man in the media
For those supporters who like to keep abreast of Super League in general and have a hunger for quirky stories and the politics of the game - this is the feature for you!
Our Man in the Media has scoured the articles and blogs of the past month to give us a bite size look into what the Rugby League media have been harping on about.
Click on the links below to go to our Man's choices for the month.
2010
2011
September
The Guardian's Andy Wilson reflected on this year's Challenge Cup final...
… while Dave Hadfield pondered the lessons Sam Tomkins had learned
Leeds Rhinos might have lost at Wembley – but they haven't lost their sense of humour
Kyle Eastmond looked back on a turbulent few months, insisting: "I wouldn't do anything differently"
Ian Millward returned to Super League and gave his thoughts on Castleford's future
At community level, Engage Mutual provided two amazing prizes for local clubs
August
In Wales, Crusaders players and staff tried to deal with the news of their shock exit
While the BBC's George Riley took an in-depth look at the licensing system
Over at Warrington, Tony Smith sent a warning to British rugby league...
… while a famous cricketer reckons there's a similarity between the Wolves and Barcelona FC
Leigh Centurions took out the first silverware of the season
The RFL confirmed it had received 25 bids to host World Cup games – including one from Ireland
Sarah Bennison continued her rapid rise up the refereeing ranks
Joel Monaghan learned to take the ruff with the smooth
And Down Under, legend Darren Lockyer got the perfect end to a magnificent Origin career
July
England's return to Wembley was confirmed when the Four Nations schedule was released
Steve McNamara's side suffered an agonising defeat against the Exiles. Watch the highlights here.
Paul Sculthorpe was linked with a shock move away from St Helens
Gareth Hock made his Super League return after two years in the wildnerness
And South Sydney's Burgess clan increased by one after Leeds released Luke
June
Andy Wilson takes a look at two of Super League's brightest young talents
A current Engage Super League club nailed down its coach for another 12 months
While the club preparing to enter rugby league's elite also showed faith in their man
Willie Mason sailed off into the French sunset - but not before putting a few records straight
Lee Briers marked a wonderful Warrington career by becoming the club's all-time top points scorer
In fact the Wolves have been so good they even earned praise from Wigan legend Martin Offiah
But fortunes can turn sour, as current Super League ace Keith Senior found out
Down Under, Darren Lockyer proved his value again - and Phil Gould waxed lyrical
May
Wigan boss Michael Maguire revealed he will leave Super League at the end of the season
He isn't the only one going, after St Helens legend James Graham confirmed his switch Down Under
Paul Sculthorpe, another Saints legend, reckons Graham can be an NRL star
But as one prop confirms his departure, Jamie Peacock comes back with a bang
Back in Australia, Sam Burgess faces a lengthy period on the sidelines
The best weekend ever? Dave Hadfield reckons it arrived in April
Castleford hero Alan Hardisty took time out to reflect on the modern game
Nathan Brown set tongues wagging when he lost his cool at Headingley
And over at Hull, new signing Martin Gleeson says his mistakes are in the past
April
Which Castleford player is modelling in America?
He's finally here! Willie Mason landed in the UK this month and made an immediate impact
Huddersfield chariman Ken Davy talks about heritage, success and administration
Looking for Engage Super League's bravest man? Your search ends here
An Aussie great announced his retirement. Here's how to build another Darren Lockyer
Dave Hadfield reflects on Garry Schofield's brief return to the professional game
Andy Wilson examines rugby league's growing international scene
And finally, fancy raising some cash for the RFL's Benevolent Fund? Here's how...
March
Engage Super League came back with a bang - and a touch of Hollywood sparkle
There was good news at Wakefield, where Aaron Murphy showed outstanding loyalty
Over at Headingley, Kevin Sinfield sealed his position as a Leeds Rhinos legend
Dave Hadfield watched a superb St George Illawarra team...
... leaving Andy Wilson to reflect on the PROBIZ World Club Challenge
Steve McNamara named the men he hopes will guide England to World Cup glory
The BBC's George Riley considered the links between rugby league and union
And finally, Hull KR showed some true rugby league values
February
...while Dave Hadfield gets excited about the return of two Great Britain favourites
As the Magic Weekend returns to Cardiff, there's some encouraging news from Scotland
And the RFL had even more reason to celebrate when 89 drugs tests proved negative
Engage Super League's grand old man Keith Senior aims for 600 career appearances
While Crusaders' Gareth Thomas makes a splash over the pond
And finally, rugby league hero Steve Prescott reflects on an emotional five years
2010
November
A beautiful mind suggests an American dream...
...and quickly gets support from all corners of the globe
Back in England, Harlequins start a fresh after Brian McDermott's departure
While it's back to the future for Barrow, as a rugby league legend returns
Fancy getting in the ring with Brian McDermott? Paul Sculthorpe was up for the challenge
The Daily Telegraph pays tribute to a remarkable young man
On the international scene, the countdown to the 2013 World Cup has already begun...
...just days before Benji Marshall dedicated the Golden Boot to his late father
October
Direct from Melbourne, The Sun offers its verdict on England's Four Nations campaign
And there's more bad news for the national team - Darren Lockyer will be back again next year
Also Down Under, Sam Burgess explains how Russell Crowe is helping him deal with stardom
Back in the UK, departing Leeds coach Brian McClennan remembers his three years at Headingley
Matt Diskin reflects on his decision to run with the Bulls
While Joe Westerman moves east to Hull FC and a new career at the KC Stadium
Elsewhere, rugby league fans are already looking forward to a 'Magic' start to 2011
And down in the Valleys, Wales are celebrating their European Cup triumph
September
Sean O'Loughlin experiences the "best feeling ever"
An emotional Martin Gleeson dedicates Wigan's Engage Super League success to Terry Newton
In Cumbria, rugby league gathers to pay tribute to Garry Purdham
A new England captain, and a new wife for Luke Robinson - but only when the Four Nations is over
Recalled Stuart Fielden sees light at the end of the tunnel
While Down Under, Australia coach Tim Sheens is bracing himself for a battle
...and also pens a moving obituary of Terry Newton
August
Andy Wilson pays tribute to Warrington...
...while Australian journalist Steve Mascord makes a Challenge Cup promise
In other Wembley stories, Kylie Leuluai keeps the faith
Jon Clarke talks about a life-changing experience
And Warrington's farming duo explain how they keep their feet on the ground
Elsewhere, the BBC catch up with Steve Prescott ahead of his latest challenge
Gareth Walker meets rugby league's link to Brad Pitt, Helen Mirren and Frank Bruno
And finally... ever fancied training with Paul Sculthorpe?
July
What links Jarryd Hayne and Hull KR's Sam Latus? Find out here....
Sticking with Hull, Dave Hadfield explains why the city's derby is so special
Clint Newton threatens to paint his fingernails
And Dave Craven examines the pros and cons of Willie Manu's England involvement
Elsewhere, Warrington fans can be grateful to Kylie - but not that one!
Brian Noble looks at the state of British coaching
George Riley examines the building of a Wigan empire
While in Australia, Steve Mascord details at intriguing power shift
And finally, Peter Smith celebrates Batley's remarkable Northern Rail Cup triumph
June
Dave Hadfield reports from an emotional night in Cumbria...
...while Rob Purdham pays tribute to his brother, Garry
Andy Wilson hails two of Super League's marathon men
Paul Wellens is refreshingly honest after the best game of the season so far
Gareth Widdop enjoyed a fairytale international debut. Can he keep it up?
The Yorkshire Post hopes for an England future forged Down Under
Phil Gould on why rugby league can unite a nation
And finally, Greg Inglis is urged to give Super League a shot
May
Looking for a new Challenge Cup semi final venue? The Guardian is backing Barcelona.
Dave Hadfield isn't sorry to miss Blackpool's finest hour
While Gareth Walker urges rugby league to keep faith with Gateshead
Shaun McRae hangs up on Robin Hood
Chris Irvine assesses the runners and riders at Super League's halfway point
Gareth Ellis reveals his biggest fear of life Down Under
First it was Gareth Thomas. Who's next from rugby union?
And finally... Jarrod Sammut struggles with spelling
April
Steve Prescott's courageous story.
One month on, Lee Smith reflects on his return to Headingley
Kyle Eastmond shows Saints that there is life after Long
Huddersfield's Luke Robinson is forced to do some rugby league research
Dave Hadfield joins the debate on Wigan's start to the season
Robbie Paul catches up with one of Bradford's forgotten heroes
The BBC examines Steve McNamara's appointment as England coach
Paul Sculthorpe leads the way in the Carnegie Rowing Challenge
In the wake of the Melbourne Storm crisis, Phil Gould ponders on plenty of lessons for the NRL
March
Parliament, the Armed Forces and Portsmouth. Andy Wilson reflects on league�s remarkable growth.
Two Australian sporting supermen hit the bulls-eye in Britain.
Down Under, another Pommie forward steals some of the attention from Sam Burgess and Gareth Ellis.
It's a knockout - all too literally for new Crusaders hero Gareth Thomas.
After Thomas' bow, Dave Hadfield reflects on some memorable rugby league debuts.
Elsewhere, the Yorkshire Post believes Danny Brough can turn Huddersfield into title winners.
And finally... Leeds Rhinos do Super League proud by recording a charity single.
January and February
The Guardian's Andy Wilson scratches under the surface of Welsh rugby league...
...while the Daily Mail�s Mark Lawford uncovers plenty of good work in London
Dave Hadfield of The Independent pays tribute to Engage Super League�s elder statesmen
The kids are all right - just ask the Yorkshire Post
From the Sydney Morning Herald; Russell Crowe brings Sam Burgess to tears
"I've got a face like a dropped pie." Which Engage Super League star said this?
Terry Matterson points to the positives
