Super League The Greatest Games DVD
Top Ten Games from the Summer Era of European Rugby League
Sep 1, 2009
The modern era of rugby league started with massive investment from Sky television and in return they convinced the sport in the UK (and with one French team) to switch to the summer. This was intended to produce a quicker game played on firmer pitches and to provide a more spectator friendly experience.
This DVD has extended highlights of ten games:
- 1996: Paris St Germain 30 Sheffield Eagles 24
- 1997: Halifax Blue Sox 26 Bradford Bulls 30
- 1998: Wigan Warriors 8 leeds Rhinos 15
- 2000: St Helens 16 Bradford Bulls 11
- 2001: Hull FC 20 St Helens 24
- 2003: Leeds Rhinos 22 Wigan Warriors 23
- 2005: Warrington Wolves 33 Leeds Rhinos 16
- 2006: St Helens 26 Hull FC 27
- 2006: Wakefield Wildcats 29 Castleford Tigers 17
- 2007: Bradford Bulls 30 Wigan Warriors 31
Summer Rugby League Proves a Winner
The new era saw a lot more effort put into promotion and off-field entertainment. The slick presentation and editing of this production reflects that greater professionalism, and makes for enjoyable viewing. It is also very informative on how the transition to summer was handled. A palpable energy is evident on and off the pitch and the players become visibly fitter, stronger and faster over the ten years covered. The shorts also get tighter. The highlights are of a very good quality giving a idea of how the whole game pans out rather then just tries and near misses.
A New Era of Rugby League
The links between the matches are informative, providing context for each game as well as handling the issues faced by the sport. The theme of traditionalism versus modernisation are covered, albeit in a cursory way. There is a deliberate air of optimism. Probably justified given the increase in crowds and money in the game, but the issues do feel skimmed over. However this is a celebration not an analytical piece, and the focus is very much on the action.
The Salary Cap Impacts
A powerful element not mentioned but apparent on the pitch, is the impact of the salary cap introduced into rugby league. The intention of this new policy was two fold: to prevent clubs overspending and getting into financial trouble; and to even up the spread of talent across the teams. The quality from top to bottom is evident here, providing exciting rugby across the whole competiton.
Rugby League for Beginners
As a slickly produced collection of some very good games of rugby, with some decent insights into the issue surrounding the sports growth, as well as context for individual games, this is probably the best DVD out there. For people new to the sport or existing fans this is well worth the money, with genuine replay value.
- Super League: The Greatest Games
- Running Time 170 mins
- Published by: Paul Doherty International
- Producer: John Harrison
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