The following is an official press release from the Newcastle Knights: The Newcastle Knights met with Russell Packer on Sunday, the first opportunity since his custodial sentence was issued last Monday. In accordance with Club Policy, Packer has been formally advised his employment has been terminated, effective immediately. “There was never any doubt we would…
When Sonny Bill Williams left the NRL in 2008, to join French RU side Toulon, I never thought he would play the game of Rugby League again. I thought the way he left the game was way out of line and the ultimate act of betrayal. At the same time though I have always rated…
The 2013 season was one that seemed to go on forever. It had its fair share of controversy and a number of awe inspiring moment that will be remembered for a very long time. As a World Cup year 2013 carried more weight than other seasons. The opportunity to be crowned World Champions is something…
The Cowboys are that team that will always appear in your top eight predictions but what will 2014 actually bring for them? From a fans point of view 2013 was a disappointing season with many Cowboys favorites retiring including Mathew Bowen, Ashley Graham and Dallas Johnson not to mention their finals campaign ending on a…
Last weekend the NFL Playoffs kicked off with the Wild-Card Round, and it certainly lived up to its namesake with entertaining results that were undoubtedly wild. This is quick recap of the games as well as look ahead to what we can expect in the impending Divisional Round. Kansas City Chiefs 44 at Indianapolis Colts…
First it was Brad Fittler looking to turn out for the Sydney Roosters and now Steve Menzies has put his hand up to turn out for the Manly Sea Eagles at the upcoming Auckland 9’s. The Auckland 9’s is a bit of a gamble for the National Rugby League. It is the first time the…
Lets be 100% honest, Super League is not a great competition. Every knowledgeable Rugby League fan knows it and if you think otherwise than you have zero credibility with the knowledgeable Rugby League community. The most annoying and frustrating thing about Super League, and some of the so-called broadcasters and journalists that cover the competition,…
I’ll never forget the first game of Twenty20 cricket I ever watched. The Black Caps were playing Australia and to mark the occasion they donned the old beige uniforms and unleashed some atrocious seventies facial hair. I can’t remember who won (probably the Aussies), but that didn’t matter. It was a party. A celebration. Everyone…
Welcome to the new and improved LeagueFreak.com As you can see the site looks a little bit different than the last time you were here. I decided the site was looking a little dated and it was time to update a few of the features in preparation for what should be a huge season ahead….
Dear Sir/Madam, In response to our clubs recent performances, I am writing to you to express my (immense dis-satisfaction / undying devotion and thanks) for when it comes to my ongoing support of this club. Last nights game of football was (the most diabolical 80-minute performance / the most scintillating exhibition by our squad) I…
In a huge development yesterday, the Penrith Panthers announced the immediate signing of former NSW centre Jamal Idris, with Brad Tighe heading to the Gold Coast in return. Just two years ago, Idris was THE marquee signing for the Titans, as they offered him huge money and a long term contract to fight off offers…
Leeds Rhino’s head coach Brian McDermott has been given mixed news regarding three of his injured players ahead of the new Super League season. As ever, Leeds will be backed by a number of Betfair fans, but the Rhinos will face another tough season, with the likes of Wigan, St Helens, Huddersfield and Warrington all…
Jamal Idris has received a release from the Gold Coast Titans and will join the Penrith Panthers on a three year contract. The Titans released Idris on compassionate grounds after he did not attend the clubs first training session of the year. It is being reported that Idris is homesick and wanted to return to…
It is a question I see posed time and time again. Why can’t Super League attract big name, big spending, national sponsors? It is a question that is pretty easy to answer, and one I’ve decided to put in a single article that can be linked to when ever someone asks this question. Put yourself…
Hull Kingston Rovers Chairman Neil Hudgell said he was happy with the club’s progress and described 2013 as ‘largely positive’ after the Robins finished their regular Super League season in the final playoff spot. Craven Park has seen many changes both on and off the field recently as the club continues to reshape itself ahead…
“We’re unstoppable in Australian sport and the next 17 days gives us another opportunity to demonstrate that.” When David Gallop made that bold claim to gathered media last month I knew immediately that those words would come back to haunt him. When he followed them up by saying “I think the proper Cricket kind of…
The Auckland 9’s tournament’s credibility has taken a hit with the announcement that Rooster’s legend Brad Fittler is set to come out of retirement to play in the 2 day event. No doubt tournament organisers will be high fiving from the caviar rooms in their private jets as the announcement has rocketed the tournament into…
NRL Ceo David Smith has been in the job for almost a year now and reports during the week announced that the NRL’s bank balance has never looked better. It has been a very difficult year for everyone involved with the competition with the whole ASADA saga, as well as the usual (and unusual) off…
The Sydney Daily Telegraph is reporting that Cronulla Shark prop Andrew Fifita met with Australian Rugby Union coach Ewen McKenzie and discussed the possibility of playing Rugby Union when his NRL contract expires in 2015. The meeting included former Rugby Union player Craig Gower and Fifita’s new manager Greg Willett. A switch to Rugby Union…
Daniel Nichols continues his series of season reviews. Today, the Melbourne Storm are in the firing line! Finished: 3rd Predicted: 3rd Fan Prediction: Top 3 Where It Went Right: Another year, another run deep into the finals. Doom and gloom was forecast after the salary cap penalties were forced upon the Melbourne side, however those…
The National Rugby League has handed down its preliminary findings in relation to the Cronulla Sharks alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. The press release the NRL put out was damning. Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flangan has been suspended for 12 months, former Sharks trainer Trent Elkin has had his accreditation revoked, and the Sharks…
The following is a press release put out by the National Rugby League: The National Rugby League (NRL) has completed its review of governance issues at the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Football Club (the Club) in 2010 and 2011 and the preliminary findings have identified serious failures on the part of the Club and certain individuals who…
Warrington Wolves coach, Tony Smith, has played down fears his side will lack leaders in 2014 as they chase an elusive Super League crown. Warrington will go into next season without captain, Adrian Morley, experienced pair, Brett Hodgson and Garreth Carvell, and influential half-back, Lee Briers. Smith is confident the Wolves will cope without those…
In his ongoing series of season reviews Daniel Nichols today looks back on the Manly Sea Eagles season. Finished: 4th Predicted: 8th Fan Prediction: 4th Where It Went Right: When Manly lost Trent Hodkinson to the Bulldogs, fans were worried they had lost a long term partner for Keiran Foran, however as soon as Daly…
Blake Ferguson has been found guilty of indecent assault at a hearing at Sutherland Local Court today. Ferguson was accused of touching a 23 year old woman’s genitals through her dress at a club on June the 16th while on a night out with Josh Dugan as they celebrated selection in the second State Of…
The following is an interview conducted with new Spanish Rugby League coach Darren Fisher that has been sent out by Espana Rugby League. Enjoy! Darren Fisher, Spanish Rugby League coach, responded to his first Rugby League questions in Spain on the Balon Oval website with Juan Maria Garcia Talona. 1. Good morning Mr Fisher, the…
Next Tuesday (December 17), representatives of the Great Britain Armed Forces Rugby League will present to the UK’s Parliamentary Rugby League Group. 2014 represents the 20th anniversary of rugby league being played in the services after the ban on servicemen and women playing the sport was lifted in 1994, something in which the Group and…
A sport betting in Australia has become an entrenched part of the gambling industry, although its overall share of the market is perhaps not quite as great as might be assumed given its prominence in the media and its close association with high profile sports. Nevertheless, online sports betting has grown significantly as a result…
The 2013 Super League season was a worrying one for fans of the sport in Great Britain. It felt like a tipping point had been reached as more clubs than ever faced financial oblivion while National Rugby League clubs officially began to cherry pick players they wanted from Super League clubs. Pretty much the only…
News that the Great Britain Rugby League team will take on the Australian Rugby Union team in a hybrid code match at Wembley Stadium next year has caused a debate among supporters of both codes. I have yet to see anyone that thinks this is great idea. The overwhelming feeling is that it shows the…