Great Britain Lions #5 - Paul-The-Cowboy.
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2004 and beyond - Something to roar about
The gap was closing, we were getting closer to the Aussies. But 12th July 2002 saw the progress that Great Britain had made in the 2001 Ashes Series evaporate into the Sydney skyline in spectacular fashion as a jet lagged British outfit suffered a humiliating, record defeat to Australia. 64-10 and the headlines made unpleasant reading for the fans back in Britain.
Rugby league's future hurt by Australian dominance
Farrell: It was embarrassing
Granted, a mid season friendly on the other side of the world wasn't the best of ideas, but for all the talk of jet lag and under preparation, Australia were simply another class and the defeat was a huge dent in the ego of the Lions. It also gave rise to the question, "Is the gap
really closing after all, or was it just a big myth? Just how much progress have we made since the 1997 World Club Challenge?"
2 years on, the progress is there for all to see.
Noble nurtures winning mentality
Paul tips Lions to beat Kangaroos
Carney puts Irish pride into Lions
League Chiefs Hail Tri-Nations Success
Great Britain are just one game away from winning the Tri-Nations series in front of a sold out Elland Road to finally end 35 years of hurt and gain the sport in Britain and Ireland some much needed media coverage.
The emergence of Paul Sculthorpe as the new face of Gillette has seen the stars of the game gain a bit more exposure in this soccer mad island. His appearances on quiz show, A Question of Sport, along with team mate, Sean Long, can also only be good for the game, with more people living outside the heartlands starting to recognise rugby league players. And in Brian Carney, the game has got such a colourful and charismatic character whose appearances on TV have show him to be a very witty, intelligent, well informed and articulate young man. With Ireland not known to be much of an RL stronghold, it's naturally also a positive factor to hear one of our players with a strong Irish accent!
The game on Saturday could prove to be one of the most crucial and historic 80 minutes of rugby league the country has seen in years. Victory would see the sport end the year in the media spotlight for the right reasons after the much publicised Long and Gleeson betting scandal earlier on. It would also see a new confidence and winning culture installed in the team for years to come. And hopefully, the feel good factor provided by the Tri-Nations will see fans flock to Super League games next year.
It is a great time for the game to build its profile. With the crisis down at Leeds United FC, a significant minority of fans in the area have become disillusioned with the team and taken an interest in Leeds Rhinos. With the Rhinos success in 2004, even more fans are expected to pack out Headingley next year. Also, with the re-emergence of racism in football, as well as the general disillusionment at the rising prices in football and the Premiership prima donnas, more potential customers are available. A successful national side will be sure to attract some of these fans to the game. After all, a Pom always enjoys seeing their nation beat the Aussies!
As well as another expected rise in attendances next year, things are looking great on the pitch as well. More and more youngsters are breaking into Super League and getting their chance. And as number of gifted youngsters breaking into Super League continues to increase, there is a gradual decrease in mediocre overseas players in ESL. The salary cap has seen a more even spread of talent as well as improved youth policies throughout ESL
This time, the gap really does seem to be closing. The national side is competitive, the crowds are improving, youngsters such as Danny McGuire are really making their mark on the game, and there's a real buzz in Britain at the moment.
And to further illustrate just how far British Rugby League has come since that dark day 2 years ago, Andy Farrell has become the first Brit to win the Golden Boot award since the great Ellery Hanley. Here's to hoping there'll be another piece of silverware in the British camp come 9pm Saturday.