The coaching circus was interrupted on the weekend with further developments in an intriguing premiership race. What is Todd Greenberg doing to ensure this never happens again?
Rugby league is a growing issue in the game right now, with plenty of thrillers, upsets and ladder movements leaving fans marvelling at the on-field action.
It appears this enjoyment of the actual 80 minutes has taken on a real cult following, as evidenced by matches out-rating columns about who Phil Gould is discussing real estate with, and why it’s probably BS.
But while acknowledging the entertainment value of Corey Oates or Andrew Fifita blasting the eyebrows off the Mona Lisa, such things simply delay Anthony Seibold deflecting 15 questions about his contract to Souths.
That’s why footy’s popularity is a concerning development for Greenberg – he currently oversees an administration that stands closer than ever to rugby league being about the game.
While expecting the NRL to act on major issues is usually like waiting for a pear to ripen, the CEO must respond immediately by issuing a crackdown on rugby league.
From this day forth, the administration must apply its standard demotion policy on any journalist reporting on matches, which is to be assigned any game involving the Warriors.
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This must be immediately enacted to counteract the dangerous run towards finals, when rugby league coverage unfortunately turns to the field.
Without taking action, thrilling rugby league could become a blight on the sport that detracts from the midweek soap opera of whispers, referee bashing and odds.
If Greenberg hasn’t already noticed, dangerous signs are presenting.
Some coaches are now refusing questions on the fabricated fantasies of the journalist dartboard in favour of “talking about the game”, whatever that means.
Additionally, rival codes are gaining a significant advantage, with AFL and Netflix already thriving by refusing rugby league in their products.
This demonstrates complacency on the NRL’s part, with the administration foolishly resting on the diversion of cranky coaches blasting refereeing a week after calling for their support.
But Greenberg needs to realise this; the coach of the Cronulla Goldfish will not be around forever.
While not denying the valuable contribution that rugby league makes to the game, this is a golden opportunity for the NRL to determine its place in the landscape.
The game must be strong with its message: anything that occurs on the field can obstruct guessing where a coach is headed and beating everyone else to print.
I’m not sure what Greenberg is doing to address this; I can only hope he is running up a massive bill on unnecessary hire cars in a bid to wrest attention back where it belongs.
As for the rest of us, we must remain alert but not alarmed about the threat of rugby league. Stay calm, vigilant, and if necessary, start a rumour.
If we hold our nerve and ignore rugby league, the dream of our unadulterated utopia remains alive – a TV deal without any games.
Bohemian
Guest
Do NRL clubs get credits from NRL by keeping RL in the news during the latter stages of the season. Do manly and Brisbane geta good draw as a result - in brisbanes case a better draw.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Thanks for reading everyone. Some of these comments are absolute gold. Carney, Gould, barbecues, 10 year plans, yoga based pre-seasons, another Super League war? Outstanding suggestions all round! The game will be back where it belongs in no time- shrunk to a one-inch column in the details section.
James
Guest
We're in serious need of another Superleague War to complete wipe out the game of rugby league. All this on field rubbish is getting in the way. Imagine the eyes of the public focused purely on the politics behind the game. Imagine an NRL run by media organisations. Imagine a post war peace deal that means the media takes even more control of the game they helped destroy.
Ghost Crayfish
Roar Pro
I once worked somewhere that launched a new 10 year corporate plan every year. I think Gus did the same management course as the CEO there.
Ghost Crayfish
Roar Pro
Yes, it has been an admirable effort on their part I agree. And over the next two years, we can now look forward to Barrett dramatically joining Penrith, being hailed by Gus as a genius, then being fired by Gus. It's comforting when you can look to the future with some assurance about what it holds.
Matt H
Roar Guru
Don't panic people, we are only one Bennett BBQ away from pushing football back into the shadows where it belongs.
RandyM
Guest
I heard Greenberg has been consulting with Todd Carney on how to stir up some off field trouble pre finals. He may even attempt his own "bubbler" trick if the attention isn't taken away from the footy.
AJ Mithen
Expert
I salute Manly for pulling out some late season quality
Bearfax
Roar Guru
Gould is a smart operator but he's myopic and can only see things from his point of view. Why else would you sack a coach (Griffin) who has Penrith potentially up there contesting for the crown. Why else would you sack another coach who was doing good things for the Panthers (Cleary) and then invite him back. Its all about Gould and his ego and heaven help any coach under his management wanting to do it his way. Gould needs to stick with management, which he seems good at, and leave the coaching to the coach, especially if they are winning you games..
mushi
Roar Guru
To be fair did Gould ever say what year his 5 year plan starts?
Nat
Roar Guru
Did you hear that Phill Gould has announced another 5yr plan to be enacted in 3yrs when Freddie becomes available in a straight position swap. Gould will take over the NSW gig and his new 'pathways' systems are limited to the M2, M4, M5 and M7 on a promise to represent your State, Yoga based preseason and endless chocolate milk served from the naval of the Pantherettes.
Bearfax
Roar Guru
Greenberg and the present administration need to go, and a more proactive group be brought in to address many of the growing negative issues in the game.
Ghost Crayfish
Roar Pro
Yes, bring back the self-serving grandstanding from club bosses who also double as prominet 'impartial' media commentators. With finals fast approaching, we're running out of time for personal vendettas to be played out in public! Politicians in Canberra are trying to fill the breach, bless them, but it's not enough!
Paul
Roar Guru
This focus on rugby league and upsets has even taken ref bashing from the front pages, so to speak. No doubt it won't take long for Gould and the other bobbleheads to put the game back where it belongs - a distant third behind their inane comments and which ref is going to cop it this week.
kk
Guest
Hi Dane, That is what you call a winning gallop. Thank you for a massive contribution to the elimination of the forward pass and head high tackles. The news has just come through that Greenberg is on his way to Canberra to save the nation and the job as his press secretary is yours for the asking. At last the game will have a voice to get aid for fair dinkum rectangulars. May your steedens be with you.