THERE are times I think we rugby league types could be a powerful lobby group - if we could actually identify each other more readily. Welcome to my first column for RLfans.com. It was nice of the boys to ask me to write this - every couple of weeks in the off-season and then (maybe) every week when 2013 kicks off in earnest. My brief is to share my experiences in being on the road in pursuit of rugby league, year-round. I'm a rugby league journalist but before that, I was a flag-waving Illawarra Steelers fan who at one stage went to games in full kit except the studded boots. I hope there are no photos. Before the Steelers entered the old NSWRL premiership in 1982, my mum was dragged to St George games on Mothers Day at least twice. Lidcome Oval had its charms, yes, but not on a day when your old lady is supposed to be honoured. These days I write for media outlets in Australia and the UK on rugby league. READ MORE ON THIS STORY....

THERE are times I think we rugby league types could be a powerful lobby group - if we could actually identify each other more readily. Welcome to my first column for RLfans.com. It was nice of the boys to ask me to write this - every couple of weeks in the off-season and then (maybe) every week when 2013 kicks off in earnest. My brief is to share my experiences in being on the road in pursuit of rugby league, year-round. I'm a rugby league journalist but before that, I was a flag-waving Illawarra Steelers fan who at one stage went to games in full kit except the studded boots. I hope there are no photos. Before the Steelers entered the old NSWRL premiership in 1982, my mum was dragged to St George games on Mothers Day at least twice. Lidcome Oval had its charms, yes, but not on a day when your old lady is supposed to be honoured. These days I write for media outlets in Australia and the UK on rugby league. READ MORE ON THIS STORY....

It's great to have the main man on board!

Yes to the beer! Lock it in, unless I am on the road from some other game at the time! As for having a greater presence in Sydney, I fear things are moving in the opposite direction. Nice place though, I'll be passing through on my way to Hervey Bay for Christmas. Thanks to everyone who read the first column. It was a gentle introduction - I'm happy to get stuck into the big issues as they arise. Have a great weekend.

By STEVE MASCORD SOMETHING weird is happening here in America. This week’s column comes to you from Beantown – Boston. READ MORE ON THIS STORY....

By STEVE MASCORD SOMETHING weird is happening here in America. This week’s column comes to you from Beantown – Boston. READ MORE ON THIS STORY....

enjoyed steve ill be looking out for your reports