In 1992 Mark Geyer lost his best mate in a car accident and the subject of much of this story is how that changed his life. Each chapter looks at a vital and controversial part of the star's life and portrays a rebel who was determined to take on all who challenged him and his football beliefs. He tells his story with drama and colour and brings to life many of the influential people in his Rugby career. Includes a chronological sporting record.
Called ‘the greatest game of all’ by its supporters but often overlooked by the cultural mainstream, no sport is more identified with England’s northern working class than rugby league. This book traces the story of the sport from the Northern Union of the 1900s to the formation of the Super League in the 1990s, through war, depression, boom and deindustrialisation, into a new economic and social age. Using a range of previously unexplored archival sources, this extremely readable and deeply researched book considers the impact of two world wars, the significance of the game’s expansion to Australasia and the momentous decision to take rugby league to Wembley. It investigates the history of rugby union’s long-running war against league, and the sport’s troubled relationship with the national media. Most importantly, this book sheds new light on issues of social class and working-class masculinity, regional identity and the profound impact of the decline of Britain’s traditional industries. For all those interested in the history of sport and working-class culture, this is essential reading.
The power and the passion The 1980s saw rugby league transform from brutal battlefield to entertainment spectacle. It changed almost beyond recognition. Rugby League in the 1980s was a time of unforgettable moments, major controversies and big personalities. Major on-field rules changes clamped down on violence and unleashed the spectacle. Meantime, progressive officials, in tune with social changes, re-shaped the game off-field too creating a series of pop culture moments. Rugby League in the 1980s: the Power and the Passion captures the characters that made the 1980s so great as well the great games, the premiership deciders and internationals. An absolute must for any rugby league fan of the era.
This is the story of a sport told through its communities. Rugby League in New Zealand: A People’s History unveils the compelling journey of a game flourishing against the odds. Beginning with the game’s introduction to the country in 1907, Ryan Bodman reveals the deep-rooted connections between rugby league’s development and the evolving cultural fabric of New Zealand. By questioning the mythic status of rugby union in the nation’s identity, this history highlights how power, politics and people have collectively shaped the country’s sporting scene. Drawing on first-hand interviews and a wide range of illustrations and archival material, Bodman locates rugby league history in working-class suburbs, and among Kiingitanga Māori, Pasifika migrants, and clubs and communities across the country. The people behind the game share accounts of change, triumph and resilience, while emphasising rugby league’s lasting influence on New Zealanders’ lives.
This gutsy guide for the Teen Witch takes them on a journey of self-discovery - to dig deep and learn about all the magick that is inside of them, and then shine that magick into the world. At night, Teen Witches are out under the starry sky, turning on to Magick; they meet after school IRL … and Zoom in with other magick youth around the world, for full moon rituals. They cast spells and divine rituals, alone, to help them pass tests, attract boyfriends or girlfriends, get along with their parents, and find out what their life's true calling is. What does it take to be a real witch in this brave new world? With all the tools, spells, sacred days and tips for what to do in love and life, this book is a must-have for the young person who wants to evolve into the most empowered version of themselves in a brave, new Magickal life!
Dally Messenger was an Australian sporting superstar in the early years of the 20th century - a rugby league icon, rugby union champion, and the most popular sporting personality of this day. He was courted by all codes in that heady period of the early 1900s, when rugby league and Australian rules were fighting to become the dominant winter sport. He represented Australia in rugby league and rugby union and also represented New Zealand in rugby league. Thousands flocked to the grounds when he was playing, and he his revered as an icon in rugby league to this very day. The Master is a popular and authoritative account of the life and times of a superlative sportsman, a tribute to a rugby league player without peer, and an inspiring story for all those who would marvel at this sporting excellence and outstanding achievements.
Rupert's stepped down. What now? The first major biography of Lachlan Murdoch, unauthorised and complete. After years of speculation about his succession plans, in 2023 Rupert Murdoch announced his retirement and the appointment of his eldest son, Lachlan, as sole chair of News Corp. The decision confirmed Lachlan's position as one of the world's most powerful people. Yet despite a lifetime in the spotlight, his personality, politics and business acumen remain enigmatic. What can we expect from his leadership of News Corp and Fox, and what will his ascension mean for politics and media around the world? In this riveting biography, acclaimed journalist Paddy Manning explores Lachlan Murdoch's upbringing, political beliefs and his track record as head of Fox Corporation -- the man ultimately responsible for Fox News. Manning follows Lachlan's trajectory from a privileged Manhattan childhood, through his college years at Princeton, his shock decision to walk away from the family business, and his ultimate return as the prodigal son. The portrait that emerges is one of intriguing contradictions. Is Lachlan a risk-loving adventurer or a dutiful son? Ultra-conservative or thoughtful libertarian? Scarred by a series of spectacular business failures, or an underrated leader who has shrewdly repositioned his family's assets? This is a book about the good, the bad and the ugly of the global media, and about America in the age of Trump and Biden. It is a book about power, apprenticeship, politics and succession. 'It's a brave man to take on an autobiography of one of the richest and most powerful men in global media.' --Crikey 'It is hard to think of a better time to write an account of the life and times of Lachlan Murdoch, heir-apparent to the News Corp throne -- or of a better writer to do it. Who Lachlan Murdoch is, how he thinks and what he does with his power is vital to Australian democracy. Paddy Manning has it all covered.' --Monica Attard, author of Russia: Which Way Paradise?
Who Wants to be a Billionaire? is the story of James Packer's desperate battle to win his father's love and respect. It is also a tale of billion-dollar bets gone disastrously wrong. But above all it is a portrait of a troubled relationship between a dominant father and dutiful son. In this powerful sequel to his bestselling The Rise and Rise of Kerry Packer, Paul Barry shows how James's father kept his grip on the empire even as he lay close to death. And he reveals what drives his heir. As a child James was derided by Kerry as too soft, too close to his mother, or simply 'a loser'. Since then he has struggled to make his father proud - in the only way the Packers know - by making money. Having seen Kerry lose hundreds of millions in the world's casinos, James chose to bet billions of dollars on buying them instead. Then came the global financial crisis and he almost lost the lot. As markets hit rock bottom in early 2009, Australia's richest man was $4 billion poorer and no longer on top of the heap. He was smoking again, putting on weight and shutting himself off from friends. Years earlier, far smaller losses in One. Tel had pushed him to the brink of a nervous breakdown and made him seek salvation in Scientology. Can James survive this time? Will he bounce back? Or was his father right?
For more than 40 years, rugby league has embodied all the hopes and dreams, contradictions and tensions of life in the Sunshine State. The game speaks to Queenslanders' sense of being the underdog and the outsider &– a powerful undercurrent that sweeps through politics, business, the arts, and sport. The enduring appeal of State of Origin is that it allows Queensland to balance the scales, at least for 80 minutes.In Heartland, journalist Joe Gorman chronicles a tale of loss and rebirth &– from the decline of the Brisbane Rugby League competition and North Queensland's Foley Shield to the extraordinary rise of the Broncos and the Cowboys in the NRL. Weaving together stories of diehard supporters and game-changing players, from Arthur Beetson to Johnathan Thurston, this is a revealing account of Queensland's coming of age, both on and off the field.
