On the other hand, this tournament has shown once again how far Australian television's sports coverage is ahead of other nations. The choice of camera angles and quality of pictures from the host broadcasters in Britain has been poor. Furthermore, the exposure of non-regular UK SuperLeague watchers to the inane stylings and inordinate bias of commentators 'Eddie and Stevo' is a reminder that the game callers we have in Australia are not too bad after all.
Sam Tomkins: tough hombre
He might look like Brett Mullins after a stint at Jenny Craig, but wispy England full-back Sam Tomkins won new fans with the resilience he showed against New Zealand. The Kiwis were clearly hell-bent on hurting countryman Rangi Chase and tournament wonderboy Tomkins. Early in the game Tomkins was hit high, then copped a cynical Jeremy Smith elbow as he was prone. He leapt back to his feet. Five minutes later he was sandwiched by three Kiwi forwards. Again he rebounded to chime in to the next backline movement. We knew he could run and swerve and catch, but he deserves kudos in abundance for his physical courage.
I've given up getting wound up about Eddie and Stevo now. I don't know of any fans from any team who actually enjoy their commentary. It's amateur argument and drone at best. Why Sky still employ them, is far beyond me.
Carney, McRae, Nobby, Kear, Barrie Mac, Terry O, Jon Wells, Robbie Paul, Paul Culen..... The list of possible replacements is huge. The mind boggles.
Stevo maybe isnt the best of commontators but there are very few out there that stick up for Rugby League as much as he does.
He always mentions how good Rugby League is, especially in light of the kick and clap drivel.
