I know I am in the minority of NSW fans condemning the actions of Paul Gallen as unacceptable. But that’s the problem.
Maroons coach Mal Meninga and skipper Cameron Smith said they were happy for the incident to be left to officials.
But if Paul Gallen is to be believed, officials are powerless to stop Nate Myles’ bullying, both by his leading with the head and his knee-twisting.
Otherwise, Gallen wouldn’t have needed to take matters into his own hands, first with a swinging arm and then with several punches to the head.
Do you remember when the Commonwealth Ombudsman gave questions to Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young?
Then Commonwealth Ombudsman Allan Asher said he had to do it because there was no other way to publicly raise his concerns about inadequate funding for the Ombudsman’s Office – so he had to take matters into his own hands.
I know it’s unfair to compare Paul Gallen to someone who can read, but is the same true of the National Rugby League?
Is there nowhere else for NSW’s elite footballers to go through official channels to have issues and complaints of this nature dealt with?
Knee-twisting and headbutting are very serious after all, career or season ending, so something should be done – but is the NRL powerless to respond?
Are players voiceless victims in the face of bullying and dirty tactics? Is this why Paul Gallen had to punch Nate Myles in the head?
According to Paul Gallen’s first defence, yes.
“He’s been getting my knee and twisting it after every tackle,” Gallen told referee Ashley Klein, who promised to keep an eye out.
“He’s been doing it series after series. Headbutting and twisting,” Gallen added.
So if the referees didn’t see any of that behaviour tonight, they should go back and watch old tapes and then see why, after years of abuse, and nothing being done by the NSWRL, the NSW coaching staff, the NRL or any of the on field referees or touch judges, Paul Gallen – as the Erin Brockovich of the NSW Blues – had to take on the impossible battle the only way he can, by repeatedly punching Nate Myles in the head.
In Gallen’s defence, it’s happening a lot around Australia at the moment. Assaults permanently damage the brains of at least 3,500 Australians every year.
3,500 people – with permanent brain damage, resulting from assaults. Obviously there is a lot of bullying, dirty tactics and impotent authority out there.
The frequency of people dying after assaults in public is something that many believe has reached epidemic proportions.
The state of Queensland has introduced an anti-crime program called ‘One Punch Can Kill’ to try and teach young people about the potentially devastating impact of violence on your own life and that of others.
Western Australia introduced new one-punch laws, allowing the judge the discretion to sentence an offender of the one-punch deaths to a maximum prison term of 10 years.
Some of you may recall an incident in which David Hookes died after being punched by a bouncer.
Or you might recall former NRL star Craig Field being involved in an incident where one punch totally changed the outcome of the rest of his life and ended someone else’s.
News.com.au called it an epidemic and responded by creating a ‘Real Heroes Walk Away’ campaign.
In their investigation of 175 ‘sucker punches’, they found that 27 percent of cases were enacted by someone who is a member of a football association.
But forget about that, all praise to Paul Gallen for teaching us that if real heroes walk away, then realer heroes stay and punch on.
If you’re being bullied, the best thing to do kids is to take matters into your own hands and get punching, just like Uncle Paul.
For the people of Papua New Guinea, there is an organisation called: Rugby League Against Violence, dedicated to stopping family and domestic violence.
By using the heroes of rugby league, they educate people in Papua New Guinea communities that violence, especially towards women, but violence in all its forms is unacceptable.
That is, unless, of course you have a good reason, or feel wronged by someone, or it’s an important occasion (like Origin), or you’re especially passionate (because it’s Origin) – then the message is very clear: there are obviously situations where a few punches in the head are okay.
Obviously, given the NRL’s commitment to such things, Gallen’s behaviour has shocked everyone, he’s been labelled a mindless thug by both sides, and others in rugby league aren’t endorsing his behaviour, especially not those in positions of authority.
Well, apart from Laurie Daley, himself a superstar but also a role model and newly appointed coach of NSW. He called it a “great Origin moment.”
Oh, and then there was Cameron Williams and company on Nine – they talked about “bringing back the biff” and how it wouldn’t be Origin without “the biff”, so we all need to understand that Origin is just different.
The Sydney Morning Herald gave Gallen’s performance an 8.5 out of 10, calling it a “Typical captain’s knock from the inspirational leader.”
And it must have been. North Queenland’s Tariq Sims tweeted “Gal, that’s passion right there!”, Canberra’s Sandor Earl tweeted “Yesss Gal”, while former NSW second-rower tweeted, ‘It’s not a club game boys…it’s Origin!”
I must be alone in my views, as a New South Welshman. The newspapers this morning have reported that the sell-out crowd cheered when a replay on the big screen showed Gallen landing blows on Myles.
But then even Myles himself said, “How good is it? Let’s be honest, everyone wants to see it. I don’t think he should get charged. That’s just the way it goes.”
Post-match, Gallen said that punching Myles in the head and the swinging arm were a sort of “compliment” to the opposing forward.
“Nate has probably been the dominant forward in Origin over the past two or three years, he was player of the series last year,” Gallen said.
“I don’t have to tell you some of the things he’s done to our players.
“He’s been very dominant and we didn’t want to be pushed around. That’s all there is to it.”
The second defence, he did it to end Myles bullying and dominance.
That’s all there is? It’s just the way it goes? Really?
Was Gallen’s performance, or that of the NSW team lacking something? Sure, he didn’t play 80 minutes, but were his 21 runs for 187 metres and other on field efforts not dominant enough?
The NSW team had the three pronged NSW kicking game of Robbie Farah, James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce and the great tries of Jennings and Hayne.
Sure that was all good, but without the captain of the side punching an opposing player in the head a few times, Queensland might have thought they’d won?
Now, to quote Helen Lovejoy from The Simpsons, “Won’t somebody please think of the children?!”
Thankfully, Steve Renouf tweeted: “So now kids can go out this week end and king hit another kid on the footy field with no repercussion. Thanks NRL referees?”
The answer to Steve’s question is a resounding ‘yes’.
But come on Steve, the captain of NSW, in one of the NRL’s most watched flagship events, punched his opponent several times in the face.
But you heard what he said, he had to. And yes, the coach of NSW said it was “a great moment”.
But don’t worry, I doubt that the NRL, who through their five-year plan have invested $200 million dollars of their own money in community engagement and junior development projects, I doubt they will let this violence be tolerated and that investment squandered.
You’ve read the dot points!
After all, let’s remember, the NRL is big business. According to its strategic plan, it is built on one belief: “Rugby league is the greatest game of all.”
Well the strategy says that but apparently for many, the game is just okay. To make it great, you need a few punches to the head, especially in the “big games”.
You know the ones where the best players the game, the supreme athletes, with the most amazing abilities, some of whom are the best we’ve ever seen play the game.
Well, at those times especially, according to many involved, these are the games most in need of violence to really showcase what the game is all about.
It’s the head punching that makes it great, that’s what we want the kids aspiring to be.
But it’s not all about the kids, except that, according to the NRL, it actually, sort of is. The Origin broadcast even started with an eight-year old boy reflecting on how important rugby league is to him.
He described every series he’d seen, how he’d never seen NSW win a series, but he longed for the day when they did.
Well, last night he saw the first step towards that being a reality, and he learned that it requires, passion, professionalism, self belief and sometimes, you just have to punch another human being in the head, just to really show them who’s boss.
But that was just part of the Channel Nine pre game beat up, surely?
Actually, it’s a massive part of the NRL’s strategy: community engagement and selling the game to kids and their parents.
Partly as a way of cementing its future players and supporters, but also as a means of accessing money from governments and corporations through ‘partnerships’.
A big part of ensuring the NRL get that government and corporate money over other sports and events is about how good they are at convincing people that rugby league is a professional, responsible and inclusive sport.
The mission for the NRL, believe it or not, it to: “bring people together and enrich their lives.”
So, part of that “enriching” must come from strategically letting players punch each other in the head?
It doesn’t exactly say that in the strategic plan, it says stuff like:
– Elite players will be acknowledged as role models
– Rugby league will be seen by parents as a safe choice for children
– A new values-based national code of conduct will be promoted emphasising sportsmanship and behaviour on and off the field
It also says it will change the culture of the game by:
– Being prepared to make a difference by leading change
– Standing up for our beliefs and empowering others to do the same
– Valuing the importance of every decision and every action
– Inspiring the highest standards in ourselves and others
Again, obviously, all very supportive of Gallen’s new role as Dr Punchy – delivering his medicine when and where required to ensure everyone in the NSW team is looked after.
Those dot points also totally back up the comments from people like Laurie Daley and others.
But the NRL won’t stand idly by and let Gallen’s violence go unpunished. They will want to send a clear message.
Or, maybe just a grade two charge, with a one-week suspension if Gallen doesn’t contest it, two weeks out if he fights it – and if there is one thing we know about Gallen it’s that he is all about fighting and justice.
The NRL is sending a clear message: a few punches in the head and a swinging arm to the head, doesn’t even warrant a slap on the wrist.
More importantly, the punishment will mean that Gallen will be there in Origin II, hopefully so he can show more passion and leadership, maybe on someone else’s face next time?
I might be wrong, and you can keep the biff if you want, but think about what you might be losing.
If you truly “value the importance of every decision and actions”, you’ve got some decisions to make and some actions to take.
Some might not be happy, but that’s part of “being prepared to make a difference by leading change.”
Gavin Cooper
Guest
Of course we could ban the game altogether and any other sport where violence happens. Anything that has violence of actions and violence of Intent (verbal statements). That blankets a very wide group. Of course the kids don't need sport that might have touch of knocks in it. And its all pretend when three or four guys tackle one guy and rub forearms across faces, twist and pull arms and legs like they wanna maim the player being tackled. Or when going up for a mark and the player screaming in from behind jams two knees into the opposing players back. Even going up for a header and having a head come smashing into a nose or a jaw. Bouncers in cricket. And of course they can watch TV. Anyone watched what is served up for kids on TV lately ? Sure there was some fighting on the TV via the SOO game. And though not good.it pales in comparison to some of the trash allowed by lazy parents who use the TV as a baby sitter. I find the howling of the bleeding hearts far more scarey, Its a big world out here. Someone makes a mistake when tempers run hot, he has been disciplined, lets move on. Oh, and who cast the first stone, and who else will ? ? ?
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
If it had been Nate Myles punching Gallen with no guard up, you can be sure he would have been at least sin binned. And all this about Thaiday is ridiculous. He comes in late yes, but not with punches just some shoving. Which happens nearly every NRL game. Punches are a different story. But when it comes right down to it, the real precedent was set a few years back with Luke O'Donnell. His very dangerous spear tackle on Boyd, followed by a headbutt and punch of Dave Taylor only received a penalty and an on report signal, As even Phil Gould said that night, if that doesn't get you sent off, what will?
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
Defenceless? Ha. He stood up in front of Myles. Myles pushed him and provoked him. Comparing two punches thrown in a big match to domestic violence is apples and oranges my friend. Do you want to know why everyone is blowing up about this? Because it's Origin. Matt Ryan and Boyd Cordner stood toe-to-toe on Friday night and there was barely a mention of it. If you don't want your kids emulating what's going on in State of Origin then don't let them watch it. Rugby League is a tough man's game. All you do-gooders and helicopter parents can wrap your kids in cotton wool if you want. I don't advocate violence, I'm generally a pacifist. But you've got to ask why do people watch it? For the passion yes, for the intensity yes but also because they want to see some biff. The reaction to this is another sign that Australia is becoming soft. In the words of Heath Franklin's Chopper: "Australia, it's time to harden the **** up!!!"
Andrea
Guest
I agree totally. Kids try to copy what they have seen their favourite players do on the field. I thought that the first half of this game was a brilliant showpiece for the world stage until those punches flew. I was sickened by it. I didn't want to watch a boxing match, I wanted to see the best players play the best footy. The NRL judiciary had an obligation to ensure that there would be a non tolerance policy to this type of violence from the elite players down to the juniors. Instead of giving him their maximum penalty, he got a slap on the wrist and 1 week suspension. In one hand the judiciary are saying you are not allowed to attack a players head with your shoulder, forearm, etc. (shoulder charges) and on the other hand they are giving the lightest penalty for intentional fists to the face, which can carry more force. I know its SOO but its 2013! These players are scintillating to watch when they get down to playing footy. Let the performances of twinkle toes, Haynes and work horse Ryan Hoffman get the recognition they deserve. We can do without this type of thuggery on the field.
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
Suits me just fine Dayer...you calling people unintelligent is like Lance Armstrong calling someone a drug cheat.
Alitis48
Guest
I hope they don't clean up the Rugby League because if they do then more viewers will switch to MMA and UFC. Just like is happening now in the USA.
Bob
Guest
Was the name of that bully............Paul Gallen?
Eddie
Guest
Whew!
bleurgh
Guest
The idea that violence is "always" unacceptable really irks me. Occasionally, violence is acceptable and also necessary. Occasionally our children have no option but to rely on violence to resolve an issue. The only problem with violence is that it is - in a lot of cases - not sacrosanct to justice. But then again, no system of mediation really is. For a short period of time in primary school, I was the victim of a bully. He used to beat on me every day. He would dig his nails into my arms, kick me, push me around, abuse me, etc. This kid made my life hell. I was humiliated by the way he treated me. I went to the teachers for help but what help I received from them did nothing to protect me from the bully. I was told that if he was to confront me again, I should hide behind my friends, tell him to go away, tell him to "stop it," and that I should simply walk away to tell a teacher. The problem was however, that on the off chance that I could avoid harm using the school's advice, it would only be momentary. These actions never made me feel safe. They victimised me and corroded my self-respect and self-esteem. After a few weeks of trying the school's method, I asked my father for advice. He was initially shocked, and depressed about how well I'd hidden this from him (out of embarrassment). I told him about what the school had done to help me and he was outraged. After a long cry, he pulled me aside and gave me the most liberating and valuable advice I've ever been given. He told me that I had his permission to hit my bully. To hurt him. That no matter how much trouble the school got me it, he would stand by me. He taught me that sometimes, you have to fight. To protect yourself, or others. He taught me never to start a fight, but he taught me how to end one bloody well. The next day, the bully came over to me as usual and started to push me around. I told him if he pushed me again I was going to hit him. He pushed, and I cracked him right on the nose. Blood pissed out down his mouth and onto his shirt. I got suspended for three days (funny that he never did) but needless to say, that kid never even looked at me again, let alone try to hurt me. For that matter, nobody in the school ever picked on me again. Obviously, things don't always work out that well for others. I believe however, that my story is testament to the idea that "sometimes," violence is necessary. The idea that violence ought to be totally censored from violence is misguided in its ambition. As parents, our role is to educate our children about violence. Our role is to make sure that our children are vigilant, and responsible, but also strong, and confident. We should equip them with the skill to defend themselves, and with the smarts to stay safe.
Global
Guest
Totally there are some shrill voices about no doubt & I can understand your defensiveness. I think the violence afforded to Origin is a privilege - one that Gallen abused the other night. It was a shame that a fairly green ref in Ashley Klein was put on the spot the way he was. If Gallen was given 10 minutes to think about he's actions, we wouldn't have the fallout. While I would be surprised if history agrees with Daley's take on it as "a great origin moment", no one can dispute it has entered origin folklore & will probably be "the moment" of the series. Although Hagan is throwing the "payback" line out there for game 2, my guess is QLD will try & punish NSW with the scoreline not their fists. If NSW has trouble garnering support outside of their state, imagine how much harder Gallen has made that after a record half a million Victorians watched he's stupidity in Game 1. In so many ways I think NSW would be better served with a captain sans chip on shoulder. Farah's nose and cheek would also be better off LOL
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Oikee, you're really, really, starting to ......make sense. Never though I'd see the day. But kudos to you on this one.
Steve
Guest
Fair enough Global, I actually agree with your point- I was just going for a bit of hyperbole in response to some of the less reasoned arguments I read above. Gallen's individual action was a total grub act, bad for the game and entirely in keeping with the way he handles and thinks of himself in general: I am surprised he didn't get more punishment- I'm just not going along with the idea that hitting someone in SoO is indistinguishable from king-hitting someone's grandma in the KFC queue, or any of the other crazy tangents people are throwing around.
Renegade
Guest
hahahaha I think that went over is head.
eagleJack
Guest
If you could grasp the English language you would note from my other posts that I do not condone any violence. I just find a lot of the QLD faux anger over the Gallen issue very hypocritical as they will no doubt cheer on any retribution in Game II. And please don't raise intelligence when you put BROAD DAYLIGHT in caps for a game that was played at night.
Dayer
Guest
I don't want to waste my time with people like you two that live in denial mode ...you guys just don't get it... period. unintelligent responses. go away
eagleJack
Guest
Peely I am not condoning violence. I am merely stating that the link between violence on the football field and violence in society is tenuous at best. If your children are unable to grasp the difference then that is more a reflection of your poor parenting than anything else. But judging by your response your kids are up against it anyway. So best of luck to them.
Global
Guest
Steve you must know your over-simplifying the issue by reducing the incident down to an allergic reaction to the physicality of SOO. To prove my point, I'm willing to bet SOO game 2 will garner a record viewer audience because most of Australia will be eager to see Gallen get he's comeuppance. Gallen crossed a line, unpunished and celebrated by those who should know better. This is the cause of the fallout. Stop pretending your the last tough man standing. Yes society is becoming more politically correct. And for the most part it is annoying. But take a good look; Gallen has just given ammo to the PC crowd to try and curb the physicality of SOO. Gallen has even since felt the need to position himself as a pawn in the NRL's game of using the biff to promote SOO. As thin skinned as his mentor Ricky Stuart, Gallen will be responsible the beginning of the end of the biff, all because he can't accept he's own glaring character flaws and admit it was a brain snap & he shouldn't have done it.
peely
Guest
@eaglejack, so its acceptable for me to punch anybody in the face, so when my kids ask me daddy why did you do that, i'll just say welcome to the real world son, where men are men and if you do it during SOO you'll get a stern telling off but still be able to play for the rest of the game, not even getting 10 minutes, whilst people like eaglejack say its acceptable.
The Barry
Roar Guru
just like Tallis bullied his fellow Maron the Big Marn on Thursday night
The Barry
Roar Guru
Ado - go and watch kids footy mate - take your missus - I guarantee she will be somewhat placated. Despite the rubbish people post here kids footy doesn't mirror the NRL, it's not shoulder charges, big collisions and punch ups. They play at a pace and with a level of contact where injuries other than a scuffed knee are very rare - for the littlies anyway. Do yourself and your missus a favour and check it out.