Thanks for going to the trouble I enjoyed that.

Nice how he credits his winding himself up with single-handedley causing GB's biggest win over Aus. He must have forgotten to wear his cape in the next two games then.

He comes across as a very determined person, but also - IMO - quite the egomaniac.

The Aussies used to go out of their way to look after Edwards and close him down. That much is obvious.

Look at matches he was in against the Kiwis, who at the time were a long way behind the Aussies and probably third best, behind us. In 1989, Edwards was on the subs bench and we got thrashed until he came on and changed the game. Sadly it was too late to get the win.

Games two and three, he destroyed them.

I agree, to be honest. There were points in that article where he came across as distinctly unlikeable, and probably a bit sinister.

Read between the lines, though, and his responses about union are formulaic. His league chat, though appears to be more animated. There's no doubt he loves league, but he also knows what side his bread is buttered.

Not really, given that we got thrashed in the first test, and Paramatta beat us 30-0 in a midweek game. The third test finished closely but we made that many mistakes with the ball the scoreline was flattering.

We got closer in (i think) 2003 or thereabouts, when we lost the series 3-0 and could have won 3-0 if we'd stayed awake. We lost all three tests in the final minute or two.

And then there is the following year in the tri-nations? Lost the first test in the final minute (yet again!) kicked f*ck out of NZ twice, and thrashed the Aussies at the JJB. We only got our backsides kicked so badly in the final because Noble changed half the side (including a fat and unfit Iestyn Harris at stand off, having been in RU for nigh on four years, I mean FFS!)

I'm not sure why we are discussing whether he was good or not. He was probably one of the most talented players to play Rugby League in Britain.
He won everything in the domestic game. He played a number of games, ensuring the win for his team, while in severe pain from broken cheek bone etc. He played for GB when we beat the Aussies and was well respected by them. In the WCC he showed he had the skills to play at the top level against the Aussies.
He has since proved he has brains as well as an iron will to win in his coaching career.

Whether he's a nce guy to talk to is not really the issue. I wouldn't pick him to entertain the kids in a clown outfit but I would want him coaching my kid's team and would want him with me if I played ANY sport rather than against me.

If someone had the money to bring him back to Rugby League, I'd be happy. Especially at International level. The way he is described in that article, I think GB RL would benefit greatly from that attitude.

and even though it is a Rugby Union driven article, he does not forget his roots and talk like he has seen the light since switching so he has my respect for that too.