League13

Jon Sharp has been around the rugby league scene a long time now, but this role as coach of the Crusaders will test his coaching, man-management and diplomacy skills to the utmost.

The Lions end a 19 game winless streak stretching back to December 23, 2007 when they picked up their last victory, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs, 25-20.

Eighth-placed Catalans Dragons are eighty-minutes from an unlikely appearance in the engage Super League Grand Final after a defiant defensive performance shut out the Huddersfield Giants challenge.

Long is destined for Hull, Gilmour for Huddersfield and KC is still to make up his mind. In addition stalwart fullback, Paul Wellens, is beginning to show signs of wear and his lack of pace and mobility are increasingly being exploited.

The 2009 Carnegie Challenge Cup final showcased all that is good about modern day rugby; and rugby league in particular. It had fast flowing action, big hits, errors and tries aplenty … it also contained a more than healthy dose of controversy.

Warrington Wolves erased three-decades of Challenge Cup heartache with this devastating domination of the Huddersfield Giants.