The main problem is the AI especially in defense. Unless you spend the game constantly standing 20 yards back from the gain line the computer teams can just cruise through the gaps left by your other players.
This is a shame, as you can be enjoying the game and then, through no fault of your own, the opposition slices through your line and scores.
Your team-mates unfortunately will not even carry out the most basic of defensive moves without your direct control.
The slow-mo kicking is good but the occasional close-ups of players is both pointless and disruptive. It would also be nice to be allowed some time for advantage following a knock-on instead of immediately reverting to a scrum.

Overall then, rugby league fans, or rugby fans in general, will probably derive some enjoyment from this game but as a fan of both codes of the game I was disappointed.
Heres hoping World Championship Rugby(out April 8th) will prove to be the Pro Evolution of Rugby games.

great game
Review date: 2004-04-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

well this is a great game thumbs up to the creators because i bought the rugby 2004 and it was rubbish went to take it back the same day i bought it but the shop was closed. rugby league is a god game to play and worth investing in

How good is this!!!!
Review date: 2004-03-26 Rating: 10 out of 10

This really is a great game - if you can actually get your hands on it. I managed to get hold of a copy just after xmas, and I'm still glued to it now. There are so many features to unlock (state of origin, city v country, internationals etc) as well as the capability to create your own teams, players and tournaments, so you'll never get bored. The gameplay is superb - very easy to get the hang of in beginner mode, but tough enough on the higher difficulty levels to keep you hooked. Only complaint is about the grounds - too many Aussie stadiums and not enough British (no Odsal, Headingley or Knowsley Road). But really, this is one of the best games I've ever played and a must for any RL fans, or sport sim fans in general after something a bit different. Top stuff.

Rugby League Review
Review date: 2004-03-10 Rating: 6 out of 10

This is a not bad attempt at the game of Rugby League. I have purchased the last two Rugby Union games from EA sports and was to say the least disappointed in both of them. I appreciate that they are complex in terms of rules, but fundamentals such as being able to tackle someone 10 yards away is a bit off.

Rugby League however seem to have mastered the majority, game play can be slow at times, but there is an option to speed this up. I would say because the rules are simpler than Union it has meant that they have been able to incorporate everything.

An excellent first attempt at RL, the EA boys need to learn from this for their next Union release. Worth a purchase, even if you challenge your mates with a couple of beers to your side (over 18's only though!!), if not substitute for a Shandy Bass!

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