagine playing on despite such a breakage, for the entire game. Well that’s what Sam Burgess did in the NRL Grand Final as he inspired the Rabbitohs to victory. When asked at halftime how his jaw was. He had one simple response “it’s gone…it’s f***d”. Good luck in Rugby Union Sam. 1 – Kiwis crush Aussies, twice. If you’ve not switched off by this point congratulations but here it is: New Zealand’s double salvo over the Kangaroos in this year’s Four Nations was without doubt something to behold. Rarely beaten, the 22-18 victory in the final and the 30-12 group stage win was the first time in yonks that Australia hadn’t won the competition, which was expected given their lacklustre approach to the tournament. Shaun Johnson announced his arrival as one of the game’s great half-backs with emphatic performances throughout. Agree? Anything you would have included? Join in the discussion https://facebook/the18thmanUK Source: the18thman/2014/12/17/the-best-bits-of-2014-in-rugby-league/
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 07:59:53 +0000
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