In the month just gone Rugby League’s Super League kicked off once again, thus starting the second season in its new format. This new format means that in the Super League there is one of the most unique leagues in the world; as unlike other top leagues in sports, football or rugby union for example, the Super League doesn’t have a system of relegation but instead teams are admitted through a licensing method. In 2009 this distinctive system was adopted with 14 teams given three year licenses, which meant that for the next three years only these 14 teams would be part of the Super League. The licenses were also awarded in an unorthodox fashion as instead of them being based solely on the team’s performances other facts were considered, such as finance and business performance, commercial, marketing and stadium facilities. If this didn’t separate the league from others of its kind the way in which the leagues winner is decided does; as unlike other sports finishing top of the league doesn’t mean winning the league, simply said team is seeded higher for the play-offs between the top 8 teams in the league. Whoever wins the play-offs are the eventual league winners. This particular part of the league has been running since it began in 1996 and has helped create some historic games over the years.
While looking into the Super League Hullfire was lucky enough to be invited inside one of its clubs for some interviews, our very own Hull KR who finished fourth in the league last year. The club is amazing, and walking around their stadium you can really see why over the past few years the club has continued to grow and develop. Every person within the club seems to have a shared love for the team and a real desire to see Hull KR continue their progress.
Their captain, Mike Vella, is especially worthy of praise as when talking to him he really seemed willing to be open and honest. He must have to hundreds of interviews and one can’t imagine they’re very interesting for someone in his position and yet, you couldn’t decide whether this was his first or hundredth interview. He expressed a huge amount of passion towards the fans and showed a good understanding of what the team needed to do and where they needed to be going and yet was very humble about his captaincy.
Meanwhile, when the players were asked for any tips for those playing at the moment and for those who wanted to try something new, their replies all seemed to surround the same central point “just enjoy your rugby” which they all seemed to be doing!
One can’t help but feel that at some professional organizations the passion and reason they began with is lost during their growth, but with Hull this was obviously not the case. Even speaking to new signings Michael Ratu and Josh Hodgson you could see that the club was more like a family than a club, which mean there was no difficulty fitting in with new systems and new management. Both Josh and Michael spoke of how their new teammates all helped each other out with the more experienced players playing a big part in this.
Their good nature doesn’t just stop on the pitch; by just scrolling through their website it was apparent that their work in the community was a huge part of the club. With connections with hospitals, schools and even parts of our university it became apparent that this is was a very caring club that wants to not only promote Hull KR but Hull too.
Overall, the more time spent at the club the more comfortable the people made me feel. This, I think, is a common thing within Rugby League everywhere as I myself joined the University Rugby League team this year. I began with the concern that they would be the typical boyish louts you so often connect with the sport. But they, like KR, welcomed me in with open arms and ever since I’ve not looked back making some of the best friends I have at University.
On a final note, for anyone who would like to try something new then Rugby League could be just up your street or if you’d like to find a new sport to watch then again Rugby League could be for you. Regardless of experience, give a sport a go, you never know what’ll happen!
Phil Humphrey
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