Let’s take a look at rugby league’s key talking points and issues for the week.
NSW taking themselves too seriously
NSW officials are planning to provide ASADA with a squad of Blues players they want exempt from questioning over the NRL doping scandal during the State of Origin series.
It was reported yesterday in the Sydney Morning Herald the NSWRL is in the process of compiling an extended list of Blues players for ASADA to ensure the State of Origin campaign isn’t derailed by the investigation when they head into camp on May 28.
How much of a difference will this make on players who are already involved with the on-going ASADA investigation? It smacks of self-importance by NSWRL. I just don’t get it.
Players are going to be distracted regardless, interviews or not. What’s next, the Kangaroos ask ASADA to keep their Sharks players out of interviews until the World Cup finishes? It’s all a bit silly.
SBW’s new career as a model
As if Bulldogs’ fans weren’t fired up enough at the prospect of watching Sonny Bill Williams face their old club on Saturday night, Sydney Roosters’ officials have poked the bear even more by erecting a number of posters featuring the dual-international in Bulldogs’ areas.
According to the Roosters’ chief commercial operating officer, they were put up to remind Bulldogs fans when the match was taking place. Thanks for the tip.
Smith v Thurston, the battle of the boot
Two of rugby league’s greatest current players are on track to be in Australian rugby league’s top 20-point scorers of all time.
Storm, Maroon and Kangaroo captain Cameron Smith is currently 18th on 1370 points from 619 games and has scored 33 tries. His Queensland and Australian comrade Johnathan Thurston is in 27th spot with 1229 points, made up of 66 tries, 481 goals and three field goals.
Interestingly both started their NRL careers in 2002. Thurston’s goal kicking success rate is much higher at 79.7%, albeit with less conversion attempts (481/603), compared to Smith’s 72.4% (619/855).
Take a moment to reflect on the achievements of these two great players.
Marshall missing could be a positive for Kiwis
Benji Marshall’s latest injury (toe) will probably rule him out of the Kiwis side for next week’s Test against Australia, but don’t cry into your cornflakes just yet New Zealand fans.
The Kiwis thrive on being the extreme outsiders when key players are missing and often play best when up against it more than usual (think the 2005 Tri-Nations and 2008 World Cup final).
It is not like Marshall has played great football at Test level lately. Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran should add spark and direction. Plus, they won’t be wearing moon boots like Marshall.
Flanagan honest but was it the right thing to say?
Should Cronulla Sharks’ coach Shane Flanagan have said how negatively the on-going ASADA has impacted his team?
No doubt the players are probably feeling uncertain about the whole situation, but to have the coach come out publicly and say they are struggling – surely this should have been handled better.
It seemed like the media caught Flanagan at a weak moment. On one hand it was refreshing for Cronulla’s coach to give a real answer to a question, but I don’t think the players got anything from it.
They need optimism from everyone at the moment, yet most importantly from their leader.
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What to look out for in week two of the Pacific Championships
Brad Fittler claims widening State of Origin eligibility rules to include Australian-raised New Zealand and England players will benefit both the domestic and international game.
If you followed the recent Rugby League World Cup, you’ll probably have noted that the tournament has both passionate supporters and vocal detractors.
Since the Super League War, Rugby League has failed to cement an international calendar. The historical tours disappeared – in part due to the war but also since the English game transferred to a summer season.
With many spruiking that the pinnacle of our beloved sport is State of Origin, surely it’s time to make yet another amendment to the playbook and finally let New Zealand and English players in on the fun?
With the World Cup final just days away, I thought I’d reflect on some of the key moments and memories of the past ten…
