Yesterday, Phil Gould’s article for the Sydney Morning Herald called for David Gallop to resign from his post as chief executive officer of the NRL, following his comparison of Melbourne Storm fans to terrorists.
Gus is right. And don’t you hate it when that happens? Gallop should resign – but only to preserve the last piece of quiet dignity he has tried to instill in a sport which views dignity as a personal attack.
The NRL desperately needs David Gallop, but it is also slowly killing him. How can you save something that refuses to save itself? Gallop has much to offer Australian society, but not with rugby league.
His comment that Melbourne fans were akin to terrorists was the reaction of a man who has spent the last 10 years being served up excrement sandwiches and then having to wipe his mouth and say thank you.
His comments were the weary call of an unflappable, stoic servant. His comments were rash, horribly timed, and 100 percent correct.
By way of introduction, it is important for me to state that I’m not exactly rugby league’s greatest fan. In keeping with the terrorist theme, I view rugby league a little bit like Osama Bin Laden. If I awoke one day to find it no longer existed, I don’t really believe the world would be a better or safer place, but nor would I lose much sleep.
By definition, rugby league aims for the middle. The very rules and nature of the game place a glass ceiling on spectacle.
It is stop-start by design, and while the sport requires the most exceptional athletes to play it – brave, strong, fast, skillful – it is a small pond.
The accolades are finite, the boundaries too close. There is no place for subtlety in league, and moments of brilliance are overshadowed by a constant, sledgehammer, repetitive approach. Millions will disagree with me (including many on The Roar), but isn’t that the fun?
Don’t get me wrong – I still swallow plenty of league. I will cheer as loudly as the next man during State of Origin, and have attended my obligatory Knights game for the year (here in Newcastle, they deport you to Stockton if you don’t).
But NRL has problems – which brings me to Gus.
Phil Gould is a huge problem for rugby league because he has no knowledge of self. There is a place for rugby league (and a hugely successful place at that), but there is no need to dress it up as ballet.
Whenever Phil Gould stands beneath the goalposts and tries to sound like T.S. Eliot while some exhausted cameraman runs around him in swooping circles trying to create some sort of dramatic, gladiatorial effect, I am reminded of the words of football manager Jorge Valdano.
A renowned student of the round-ball game, Valdano once famously (and controversially) criticised certain clubs for being lauded as brilliant when they were actually stifling the game. Stop me when this sounds familiar.
“Put a s**t hanging from a stick in the middle of this passionate, crazy stadium and there are people who will tell you it’s a work of art. It’s not: it’s a s**t hanging from a stick.”
And while Gus goes on telly and compares the players to warriors, the stadium to the Sistine Chapel and “this moment” to the collapse of the Berlin Wall, David Gallop waits by the phone for the next time one of these artists has his way with a dog or punches his girlfriend.
Then it is Gallop who has to go on television and apologise to children and fans, and the cameraman never, ever runs around him in circles to make it look more dramatic.
When the Melbourne Storm fans boo him because their single-minded passion and fervor have removed them from the realm of logic and fairness (much the mindsets of terrorists), they are forgetting that they were grossly betrayed by their own club.
Their jeers serve to brush over the fact that it was one of their own players who triggered the brawl against Manly and was deservedly banned from the finals.
Next time Phil Gould steps out in front of the Melbourne Storm fans for his pre-game reciting of the Crispin’s day speech from Shakespeare’s Henry the Fifth, he will receive an almighty cheer.
He knew this when he wrote his article calling for Gallop’s head – but as discussed earlier, he has aimed for the middle. Lowest common denominator. S**t on a stick.
Gallop should quit, and join a political party – any of them – and I’ll vote for him.
Because if he has been able to imbue rugby league with even a modicum of respectability, running the country will be a doddle.
beyondthestump
Guest
passion i love but ignorance i detest. you have just admitted that no one is going to change your mind. never let facts get in the way of your own agenda hey? no wonder you are a gus supporter. as for respect as you mention in another post, you demand respect but seem incapable of showing any to others yourself?
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Liam, David Gallop is a CEO with a degree in law - HE ISN'T THE LAW - As far as rugby league goes, the man has never laced on a boot - Regardless that you assume he is intelligent,dignified or speaks well, none of these things predetermine what a person is representative of - Plenty of CEO's around the world didn't have what most would think is a reasonsable education ... But, I can see where you're on the same page as David Gallop, you assume people are guilty before you give them the legal right to defend themselves ... Do you ever hear of people who have been given life sentences for murder, who are proven innocent after they have spent the majority of the sentence behind bars - And regardless of what they try to explain, they are still seen to be guilty for the rest of their lives and have to simply endure, ridicule, slander, defamation whether they like it or not ... It really doesn't take long for people like you to pause and say to yourself - WHAT IF I'M WRONG !!! David Gallop's intelligence and dignity certainly wasn't used before and after he was given the Victorian Police report that stated there was not sufficient information to convict a single person in relation to the Melbourne Storm salary cap accusations ... Perhaps if he had simply taken his suspicions to the authorities in the first place, Brian Waldron may very have been bought before the courts ... And irrespective of this blunder, David Gallop certainly hasn't had the courage to take his feet out of his mouth to convey an apology to the players, coaches or fans either ... I know, YOU don't think he has too !!!
Liam Beckett
Roar Rookie
Thanks for reading NF. The only person I was taking a shot at was Phil Gould - everybody else can relax. I have no answers for League (nor do I really care) but who says it's broken? My point was to avoid sacking a man who has brought intelligence, reason and dignity and is a superb spokesperson for the game at a time when it desperately needs it. Phil Gould brings none of these things - just a notepad to doodle on. Besides, with todays news from the Tigers camp, the NRL needs more lawyers, not one less. Now THAT... is a cheap shot.
Jeff
Guest
You are 100% correct Jaceman. I was merely meaning to say, IF found guilty what are the consequences, I guess my wording was a bit heavy and very premature!. soz!. I am just totally sick of these 'tough players' taking their frustrations out on weaker beings. it makes a total mockery of the NRL's stand against violence to women.
Renegade
Guest
LOL is this guy serious?
Jaceman
Guest
Surely he is allowed a trial first...
purpleshag
Guest
You don't like amusing articles?. then go troll somewhere else. we don't need you "and your fantastic punctuation", very amusing comment though.. (for all the wrong reasons).
Jeff
Guest
My last word on all David Gallop articles (I hope), Robert Loui has been charged with beating up his girlfriend/partner, Tigers have stood him down, but what happens next.. here is a chance to create a precedence for the NRL on this type of unacceptable behaviour, Tigers standing him down once their season is finished means 'Jack S++t . Once again it'stime to act and this time create a punishment that can be followed in future. My money says that a player beating up a Woman, should get a ful season suspension (Unless found to be completely innocent by the Police (not innocent by someone 'paying the lady off)'. time to set the standard is now!. Are you hearing me David, this is your chance to show that you mean business against thugs as well as Cheats.
Jaceman
Guest
The ratings for the 4 big games will depend upon many things, the States the teams are from, the time of day, other attractions, the buildup. The RL GF has had the advantage by having it Sunday night when lots of people are home and lots of sets are on (certainly more than Sat afternoon). The best result for NRL would have been Tigers (or Saints) vrs Brisbane (or melbourne) to get the max audience but Manly dont have the same pulling power. If its all Victorian GF in the AFL, then the ratings will be lower but the thought of the 2 best teams going at it is mouth watering..If Aust make the RWC final then that may trump them all but the home team looks the goods...The Melbouren Cup should get the biggest ratings but because its on suring the day when many people are at work it doesnt score as high as it obviously does in real terms...BTW another July week in FTA ratings (metro) Fri night AFL 679K NRL 585K (2 games plus 463K regional NRL) >100K for regional AFL Sat arvo AFL 650K NRL na Sat night AFL 500K NRL na Sun arvo BOTH AFL AND NRL < 462k The Sunday afternoon NRL FTA game has fallen right away...
Melb Rebel
Guest
I think Rugby League is going great. But Gallop is not the right CEO. Why had he waited so long to attend a Melb game. No excuse. Rugby league could learn a lot about game presentation from AFL. But thanks God AFL cant see past its Melbourne dominance and no appreciation of other games as the AGL game cannot expand internationally. They would kill for a SOO but as seen the Clubs are all up in arms and the players can get up for a rep game. Rugby Union is killing itself in the foot this RWC a bit like the socceroos at recent world cup. But they have 2013 and the Lions to look forward to. Be good to compare TV ratings for NRL GF, AFL GF, RWC GF and Melb Cup. Who wins?
oikee
Guest
The easy way to solve this, next contract have it written, show it live or lose it, plain and simple, so fox can take games away at any time nine deside not to show it live.
NF
Guest
In closing before this garbage article gets sent to the archives once and for all Liam you big shot instead of dissing rugby league to get a rise out of it what don't you come up with answers you smart alec instead. It seems to me fans of other codes seem to think they hold all the answers to Rugby League while us leagues don't know a thing so by all means enlighten me contribute something meaningful for once instead of this sensationalist cheap hit garbage.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Paddy Boy, Thanks for your input to this discussion ... However, the Victorian Police did get involved and reported to David Gallop after 10 months, that there was simply not enough evidence to bring a single person before the courts for ciminal activity - fraud is fraud whether it is corporate, government or other - no one is untouchable if they are caught and the evidence is strong ... My opinion is that he should not have made ANY decision until he gained the reports from the police and or if the ATO charge players with tax evation, which is still pending and involves ALL FOOTBALL CODES ... One things for sure, David Gallop is like a dog with a bone on this issue - SOMEONE WAS GOING DOWN - and the penalties he handed down where never going to be enough for him - HE IS A LAWYER AFTER ALL, and that's fair enough, but, that doesn't mean he can't be wrong or make mistakes, or do or say the wrong thing, and that doesn't mean he can be trusted - AFTER ALL HE IS ONLY HUMAN ... Not enough evidence is not enough evidence and all citizens have the right of the benefit of the doubt even in criminal matters ... There is plenty of information on line about what happened, what was revealed and what others in the NRL felt about it through news releases and video's ...
PaddyBoy
Guest
To the Storm fans, and I can relate more than almost anyone else (being a Canterbury supporter) that whilst the punishment hurts, there are only a few men you can blame. They are the blokes who decided to pay the players well over the rules that have been stipulated. The police don't get involved as they didn't break any laws at any level of government, rather, they broke corporate by-laws of the NRL. There are issues, such as clubs that do next to nothing in terms of youth development or don't provide any money towards junior clubs and then sit on top and poach.
trakl
Guest
I disbelieve only one thing in Liam's blog. Everything suggests that he is indeed "rugby league's biggest fan." "By definition, rugby league aims for the middle" is a statement as profound as it is beguiling. Not the top. Not the bottom - except in terms of its morality, of course - but the middle. His "swallowing" of rugby league and the "obligation" to attend a Newcastle game lest he is "deported" suggests too someone with a sense of perspective when it comes to the responsibilities that come with the freedoms bestowed on all of Australia's good citizens. A 'stop-start" sport where the "pond" is "small" and the pond-life therein are not waving but drowning in a miasma of shit suggests a sympathy and spirit overwhelming in its generosity! After all, he says that the "accolades are finite" immediately after an infinitely laudatory listing of the attributes common to the "most exceptional" athletes that play the game. The "no room for subtlety" line is so definitive that it lacks a little subtlety itself but clearly is a fitting description of the likes of Benji Marshall et al! If only Phil Gould's "knowledge of self" was as full as our friend, Liam's he would not attempt to talk of rugby league in such highly poetical terms! Leave that to the Wordsworth of The Roar - Liam Beckett. Liam - and excuse the rugby league parlance - take a bow!
Rob9
Roar Guru
Undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs in Australia and all things considered DG's doing a pretty good job. He took the game from the brink to what it is today. Balancing the wants and needs of 16 clubs and their supporters while trying to run and grow the business that is the NRL would be one hell of a challenge. Especially considering these two powers run counter to each other a lot of the time.
kem
Guest
Phil Gould has no problem what so ever.David Gallop doesnt care of any other Rugby league club, He his like A Rat going around to find any failure ,that for sure! Phil Gould his the only one in media that care about rugby league in Australia,- DO YOU KNOW WHY ? because he allowed himselfs to get smashed up during his playiing days,not like DAVID GALLOP cry baby BOO ,BOO ,BOO!
ChristopherMason
Roar Rookie
Very well argued Liam. I should have said most of this in my own article.
Meesta Cool
Guest
Matt He does not need to criticise them, He needs to sit down with them and insist that they treat the sport in all areas with some respect. Our 'simple' belief is that, Ch 9 bought the rights, Ch 9 should be asked/told to broadcast them at a 'reasonable time of night. 9-30-10pm is in my view acceptable. midnight onwards is not!. If, as I am continually reading, Ch 9 are not fullfilling their contract, then The NRL/David or whoever, should be insisting that they do.. NOT ONLY Storm games, the games of other clubs also. There are supporters on NRL all over Australia, some watch one team, others like myself like to watch ALL games. If Nine won't show the games at a 'reasonable' time, then they should allow Foxtel to have those games in the States that they don't want to service. -- This must be the 14 thousandth time I have made this request, on Roar, Melbourne Storm. Ch 9 and to NRL, I have recieved feed back from Storm only and lots of support from 'Roar Readers' . I can watch all other games 'LIVE' or slightly delayed on foxtel, so, it is only Friday night games that are the problem. Are we asking too much of this channel or the NRL to act on this matter for us I think not, but others may disagree. ?.
yewonk
Guest
what gus wrote in his article was absolute tripe and i think it is selfish and pig headed to attack gallop on a few loose words. at many times i have thought david gallop is not the man for the job but his professionalism about his job is second to none in the code. i would love to see gaz petro and hazem all in the nrl admin as well. i would suggest liam like a lot of league fans are fed up with constant negativity and divisive attitudes in the background.