Rugby league must expose its seedy Underbelly

 
Steve Kaless Roar Guru

By , 27 Apr 2010 Steve Kaless is a Roar Guru

Tagged:
 , ,

7 Have your say

Related coverage



NSW Blues Coach Phil Gould celebrates a try. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Colin Whelan

NSW Blues Coach Phil Gould celebrates a try. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Colin Whelan

It has come to my attention that Channel Nine seem to have two purposes in life at present (in NSW and Queensland, at least): present rugby league and promote Underbelly.

As their entire news gathering arm seems to be telling the tale of anyone who bought a Chiko roll in Kings Cross during the 1980s, it is obvious they now see the news department as an extension of the marketing department.

How long will it take those investigating the death of Carl Williams to quiz Peter Overton? Come on, you don’t have to be Columbo to work that one out.

But I digress.

I think its time the rugby league commentary team did their bit to build the Underbelly beast. Surely in between Brut Big Hits and updating the latest prices from TAB Sportsbet – please gamble responsibly – there is a chance to plug Nine’s new series?

I meant to start off with the fact that there are enough players with the surname “Williams” to provide a silky segway into a chat about the underworld. It has to be better than listening to another joke about Rab’s golf swing.

Ray: “And John Williams is brought down the tackle”

Sterlo: “Speaking of Williams, what about Carl Williams this week?”

Gus: “Oh, I know, wasn’t that first series of Underbelly just sensational.”

Ray: “You know the third series started last Sunday 8.30pm and boy its looks to be a beauty.”

Gus: “Oh, I won’t miss an episode”

Sterlo: “By the way, the Cowboys have just taken the ball 90 metres to score a great try.”

Ray: “I thought Matthew Newton in the second series was a great Mr Asia”

Gus loves telling us about how tough everything was in the day, so what about a few fireside chats about the night’s out in the Cross when the various characters of the “Brand New Series” were in their hey day.

I say more talk about crooked cops than dodgy referees.

Then once all that is in place, we can really start thinking big. Mr Big.

Forget Aboriginal Vs NRL All Stars. That is so February. I want to see the Long Bay XIII, with the best players facing criminal charges, taking on the Touring British Lions.

Get all the action as Ray Warren is joined in commentary by Chopper Read, with Roger Rogerson on the sidelines.

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.

Get a daily rugby league email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it.

We value privacy. More.