- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
On his way out to the backyard to kick the footy around, young Knights fan Johnny passes the lounge room television and overhears the details of yet another NRL scandal.
Nonchalantly, Johnny continues out the back door and into the summer sun, ball in hand.
On January 6, Newcastle Knights forward Russell Packer was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an alcohol-fuelled night out in Sydney.
In November last year, he allegedly attacked a man during a dispute over two cigarettes, punching him to the ground and then stomping on his victim’s face. He was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison.
Earlier that month, Bulldogs recruit Reni Maitua was charged with assaulting a cab driver and the month before that, Blake Ferguson was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Sydney nightclub.
All this before a football has even been kicked.
It’s fair to say season 2013 in the NRL wasn’t the smoothest in regards to off-field player behaviour.
In fact, one could argue that it showcased the poorest behaviour exhibited by NRL players in recent memory.
If one were asked to recall an example of poor off-field (and on-field) conduct in 2013, one wouldn’t have to think very hard.
Some instances that come to mind: George Burgess smashing a car windshield in Cairns; Josh Dugan’s rooftop saga and Instagram tirade; Ben Barba’s connection to the “Epic Bender Crew” and domestic violence allegations; George Burgess’ nude selfie scandal; Blake Ferguson’s discipline problems, James Tamou’s drunk-driving charges; Billy Slater’s Manchester punch-up and Sam Burgess’ ‘squirrel grip’ tackle.
This isn’t taking into account the seemingly done-to-death topics of the ASADA doping investigations and players dishonouring contracts.
From all the suspensions and fines through to the sackings and tarnished reputations, Packer’s two-year jail sentence comes as the icing on the cake for the NRL season from hell.
As he rehearses his spiral passes and grubber kicks, young Johnny reflects. He wonders if he is doing enough. Whether his hours of sweat and daily practice are worth anything without a reckless, indifferent, bad-boy attitude.
“Is this what I need to do to become an NRL player?” he asks himself.
Who could blame him? All the aforementioned names are superstars who have been graced with Origin and/or Test selection.
While the unacceptable actions of NRL players in 2013 are detrimental to their credibility, there remains the crucial issue of the example they’re setting for the next generation of footballers.
Children are impressionable, and should be treated as such. When you are in the spotlight, and viewed as a role model, a degree of responsibility is bestowed upon you.
This writer is not a parent. However, I have a feeling that if I were older and with children, I’d feel somewhat uneasy about the exposure of such conduct to my children from their sporting heroes.
After writing this article a few weeks ago, I’d planned to end on something along the lines of “Let’s just hope season 2014 is a change for the better”.
Unfortunately, this wish appears futile.
Newcastle prop Willie Mason has been charged with drunk-driving, his teammate Dane Gagai has been stood down from the emerging Queensland squad, Parramatta recruit Liam Foran has been charged with assaulting a relative over a financial disagreement and Cowboys youngster Wayne Ulugia has been sacked by his club for disciplinary reasons.
All this within the first 30 days of the new year.
For centuries, rugby union has been regarded as a gentleman’s game. League, on the other hand, has been portrayed as a game played by thugs and hooligans, and it is a stigma our game needs to lose.
It is the small minority who are tarnishing the face of our great sport and the vast majority of our players are doing the right thing.
The fact remains, however, that the frequency at which these indiscretions occur is far too high and it is up to the players to take some responsibility.
The success of our game’s growth and appeal is reliant on making the game respectable again. NRL players need to pull their heads in and start behaving.
Perhaps not for themselves and their clubs, but for young Johnny and the rugby league path he chooses to take.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.