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Let us entertain you
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Andrew Freeman
Andrew Freeman is a 23 year old student currently studying at Northern Arizona University. Brought up with the game of Rugby League from an early age, he developed a devotion to the sport and, in particular, the Hull Kingston Rovers. Never having written an article before, he decided to give it a go. What do you think ? 
By Andrew Freeman
Published on 11/12/2004
 

On November 30th, at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there will be 34 men battling it out for the Liberty Bell Cup. This is the inaugural match to be played between the US Tomahawks and Australian Kangaroos. Read on for more on this story.

US Tomahawks and Australian Kangaroos will be televised on Fox Sports, Nov. 30, at 7.30pm.

You won?t hear the Rugby League players sing to you, but they will entertain

you all the same.

 

If fast exciting sports is your thing?

 

If you like to see big men crashing into each other?

 

If you like to see a new sport that is easy to understand?.

 

Then watch. You will not regret it!

 

I have often thought about how I would try to describe the game of Rugby League to an American. Obviously I would have to tell him or her that it will probably be one of the fastest, most intense and physically demanding games they will ever have the pleasure to witness, but that isn?t enough.

 

Think of Rugby that is often played here in America. Well, Rugby League is much more exciting, with bigger hits and is much more like football.

 

I like to describe it as a game that is a combination of football and wrestling and all the players have the ball handling skills of the Harlem Globetrotters.

 

Description of the game

 

Much like football, in Rugby League you have six tackles (downs). If you have not scored within these six downs then the ball is given to the opposition where you have been tackled. Because of this it is very likely for the team in possession to punt the ball on the fifth tackle so as not to be caught in possession.

 

The second major rule you should know is that the ball must be passed backwards. To pass it forward is an infringement.

 

The third rule, you cannot fumble the ball. If you do, it must go backwards or the opposition will get the possession.

 

There is one major point apart from not being able to pass the ball forward that differentiates this game from football -- all players defend and attack for virtually the full 80 minutes. There, of course, are more rules, but the fun is in being at the game and learning as you go along.

 

If that has not whetted you?re appetite for what we fans of Rugby League like to call ??The greatest game,? then perhaps this last snippet of information will?

 

These guys don?t wear pads or a helmet. That is correct, you heard me right. They don?t wear them.

 

Now, I know you are thinking that these guys must be crazy. Well, go along, watch and find out!