On Friday night, Penrith lost to South Sydney by a point. Panthers fans would have been watching the last minute of this game with their hearts in their mouths, only for those hearts to be ripped out and stomped on by Adam Reynolds, who kicked the winning field-goal with 37 seconds left on the clock.
Few were shocked that Penrith lost this game, after all, they were missing three of the most damaging players in their backline: captain Matt Moylan, Peter Hiku and Waqa Blake.
After a breach of team protocol last week, which involved breaking curfew following the Panthers’ loss to Melbourne, a decision was made by the coaching staff to drop the trio to reserve grade.
As I said, without these three players on the field, there wasn’t a lot of shock that Penrith lost. What I was shocked about though, was how Twitter reacted to the loss.
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Tweets like this were not uncommon:
“Dumb call to sack Moylan, Blake and Hike @PenrithPanthers – should have been heavily fined.”
“Winning is everything, dumb decision by the Penrith Panthers.”
“They let down their members, fans, sponsors, teammates by not fielding the best team.”
“What if they lose tonight and miss top four by two points.”
“Anthony Griffin cost @PenrithPanthers two points.”
These sorts of tweets disappoint me because they contribute to a ‘winning is everything’ culture, which suggests that some extra talented players should have more leniency applied when they do the wrong thing off the field.
Bizarrely, it also points the finger at the coach when, in reality, had the players abided by team protocol (like the rest of their teammates), Anthony Griffin would not have been in a position where he had to discipline them.
The most frustrating aspect though, is if it’s always about putting your best team on the field, what sort of behaviour off the field is significant enough for a player to sit out? If it’s always about putting your best team on the field, then almost anything can be excused.
That’s simply not good enough.
There is a school of thought that as long as a player is performing on the field, fans should have no interest and no say on whether what they do off the field is right or wrong.
But the reality though is that we live in a world where the line between what is public and private is blurred.
Whether players like it or not, the minute they put on that jersey they become a role model. If this status is not something that they are willing to embrace, then perhaps they should reconsider whether they want to be a professional athlete.
When I read that Griffin and his staff had made the decision to drop the talented trio, I thought ‘good on them’.
By doing this, Griffin made it clear to his players that they are all equal. No matter how talented on the field, each player is held to the same standard. That should be encouraging to the whole team.
It made clear that the Panthers expect a certain level of behaviour both on and off the field. Those standards are applied consistently across the board and if a player does not meet them, they will be punished. Moylan, Blake and Hiku would have been embarrassed to be playing reserve grade and will think twice before making a decision in contravention of team protocol again.
Dropping these three also served as a powerful signal to the rest of the NRL community about what sort of a club the Panthers are. This focus on strong culture reminds me of another club – the Canberra Raiders.
Think of the incidents with Josh Dugan, Todd Carney and Blake Ferguson. In each of these circumstances, the Raiders adhered to an agreed team protocol and a certain standard of behaviour. The same standard was applied and ultimately it led to these players leaving to play for other clubs.
You could almost say that the Raiders were disadvantaged on the field because they took a strong stance off it, but that view is short-sighted. It ignores that a positive team culture and environment is more important than the individual contribution of any one player.
I applaud Anthony Griffin and the Penrith Panthers coaching staff for taking a stand and for applying the same rules and protocols to all players.
The Panthers may have lost the game on the weekend. Big deal. To use one of my favourite rugby league clichés, a week is a long time in footy and there are plenty more weeks to go.
This decision was about far more than winning a football game – it is about developing a culture and making sure that every single Panther is all in.
This will serve the club far better in the long term, helping to create a culture of which other clubs in the NRL will be envious.
MrJSquishy
Roar Pro
Completely agree Mary (i.e. it is a different issue), but, your article is titled "Culture is more important than 2 points". I do wonder whether a 9th place finish (in the name of culture) will really be more important than 2 points to the sponsors/fans/other team mates (especially considering they lost that game by a field goal)... I don't have the answers (just the question...haha)
Chook
Guest
Queenslands centres last year were Chambers and Dicky Knee. Which one would you drop?
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Out of curiosity. Did every single one of those tweets come from Rothfield by any chance?
terrence
Guest
....?
Mark
Guest
The players should not get a week off from doing their jobs. They should have lost 1/26th of their annual contract, with a further 1/26th if their player ratings were less than 80%. Essentially they are punished by being forced to work for free. Tbe only ones punished last week were the fans and their team mates.
Gray-Hand
Guest
Griffin actually booted Dane Gagai from the broncos in 2012 due to disciplinary reasons, so he's not afraid to pull the trigger.
Kramer
Guest
Ok then...but where did i say Souths didn't deserve to win? You were talking about hypotheticals...this is a thread about if Penrith should have dropped there players. Everyone knows Souths deserved there win...thats not the discussion. I think your on the wrong comment section mate or missed the point entirley.
Matt
Guest
Max, I have been disappointed with the Panthers so far this season. I thought at the start of the season they would be top four certainty's. A settled spine of Wallace, Cleary, Martin and Moylan. Good big forwards and fast backs. With the X factor from Peachey and Cartwright. I still think they will make the eight but maybe not the sort after top four spot. I will think long about who I will tip this weekend. A wet game in Melbourne might have drained the Sharks and along the return of the 'Banished Three' might give the Panthers the edge. You are right with Wallace needing some support. If they give him the support he needs they will be able to meet the Sharks front on in the middle of the field. I think it will be a tight game whoever wins.
Kilgore Trout
Roar Rookie
I think sending the message that everyone is equal is really important in a football side . Especially considering the vast differences in wages within a squad . That being said , Carney at Canberra and the high speed police pursuit , was completely different . Irwin got punted , after taking the fall for Carney ( and potentially keeping him out of jail ) , while Carney got a slap on the wrist . How much more unequal can you get ! Carney eventually went because he wouldn't agree to Canberra's " 5 point plan ". Hopefully the Panthers " suspended three " will vindicate the coaches decision with big games this week . Panthers need to get a wriggle on !
Jimmmy
Guest
Thanks Con. Let's get these things right.
BPLOL
Guest
My understanding was it was a team implemented rule. As such player have buy into these restrictions at the start of the season as well as the outcomes of breaking the rules. If this rule and punishment is agreed by the playing group it must be enforced no matter what the situation or who the player. Otherwise the culture fails completely.
Mushi
Guest
Given sleep is a major factor in elite physical performance and the researched negative effects of over consumption of alcohol (which is a bit of hand in hand with late nights) on athletes recovery time and ability to create muscle memory it's perfectly reasonable. They had an interesting article on Espn about how modern NBA home court advantage is less due to the sleep players now get with private charter flights, tinder (which was a funny tangent) and being more conscious about partying.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes I can, but I'm keeping it to myself, I've already won the big prize in lotto once and that is not a joke! As I said before, the Rabbits were a better team and they deserved to win.
kk
Roar Pro
Comprehensive summary, Matt. Next Sunday afternoon we will find out where the Panthers stand. Thanks to the Coach I'm tipping a Panther victory with the three giving performances to atone and seeking forgiveness . Last week's loss may serve as a turning point in their season. They need to give Peter Wallace more support to counter the relentless Shark attack. With a bit of luck the Sharks may be well fed and tired. (smile) Who was responsible for selection of that photo of Blake Ferguson to accompany this article? That is seriously frightening.
Albo
Guest
Buzz probably thought this was a good opportunity to lay a few sneaky ones on his favourite obsession and target , Gus Gould , who would likely have been aware, if not possible instigator of the player suspension. At the end of the day, no one here knows exactly what went on , except that 3 players were stood down for not obeying the Club rules. Whether it was a first offence or in response to ongoing issues, who knows ? Whilst their suspension possibly cost the Panthers 2 points on the night, I am happy to go with the coaching & management staff that they have made the right decision for the Club going forward. If all the players keep their noses clean now and concentrate on their footy it will all be worthwhile. If however , some players resent the actions taken and see it as an over reaction to a minor infraction, then the coach risks losing the dressing room , ala Tigers and Co. My sense is that the players have accepted the punishment and will now cherish more the opportunity they are being given to play in the NRL, because , particularly out at Penrith, they know there are plenty in the lower grades knocking on the door for a spot with the big boys. Being reminded of that fact every now and again is a good thing I would suggest.
Mary Konstantopoulos
Expert
That is so lovely of you to say - thank you very much! I really appreciate you attending.
Kramer
Guest
While you are looking into your crystal hypothetical ball. Can you please tell me the lotto numbers mate?
Kramer
Guest
Someone likes dots.
GD66
Guest
But the right call. Rothfield seems obsessed that if they miss the bus by 2 points down the line, it's back on Griffen : in fact, it would be back on the curfew-breakers. Fact is, they could have won that game regardless of the three absentees.
Steve
Guest
Agree with this. Canberra gave blokes like Carney numerous chances when they shouldn't have and their culture got to a point where it was so shocking they had to suddenly crack down it. It escalated out of control due to their poor handling of it.