Ten Positives to come out of 2014

Often the media, and even the fans, are accused of being too negative when it comes to the game we love.

It’s tough not to be critical at times with refereeing issues, off-field behaviour, and delayed telecasts amongst the most hotly debated topics.

When it comes down to it, we only comment because we are passionate and want the best for the greatest game of all.

Depending on which team you support, 2014 had its fair share of positives and negatives. Below are ten of the biggest positives to come out of what was a pretty decent year of footy.

1. The End Of The ASADA Issue (kind of)

The biggest positive to come out of 2014 was the end of the Asada issue that has plagued the game for the past two seasons.

The majority of players issued show cause notices accepted the deal on offer and now the issue is in the past, at least in terms of player suspensions.

All the suspended players will be back on deck before the end of the year, meaning in 2015 we can start with a clean slate.

Although there is still the very real possibility of players taking legal action, at least in terms of the game as a whole, the ‘what if’ question has been settled.

If I ever hear another story about Asada again, it’ll be too soon. Here’s hoping lessons have been learned and we can all finally move on.

2. The announcement of LIVE Sunday afternoon footy

FINALLY!!! Finally Australia join the rest of the world in enjoying LIVE Sunday afternoon footy.

Following the announcement that Channel 9 were going to show Sunday arvo games live from next season the traditional 3pm kick off time will now become 4 pm timeslot.

I’m sure I was not the only one who strongly disliked the delayed, ad filled 4 pm game. The fact we had to shut out the outside world to avoid having the score ruined was very difficult in this day and age.

Fans will now be spoilt on Sunday afternoon with two live games back to back across two different channels. A win for all fans.

3. Ben Hunt’s rise and rise

Coming into the season there were huge questions about the halves pairing at the Broncos. Scott Prince retired meaning the club’s latest option was gone.

Step up Ben Hunt, who prior to 2014 was rumoured to be on his way out of the Brisbane side having failed to fulfill his undoubted potential.

Hunt is now an important part of the Kangaroos set up, almost single handedly turning the tide against the English, allowing the Aussies to stay alive in the tournament.

He has been given the vote of confidence by incoming coach Wayne Bennett and could now partner Anthony Milford in the halves at Red Hill for the better part of the next decade.

4. NSW Breaking QLD’s stranglehold on Origin

NSW’s win in Origin was the best thing for everyone other than those living in the Sunshine state.

QLD, having won the past eight series, had dominated origin for so long that fans of the Blues start to question if they’d ever see the shield return.

The NSW win means that QLD will come at them ever harder next year hoping to right the wrong of 2014. This means the Blues will have to produce at least two almost perfect games to retain the shield.

There will be a monster crowd in Melbourne for game one next season, which is great for the game and the series as it grows interstate. Still not sold on an interstate fixture tho.

5. Competitive Four Nations Tournament

OK, so we've ended with the expected Roos vs Kiwis final, but honestly can anyone tell me they expected Samoa to come within a scoring play of both New Zealand and England?

The English were just a step short against both sides also, but the gap may finally be closing.

Yes, the Roos are missing a mountain of first string talent and may win the tournament with a vastly under strength side, but the fact the games were competitive regardless of the rosters is a good thing for the international game.

You can’t help but think what would have happened if Anthony Milford had been made available.

6. Panthers Resurgence

Although fans of the Roosters would probably disagree, it was great to see the Panthers succeed in 2014 after a lean period.

The club has proven that you don’t need the biggest names to feature come finals time.

Jamie Soward was an absolute revelation this season. As hard as it will be for some fans to admit it, he was the driving force behind the resurgence at the foot of the mountains.

After re-signing the majority of its emerging talent, lead by Matt Moylan, who knows what the limit for this talented squad will be?

7. The future has arrived

Every year we have players establish themselves as future stars, but in 2014 we were spoiled for choice.

Dylan Walker, Alex Johnston, the Mata’utia brothers, Valentine Holmes, I could go on. Anthony Milford continued to improve and has become a genuine superstar.

We’re witnessing a very special crop of talent coming through. The Tigers have built the nucleus of their first grade side around youngsters such as Luke Brooks and James Tedesco.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the 2014 graduates go in 2015. If we are lucky enough to see debutants the quality of Holmes, Johnston and the Mata’utias next season, we’re faring very well.

8. Manly end board dispute

At the midway point of the premiership race, you could have put your house on the Sea Eagles regaining the Arthur-Summons trophy.

Problems off the field lead to problems on-field and the Sea Eagles went out in straight sets come September.

It looked as though Watmough and Stewart would only be the start of a massive player exodus that would tear the club apart.

Thanks to Rick Penn, who has bought out his co-owner’s share in the club, it look as though the club is once again united. This is a dangerous sign for all those who had hoped to see the decline of Manly.

9. Titans conduct full review, put plans into action

The Gold Coast Titans started the season on an absolute tear. At one point I believe they were leading the competition and were playing an amazing brand of football.

Although they were unable to continue their form, the biggest problems for the Gold Coast club seemed to come off the field.

After conducting a full review of the entire business the Titans have implemented some big changes, and have made some tough decisions.

Inaugural coach John Cartwright was tapped on the shoulder, under performing players were allowed to sign elsewhere, and the club made a variety of changes in the business model.

10. Knights back on stable ground

After a horrible time under the ownership of Nathan Tinkler, the Knights are finally back on stable ground after the club was bought back from the struggling Tinkler.

Although they have lost Wayne Bennett and Darius Boyd through the change in leadership, there is absolutely no doubt that the Knights are in a better spot post-sale.

Rick Stone returns to the club, replacing the man who replaced him. Plus there is the little matter of everybody once again being paid on time.

The Knights have an indifferent few seasons. They almost shocked the world in 2013, falling just one game short of an unlikely grand final berth. 2014 saw them fight for large portions of the season to avoid the spoon. Who knows what 2015 may bring?