Although we’re now ‘only’ less than two months away from the NRL season, it still seems like an eternity for those of us who live and breathe rugby league.

Right now I am looking forward to anything involving a ball that isn’t round being broadcast on my screen. No this is not a shot at soccer, or cricket, both of which I am huge fans, but to put it bluntly, I miss my rugby league.

Below are ten of the rugby league themed moments I am looking forward to in 2017.

77. Lei-Pana

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CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Joseph Leilua of the Raiders celebrates after scoring a try during the round 20 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the New Zealand Warriors at GIO Stadium on July 23, 2016 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Prior to 2016, BJ Leilua was without a doubt number one, two and three on the most frustrating player in the competition list. He had so much talent, ability and natural talent, yet he kept throwing ridiculous passes, made awful errors and couldn’t keep out of trouble both on and off the field. Fast forward 26 rounds plus finals and his combination with Jordan Rapana is the most exciting in the competition. They achieved some freaky things in 2016. No one will ever forget that flick pass. Now that they’ve had a complete season together under their belt, and another off-season together, who knows what they will produce in 2017?

Fast forward 26 rounds plus finals and his combination with Jordan Rapana is the most exciting in the competition. They achieved some freaky things in 2016. No one will ever forget that flick pass.

Now that they’ve had a complete season together under their belt, and another off-season together, who knows what they will produce in 2017?