Your weekly guide to the NRL season, including the entire Final Series, the souvenir Grand Final program and our bumper Season Review. Every week Big League will feature stories on the big names, preview the big games and continue our popular Little League section for the young rugby league fans. With official team-lists, extensive statistics and up-to-date news, Big League provides everything you need to follow the NRL.
Young gun Sivo fired up for finals
KICKING OFF
Simmering Sam backs brothers
Cleary’s captaincy claim
History no foregone conclusion
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
‘Underdog’ Broncos ready for a fight
Round 25 ROUND-UP
Team of the Week Rd25
NUMBERS GAME • 2009 the last time the Broncos won a finals game away from Suncorp
Ronaldo Mulitalo • CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS
Big League Weekly Edition
HOT SHOT
Top 8 Individual finals duels • Finals footy is feisty enough at the best of times, but these personal conflicts took the intensity to a whole new level.
Confidence in the capital
Packing the schedule • A frantic battle for the last spot in the finals saw a revamped Parramatta side play six games in just over two weeks – a feat of endurance that signalled a new era for the club.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
LOCKER ROOM
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
Captain’s knock • He’s been watching his team mount their charge from the sideline, but Boyd Cordner is back, fighting fit and ready for the finals.
Men in the machine • It’s been 25 years since the Raiders tasted grand final glory, but a new-look team and a focus on defence have them well-equipped for success in the nation’s capital.
Banking on it • Few clubs have undergone more change in the past 12 months than Parramatta, and the Eels want to continue the trend with their first finals win in a decade.
The longest road • Many burgeoning rugby league careers have risen through adversity, but few people have had as many unique twists of fate as the Dragons’ latest NRLW recruit.
Back in the game • The past two year’s of Lloyd Perrett’s life have been a rollercoaster to say the least, but now he’s back and ready to prove himself all over again.
CLUB NEWS
PAUL GALLEN
LITTLE LEAGUE
19 YEARS SINCE CANBERRA BEAT MELBOURNE TWICE IN ONE SEASON
Wonder women • There’s a healthy mix of new and familiar faces in this season’s NRLW – so it’s time to take a look over some of the names you’re sure to be hearing this season.
Roosters and Rabbitohs ramp up the rivalry
Raiders hoping lightning strikes twice
Sea Eagles battling the odds to stay alive
Eels poised to break decade-long drought
Preview : Roosters raring to put best foot forward
Preview : Former Broncos face up to defending premiers
CANTERBURY CUP NSW
Review: Mulga and Panthers set packing as minor premiers scrape home
JERSEY FLEGG
Review: Top two stunned in opening weekend
INTRUST SUPER CUP
Review: Falcons falter as red-hot Redcliffe fire again
HASTINGS DEERING COLTS
Preview: Falcons stun and Cutters cruise
RON MASSEY CUP
Review: Hills pile on as Two Blues escape and top two march to prelims
SCORES
STAT ATTACK
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
NRL DRAW