Paul Gallen claims all-in scuffles are a worse look for the NRL than two players punching, and offenders should be condemned to the sin bin.
The veteran forward expressed the strong opinion after he was involved in a major scuffle during Cronulla’s physical 37-12 win over the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
Roosters captain Jake Friend slapped Gallen on the back of the head, then stood over him, after the Sharks skipper had turned the ball over in a testy first half.
Gallen took exception to the goading, getting up and slamming Friend to the ground, which instigated yet another all-in melee that has plagued the competition since punching resulted in an automatic sin-bin in the wake of the former NSW skipper’s haymaker on Queensland’s Nate Myles during the 2013 State of Origin series.
His comments come in the same week teammate Andrew Fifita said he would gladly cop a punch to the chin if it meant he could coax a jab from an opposition player.
Gallen said it wasn’t the niggle that has become a blight on the game, but the amount of players rushing in afterwards that caused a bigger stain on the on-field product.
“It’s a worse look … players coming in pushing and shoving, than a couple of blokes throwing punches. I think those who want to run in from 20-30 metres away should be sent to the sin bin,” he said.
Eventually penalised for his act of retribution on Saturday night, Gallen also conceded that he should have kept his cool and not retaliated against the Roosters hooker.
“He stood over me like he was seven-foot tall. I’ve never taken a backward step and neither has he. It’s frustrating because we all know we can’t do anything about it anymore,” he said.
“But I’ve probably got to keep my head a little bit more there. It’s a bit hard because I’ve never a backward step and I don’t intend to. But we got the win, that’s all that matters.”
djcooper
Roar Guru
I'll add Jack Bird to your list as well Rob. I find Gallen's comments a bit ridiculous considering his side is known for it.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Couldn't agree more, I liked the rules a lot better when the refs had some discretion in this area and would usually just use the bin if blokes ran in to throw punches rather than if a ball carrier didn't like a tackle and threw some hands -- shame that absolute turkey of a ref decided to let Gallen off after going in with a swinging arm then punching Myles during SoO.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Simple way to stop it,5 minutes in the bin for the two main antagonists ,and 10 in the bin for 3rd man in. The refs have to show some balls and should have done so far earlier.This sort of "push and shove kids' stuff" should have ben just about eliminated by now.The fact it has not,says more about the lack of refereeing control and less about the stupidity of the usual player suspects,yes and that includes the 3 players mentioned from my team.
Rob
Guest
Paul Gallen should have a word to his team mates that rush in slapping opposition players on the head and shoving them to the ground after a try or error. Ennis, Fafita, and Malony lead the way as the worst offenders in the comp. The refs have let the abuse trash talk and general disrespectful baiting garbage go on for far to long. You can't attack the head or contact a player without the ball. So why are players allowed to do it right in front of the ref? Punching, bitting, gouging, kicking players in the head should be suspensions 3 weeks min. 3 strikes your out for 2years like drug cheats should be Paul.