For once I agree with TB that the Times Online top ten is an advertising list. For example where was the Sean Long biography?

I’ve never seen such a Murdoch elitist list like it in my life.

Anyways here is my mix bag of what I think is the top five for Christmas. Some I’ve read and some I haven’t!

5. No White Flag

Its nice to read about a local lad living the dream and playing rugby league at the very top. I’ve no doubt that a majority on this website have read this autobiography of Jamie Peacock,

4. Made For Rugby

This is probably the most enjoyable rugby league book that I’ve read about Leeds Rhinos legend Barry McDermott. If you think his quips on sky sports are funny then you better get this book for Christmas because you’ll be rolling on the floor in tears or is it just me?

3.Don't Die With The Music In You

Wayne Bennett is an absolute legend of our game no matter how much that pains me to say. This is another book that I haven’t read and hope to get round to one day as I believe its probably as good as any philosophic book in the world.

2. The Forbidden Game

I’ve always been fascinated bout the history of the injustice of rugby league in France for a while and this book probably fit’s the bill. Might be expensive to get and hard to find though. I’ve not read this book either but if someone has it and wants to lend

1. Daydream believer

An autobiography all about Stanley Gene. He’s a star in his homeland of PNG and has given SL all his best. Along with that his revealing account of family turmoil, snake attacks, political violence, mud sledging in the rainforest and cannibalism.


So what’s your top five recommendations?

Eddie Hemmings newie 'Impartial commentary, boot polish and a hairpiece...my life as a Sky caller' is on my list for this Christmas.

For ANY Rugby League fan, Radlinskis book is an excellent read.

I'll read that one day as well. H ewa sone of my fave players late 90s early 00s

get yourself a copy of "standing tall" the tawera nickau story,not you usual bully yourself up bio.
Had some crazy stuff to deal with in his life.

Biting Back
Standing Tall
The Man in the Mirror

In no particular order.

Easy. When Push Comes to Shove.

Its on Amazon for £150 at the moment. I’m going to try my local library next week!

Hazem El Masri auto biog

Jamie Rooney autobiography is the best RL autobiography I have read. Though I would reccomend all the others as good reads but my top 5 would be

1. Jamie Rooney
2. Jamie Peacock
3. Stanley Gene
4. Mike Gregory
5. Andrew Johns

Others I have read are:

Paul Sculthorpe
Stevo
Iestyn Harris
Barry McDermott

Will be getting Sean Long, Kris Radlinski and hopefully Shane Webcke for xmas.

I also like Matthew Johns book 'From the sheds' where he talks about great rugby league players from both England and down under.

I have the forbidden game book. Good read. Written by an educated man so some may struggle here. I think it formed a thesis.

Anyway, rads' book is very entertaining especially the bit where as a young lad they (Wigan) team went to tenerife(?) and he hired a scooter. He revved it and shot off straight across the road and ended up flying through an amusement arcade! Or the tail about the legend Gary Connolly having the same stereo as rads and they would sneak to one anothers houses and crouch under the window with the remote control and turn the stereo on so 'loud' and then do one.

Or when Brian Carney went to the Girls gone wild........er......well for you lot who haven't been well, it involves beads.....!!

But anyway back on track. Alex Murphy's autobi (saint and sinner' is prob the best I've read to date. Ah, yes. Balcony overlooking Pefki bay, beer in one hand. Book in t'other. That book brought a tear to my eye....and I hate St's. That makes you think "I love this sport". Brilliant. Get it.

Mental, it's a good book but not that good!
I will sale mine for £50 if anybody fancies it

www.rl1908.com/Pioneers/index.htm best RL book ive ever read, the story of good triumphing over evil

www.rl1908.com/Pioneers/index.htm best RL book ive ever read, the story of good triumphing over evil