Watchalong Archives

In the depths of 2020, when rugby league shut down mid-season, we filled the void by digging into YouTube's vast archives, and watching back a classic match! Complete with 'live' commentary and video clips, we reflected on some brilliant old encounters.

Rather than take these down, we have put our 'watchalongs' into blogs, for you to relive at your leisure!

Week 1: St Helens vs Bradford (2000 Play Offs)


The two dominant forces in the early-00's British game clashed in this memorable 2000 play off. The game was tight and tense, with the most incredible of endings.


Week 2 - Great Britain vs Australia (2006 Tri Nations)


Test football at its finest. The bitter rivals went to battle in this test match for the ages. Pre-match controversy, biff, great tries and a historic night. What more could you want?


Week 3 - Wigan vs Leeds (1998 Grand Final)



The first ever Super League Grand Final. It was wet, it was low scoring, but it was gripping. The highlight being two of the best players of the era, Andy Farrell and Iestyn Harris trying to lead their teams to their first ever Super League trophy.


Week 4 - Hull KR vs Hull FC (2016 - Good Friday)


These two city rivals have played out some truly stunning matches over the years, but this may be the best of the bunch. A game with huge swings, huge contrasts and a very dramatic finish.


Week 5 - Leeds vs St Helens (2003 Challenge Cup Semi Final)


This game is considered by many to be one of the greatest Challenge Cup Semi Finals of all time. There are tries galore, some howling errors and the introduction of an 18-year old who would go on to become one of Super League's best ever.

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/04/tryline-blog-watchalong-5.html

Week 6 - Sheffield vs Wigan (1998 Challenge Cup Final)



A club that had only existed for 14 years against the side that dominated the Challenge Cup for so long. In many people's eyes, there would only be one winner. Could Sheffield secure their place in sporting history with a seismic shock?

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/04/tryline-watchalong-6.html 

WEEK 7 - Wakefield vs Castleford (2006 'Million Pound Game)



It all came down to this. After 26 rounds, Super League's relegation battle went to the final day. A quirk of the fixture list meant that the two sides threatened by relegation would face each other in a winner-takes-all encounter. What followed was a tense back and forth battle.

Would Wakefield survive on the last day for the third time in six years? Or would Castleford stay up in their first year back in Super League?
FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/05/tryline-watchalong-7.html 

Week 8 - New Zealand vs England - 2013 Rugby League World Cup


One of the greatest games of all time, without question. For the third World Cup Semi Final in a row, New Zealand faced England. The 2000 and 2008 meetings were underwhelming, but this one had everything. The game was on a knife edge throughout and needed a hero. Who would step up?

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/05/this-weeks-watchalong-blog-comes-with.html 

WEEK 9 - Bradford vs St Helens 2002


The most dramatic Super League Grand Final of all time. Close throughout and it all came down to the last few seconds to decide the champions. Who would make themselves heroes?

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/05/tryline-watchalong-9.html 

Week 10 - Bradford vs Leeds - 2003 Challenge Cup Final




This match is the only Challenge Cup Final to be played under a roof! The atmosphere was intense and the game in the balance to the final seconds. Which of these Yorkshire rivals would take the crown?

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/05/tryline-watch-along-10-bradford-vs.html

Week 11 - Hull FC vs Wakefield - 2004 Play Offs


A first play off appearance for Wakefield saw a dramatic, action-packed game. Could Trinity take the first step towards a tilt at Old Trafford?

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/05/tryline-watchalong-11-hull-fc-vs.html

Week 12 - Australia vs New Zealand - 2008 World Cup Final



For the second consecutive final, Australia faced New Zealand for World Cup glory. Comebacks, controversy, drama, history. This game had everything!

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/06/tryline-watchalong-12-australia-vs-new.html

Week 13 - Leeds vs Manly - 2012 World Club Challenge

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In a repeat of the 2009 World Club Challenge, the cross-continental foes played out an intense battle at Headingley, with the outcome in doubt until the final few minutes.

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/06/tryline-watchalong-13.html

Week 14 - London vs Canberra - 1997 World Club Championship

This tournament provided little joy for British teams, but this match was an exception. London enjoyed one of the most memorable days in their history, as they took on a star-studded Canberra side.

FULL BLOG: https://thetryline.blogspot.com/2020/06/tryline-watchalong-14-london-vs-canberra.html

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