The 2016 Rugby League season has finally ended and now pre-season is underway and what a year it has been for the sport. This article will go over some of the key moments of the 2016 rugby league season.
Hull FC triumph at Wembley
Possibly the most stand out moment of the 2016 season was seeing Hull FC crowned Challenge Cup champions after defeating Warrington 12-10 at Wembley. Hull had a touch journey to the final defeating 19 times champions Wigan in the semi final whilst Warrington battered Wakefield to pieces. Hull FC showed determination and courage throughout the 2016 season and Danny Houghton’s try saving tackle at Wembley will be remembered for years to come.
However adding onto this was Hull’s super league season which saw them finish top of the table before the super 8’s and making it to the semi final stage this saw them receive the team of the year award at the Man Of Steel awards evening. Lee Radford’s men will be looking to go one step further in 2017 and reach their second grand final.
Salford break Hull KR hearts
On the other end of the table was one of the greatest matches of the 2016 season between the Salford Red Devils and Hull KR a battle that would determine who would play in the championship. Salford were trailing 18-10 with 2 minutes to go and it looked like they would be the ones going down. Salford managed to grab two late tries to send the game to golden point extra time. Salford managed to win the game thanks to a drop goal by O’Brian on the half way line to seal the Robins fate. This game had us all on our seats and quite possibly defined why 2016 was the greatest season yet.
Sharks break 50 year premiership drought
Moving onto the NRL , the Cronulla Sharks ended their 50 year wait for a premiership title by beating the Melbourne Storm 14-12 in the Grand Final. The sharks had been brilliant all season going on a 15 game winning streak this streak cemented them as true title contenders and both teams battled it out to be 2016 NRL Champions.
The sharks had produced one of the fairy tales of the season having ended that 50 year drought and will be looking to win a premiership title again next year.
Dedication
2016 will also be remembered more seriously for the death of 17 year old Huddersfield academy player Ronan Costello who died in May after a training incident. I therefore dedicate this article to him and his family and all of use here at the18thman would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Overall can we say that the 2016 season was a successful season yes and no , the Four Nations was should we say a disaster. But the super league and the NRL provided yet again world class entertainment. But will the 2017 season bring the same quality as 2016 lets wait and see…
