Leaguel Counsel Episode 20

Rugby League fixtures have been the measure of my life. From my first ever Rugby League match I watched, a 1989 Major Semi Final between Balmain and South Sydney on September 10th, these discrete fixtures bring back memories I would never be able to recall otherwise. For instance, I remember that earlier that evening I was watching Charles in Charge on television.

I can remember where I was for every Grand Final since 1989. This Sunday will be another milestone in my 34 years on this earth. It will be my 30th grand final (the mathematical anomaly is that there was 2 grand finals in 1997). It will be a special day and hopefully it will be one I remember until the day I die.

So many other fixtures hold memories dear to me with regards to my life experiences at the time:

– 1994 – first BBQ Grand Final party with my parents’ friends

– 1995 first Warriors game – Rugby League was the biggest thing in NZ and poised to take over from the rival code

– 1999 grand final – at Carters Beach on the west coast in awe of the indigenous magic from Mundine/Blacklock and the incredible second half performance from Tawera Nikau

– 2008 World Cup final – the greatest feeling of joy I have ever had at a live sporting event

These are just a few off the top of my head. There will hopefully be many more in my life starting with Sunday evenings 2017 NRL Grand Final.