Once Were Lions renews optimism Great Britain can roar again - Dave Craven

The famous Lions, playing their first games since 2007, finished with zero wins from four outings against New Zealand (twice), Tonga and Papua New Guinea. It was disastrous.

For the squad and its coaches, it was all very embarrassing, especially that last Test match, the humiliating 28-10 loss against the Kumuls in Port Moresby.

But, moreover, given how there was so much excitement about the return of the concept, the historic Lions having been replaced by England and the rest of the home nations for the previous 13 years, it was such an anti-climax.

Not only that, it was a damaging episode for the ‘brand’ and one which has left the very future of Great Britain as a touring side in its most perilous state yet; will the Lions ever even prowl again let alone roar?

The mundane style of football played under the iconic Wayne Bennett was another negative and, in part, led to the revered Australian seeing his contract as England chief fail to be renewed.

With all this in mind, then, who would want to watch a 71 minute programme recollecting the whole sorry episode?

That was my thought heading into watching it on the BBC iPlayer this week. However, it is a sign of how well the programme-makers have delivered that it actually cheered me.

I had been as depressed as anyone by the state of the Lions after last autumn and feared we would never see them again.

We might not and the documentary, with insight from previous Lions such as Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jamie Peacock and John Bentley, does briefly explore whether it was a good idea to even revive them.

But the inclusion of various historic footage is a reminder of what it represents and how great Great Britain can be; it reignited my belief in the concept and made me wonder: do the wretched results of that tour really have to be its death knell?

It is clear to see how passionate the players remain, even in the face of such adversity and disappointment, and that is well captured.

With extensive access, the filmmakers are able to get deep into the heart of the Lions tour.

Whether that’s in the changing room before and after games, seeing crocked Oliver Gildart being told his tour is over or listening in to miked-up assistant Danny Ward as he goes through the emotions of a Test match from the sideline, it is compelling. The joyous scenes as the Lions meet mesmerised school kids in Papua New Guinea are wonderful, there is plenty of humour, too, as well as the obvious pain when things go so wrong on the field.

Huddersfield Giants’ Jermaine McGillvary asks for the camera to get out of his face as he contemplates a costly missed chance against the Kiwis, Jonny Lomax putting an arm around him in the changing room.

There are great insights via player interviews, although do not expect to get inside the mind of Bennett, known for being so guarded when it comes to dealing with the media; the documentary-makers do not get any change there.

But it is well worth a watch, not just for rugby league addicts but anyone interested in the complexities, drama and history of sport.

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