Two excellent Rugby League books have just been released and will be of great interest to Men of League members.
Glory Days, written by Alan Whiticker is the story of South Sydney's Golden era, when they played in five consecutive Grand Finals. The book features candid, in -depth and exclusive interviews with many former players, including John Sattler, Bob McCarthy, George Piggins and Men of League President, Ron Coote. Rabbitohs current CEO, Shane Richardson, adds his thoughts on how the club can return to these golden days.
Having claimed 20 first grade Premierships, Souths are the most successful club in the history of the game.
Since 1986, the author, Alan Whiticker has worked in the dual roles of teacher and freelance writer. He has written and co-written 14 books on Rugby League, as well as other subjects including sporting history, biographies and true crime. There is a forward by Russell Crowe and in this, the Hollywood star tells how his love for our game and the Rabbitohs developed as a small boy in Botany Road, back in 1969-1970.
Glory Days will be officially launched at the Woolloomooloo Hotel on 2 August.
Alan Whiticker has combined with Ian Collis to write, Rugby League Throughout the Decades. This book is must-have for all League fans interested in the history and statistics of Rugby League. This book analyses every season from the foundation year in 1908 to the end of 2010. It is an excellent reference guide and includes close to 1,000 images, many of which have never been published.
Like Alan, Ian Collis is acknowledged as a leading authority on Rugby League history as well as sporting statistics. He is currently the manager of Fox Sports Statistics, which provides statistics-related services across all the major sporting codes in various formats.
Ian and Alan have written Rugby League Throughout the Decades in the style of unfolding history, which gives the reader a sense of being there. This book has been available in book shops from early July.