• The 2011 Super League campaign started out at the Millennium Stadium with Magic Weekend in Cardiff.
  • Mickey Rourke was an interested spectator - he is set to play Gareth Thomas in a film about the dual-code international's life.
  • It was Tony Smith's Warrington side that ended up being crowned minor premiers...
  • but they were beaten by Leeds in the play-offs, with the Rhinos going on to get the better of St Helens in a thrilling Grand Final.
  • A fifth straight Grand Final defeat was tough to take for St Helens, particularly with James Graham playing in his final game for the club.
  • Rob Burrow became the first man to win the Harry Sunderland Trophy twice after his solo score put his side on their way to a 32-16 win.
  • Leeds missed out on the Challenge Cup final though, losing out to Wigan in a Wembley thriller...
  • Success for the Warriors meant Michael Maguire claimed a trophy in each of his two years at the club - he will be back in the NRL in 2012.
  • Sam Tomkins was Wigan's star man, finishing the season as Super League's top try-scorer...
  • yet it was Rangi Chase who was crowned Man of Steel after a stellar season at Castleford.
  • The half-back was also part of the Exiles side that took on England in the inaugural International Origin match...
  • and it was the overseas stars who came out on top at Headingley.
  • However, by the end of 2011 Chase was lining up with England for the Four Nations.
  • New Zealand arrived on English soil as the defending champions...
  • but it was Australia who took the trophy home, gaining revenge for their final loss to the Kiwis in 2010.
  • Victory for the Kangaroos was a fitting end to Darren Lockyer's career...
  • having already captained Queensland to a record sixth straight State of Origin success earlier in the year.
  • In the NRL, Manly were crowned 2011 champions but were rocked soon after by the departure of coach Des Hasler.

Rugby league in 2011

The 2011 Super League campaign started out at the Millennium Stadium with Magic Weekend in Cardiff.