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.
Mary’s men back their mentor
KICKING OFF
Panthers keep the streak alive
Ire of the Tigers unleashed
Injuries becoming Friend’s enemy
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
Dallin happy to stay with Pay
Round 18 ROUND-UP
Team of the Week Rd18
NUMBERS GAME
Jack Williams
Big League Weekly Edition
HOT SHOT
TOP 8 British imports • The NRL is enjoying a golden era of British imports, but how does the current crop rank among the greatest recruits from the Old Dart?
All hail the king of the jungle
His own man • It’s almost unthinkable that a club would exclusively own players in the NRL era, but a modern star’s ability to test the market is largely thanks to one man’s selfless efforts.
TWEET OF THE WEEK
BIG LEAGUE Round 18 TOP TIPS • Sharks v Cowboys Knights v Wests Tigers Rabbitohs v Dragons Eels v Warriors Titans v Broncos Storm v Sea Eagles Bulldogs v Roosters Panthers v Raiders
LOCKER ROOM
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE TAPE
UPCOMING ROUNDS
Men of Steel • One never thought he’d leave his old club, the other never thought he’d play Origin – but together, Newcastle’s biggest Knights have brought out the best in each other.
Beanie for Brain Cancer
Flying high • Few people backed them in pre-season, but a master coach and star fullback have the Sea Eagles soaring back into finals contention.
Staying at the summit • Winning a premiership in the NRL is no mean feat, but winning two in a row is a seemingly insurmountable task. Why is a dynasty so hard to achieve in the modern game?
BACK-TO-BACK • SUCCESSFUL TITLE DEFENCES IN OTHER CODES SINCE 1993
Steering clear • Making mistakes is a part of life, but as Jaeman Salmon knows, it’s what you learn from them that really makes the difference.
Getting in the game • Not everyone can play rugby league at the highest level, but a booming new industry could offer NRL clubs a way to expand their supporter base and further engage with the next generation.
CLUB NEWS
LITTLE LEAGUE
PARRAMATTA EELS
216 POINTS SCORED BY THE BULLDOGS THIS SEASON
From strength to strength • With no serious injuries to speak of, many Fantasy coaches are reaching new heights as the competition heats up.
Sharks, Cowboys desperate for form reversal • PointsBet Stadium Thursday 7.50pm
Home town support to motivate Knights • McDonald Jones Stadium Friday 6pm
Rabbitohs on-song for top four • ANZ Stadium Friday 7.55pm
Warriors flying under the radar • Bankwest Stadium Saturday 3pm
Broncos building for finals run • Cbus Super Stadium Saturday 5.30pm
Old rivalry will be rekindled • AAMI Park Saturday 7.35pm
Bulldogs prepare for Rooster siege • ANZ Stadium Sunday 4pm
Panthers, Raiders ready for epic contest • Panthers Stadium Sunday 4.05pm
CANTERBURY CUP NSW
Review: Bears climb as Panthers stumble
JERSEY FLEGG
Review: Upsets heat up the race for top four
INTRUST SUPER CUP
Review: Falcons firm as minor premiership favourites
HASTINGS DEERING COLTS
Preview: Top three forced to cool their heels as the race to the finals begins
RON MASSEY CUP
STAT ATTACK
Harvey Norman TALE OF THE...
