Wade Graham isn’t all that fine with the NRL’s new fine system.
In an overhaul designed the ensure players don’t miss games for minor offences, the governing body this week announced $1500 fines for most grade one charges.
And while it would’ve helped Graham make his State of Origin debut in game two last year – he was suspended for a high shot on Johnathan Thurston – he is unsure if it’s still the right move.
“I know it would have helped in my instance, and I would have been happy with it last year. But that was a bit of an exception. It’s one incident,” Graham said.
The Sharks vice-captain believes the four-figure sum is too steep, particularly for players on minimum wage incomes or part-time contracts.
“We’ll just see how it goes because I think $1500 is a bit steep for an accident,” he said.
“You don’t have to do too much to get a careless grade one. You have to earn three grand to pay $1500, so it’s really a $3000 fine.
“It’s all right for some of the older guys, but some of the younger guys coming into first grade might only be on a minimum wage, so if he slips up he gets whacked three weeks of his whole pay packet.”
Players are allowed a maximum two fines before a third offence immediately becomes a grade two charge worth 200 points.
The NRL has insisted it would help players on low incomes pay off fines, however Graham said he would take a wait and see approach before deciding whether he agreed with the move.
But he admitted he would’ve loved to have the system in place last year.
“I would’ve paid anything to get off that one. But I think mine’s the exception rather than the norm. It’s the rule now so we’ll follow it, throughout the year we’ll see how it goes,” he said.
“Just thinking about it, having it brought to me and looking it over, I’m not too sure how it’ll go.
“This year first offence, bang, there’s $1500. Pretty much you could have got two grade ones last year and not miss a game where this year if you get two grade ones you’re $3000 in the hole, plus what you have to earn to get that in the first place.”
Squidward
Roar Rookie
He is right about the minimum wage guys. A percentage of contract prob a better idea. In saying that I'm assuming the clubs would've been paying these for the players anyway
Rob
Guest
I don't agree with the idea of the fine system. Clubs will pay the bills, while players and coaches will continue to break the rules and treat the breach as a joke. The farce of the shoulder charge before last year finals was laughable. The wealthy clubs will milk this. If you do the crime do the time. All the fans want is consistency and this fine system won't stop the whinging of inconsistency. Cash grab by the NRL that will only widen the divide between wealth clubs and battling ones.
Craig
Guest
The argument of "well its $1500, but you have to earn $3000 to make that much", so really its a $3000 fine is ridiculous. Does that mean a coffee that costs $4 is actually $8? Nobody accounts for money like this you halfwif. But the argument that its a rather large portion of a fringe players salary is fair enough. Maybe they can make some sort of exemption, ie: outside of the top 25 player squad, the fine is $750. I'd rather see players on the paddock than sitting out for a minor infringement, the intent of the rule change is good.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Comparing a 9s fun tournament with NRL is bit of a laugh Jacko.A weekend 18 minutes of football per game to a full season of 13 on 13. I think the NRL despite its problems at times, is well run, other codes have problems with penalties and their interpretations.A $1.9bn code is hardly a backyard show. Another Jacko conspiracy theory.
Jacko
Guest
I wonder how long it will take for the integrity unit to look into this change???I bet there is a lot more grade 1 charges this year and an NRL income bonus as a result. Isnt it funny how the only league tournament that is well run is the Nines...And that isnt run by the NRL
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
What an absolute crap show the Nrl has become! I'm a Life long supporter who gave it away last year after the disgrace that was the titans broncos final. The Players are playing excellent, but all the rubbish around the game now has made it a circus.
Gurudoright
Guest
I get the argument about the difference of what $1500 means between fringe or up and coming players and the highest paid players like an Ingis, Thurston or Smith. Maybe have it set at 0.5% of their contract for that playing year instead of a set $1500.
kk
Roar Pro
Suggestion. How about all players being levied $20,000 at the start of the season. Play to the rules on and off the field and the levy is returned with interest.
Mushi
Guest
"Players are allowed a maximum two fines before a third offence immediately becomes a grade two charge worth 200 points."
Mike from tari
Guest
How many times can you get fined $1500 before you are suspended?????