Inside RL

Haven were right to let hero Broadbent go back to Barrow

Published 10 October 2008

mg gb678 NO one has been a bigger fan of Gary Broadbent than I, but those Whitehaven fans who say the skipper should not have been allowed to leave the Recre last week are wide of the mark.

Anti-climax: Nothing to be won in NL1 final

Published 26 September 2008

I MIGHT take the kids for a game of footy in the park on Sunday afternoon. Could fix the kitchen blind that I broke weeks ago. Or I may watch National League Finals Day on TV.

Ged Stokes should be National League One's coach of the year

Published 19 September 2008

Standing on the Shay turf after Whitehaven’s astonishing play-off win on Sunday, I told Ged Stokes that the result would ensure he was named NL1 coach of the year. I was mistaken. Spectacularly so.

Why I’m not backing the fast-tracking of Toulouse into NL1

Published 12 September 2008

THE move to allow Toulouse Olympique to Channel-hop in to the British game next season will stretch the Entente Cordiale to its limit.

Cumbria could have a great Nines team – if the timing is right

Published 5 September 2008

FULL marks to Cumbria for turning out a side to compete in last week’s inaugural Carnegie Floodlit Nines in Leeds.

Sonny must be banned from rugby union

Published 15 August 2008

REALLY bad news from Down Under over Sonny Bill Williams, to me, the world’s best league player.

Let’s pay tribute to the Thunder revival

Published 15 August 2008

GATESHEAD Thunder will complete one of the most remarkable transformations of modern times if they take at least a point from Workington Town on Sunday.

Welsh legend Edwards: It’s up to the Crusaders to prove they’re worthy

Published 1 August 2008

ONE of rugby’s all-time greats Gareth Edwards CBE has described Celtic Crusaders’ successful Super League application as: “A great coup for Welsh sport.”

It’s time to abandon plans for one Super League club in Cumbria

Published 25 July 2008

BARELY had the news sunk in on Tuesday that Celtic Crusaders and Salford had been handed three-year Super League licences when calls started for Whitehaven and Workington Town to merge to push for a top-flight club in West Cumbria.

Super League nod for Celtic, Salford

Published 22 July 2008

SUPER LEAGUE is heading to Wales. Celtic Crusaders, beaten twice by Whitehaven this season, were today awarded a three-year Super League licence.

It’s a nervous waiting game for Viking Steve

Published 18 July 2008

STEVE McCormack has done a sound job with Widnes Vikings this season, but the ex-Haven coach could be forgiven if he suffers a few sleepless nights ahead of next Tuesday’s announcement on Super League licences.WHAT does it tell young British talent when Bradford Bulls are reported to be interested in Aussie veteran Steve Menzies for next season?

I wouldn’t have believed it just four months ago

Published 11 July 2008

If I’d been told by a fortune teller at around 4.45pm on March 16 that less than four months later I would be standing on the Recreation Ground pitch with Ged Stokes discussing his plans for Haven up until the end of 2,010, I’d have said her crystal ball must be cracked.

It’s time to scrap these Friday games

Published 4 July 2008

GIVEN Whitehaven and Workington Town’s struggles in ‘midweek’ matches on the road, I’d be happy for Sunday service to be the norm for the West Cumbrian clubs.

I can’t get excited by England’s Test

Published 27 June 2008

Forgive me if I don’t get too excited about the prospect of a combined Leeds/St Helens team tackling France tonight.I WAS hugely impressed with Town coach Dave Rotheram’s attitude over losing his No 2 Gary Hewer to the Recreation Ground.

Superman Shaun is good enough for Super League

Published 20 June 2008

I’D heard that Workington Town hooker Shaun Lunt was a major talent but didn’t believe he could live up the billing. Boy, was I wrong.

I always look out for the underdog

Published 13 June 2008

WORLD CHAMPS Leeds Rhinos are top of Super League and favourites Salford City Reds are setting the pace in NL1, but 2008 is still turning into the year of the underdog.

Time to build on a feelgood factor

Published 6 June 2008

WHITEHAVEN go in to Sunday’s home clash with Featherstone on the crest of a wave following last week’s thrilling win over title favourites Salford City Reds.CAN’T wait to see Workington Town’s new Aussie recruit Bryce Poisel in action. Apparently his highlights DVD was something to behold, and he has backed it up in training with Town this week.