NRL players do their best to shift spotlight
Roar Pro By Armchair-critic, 20 May 2009 Armchair-critic is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- NRL, Round 10, Rugby League, video ref
At the end of a tumultuous time for rugby league, round 10 of the NRL provided a spectacular distraction to the recent scandal.
It is hard to find any aspect of the round’s games that didn’t provide some form of excitement.
It all started on Friday night with an intriguing Queensland derby between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This game showcased the argument for Israel Falau being used at centre, as he equalled the club record of four tries in a match.
On the back of Falau’s performance, Brisbane regained some form and produced a timely victory. The game lived up to its derby status, exemplified by Ben Te’o's huge hit in the 77th minute.
Also on Friday night, St George and the Bulldogs played out the most controversial game of the round. It appears that the Bulldogs have again been robbed of two competition points, as an inexplicable Video Ref’s decision cost them the match-winner right on full time. This game was thrilling throughout and it’s a shame that it will be remembered for the shocking decision made by Steven Clark.
It seemed Jamal Idris had capped off a strong game by scoring the match winner only for it to be denied, infuriating the Bulldogs’ passionate fans.
This was another positive aspect of the weekend’s games; the huge crowds turning out to support their team. Brisbane again delivered a 40,000+ crowd and no one can doubt the passion of the Bulldogs’ faithful.
Saturday provided some high-scoring, albeit one-sided matches involving those potentially vying for the wooden spoon (Roosters and Sharks).
It was Sunday afternoon that reminded us of what rugby league is all about. Brookvale Oval bathed in sunlight, as the Sea Eagles punished a disappointing Eels side; with the exception of Jared Hayne.
However, it was the events at the Sydney Cricket Ground that provided the highlight of the weekend.
Two of the most exciting and unpredictable sides, the Rabbitohs and Tigers, played out a riveting match. With the Tigers up by twelve, with ten to play, it seemed they would go home with the two points.
However, Souths had other ideas, as they rallied to lock it all up at 22-all with just a few minutes to play. Everyone watching was preparing for golden-point, until an unlikely hero stepped forward.
Nathan Merritt is known largely for his blistering speed, but on this occasion it was his right boot that had everyone talking. In the final play of the game the ball was thrust into his hands and Merritt casually slotted the field goal from relatively wide out.
Before admitting to the awaiting media that he had never even practised or kicked a field goal, Merritt was swamped by his teammates in front of the Bradman Stand packed full of Rabbitohs fans.
This is the advertisement for NRL football that David Gallop has desperately been craving. The dramas of the previous week appeared long-forgotten.
When they are blessed with the gift to please so many people, it makes you wonder why the players continually disappoint through their involvement in unnecessary off-field incidents.
Maybe this recent debacle really has served as a wake up call. If last weekend was anything to go by, the on-field aspects of the NRL are certainly pleasing fans.
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- Explore:
- NRL, Round 10, Rugby League, video ref
May 20th 2009 @ 11:06am
Mark said | May 20th 2009 @ 11:06am | Report comment
How many debacles do you want? How many wake up calls? the NRL is a lost cause. Im am so tired of the stupidity of players. From bashing women, sex assault to being involved in shootings….what other sport lays in the gutter like that? . Mums decide what sport their sons and daughters play. League is quickly not being one of them. Both my nephews have switched codes on the NSW Central Coast. With the on coming of a fifth francise in SANZAR, how many NRL players are looking to switch? The ARU will be as picky as they like.
Gallop has failed and it kills me to say it. No matter how many family days / ladies days out, the NRL will feel the pain through sponsors walking away.
May 20th 2009 @ 12:01pm
oikee said | May 20th 2009 @ 12:01pm | Report comment
Mate the super tanker just keeps rolling along, the Broncos are growing crowd averages every year and this year should be up around 35 thousand average. Hopefully the next T/V deal will refleck the fact that the NRL is the best rugby comp in the world. Now if your a sponser, it would be wise to get in at any opportunity, the broncos have a waiting list for sponsers.
I am happy with every game played, even the sharks, and we all know how well they are traveling. Another comment i heard was about the price of tickets, mate i pay 86 dollars for 2 tickets to the broncos, worth every penny.
May 20th 2009 @ 7:17pm
Billo said | May 20th 2009 @ 7:17pm | Report comment
Mark, you should just stop reading newspapers, otherwise you won’t allow your kids to play any sport at all. Surely you must realise that the ‘scandals’ that affect the NRL are largely media driven.
You should let your kids play whatever sport they want to play, regardless of the scandals attached to any particular sport (and nothing compares for scandal with the English Premiership). You’ll find that the people who run junior clubs of whatever code are some of the best people you can entrust your kids to.
May 20th 2009 @ 11:27pm
Mark said | May 20th 2009 @ 11:27pm | Report comment
Billo- hows the papers today? How can you not read papers or watch the news??? what are you some sort of modern day hermit living in the city?? Reni a bannd drug. So your saying the NRL isnt media driven? Sex assault / Drug use / Shootings / Public disorder????? come on. Its getting beyond a joke. No matter how well the games are played.
There is a very good reason why those boys changed codes. He knows who he is and so do I and unfortunatly hes one of these drop kicks who was a bit of a legend.
May 20th 2009 @ 11:50pm
Steffy said | May 20th 2009 @ 11:50pm | Report comment
“From bashing women, sex assault to being involved in shootings….what other sport lays in the gutter like that?”
Involved in shootings?
May 21st 2009 @ 5:31am
Mark said | May 21st 2009 @ 5:31am | Report comment
Steffy- Jarryd Hayne had a little incident you might remember last year in Kings Cross at a well know NRL player hang out.
May 21st 2009 @ 7:12am
Steffy said | May 21st 2009 @ 7:12am | Report comment
I recall that incident but it had nothing to do with him. He just happened to be in the area at the time. If you want guns and sportsmen you just have to look rugby union in France – an ex international shot killed himself playing russian roulette and an ex french international captain is currently in jail for murdering his wife by shooting her in the face at a rugby union club party.
May 21st 2009 @ 1:14pm
Mark said | May 21st 2009 @ 1:14pm | Report comment
Google what ever you like. The facts are NRL players are behaving poorly. Whats RU got to do with this? As I recall the only RU player behaving poorly in Australia over the past 5yrs in Wendall Sailor. He was accepted back into the RL. Go figure.
May 21st 2009 @ 1:33pm
Michael C said | May 21st 2009 @ 1:33pm | Report comment
Mark -
Not that I care too much – but, even for a non RU person I know this is a little wistful As I recall the only RU player behaving poorly in Australia over the past 5yrs in Wendall Sailor.
um….what about the Western Force lads over at Rottnest Island (Fava and Brown), and there’s been a couple of incidents whilst ‘on tour’ in South Africa…….have there not?
btw – re trouble and drugs too, in the main, the ARU has relied only on WADA/ASADA drug testing – and so, wouldn’t know if anyone is on illicit drugs. It’s like having one’s head firmly planted in the sand – - – and then claim to be clean. (remember, WADA missed both A.Johns & B.Cousins)
May 21st 2009 @ 3:10pm
Steffy said | May 21st 2009 @ 3:10pm | Report comment
Mark, you asked ““From bashing women, sex assault to being involved in shootings….what other sport lays in the gutter like that?” – I gave you an answer. A rugby league player happened to be somewhere where a shooting took place yet an ex rugby union international captain murdered his wife with a gun at a rugby union club party – a club he was an administrator at. I could also name you several rugby union players who have bashed and sexually assaulted women. If you don’t like the answer don’t ask the question.
This doesn’t deflect from the fact that some NRL players have behaved badly but don’t for one minute think that other sports are purer than pure.