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Here we are again, about to enter into a new season. The journos are all refreshed and ready to get into it, after a long summer layoff, where we were served up the usual rubbish. Do they think that the rugby fraternity is made up of idiots?
In this, my comments do not include anything that happens on this website, as it is about the only decent haven of interesting rugby – or general sporting journalism – in this country.
Thank goodness that the French Rugby scene has suddenly become interesting, because the fare would have otherwise been pretty thin over Christmas.
So, Messrs Growden, Morton and co, have had their holidays and now they’re back. And what happens?
They all write a version of the same story. Journalism by press release.
Each of the main papers and news sites carried the story about Daniel Braid, with almost identical reportage. Then we had little snippets from the Super 14 franchises – again the press releases.
Mortlock won’t be the Brumbies Captain. Big deal, but at least 20 journos wrote 20 similar versions of the press release.
Each also carried the Tana Umage comeback story. Again, almost identical reporting.
Are we in for another season of the journos trotting out the trite and true?
Is this how it works? The ARU, the Waratahs, the Reds, or the Brumbies announce a press conference, all the hacks turn up.
If they’re asleep in the back corner, it doesn’t matter. They just trot out the contents of the press handout and pretend that they’re a real journo.
If that’s not how it is, it certainly is how it appears to us mugs in the public!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.