The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Toovey bemused by NRL scheduling

Roar Guru
14th April, 2012
Advertisement
Roar Guru
14th April, 2012
33
1494 Reads

A bemused Manly coach Geoff Toovey wants the ARL Commission to make fairer scheduling its first priority, arguing NRL heavyweights Brisbane have an unfair advantage.

Toovey made the comments after witnessing his side go down 26-14 to Gold Coast on Saturday night at Brookvale – the same ground where they’d thrashed Penrith just five days earlier.

The Sea Eagles’ scattered schedule has left the rookie coach disappointed, especially compared to Brisbane, who will enjoy Friday night games for the first eight rounds this year.

“It would be great to be a Brisbane and have seven days, seven days, seven days (to prepare each week),” Toovey said.

“That would be fantastic. I think it’s something the new commission or David Gallop needs to look at.

“Quite frankly, the rest of the clubs are at a disadvantage.”

While stopping short of blaming the short turnaround for the loss, Toovey said it was an obvious disadvantage for the Sea Eagles.

“It’s not an excuse for our performance tonight, don’t get me wrong, but it would be much easier for other teams if they had that sort of turnaround.

Advertisement

“Let’s be honest, (the short turnaround) does (hurt). Our blokes were really flat.

“The league’s got to do something about it.”

The rookie coach was also upset that no action was taken by the officials when centre Steve Matai went off injured following a high shot from Titan Nate Myles.

Matai immediately left the field with a neck/shoulder injury and was taken from the ground in an ambulance.

“It’s alright apparently if you get hit in the back of the head but, if you get hit in the front, it’s not alright,” he said.

“I’d like someone to explain to me that decision.

“(Matai) is not well.”

Advertisement
close