We're coming back - The Times Rugby League Blog returns on January 28
The highly popular Rugby League Blog here on Times Online will return for business on Wednesday January 28, the week before the 14th Super League season kicks off. Prepare for another ten months of fun and frivolity at the rugby league coalface. In the meantime, do get anything off your chest by commenting here on the blog.
If you can wait until then for your RL blog fix, Down & Dirty, A Rugby League Blogging Year - the book of The Times Rugby League Blog, including the best of readers' comments and contributions by England captain and coach Jamie Peacock and Tony Smith - is out now. Published by YFP Publishing in association with The Co-operative, the book is available in shops at £12.99 RRP, or available at £8.99 (including UK postage and packing) via the YFP website by clicking HERE.
The book was officially launched at The Light in Leeds by Jamie Peacock and 
Chris Irvine, who were delighted to meet up with a number of regular Times RL Blog readers.
Former Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe and England and St Helens forward Jon Wilkin signed copies at The Co-operative store in Chain Lane, St Helens.
"The book is a great reminder of the 2008 season," Sculthorpe said. "It seems St Helens supporters agreed as they were flying off the shelves.
“It’s another rugby league first for The Co-operative who are a great supporter of the sport. It’s brilliant that they’re giving something back to fans in this unique way. I’ve already snapped a couple of copies up.”
Goody gooody, love this blog and welcome its return, well done the Times.
Posted by: Dingbat | 27 Jan 2009 08:59:26
What **** are the RFL gunna chuck at us this year then
Posted by: Miserable | 22 Jan 2009 12:46:52
EEE Alreet naw then wen is tha cummin back?
Trouble wi arr lass she's put on 4 stone ower xmas, gor er sen stuck int stairs tother day again ad to ger awt wi a tub o lard!
Posted by: harry Sunderland | 22 Jan 2009 12:45:43
Glad the blog's coming back soon!
Posted by: St Di | 18 Jan 2009 21:38:59
I do miss this blog, when's it coming back ? Soon I hope.
Posted by: Carl Hayman | 13 Jan 2009 08:51:58
Happy Christmas to all RL blog readers, loved the book!
Posted by: santa claws | 26 Dec 2008 12:34:10
Vince Karalius was a true RL legend. He will be sorely missed. RIP Vinty.
Posted by: Tony Stubbins | 15 Dec 2008 11:51:15
RIP Vince Karalius
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/rugby_league/article5340920.ece
Posted by: Times Online | 14 Dec 2008 16:49:04
Chris, can I use your blog to pass on some sad news, Vinty Karalius has passed away.
It will be a massive loss to the game in the Merseyside area, and the game in general.
RIP, Vinty.
http://www.saintsrlfc.com/news/1430
Posted by: albert whittle | 13 Dec 2008 13:50:34
A triumph of a blog and I'm hopefully getting the book for Crimbo. Well done Chris and look forward to more gems from you in the new year.
Posted by: Giles Clark | 1 Dec 2008 08:49:09
Great blog.
Posted by: WALL.E | 28 Nov 2008 20:32:49
I am just echoing sentiments from others, started off sceptical about the Times doing a blog, but have thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing I have the book Love looking back over the season Its amazing what you forget well written and funny thanks chris see you next season
Posted by: Arhtur Snott | 28 Nov 2008 11:29:17
Many thanks for those kind words St Di and I do hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Sentiments like those you've expressed make the hard work all worth it. Rest assured, I'll be back in the new year.
Posted by: Times Online | 28 Nov 2008 08:43:58
I'm another one who bought the Down & Dirty book - one copy for me and one for a relative who has loved the great game for over 60 years. It's been a real treat for us both and I'd recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed these blogs and who loves rugby league in all its moods.
Thanks very much for the blog this year Chris. I found it for the first time about half way through the 2008 season and I've really enjoyed keeping up with it. I will miss my dose of blog but will look forward to reading it again come the new season!
Posted by: St Di | 27 Nov 2008 20:56:22
A statement issued by the Rugby Football Union today ...
BRIAN Smith believes New Zealand's shock defeat of the Kangaroos in last week's Rugby League World Cup Final can help inspire England this weekend.
"There are times when you're going to have your backs against wall," the England Attack Coach told today's rfu.com podcast, ahead of Saturday's Investec Challenge match against the All Blacks at Twickenham.
"As raging favourites, Australia dominated the tournament. But in the final, New Zealand were still in the game after 60 minutes and they were good enough to beat the team everyone else considered untouchable. There's a lesson there for us."
A former Ireland and Australia international himself, Smith insists the learning curve is part and parcel of the team's development. "I've been around the block enough to know that winning and losing are all part of the process.
"If you get distracted by either it can get you unstuck. The most important thing is to reinforce the things that were good and address the things that were bad. If you've got a commitment to do that and you work your tail off, then you'll get there in the end."
With the All Blacks looking for a third straight tour victory, Smith accepts that England are the underdogs on Saturday, but warned, "Understand this. In this year's Tri-Nations series, New Zealand lost to South Africa, then they lost to Australia. They were staring down at a third straight defeat. But they went on to win it."
One of three changes to the line up that faced South Africa last week, Danny Cipriani this week takes his place on the bench, making way for Leicester Tiger Toby Flood. "I can completely understand the coaches' decision," admitted the 21-year-old.
"There's no hard feelings here. I'm looking forward to going out there any hopefully play some rugby. There's no pain in the foot whatsoever, it's fine. I just need to get that consistency of performance in my game. I've shown some glimpses but it's only seven games in, hopefully after another two or three I will be there."
Should he come on, Cipriani is looking forward to the prospect of facing Dan Carter. "Dan and Richie McCaw are inspiring characters. You see the way they play their rugby and the way they carry themselves, they are fantastic. There's a lot for me to learn still. This is just another step along the path to being as strong a player as I can be."
Carter too is quick to compliment both England's young fly halves. "I was expecting to come up against Danny this week, I'm sure he'll get some game time. He's still young and I'm sure it won't be the last we see of him, he's got a lot of talent and if he keeps working hard then he's capable of being one of England's best.
"I think Toby is a pretty similar player. If England can get things going forward and give him front foot ball then he'll certainly be a player to watch out for."
The match is for the first time being played for the Hillary Shield, in honour of New Zealand icon, the late Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Everest in 1953.
Said Carter, "Edmund Hillary is pretty special to New Zealanders.
"It's the first time we'll be playing for this trophy so we'll be pretty keen to get our names on it first. We've been a bit slack this tour in not starting well and giving people a sniff early on.
"We realised we're playing against a tough opposition, England are fortunate to have Martin Johnson, he's a real leader and I'm sure the guys look up to him and want to perform their best. I'm sure they'll be very fired up for him and the fans."
Posted by: Times Online | 27 Nov 2008 15:58:57
wow man I have enjoyed tuning in Bro..im off to Ibiza for xmas man staying with my freinds in the hills baby yeah gonna chill out man
groove on you rugby dudes
Posted by: Timothy Leary | 27 Nov 2008 13:16:15
eeee alreeet naw then just been to iceland to ger 6 turkey breast for arr lass's xmas lunch
she'll ate 5 on em then ave one in a sandwich for er tee bless er
aye its bin a reet good blog sither loved it all come on tiger s for 2009 lets not finish bottom and no silly dwaines coming for a trial alreet
see thee
Posted by: harry sunderland | 27 Nov 2008 10:15:47
The more Australian readers on here the merrier. Spread the word Cumberlandashes and thanks for your support this year. As for a Xmas round-up, I'm afraid you'll find me washed up at Headingley on Boxing Day reporting the Leeds-Wakefield Festive Challenge for The Times. To earn a crust, I'll also be at the odd rugby union match or two over the next couple of months. Needs must when the devil drives ...
Posted by: Times Online | 27 Nov 2008 09:18:20
Whilst I accept that its the 'silly season' following the world cup- and look forward to getting your book in my Christmas stocking- I'll miss stopping by for my regular dose of sensible, witty and downright interesting RL thoughts. Best wishes for the holidays and we await your return.
Here's an idea!- why not save us a cracker for Christmas day- all you RL thoughts for a month condensed into a single days blog- would be a nice gift to us all!- it will beat the socks most of us will be getting (along with you book of course!)
Posted by: Richard Byrne | 26 Nov 2008 23:50:02
Thanks for the blog this year, Chris. It has been a great way of getting a bit closer to European RL which unfortuantely dosen't get nearly enough attention here in Oz... However, the news that Super League will be on Free-to-air television in Australia from next year means that you'll probably have even more of us Aussies on your blog who have become interested in the SL competition! Meanwhile, go the Eels in 2009! With Danny Anderson at the helm this must be our year!
Posted by: CumberlandsAshes | 26 Nov 2008 22:48:13
What is this? A holiday?
See you in the New Year?
Its not even December yet!!!
The blog has been a welcome development and I look forward to seeing it again next year. I have to say, it has helped retain my loyalty to The Times.
Posted by: John Marchant | 26 Nov 2008 16:16:45
Captain Peacock would be better served heading to Dewsbury for the England Academy game against the AIS.
He might discover what it takes for an England team to beat the Australians.
Posted by: Douglas Ring-Kells | 26 Nov 2008 09:41:43
All the best Chris I too love the book Its a great one to put down pick up, read in bits, great.
The world cup is but a memory (a bad one)
Looking forward to the Rhinos making it a triple whammy next year!
Posted by: mike hunt | 26 Nov 2008 09:23:25
Just wanted to say Chris what a terrific blog you've produced throughout the season. Informative, funny and unmissable. I was sceptical about The Times taking such a step, given the history of Stephen Jones esq, but its been a triumph for you and your newspaper. I look forward to the blog's return next season. On the strength of your blog, I bought the Down Dirty book a thoroughly enjoyed it. A super read that I'd recommend to RL lovers and non RL lovers for Christmas. Congratulations again.
Posted by: Brian Foster | 26 Nov 2008 08:47:38