A couple of years ago, your correspondent would have tripped over himself running to his laptop to condemn England rugby union coach Eddie Jones for saying rugby league “is not a skilful game”.
I’ve seen that one media outlet has already compiled a video dossier to disprove Jones’ claims – a sort of new-media open letter.
For those who aren’t aware, Jones made the comment when asked about Sam Burgess’s failed foray into the 15-man game.
Rugby league is a small sport that gets very tetchy when it starts being treated like a small sport. This writer has been as guilty as anyone of leading the charge of the treiziste peasants against enemies real and imagined for years now.
But learning to deal with criticism in a mature way is part of the process of growing up and this is a perfect opportunity for us to take a little step forward in this regard. It’s time to care a good deal less about throwaway lines like these.
Eddie Jones is actually one of the more pro-league figures in rugby union and, to the best of my knowledge, is not a serial basher of the 13-man game.
Aside from that, it is almost inconceivable that he meant what he said. Jones is not a Twickenham toff who has spent his life turning his nose up at the mere mention of Mungos. He is aware of Peter Sterling and Arthur Beetson and Andrew Johns and Wally Lewis and Johnathan Thurston. It beggars belief that Jones actually believes rugby league is not a skilful game.
So, for a start, I honestly don’t think his words came out the way he intended.
Secondly, if someone said “football is boring”, would anyone of any note in that game’s strongholds really give a rat’s?
The only people offended would be those where football is not a mainstream sport. People involved in the sport would be far more offended in America than Brazil, for instance.
Rugby league is a popular sport in NSW and Queensland – so in those places at least, the Jones quotes should be seen as the ravings of a lunatic and summarily dismissed.
I can understand rugby league people in England taking Jones personally. Rugby union gets infinitely more publicity there and the media will have given Jones a platform that can genuinely damage them.
The comments would be seen in terms of a wider “conspiracy” to English rugby league folk.
But when people say they don’t like Mondays, that doesn’t reflect on the future viability of Mondays.
There’ll still be a Monday next week. And there’ll still be rugby league.
Heathy
Guest
Ryan Cross started in Rugby. He was a member of the Australian Schoolboys team in 1996 & 1997. He then switched to League.
Heathy
Guest
On a Wing and Prayer is his Autobiography published in 1991. In the first chapter he emphatically, categorically and definitively states that he had absolutely NO desire to player League professionally. He was not impressed with the culture nor limited international exposure League offered. When he returned from the Wallaby tour to NZ in 1982 he was chased by St Helens, Manly, Canberra and Canterbury. He did not even bother with their offers. In chapter 4, page 52 he once again clearly states that he started playing Union at age 10. As mentioned, he played five eighth for Quenbeyan and I fullback for Marist Canberra. We defeated them in the Under 12 GF and he was most upset. He mentions this because as he displayed poor sportsmanship apparently his father said that he would not let him play again unless he learnt to be a gracious loser. He did not class himself as a mungo, never did and never would. You can direct me to as many hyper links as you wish Nerval but they are simply false mate. I am only too happy to send you the book should you wish as I no longer need it. I believe this is symptomatic of a RL delusion where by any player, past or present, should they display talent automatically be claimed and owned by RL. I duly note another post here state that 90% of Wallabies and 50% of All Blacks come from RL. Really ? Google dual Internationals and you will find a list of 47. The first that came from RL to Union was Andrew Walker at 42. The preceding 41 were all Wallabies that were purchased by RL. RL plundered the Union ranks throughout the 50's, 60's, 70's & 80's. The tide turned when Union went professional in the 90's. This is simply fact. The dual international list was merely the tip of the Iceberg as dozens and dozens of other Union players were lured with the RL chequebook throughout this era. If you attend any elite Union rep fixture you will see a who's who of RL scouts. I have no problem with this for I believe that an elite athlete should be able to ply his trade wherever he wishes, however, it is apparent that RL does not share this. If Folau or Hunt wish to play soccer, Union or League then let them. Why does RL turn on those that change codes ? For the record, I was a mad keen Berries supporter throughout my youth and wore a Canterbury jersey to training so despite this post I am not a rabid Union fan. I can tell you the scores and opponents in every League GF throughout the 80's & 90's. Once again Nerval, I am more than happy to get this Autobiography to you should you wish.
Steve Mascord
Expert
I admit I may over-rely on this churlish line to respond to criticism BUT here is what I believe to be a valid distinction: some weeks I can't wait to sit down and bash out a comment on something or other and I'm grateful for the platform. The money is not in my head at all. Others, I have to search around for a topic because I don't really have any ideas. You are aware of lacklustre records being called "contract fillers"? This column was more of a contract filler than a passionate monologue. So it is actually not true that collecting some pocket money is my motivation every week ...
The Barry
Roar Guru
That's a perfectly honest answer without mentioning your pay cheque.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Thanks.
scott
Guest
You could just say the first part and leave out the necessity to write for payment, that would still be an honest answer. I mean the need to produce a column is part of your motivation every week as a professional writer, no matter what the subject is, and is essentially redundant.
Steve Mascord
Expert
I am being challenged over my motivation for writing a column. My motivation was that it was the first issue this week that elicited a cogent opinion in me and that if I didn't write about it I would not get paid. That is the most honest answer I can provide. I don't know what else to say. That's the reason I did it. I try to be honest in the columns and honest here. What else CAN I say without being dishonest?
Steve Mascord
Expert
Simple. I realise I am in the minority in the way I feel about Australian sports teams. Having spent a lot of time in the UK I realise the opportunities and exposure international competition provides for rugby league there. It's invisible without it. I don't cheer for a team or a country but I cheer rugby league against other sports and international competition helps rugby league climb the "competition table" of sports. Appealing to the likes of me won't help rugby league at all.
nerval
Guest
Here's an article about David Campese from the Sydney Morning Herald - in his own words:"''When I first started playing rugby I was 17, Peter Morton was the Queanbeyan coach..." http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/what-i-drink-when-david-campese-20110910-1k2n3.html#ixzz4BN849qKb In this Q and A with Campo he answers: "How did you get into rugby?" with the following: "That’s a long one. I actually played Rugby League from 8 to 16 in Queanbeyan because in those days, in the 70’s, Rugby League was the country sport. Represented ACT from 8 -16. Played Aussie Rules for a couple of years. Lived 100 metres from a golf course so played golf as well and won golf championship at age 15. Played a bit of rugby at school but in 1979 when I left school and went to work one day I went over to watch the local 4th grade side, the Queanbeyan Whites, I played and started the week after." http://pinkrugby.com/2013/david-campese-talks-rugby
nerval
Guest
David Campese played league between 8-16 and switched to union after that. His first and primary code was league. This is verified in a number of accounts, not least by the man himself who charmingly referred to himself as almost exclusively a "mungo" in an article for the Telegraph. I'll try and find the article if I can. In this one, you can read about Campese's stoush with All Black Stu Wilson:"Unbeknownst to all at the time, Campese had in fact not heard of Stu Wilson. Campese later mentioned when interviewed for a video biography of his rugby union life that he had not heard of Stu Wilson because of his rugby league background..." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Campese And in this one you can read about how "Heralding from the small town of Queanbeyan near Canberra, Campese was originally a Rugby League man, but switched codes during his late teens. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/australia/david-campese-3114/biography-of-his-international-rugby-career-for-australia_a02594/ There are plenty of others.
The Barry
Roar Guru
This is a serious question and not a pot shot... If you don't feel national pride relating to sports contests why are you such an advocate for international rugby league? You campaign for international footy more passionately than any other journalist I can think off. On face value it seems incongruous that you don't relate to the associated patriotism. The sense of national identity and patriotism is the most identifiable trait of international footy and probably the best thing that level of league has going for it. If you don't connect with that what's the interest you have that drives your passion? I'd be really interested in (and appreciative of) a serious answer...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Why not? Are you serious? When I'm at work and a customer asks for my opinion, or questions a piece of advice I've given I don't turn around and say "haha, I get paid for this..." regardless of how dumb the question might be. We all know you're a professional journalist. I don't understand why you keep reminding everyone.
Mongo
Guest
The 10 metre rule makes for open play but unfortunately means most penalties end up as tries so the refs decide the game on marginal penalties - not as cutthroat as soccer penalties but heading that way
Mongo
Guest
Frank KNEW how to spell at least nor end the sentence with a preposition
Steve Mascord
Expert
Why not? I work for money like you do.
Heathy
Guest
Incorrect Nerval. I played against Campese growing up in Canberra.I played Rugby for Marist Bros and he for Queanbeyan. We actually beat them in the Under 12 Grand Final. He played Rugby well before then and continued through to Seniors. This is also verified in his Biography. Not aware that he played League at all really.
Ara
Guest
The 10 metre rule, multiple interchanges and the joke scrums have made rugby league a less attractive sports. Apart from a couple of positions the body shape is all one type. The worst thing about watching the game live is the number of trainers guiding the play. Can't the players think for themselves
The Barry
Roar Guru
Why do you keep mentioning your pay cheque any time someone questions your articles?
soapit
Guest
cooper vuna
Birdy
Guest
I wonder if coaching the opposition is un Australian ?