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.
IanW
Guest
Y'know, Storm Boy, if you actually bothered to put some effort in, you'd have much better dirt to throw at Australian Rules players. Like the rape charges. The other rape charges. And the wannabe bikie. Thats without the obscure stuff, wihtout going into Injunction over Buddy, or Heath Shaw's record. And of course, in something that no rugby league player has ever done, setting the dwarf on fire during Mad Monday.
Maximus
Guest
True The NRL thrives on controversy which turns off a lot of people but the core demographic thrive on it...If the NRL came out ands said they fix games and refs are coached to make games even (like the old Aussie Roller derby and current wrestling) , I'm sure RL would still survive because some people just love that sort of thing.
Leaguegirl
Guest
Hi guys, My two cents. It saddens me, as a woman fan of my beloved rugby league that these young men,who train and work so hard, so they can entertain us every weekend with their skills, endurance and strength, are torn down every time something happens in their private life that doesn't befit the 'role model' status the public and media gives them. While I agree they are public figures and should be more aware of their actions once entering under the NRL family banner, at the end of the day they are still boys who by nature, are prone to some wild behavior once given their own free time. Now I don't condone at all some of the actions these boys display but every time I hear about stories like these the logical mind kicks in, not political correctness. They are young men who are at the top of their game. While their peers are partying, drinking and cavorting with women, they are on strict diets, training and going to bed early so they can entertain the masses. They give up the priviledges of being a young man in this day and age for our entertainment. I agree with the sentiment that teams and their management need to teach these young men about social etiquette when out in public, but in the end, that saying always prevails. "Boys will be boys." Let them make their mistakes off-field and let them learn from it. We all get the privilege of doing that. Some of us make the same mistakes over and over again before we front up and do something about it. The real power in letting them fall from grace is how well they pick themselves up. There are life lessons to be learned from that. Surely NRL players, after all the sacrifices they make for our entertainments sake, are allowed to have off days as well? They are after all, human beings just like you and I. Not perfect superhero characters that can do no wrong. It's unrealistic and a dreamland fantasy to expect such perfection from these players. Besides, 99% of players are doing wonderful work for their communities and charities but we all know those kind of stories don't sell papers. I can't thank the NRL and RL players enough for my love for the greatest game of all. The on field action and drama they have provided for my entertainment has been a great spectacle in the last 15 years of being a fan. Every year my love grows fond of the game despite the heightened off-field stories the media portrays. It seems to be high profiled more than ever as the years go by. You learn to appreciate the hard work and commitment these players have when you see most of them doing the school rounds on their off-field days. Teaching young kids about bullying, fairplay and work ethic. Tim Mannah and Parra Eels I have seen multiple times at my children's school representing Parra and NRL with positive messages like this. No matter how many times the media polarize the off-field antics of some, when you see the positive progress of Rugby League at grass roots level, it will never waiver or change how much I love this game. As fans and spectators of the game, we should be applauding the work of the players doing their bit behind the glare of the media and we should all know by now the sensationalism and embellishments of the media and what they'll say to make some easy $$$$. That fact is never going to change. It's part of the modern world and unfortunately in this day and age, scandal sells. Let them do their job. Just as we should let the Masons and Packers of our game be human and make their mistakes. The unsung role models of the greatest game of all who are working behind the scenes every day more than make up for it. Just my two cents. ST xxx
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Some of these issues should be dealt with mandatory sentences, especially those relating to drink driving, where any low range offense should incur something like a min 4 week suspension with anything considered high range drinking driving done on a case by case basis (but guidlines like 10 weeks min suspension). It these sorts of things that will make players wake up and understand that playing NRL is a privilege not a right. You could do similar things for other areas, hit your wife? 26 week automatic suspension. Get in a fight? Somethign similar.
Brad.H
Guest
In relation to the Russel Packer portion of the story , once an allegation has been proved and judged upon in a court of law it no longer becomes "Alleged" ! Are you scared of being sued by a convicted criminal over proven facts ? But the incidents you describe are an appalling blight on a once proud game.
Alicesprings
Guest
I laughed so loud my neighbor heard me while watching the news tonight..is he for real!!?? Anyway or a broader note scandal or good news story, all publicity is good publicity, it's the off season! However I would disagree that nrl players get a raw deal, he's been a dickhead, is continuing to be a dickhead, which probably makes him a dickhead. As a result the media is lapping it up!
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
First port of call now is "the ARL is to blame, not me" - two year good behaviour bond and the court expresses its appreciation for him interrupting a busy day to attend. Blake’s cousin Anthony Mundine stands there in support. You couldn't invent this stuff if you tried. http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/blake-ferguson-gets-twoyear-bond-for-sex-assault-in-sydney-pub-as-lawyer-launches-attack-on-nrl-for-failing-to-protect-young-players/story-fni0cx4q-1226816583154
turbodewd
Guest
albo, heard of the expression 'shooting the messenger'? Its not Niko's fault that a high percentage of NRL players get into trouble. Joel Monaghan in 2010 - I rest my case.
NickF
Guest
Two points. 1. football players are not role models. Parents, relatives, school teacher and community leaders are role models. Sometimes they cross over, like in the case of Adam Goodes. 2. Every scandal in NRL is followed by howls of negative comments only to be followed by higher ratings. pointless article.
Australian Rules
Guest
Fair enough, but the opening line of your post ("What about the AFL’s 3 strikes drug deal?") seemed like a pretty specific dig at the AFL and its drug policy. And, many people criticise that policy - which is fine - but I've always found that a bit odd, given no other sport does what the AFL does and goes public with all it's results. Certainly, the AFL push "content" like no-one else (AFLMedia) but that also doesn't mean that it's all good news - it's just more news of everything.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
While I agree it is up to the players taking responsibility for their actions (like you, me, anybody else), there is a point where these blokes (the offenders) just don't have much going on upstairs. So in that sense, with the risk taken employing these type of men, the NRL should be stepping in and helping players be better behaving individuals.
Will
Guest
I never said it is "worse in other codes" I said it is better managed in other codes. The NRL thrive on the bad boy news story (like a player took a selfie??) while the AFL love a good news story - It was never a our sport verse your sport comment but rather trying to point different ways sports manage the media, feel free to replace AFL with CA if you want.
Kim
Guest
Very interesting read! Keep up the good work, Niko!
Squirrel
Guest
Police now target citizens more rather than criminals as it gets their precious stats up. There has hardly been much happening. Bring on the start of the season, so journalists can focus on the game rather than the overhyped garbage.
Misto
Guest
I love NRL people - whenever atrocities happen in their sport their immediate primary school defence is its worse in other codes. When even high profile RL people are distraught with player behaviour then you know something is wrong. BTW the AFL drugs policy is the same as the Aussie Olympics rules for social drugs not PEDs...
Knight Vision
Guest
-- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Knight Vision
Guest
The players are people so their mistakes neither surprise nor disappoint me. The over reaction of this and other reportage is perfectly shown by the mention of Dane Gagai who's mistake is not a criminal one affecting greater society. BIG DEAL!!! It's a rather sad reflection on society as a whole that this even raises an eyebrow. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Boomshanka
Guest
While "Aussie Jim" Tamou (also from the Horowhenua), four times over the legal limit, jumps in a car unlicensed and gets to play for Australia. I'd like to see any "normal" kiwi successfully gain an Australian Passport after that.
Australian Rules
Guest
Will, do you know how many players test positive for drugs in the NRL? The answer is no, because results are never published. Same for every other sporting competition, except the AFL. The AFL makes itself a target for comments like yours because its the only organisation that actually makes public all the results of its own in-house testing.
Australian Rules
Guest
*double