With 2014 all but done and dusted, itโs always fun to look back on the moments that shaped the year. Unfortunately modern occurrences will leave a relatively negative memory for the majority, as far as rugby league goes, it was another action packed season.
There are plenty of big moments this year that will be remembered fondly. Below are the top 10 highlights for mine. These arenโt necessarily the occasions I enjoyed the most, but they were 10 of the biggest highlights for the league fan within me.
The below arenโt necessarily one off games, but more moments that are memorable.
10. Anzac Day/Easter Monday Blockbusters
The quality of game could not be more contrasting as the Roosters ran riot over a hapless Dragons team 34-14 on Anzac day while the Tigers edged out the Eels in one of the games of the season, but the occasions were massive.
51,000 were in attendance for the Easter Monday clash to see an absolute ripper of a contest, which was only settled when Pat Richards nailed a penalty shot from halfway in the dying stages.
The Anzac day game has always been special and despite the lopsided score-line, the pre-match ceremony is absolute class and the crowd was once again massive.
It shows that NRL fans are willing to turn up for games they see as special.
9. Wayne Bennett back to the Broncos
This is a highlight more for the fact it ended the circus that was the Newcastle Knights under Nathan Tinkler.
Wayne Bennettโs return to Brisbane, the club he enjoyed unrivalled success, is a great move for all involved. Brisbane welcome back their favourite son, while Newcastle get to start a fresh, led by the man who was incredibly unlucky to have had to make way for Bennett in Rick Stone.
New life has been instilled into the Broncos, as some quality signings, combined with the return of Bennett look to combine to see the Broncos playing deep into September.
8. End of the ASADA saga
Straight up, Iโm sick of ASADA. Iโm sure those reading now are sick of ASADA. I never want to hear the organisation brought up again to be honest.
With the suspensions handed down as season 2014 drew to a close, hopefully that is the end of it, at least in terms of player suspensions and general unknowing.
Thereโs still the threat of player litigation and the minority of those issued with show-cause notices have chosen to fight the allegations, but as a whole, it looks as though 2015 may start ASADA free.
7. Shaun Johnson lights up the Four Nations
Technically not an NRL moment, but definitely worth mentioning.
Although I donโt agree with his Golden Boot award, there is no doubting that the Warriors number seven had a brilliant season and capped it off with a man of the match performance in delivering the Four Nations trophy to his national side.
He is very close to that top class in terms of playmakers such as Thurston and Cronk, and 2015 could be the year he truly becomes one of THE top players in our game.
His performance in the dying stages of the Four Nations final was one of beauty. His solo try, which left Greg Inglis clutching at air, capped off a memorable season for the man the Warriors will hope lead them to their first title.
6. First ever joint-Dally M medallists
As good as Shaun Johnson is, the performances of Johnathan Thurston and Jarryd Hayne put them in another class all together.
Although Hayne has left the game to chase his NFL dream in the states, Thurston will be a red-hot favourite to retain the individual honour he co-won with Hayne.
Hayne played a huge role in the NSW Blues breaking the Maroon stranglehold on the Origin shield, as well as keeping Parramatta in the race for the eight, almost single handily at times.
Itโs no coincidence that the Cowboys run to the finals was on the back of the red hot form of their superstar half. Thurston played his best footy when he returned to number seven, and will surely start there next season.
5. The rise of the Panthers
Although not a fan of the Panthers, it was fun to see them rise from also-rans in 2013 to compete for a shot at the Grand Final in 2014.
Jamie Sowardโs form was almost on par with that he produced in taking the Dragons to their maiden premiership as a joint-venture club. Matt Moylan announced himself as a genuine superstar for the future.
James Segeyaro produced, what I believe, was the best season for any number nine, competition wide, and was justly rewarded with a Dally M position of the year award.
There was plenty to like at the foot of the mountains this season and their success should prove encouragement to struggling clubs, that with good management, a brilliant year isnโt too far away.
4. The inaugural 9โs competitionโs success
Although it will cop a bit of flack as the hit and giggle tourney before the season proper, I enjoyed the nines competition earlier this year and am looking forward to the second edition.
The Warriors were probably the highlight of the competition as expected, but the fact the Cowboys win it, without having sent there biggest guns, blows next monthโs competition wide open.
It may not be for all the league purists, but if 2015โs event is anywhere as exciting in terms of tries and close finishes as 2014, then weโre in for a fun two days.
3. NSW win Origin for first time since 2005
Prior to the series, no one gave NSW much of a chance of ending the domination over the series by those north of the border. Two games in QLD, an Origin rookie halfback, QLD players in form.
The moment Jarryd Hayne ran the ball out after the siren to clinch the series, will live long in the memories for fans of the NSW Blues.
Hayne, Hodkinson and Gallen were the ones who will bask in the glory of the victory, but the entire team, including those in coaching, can all take credit for the historic win.
As hard as it was for NSW to win the title, itโs going to be just as hard to retain it next year. The win feels like it has added life to the series once again. This yearโs series however, will be long remembered.
2. Rabbitohs end 43-year Premiership drought
Souths fans wonโt soon let us forget that they won the 2014 premiership, but in all honesty, it was more than deserved.
Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis and Adam Reynolds were all magnificent, while youngsters Johnston, Walker, Keary and Auvaโa produced performances well beyond their years and experience.
The rivalry with the Roosters is the biggest in the league, and the GF victory would have been all the sweeter given they beat the Roosters to qualify for the big dance.
The papers covered the story and the aftermath to exhaustion, but itโs not one that fans of the green and red will want to forget. A brilliant season ended with a dominant grand final victory over quality opposition. You canโt write a better script.
1. Rise For Alex Round
Although it was due to a terrible, life-altering accident, the entire Rise For Alex round showed everything that is great about the rugby league community.
Officials and fans of every club across the NRL joined together to raise funds for the wheelchair bound 22 year-old.
Another positive to come from the round is that is drew attention to others who are suffering, such as Simon Dwyer.
Iโd be more than happy to see a round like this each and every season to raise funds for those struggling.
