Tag: Spirit of the Game

Donning your country’s jersey is not just a personal honour—it’s a commitment to play for something greater than yourself. The NRL Pacific Championships feels different in 2024, perhaps because that sense of patriotism has never been greater.

While immortality was reserved first for the Prince of Peace, rugby league immortality is now surely more than ever guaranteed for the Prince of Penrith, Nathan Cleary. George Al-Akiki salutes the Panthers in his final "Spirit of the Game" column.

Five Grand Final losses in their last six appearances. Two in a row by more than 60 points. By the second half I couldn’t bear to watch any longer. Maybe even God can’t change the Swans’ fortunes, writes George Al-Akiki.

Penrith Panthers fans who’ve already booked Grand Final tickets are hoping their “Oasis” don’t end the final tour prematurely, but whether it’s on 6 October or earlier, one of the greatest bands in rugby league ever is about to breaking up for good.

With the NRL regular season wrapped up and post-season football underway, here are the key players to look out for this finals series.

With NRL finals kicking off and the AFL’s already underway, Sydney deserves to see who is truly dominant, between the rectangle and the oval.

I happened upon the Paralympics opening ceremony and had only one thought as I watched on—"Is anyone else watching this?” I hoped they were, because I had stumbled upon perhaps the best witness and truest examples of sporting virtue, writes George Al-Akiki.

The Penrith Panthers will hope their star halfback Nathan Cleary returns fit and ready come finals time in two weeks, but if his father and coach Ivan has learnt anything in his time at the helm, it’s that his latter role only succeeds when he’s performing also as the former.

Mitchell, a professional player at a professional club in a top league, must get a grip on the standards required by his stardom—before his stardom slips through his grasp.

The world is often captivated by what the human body can do when pushed to the absolute limits but has likewise been captivated at the 2024 Olympics by what the human spirit can endure.

Aussie transfers this offseason from the A-League Men’s to clubs in Europe’s top leagues paints a proud picture of our nation’s recent footballing strides. But while the country’s new crop of talent is thriving overseas, it’s big trouble in little Australia.

Origin III was a match reminiscent of the scrappy, physical footy of the 80s and 90s. NSW's win was pure magic, and reminded us all that Origin is the true sporting soul of Australia, writes George Al-Akiki.