Melbourne storm to 2017 Grand Final victory
Melbourne Storm are the 2017 NRL Grand Final champions after dominating today’s final against North Queensland Cowboys, wo they beat 34-6.
It is Storm’s third Grand Final win and they became the first side since 2013 to win both the minor Premiership and major Premiership title.
Billy the Kid 🅠#NRLGF#NRL pic.twitter.com/R7nhvI3rB7
— NRL (@NRL) October 1, 2017
Josh Addo-Carr, Felise Kaufusi, Billy Slater, Dale Finucane and Curtis Scott all scored in a commanding Melbourne performance up against a Cowboys side without talismanic Johnathan Thurston.
A tearful Slater was voted as the Clive Churchill Medal winner, awarded to the final’s Man of the Match.
Cameron Smith scoops Dally M Award
Melbourne Storm hooker Cameron Smith scooped his second Dally M Player of the Season award on Wednesday.
As voted for by NRL journalists and commentators, Smith beat the likes of Michael Morgan and Gareth Widdop to again win one of the most prestigious awards in Rugby League.
2017 #DallyM Medalist - @camsmith9!#NRL pic.twitter.com/4U5D08v9mi
— NRL (@NRL) September 27, 2017
Smith, who has 20 assists to his name in 2017, said: “You know being 34 and having the opportunity to win another Dally M is pretty special. But everyone knows this is not an individual sport.”
England star Widdop was selected in the Dally M Team of the year at five eighth.
Catalans given hero’s welcome
After an emotional afternoon at Leigh Sports Village as they retained their Super League status via the £1m Game after a 26-10 win over the Centurions, the Dragons were given a huge reception on arrival at Perpignan airport.
Hundreds of Catalans supporters swarmed at the city’s airport to welcome back their victorious side who according to head coach Steve McNamara, produced their best performance of the season in Saturday’s crucial match.
Mundine plots NRL comeback
Controversial halfback Anthony Mundine is aiming to become the oldest player in NRL history as he plots a comeback to Rugby League, 17 years after leaving the sport to take up boxing.
The former Dragons and Broncos man was once the highest paid player in Australia but his outspokenness has created a love-hate relationship with the Aussie media and public.
Mundine’s first step back towards professional Rugby League came on Saturday as he took to the field in the Koori Knockout tournament held in Sydney, alongside a number of other NRL stars.
Read more on the Daily Mail website.
Italy name World Cup train-on squad
Super League players Oliver Gildart, Mark Minichiello and Shannon Wakeman have both been named in Italy’s train-on squad ahead of this autumn’s World Cup.
Wigan Warriors’ Gildart, who has made the shortlist for Super League Young Player of the Year, hinted that he would be open to play for Italy in Australia later this month if he didn’t earn an England call-up.
ITALY @RLWC2017 – Training Squadhttps://t.co/iT17Nx4X6p
— FIRL Italia RLeague (@ITALIA_RLXIII) September 26, 2017
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🉠#rugbyleague
🆠#RLWC2017
💙 #unaFamiglia
Challenge Cup winning forward Minichiello, who played in the 2013 World Cup, is joined by Huddersfield Giants prop Wakeman.
Former Hull KR players Terry Campese and Josh Mantellato are two other familiar names in the squad, which will be cut down to 24 players before October 13.
As Good as it gets
As Good as it gets, a feature-length documentary about Leeds Rhinos’ greats of the last few years, is set to premiere at the Leeds International Film Festival in 2018.
In ‘A story of sacrifice, glory and the agonising pursuit of a legacy,’ Rhinos stars Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Jamie Jones-Buchanan, alongside Brian McDermott and Gary Hetherington, reveal what they went through as the club enjoyed unprecedented Super League success.
Director Lee Hicken said, “This is not just a film about Rugby League for Rugby League fans. It is a story about a group of individuals who were confronted with incredible challenges and achieved incredible things. We can’t wait to share this film, and the untold stories of these brilliant individuals, with new audiences from around the world.”
The premiere of As Good As It Gets? will take place in Leeds on 30th of April at Everyman Cinema as a part of Leeds International Festival 2018.
