Andrew Fifita? We haven’t met. I don’t know you. Don’t know your motivations. But outside looking in, my man, you’re making some poor choices on dud advice.
You do have the backing of Alan Jones though, who supported you on his TV show the other night by agreeing that your NRL career is in jeopardy “all because you stuck up for your mate”.
So there’s that going for you. And Jonesy’s seal of approval carries weight in mahogany halls of power.
Perhaps it was he who urged you to front that crack panel on Sky News? To get in front of himself, Miranda Devine and Mark Latham, and plead your case to Australia and the National Rugby League?
For there you were, Andrew – you giant, should-be-lovable lug, you great giggling bear – suit on, tie-less, on the television telling Australia and the NRL that you fear for your future.
That you could be one stuff-up away from the NRL tearing up your contract, and that it’s placed you in the position of talking to “other codes”, which means rugby union.
And that NSW police are “trying to make a fool of myself, someone high profile” because “why didn’t my best mate get done when we went to the jail?”
“I don’t know if my contract’s going to get ripped up tomorrow,” you added. “I don’t know if my contract’s going to get ripped up in six months.”
“Because you stuck by your mate,” offered Jones.
“That’s it,” you agreed.
And here you are. Feeling better? Feeling… vindicated?
Of course, you must look to your future and those relying on your pay-packet. Your little family is, of course, your universe. You’d do anything for them. You’d die for these people. Your motivation is understandable, for sure.
But, mate. Let’s consider where we’re at.
For one, forget rugby union. There’s no place for you there. Firstly, and it’s a bit of a big one, you don’t know how to play rugby union. No.8 is the only position you could play, and you’d be three seasons from learning all the different stuff at ruck, maul, lineout, scrum, tackle, breakdown, running lines, fitness, the game’s entire job lot. You’ll be 28 in June. Forget the rah-rah.
Super League? Catalans with France? It’d be fun, for sure. But mate you can have fun when you’re retired. Fun’s for the end-of-season trip. You’re a footy player, Andrew, one of the best. Be a shame to piss about.
So, how about this for an idea, going forward, as they say, as a way of remaining with the Sharks in the NRL:
Stop being a dickhead!
And think!
Err on the side of being a good bloke. And not just to your mates. To everyone.
Think about doing the right thing, the decent thing, the empathetic thing. Walk in another man’s shoes, as someone said, possibly Jesus.
Mate, you can visit your buddy in prison all you like, in my opinion. Perhaps not that of NSW Police or NRL Integrity. But if there are laws that say you can’t visit your mate, don’t whinge about it. Just don’t break the law.
I agree with Jonesy, backing a mate is good. You don’t and cannot ever condone said mate’s actions. And you don’t. Who could?
But it’s not just that, is it. That dumb shit with the junior referee? Come on, man. You’re better than that.
And to publicly display support for the one-punch killer of 18-year-old Thomas Kelly by writing your man’s initials on your armguard? Come on, man. Think!
He’s this kid on his first night out at Kings Cross. Whole life ahead of him, all that. He’s got family, friends. Think of his mum and dad. Their other son committed suicide. Imagine their grief; try to, anyway.
You’re a public figure. You’re on television. You don’t live in a blinking bloody bubble.
And going on Jones’ bloody panel show to push your bloody barrow, and tell (warn?) the NRL that you’re weighing up your options with other codes… I dunno, mate. What was the point?
In terms of PR, league fans aren’t queuing up at NRL HQ to protest Fifita going to rugby, somebody do something.
Sharks fans are still drunk.
The NRL’s going to stick with their current course, and due process and wait on the police’s findings.
And as such it could be time – past time – to ante up and admit you’ve actually done something wrong.
Time to admit that if your adverse publicity affects the NRL’s all-important brand (meaning all-important spigot of sponsorship money), it’s time to pull your head in and not, you know, do that.
Look, I dunno. We’ve all done stupid stuff. But y’know, surely we learn as we go?
But then I suppose you take what advice as you can get.
And you’ve got resources. You’re a famous dude. Your footy club’s just won the grand final, you could walk down The Esplanade at Cronulla and shout out to all manner of PR types, counsellors.
How about the coach? Shane Flanagan?
Well, maybe not Flanno. Man knows footy. Judgement on PR, media, public perception, all that, might need some work.
Your captain, Paul Gallen?
Yeah… maybe not Gal. Would you get absolute blood-honesty from a mate?
Or from another Shark leader, Mick Ennis?
Or twin brother David? Old giggle-pot? He’s got your back forever. But for hard truths? Probably head elsewhere.
How about that crackerjack bloke, the politician David Leyonhjelm, who got stuck into Rebecca Wilson almost as soon as he’d read about her death? Who repeated it in parliament, for the record. He’s in your corner, old mate, telling Australia you can publicly support whomever you like.
And he’s not a shit bloke, is he. He’s a top bloke. Top human.
He’s one of your allies.
No, Andrew, my man, it’s time to get on the phone and have a yarn with the most articulate and perhaps best man in this greatest game of all, rugby league.
He’s the captain of Storm, the captain of Queensland, the captain of Australia, and his moral compass is true north.
And that man is, of course, Cameron Smith.
Our Smithy could come at you as colleague, mentor, mate. As the clever, caring big brother. The one who’ll tell you straight what’s what. And what is right.
And you can sit down with Smithy over a shandy or a glass of Milo or a fat packet of Fantales – it’s entirely up to you – and he can repeat what he told Fairfax Media a week ago:
“I don’t see why it’s so hard to be a good person and do the right thing. I understand there are going to be issues that arise all the time. That’s life. That’s not just sportsmen. We all go through ups and downs. But the ones I get really annoyed and upset about are the avoidable situations that footy players get themselves into. I don’t understand why they have to be there at that time to get in that strife.”
The truth.
Call the captain.
johnny
Guest
The Andrew fifita fiasco shouldnt be still ongoing. What is he or any one to think about in regards to this situation. He clearly deserved and earned the Clive churchill. If he not being considered for it and four nations squad because of his association and support for one punch killer it should be made known and he should of been informed before the GF and four nations squad known. For it to be 8 weeks later and it's still not settled is rather pathetic. I don't know what NRL will do with situation with Andrew fifita and if and how he be punished. But I say his past cost him spot on four nations, but he was clear winner and deserved Clive churchill medal winner. If Andrew fifita didnt act and carry on so immaturely in his past I say he have no dramas except for this one. If his association with one punch killer and his writing on his wrists cost him Clive churhill, how unfair to those who bet on him to win it and Andrew himself. Its been 8 weeks and he should know where he stands with the NRL. But its great to see that idiotic behavior not tolerated and will not go unpunished by NRL. The player's should know and realise that they aren't gods and shouldnt carry on idiots as it bad for them, their club and NRLs image. I know the players work hard and play hard and deserve and earn their dollars or accolades that can come their way. But to carry on stupid and or idiotically it won't go undealt with and can cost you rep honors or accolades.
johnny
Guest
He deserved punishment he received previously with his actions and got it. His actions off the field have been immature, but his actions in the grand final he desreved the Clive churchill and his stats back him up for being best in this years NRL Grand Final.Money would of been placed on Andrew Fifita for the Clive Churchill and people who did so, can feel robbed and those who backed luke lewis very lucky. He should know what is happening in regards where he stands with his NRL. career and should know and I love to know if his association and support for one punch killer cost him Clive Churchill and spot in four nations. If I was Andrew fifita and I knew I had no chance for Clive churchill, even if clear man of the match before game, I wouldn't of played. The rugby league public and andrew fifita should know exactly why he wasn't Clive churchill winner. This matter should not be still going. Fair enough if he can t or won't be wanted to play for kangaroos due to his imature track record. But he deserved the clive churchill and deserves to know here he stands with his NRL career. He was clearly best in GF and his reactions to not getting it and making four nations was immature and so has been NRLs handling of situation.what is anyone to think, as he was clearly best in GF and may be way for NRL to punish him to not award him the medal he clearly deserved for his efforts on the field that day. His immaturity has got him in trouble and punished by the NRL and threatening to leave NRL. But i be angered/annoyed if I miss out on an award like Clive churchill and clearly deserved it. If he is to cop punishment for his actions and association with one punch killer. Missing out on Clive churchill and four nations I think be enough. But I say his comments and reaction to his 2 snubbings has gained him no friends at NRL headquarters. His past record for behavior be against him to be in kangaroos to rep his country and the NRL. But he deserved the Clive churchill this year and took NRL long enough to deal with
Craig
Guest
He killed someone. Lock him up and throw away the key. He assaulted at least 4 people in the one night. He's obviously a piece of dirt.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Oh , so your a "self loathing lefty in denial " ... same result , go away .
Brian George
Guest
Neither has Greg Inglis...
Sage
Guest
Passive aggressive from me. Rightyo. I'm not a lefty, I don't vote for the greens, you were just wrong in your "gibber" as Matt described it. Don't get so upset.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Nice passive aggressive, now disappear .
The Barry
Roar Guru
Neither has Fifita.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Fair enough Bugs - but you haven't disagreed with my take on events - just the fact that as a Queenslander you loved it. If you want to 'whack' someone, whack the bloke that did it, not the smallest bloke on the field, who had nothing to do with the incident and who was the opposing captain. If NSW players did it to Lockyer, you guys would be spewing. Also, they didn't whack him legally at all. When Gidley caught the ball there were swinging arms coming in from everywhere. Lockyer himself was about the 4th or 5th player at the tackle and launched a massive swinging arm at Gidley. I'm not a wowser, I enjoyed it. It was great theatre but let's not pretend it was something more noble than it was. It was a cheap shot against a bloke that didn't deserve it.
Sage
Guest
That's just not fair cause your opinion means everything to me. It's spelled "you're". I think schools should be safe for all yes, that and a bit of spelling
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Your obviously a lefty , probably a greens voter and all for the safe schools program, your opinion means nothing to me.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Dangerous maniac , surely you are referring to his opponent?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Perhaps because the conviction was quashed, so therefore he actually hasn't been convicted of anything technically.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Can anybody confirm was it actually a directive from Greenberg and co for these guys to be ineligible, or a selection decision?
Basil
Guest
there's some regressive left logic for you!!!
mushi
Roar Guru
Doesnt the ARL do the selections?
mushi
Roar Guru
No he was saying it was untrue. Also you can be conservative without being a bigot. Not you specifically but in the general human sense.
mushi
Roar Guru
Of course they don't play the race card, they're white unabashed conservatives? Thats like admiring george rose for not resirting to 100 metre kick return tries.
Bugs
Guest
JVGO / Internal Fixation / Dean from Surrey Hills, This is a really fascinating conversation you are having / have had. I truly enjoyed reading it. You have all raised some salient points: I'm not sure I could comfortably declare a victor. One thing that did enter my head right at the very end though, was what sets someone like Loveridge on a course for randomly walking up and punching a stranger? And I immediately thought of one of my favourite documentaries, which deals with a whole range of issues, but (mostly early on) deals with genetic predispositions, especially in regards to violence. Fascinating. Thinking of what is eschewed makes me sad for Loveridge. That kind of behaviour doesn't just materialise. Check it if you have some spare time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9WVZddH9w
Bugs
Guest
TB, I generally enjoy your comments for their sensibility, but I disagree majorly with your view of this particular incident. One of Qld's best just got knocked out cold in a fair fight, and then, whilst prone on the ground was dangerously handled (only dangerous because he was knocked out, which I'm unsure Poore realised). It got the goat of the Qld team (as it should!), who earned a penalty. They just wanted to whack the opposition in a show of solidarity for their fallen comrade, especially as the game was already lost. How to? Give the ball back to the opposition, in a fair way, so you can whack them legally. It was a great show of emotion from the normally stoic Lockyer. Fair, tough play. I loved it!