An exceptionally "rare bird" indeed is a major release movie centred around rugby league.

"The Final Winter" is now available on DVD (on sale from retailers from 14 February 2008).

The Final Winter is written by Matt Nable (former Manly player), who also plays the lead role of Grub Henderson, and is directed by Jane Forrest and Brian Andrews. It also features Matthew Johns as the coach of Henderson's team.

League identities including Tommy Raudonikis, Max Krilich, Terry Randall, Noel Kelly, Roy Masters, Ivan Cleary and Steve O'Brien have cameos in the film, as does prize-winning author (and Manly fan) Thomas Keneally.

The film perfectly captures Sydney rugby league in the 1980s, and is centred on the famous Newtown Jets.

League in the 80s was undergoing significant change - some for the better, some striking against the game's very soul.

The revolutions impacted upon clubs, supporters and players - this is the centre-piece of the The Final Winter.

A locally made film, the writer and producers have gone to great length to get the detail "right", on and off the league field.

It is both culturally specific in its depiction of 1980s rugby league, and universal in its depiction of tension between club loyalty, personal aspirations and family life.

Take a journey back to when League players truly were football gladiators.

For full details of the dvd:
The Final Winter