In this concluding episode of 'The Optus Cup', we discuss the 1997 RLW Player's Poll, shorts fuses of the era, an odd but pleasantly competitive finals system, knee-jerk calls to implement the video ref, Nick Kosef vs the Johns family, Tony Butterfield vs Terry Hill, some pre grand final Darren Albert magic, a Craig Field game-winner, some cruel injuries, suspension mayhem, and much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Super League War - Chapter 37 - The Optus Cup (Part 3)

A weekly digest of all things Rugby League - past, present and future. 
 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sports & Recreation

Professional

Amateur

Outdoor

College & High School

Sports

Rugby

This is taken from a recent Patreon episode. We wanted to share our thoughts on a man to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude: a true gentleman and statesman of the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Heads Tribute

After three years of backroom deals, broken contracts, court cases, public sniping, and the splitting of the competition, peace was finally declared, and the National Rugby League was born. In our final chapter, we look at the rocky road to peace throughout 1997, covering every false start, potshot, rejected peace proposal, and, finally, the meeting that saw the game come together and the road to rationalisation begin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Super League War - Chapter 40 - Peace

Michael is joined by our long time Adelaide correspondent Guy Wilson to discuss the rise and demise of the Rams, Rugby League in South Australia before and after and the case for a return to big time Rugby League in Adelaide.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adelaide Rams with Guy Wilson

In this episode we discuss the demise of the Reds, Crushers and Chargers, troubling economic realities, transit lounges, the "original sin" of 1995 mass-expansion, gifting Perth to rugby union, the Crushers’ surprisingly good start, Packer the (off)white knight, packed lunches, throwing open the gates, winning their last ever game, failed merger plans, the great Rugby League man Eric Cox, players getting shafted and much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Super League War - Chapter 39 - Crushed

Our extended recap of all the on-field action in 1997 concludes with the Newcastle Knights historic grand final win over Manly. We trace the Knights' road to glory, Joey's redemption arc, the convoy of Sid Foggs willing them to victory, Chief's leadership masterclass, that famous last second win, the insane scenes that followed in Newcastle, and much, much more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Super League War - Chapter 37 - The Optus Cup (Part 3)

Download our free app to listen on your phone