I know that some coaches have said that we play too many games and need a longer off-season but every supporter that I bump into is desperate to see their team back in competitive action.
Winter in the UK (and the south of France) brings its fair share of bad weather and we all need something to keep us going. The thought of your favourite team beginning the long march to Old Trafford is the glimmer of sunshine to help us all through a difficult time.
Can anyone stop Leeds' clinching three-in-a-row?
As the country hits a recession the role and importance of sport takes on even greater significance. Discussing our team's chances, talking about the new players and dreaming of glory at some stage this year is why we all spend so much of our time and money following the game.
Excitement
Two new teams has added to the excitement, and a new play-off format has changed some of the dynamics of engage for Super League in 2009.
We can only begin to find the answers when the season kicks off. Every club will have great team spirit at the moment - they always do when they haven't lost a game - but as an old team-mate of mine used to say, they don't give out medals at the end of training sessions.
Phil Clarke
Quotes of the week
Can Shaun McRae's experience help to make Salford more competitive this time? Will the boys from Wales establish themselves as a stable and successful home for rugby league in the Principality? Did the RFL get it right with their licence decisions and select the strongest 14 applicants? Questions, questions...
We can only begin to find the answers when the season kicks off. Every club will have great team spirit at the moment - they always do when they haven't lost a game - but as an old team-mate of mine used to say, they don't give out medals at the end of training sessions.
The ability to perform under pressure with a paying audience all around you is the weekly test that every player has to take.
Frontrunners
Just like every other fan I have started to wonder who will be the frontrunners in 2009. My immediate thoughts go to Leeds and St Helens, who both managed to win 21 of their 27 games last year (five more than their closest rivals, Catalans). They also finished first and second in 2007 and have shown a consistency not present at any other club.
However, one of the attractions of a sport like rugby league is just how quickly things can turn around. Take last year's play-offs as an example. St Helens qualified for the Grand Final by beating Leeds 38-10, but only a fortnight later lost to them, giving the big trophy to the Rhinos.
If that sort of turnaround can happen in two weeks, what is possible at the other clubs, who have had over three months to prepare for Super League XIV?
I'm not too bothered whoever wins the Grand Final this year; I'm just glad that the long, dark nights seem to be over and the season is about to begin.
Turn up or tune in and enjoy what will be another great year of action.
Comments (5)
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Dave M says...
After years and years of following football - I'm now just starting to watch rugby & the super league. It's quite exciting, I've heard so many good things about the sport... but the crucial thing that has swayed me into following this sport is the new format of the league/play offs etc... I'm really looking forward to it all starting... I like nothing better than drinking a few beers & watching some live sport on tv. I've even been downloading the boots n all podcasts and i have to say they are excellent...and have helped sway me into watching this new season. mon' the super league
Posted 13:04 4th February 2009
Richardo Smith says...
Leeds world club champs, back to back super league champs, and are going to win it for a third time on the trot. LEEDS, LEEDS, LEEDS. Celtic were a bad appointment, team full of Aussies and a poor ground with no fans.
Posted 10:05 4th February 2009
Mike Kitson says...
I too could not agree more. I am chomping at the bit to see how my team Salford City Reds perform in this new format. Best of luck lads! In this dismal economic time with dismal weather and nothing better than football to occupy the column inches of the papers. I can't wait for my Friday night dose of pint, pie & great sporting entertainment.
Posted 23:03 3rd February 2009
Albert Whittle says...
I cant wait for Friday night's game, hope the Crusaders show up well, watched a little of the Union's offerings on Sky in the hope it would help feed my hunger for Super League, it didn't it never will, poor product.
Posted 19:19 3rd February 2009
Zak Lewis says...
I couldn't agree more! After watching the world cup (dismal from a English fan, but fantastic for a rugby fan) I have been fed up listening to football fans whine about being the nation's favourite sport but the bottom line is when all the lights fill a stadium it all comes to down to one thing, the spectators entertainment...and what better way is there than Super League?? A family atmosphere, excitement down to the last whistle. Welcome back Super League, and thank you Sky Sports.
Posted 17:33 3rd February 2009
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