I will not have alcohol blamed for the demise of Laurie Daley, nor anything for that matter.
Personally, I’m sick of booze getting the rough end of the stick for everything wrong in society, most importantly the failure of New South Wales’ culture.
As an all-time great of Blues Origin, alcohol deserves better. Is this how we treat our veterans now? Just discard them at the first sign of proven culpability?
As reported yesterday, the NSWRL punted Daley from his role of overseeing routine losses to Queensland simply because of monstrous bar tabs from camp.
While I’m lead to believe the amount reported was not consumed entirely by Daley, he was still bafflingly fired simply because he was responsible for the entire operation.
Sure, a noble man has lost his job. But the real issue is this; once again, binge drinking has been unfairly ‘irrefutably identified’ as the root of an issue in rugby league.
(Source: Wikipedia Commons)
As always, the sweet nectar is made the convenient scapegoat when all it wants to do is help footballers.
Frankly, the swift condemnation of alcohol for its role in Daley’s axing is a sad reflection of an all-too angry society that is probably just in need of a cocktail.
When will we wake up and be grateful for the contribution of hooch to Blues Origin?
Over the last 11 years, through thick and thin – mostly thin because we’re thick – there has been only one mainstay of the Blues.
The loyal, unwavering, selfless sauce.
Barring one year when it was banned and the Blues won, alcohol has been the old reliable. And if there’s anything this team needs right now, it’s loyalty.
But instead of celebrating its faithfulness and willingness to continue turning up for the sky blue jersey each year, we want to lump it with responsibility for our shortcomings.
Those quick to judge should remember this – alcohol is a sacred cow. It’s Sydney’s version of the Wally Lewis statue.
Not only is it everything to New South Wales, it’s everything to Origin. It’s iconic, it’s a part of the fabric, and apparently a highly lucrative naming sponsor.
Additionally, it’s the mate who’s always on the scene when footballers are in trouble.
It deserves better than having Daley’s sacking weighing on its cloudy conscience until it next drinks away the memory, which will probably be at lunch.
What’s next? Are we going to label gambling as the scourge of society and the catalyst for all manner of social issues too? Puh-lease.
Of greater concern, what kind of message does this send to the kids? Being sober helps achieve your dreams? Money is handy? It’s an irresponsible stance.
Alcohol brought New South Wales squads together, created cohesion, bred understanding and forged eternal relationships in the haze of hungover KFC binges.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Don’t blame drinking for the misdirected passes, defensive misreads and prolonged episodes of collaborated brain explosions that could possibly be linked to alcohol abuse.
It didn’t overlook an unmarked Brett Morris, start running sideways or freeze in game two. Just blame Jarryd Hayne, not the tinnies.
It also didn’t bow to player demands, backflip on selections or allow known loose units to gallivant on the drink – that was the toasted coaching staff’s fault, not beer’s.
We as a community have got to lay off the grog, and not in the stupid abstaining way.
In light of the way the loud mouth soup has been disrespected in this saga, I’m calling on the NSWRL board to issue an immediate pardon to booze. Hiring Brad Fittler is simply not enough of an olive branch.
This state cannot afford to become estranged from the precious fluid.
What will this state blame next year? How will we suppress the memory?
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Very true - I am all for people enjoying their vices , it's unfortunate that some are more effected than others.
Farqueue
Guest
Dane. Fantastic again. Great to see some people actually taking it serious too. I like your writing so much I would buy a book if you did a mascord and wrote one. Or I would download it illegally therefore giving you nothing for your genius. Or I could buy you a beer. It's a cruel world.
bazza
Guest
Also lots of enjoyment for many people who have zero issues with it.
BrainsTrust
Guest
I don't know of any other jobs that come with an unlimited daily bar tab. Unless they told Daley that they were cutting it off he and his coaching team/drinking mates and team manager Andre Farrar would be walking across broken glass to do it all again.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Daley got the shaft because he lost three series in a row, same as those before him. Backing down on Fifita starting from the bench was not a good look either. It made him look weak. As well, some of his selections over the years have looked like keeping mates onside but without the results.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
The interesting thing about this comment is that Dugan was dropped before the Panthers game for disciplinary reasons. He wants to change clubs?
Big Daddy
Guest
Dane, It was good to see Dave trodden at wyong yesterday to present minor premiers trophy yesterday. Job well done.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
yeah...what a nuff-nuff Dane is for espousing such a ridiculous position... seriously...
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
As Thurston said if you are on the pi$$ 5 days out from a huge game you are a goose , end of story ! You don't need a degree in Medicince , Biology or Physiology to know that there will be residual effects physically and mentally if you get hammered in that timeframe - that's science . It's no coincidence that the best players in the NRL are the most disciplined - Smith , Slater , JT , Cronk. Their discipline translates into wins on the field - unlike some NSW players. If alcohol was discovered tommorrow as a new drug and/or substance and studied under controlled scientific environments , it would be banned immediately . The only reason booze isn't banned is because of tax dollars , commercial interests . Alchol causes more damage to individuals , families and society than ALL drugs combined ! It's no coincidence that over 80% of Hospital Accident and Emergency wards are filled with alcohol related cases Friday and Saturday night . Maybe the NRL should start their own chapter of AA - it can only help.
Big Daddy
Guest
As for team management and NSW officials who were present they probably won't say anything because they were part of it. You can't change the deck chairs on the Titanic. Nothing will ever change.
aussieabroad
Guest
I heard he asked them to say they sacked him rather than say he didn't want to do it again.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
When the Blues lose , we blame the booze, even though Daley is a dud. Couldn't coach to save his life and now his name is mud. He gave blues fans a glimpse of hope , he said he'd build a culture, but one from five's a shiit result , we've been put through a mulcher. Give him another try some say, he'll get it right in time , he's got a good team , with a bit of tweaking he'll get em all to chime. Blues fans will rejoice at a dynasty made in heaven, the problem is , with Laurie coaching , it'll be 1927.
Nuzza
Guest
Is this bloke taking the piss?!? Won't accept alcohol or gambling as reasons that NSW aren't having success... another member of society with a victims mentality - just what the world needs.
Wild Eagle
Guest
Unless you're spending plenty of time on a roof drinking Bacardi Breezers whilst discussing your next illegal bet and trying to locate some room on your carcass to get another cartoon engraved or some more philosophy in a foreign language, then you probably don't have what it takes to play Origin for the Blues Brothers. Overseas trips to Casinos with ex brothel owners and casual relationships with other species are just a couple of other pastimes which should only be encouraged.
twodogs
Guest
Ironic eh? The very thing the series promotes.....they can't use? What was that? Oh, only after the game and only by the winners?
Dave_S
Guest
:) Well played.