There are some mouth-watering battles to look forward to in 2014 and, ahead of the draw release tomorrow, NRL.com has listed the 15 biggest match-ups to keep an eye out for when the new season rolls around.
With names like Greg Inglis, Sam Tomkins, Ricky Stuart, Will Hopoate, Cooper Cronk and Ben Barba all mentioned, three of our very own superstars have been included and can be seen below.
To check out the full article click here
Sam Burgess v Sonny Bill Williams
These two superstar forwards are building one of the great modern rugby league rivalries. An Englishman and a Kiwi playing for two of the oldest Sydney clubs, Burgess and Williams had some memorable clashes last season and were standouts for their respective nations in New Zealand's epic 20-18 win over England in the World Cup semi-final. Burgess famously trampled over Williams as Souths triumphed in Round 1 last season, but Williams had his revenge as the Roosters beat the Rabbitohs to the minor premiership in Round 26 before going on to win the grand final. It was split honours again in that World Cup Wembley classic, with Burgess putting in a Man of the Match display and Williams nabbing the win. Both big men combine raw power with skill, aggression and a great work ethic, and we can't wait for them to come head-to-head once more in 2014.
Josh Papalii v Boyd Cordner
Young back-rowers Papalii and Cordner were two of the game's success stories last season: both earned State of Origin selection for the first time (Papalii with Queensland and Cordner with NSW) on the way to Test debuts for the Kangaroos at the World Cup. Papalii edged out Cordner for a bench spot in Australia's bigger games, but Cordner had the better of the NRL season after playing a major part in the Roosters' premiership run. Who will get the edge here when the Chooks take on the Raiders?
Adam Reynolds v Mitchell Pearce
Is the boy from Redfern destined to be the Blues' Origin saviour? Reynolds has been a revelation at halfback for South Sydney in the past couple of seasons but was again kept out of the NSW Origin side last year by incumbent No.7 Pearce, who couldn't engineer an end to Queensland's winning streak but still proved many of his critics wrong by helping the Roosters to a premiership. Pearce has the faith of NSW coach Laurie Daley, but for how long can he hold off the challenge of Reynolds while Queensland's dominance continues? The prized Blues halfback spot could well be on the line when these two go head-to-head next season.
With names like Greg Inglis, Sam Tomkins, Ricky Stuart, Will Hopoate, Cooper Cronk and Ben Barba all mentioned, three of our very own superstars have been included and can be seen below.
To check out the full article click here
Sam Burgess v Sonny Bill Williams
These two superstar forwards are building one of the great modern rugby league rivalries. An Englishman and a Kiwi playing for two of the oldest Sydney clubs, Burgess and Williams had some memorable clashes last season and were standouts for their respective nations in New Zealand's epic 20-18 win over England in the World Cup semi-final. Burgess famously trampled over Williams as Souths triumphed in Round 1 last season, but Williams had his revenge as the Roosters beat the Rabbitohs to the minor premiership in Round 26 before going on to win the grand final. It was split honours again in that World Cup Wembley classic, with Burgess putting in a Man of the Match display and Williams nabbing the win. Both big men combine raw power with skill, aggression and a great work ethic, and we can't wait for them to come head-to-head once more in 2014.
Josh Papalii v Boyd Cordner
Young back-rowers Papalii and Cordner were two of the game's success stories last season: both earned State of Origin selection for the first time (Papalii with Queensland and Cordner with NSW) on the way to Test debuts for the Kangaroos at the World Cup. Papalii edged out Cordner for a bench spot in Australia's bigger games, but Cordner had the better of the NRL season after playing a major part in the Roosters' premiership run. Who will get the edge here when the Chooks take on the Raiders?
Adam Reynolds v Mitchell Pearce
Is the boy from Redfern destined to be the Blues' Origin saviour? Reynolds has been a revelation at halfback for South Sydney in the past couple of seasons but was again kept out of the NSW Origin side last year by incumbent No.7 Pearce, who couldn't engineer an end to Queensland's winning streak but still proved many of his critics wrong by helping the Roosters to a premiership. Pearce has the faith of NSW coach Laurie Daley, but for how long can he hold off the challenge of Reynolds while Queensland's dominance continues? The prized Blues halfback spot could well be on the line when these two go head-to-head next season.
