I love rugby league. I have for a long time now.
While the mischievous ones among you may say that simply shows how old I am – and you’d be right – it also highlights to me that this great game I love is enjoyable to watch and follow, and has been for some time.
That doesn’t mean it’s always fun. I can assure that being a Bulldogs supporter isn’t a barrel of laughs at present, and considering some of the unfortunate scandals the club has been involved in over the years, being a Doggies fan brings some baggage.
Likewise, as much as try to laugh off some of the headlines that the NRL has found itself in over the years, courtesy of countless off-field incidents, it does start to grind you down after a while.
For starters, the ones of the illegal variety – with actual victims – are no laughing matter, whatsoever. Then there’s the fact that there’s no real comeback to the friends with playful jibes, or Betoota Advocate ‘stories’ about league’s dramas, because they’re all based on facts.
Yet, be that as it is, the action on the field always keeps me coming back for more.
Fast, skilful, violent and intense, rugby league at the highest level is a great spectacle. I can put it no more succinctly than to say I simply enjoy watching it.
However, over the last couple of years, I’ve actually learnt to get behind it even more. In fact, I even have a set of rules that I obey that have increased my enjoyment.
This is not to preach that everything I’m about to list is for everyone, but if you find yourself not quite as happy with the game as you think you should be, perhaps try one – or all – of the following tips.
1. I don’t read, watch or listen to Phil Rothfield
Regular readers won’t find the number one tip on this list a surprise. I had a moment of clarity last season when I realised that the man they call ‘Buzz’ intensely soured my love for rugby league.
It’s nothing against Rothfield personally, but 90 per cent of the thoughts or opinions that leave his brain I either disagree with, or find so negative that it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I often wonder if Buzz actually likes rugby league, because he’s often trying to destroy it. Considering I love the game, we’re a little at odds with each other, so I deliberately go out of my way to avoid anything and everything from Rothfield.
2. I don’t know any of the referees’ names
If you put a gun to my head, I might be able to feebly stutter out a ‘Kline’ or an ‘Archer’, but I wouldn’t be confident that they’re actually still running around, or that I have the correct spelling.
Truth is, I don’t watch the footy to watch the refs. I’m there to watch the players. So why would I know their names?
Learning their names just increases the odds of some confirmation bias creeping in, and thinking they always dud my team. That’s not going to be fun.
The NRL refs do a good job, and I’m happy to leave them to it.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
3. I don’t stress about other teams ‘allegedly’ being over the salary cap
I can’t prove it, and a large part of me doesn’t act care anyway. I leave the salary cap policing to the experts.
Almost every NRL team has cheated the cap in some way, at some point. It actually takes a lot of complex mathematics to stay under it, and – though some may disagree – a little bit of ingenuity to go over it and not get caught.
Though I do want a level playing field, whinging about a team being over the cap – when I really have no idea if they actually are – seems pointless.
Having said that, I wouldn’t be against full transparency of player salaries and payments.
4. I don’t watch NRL 360
There are some good segments, solid analysis, and great opinions on NRL 360. Sadly, they’re usually out-muscled by Paul Kent going on another agenda-filled rant.
Kent knows his football, and when he sticks to it, he’s one of the most astute, articulate and savvy media personalities that the code has. Sadly, he too often overdoses on the angry pills and starts ripping into a pre-determined target.
He comes across – perhaps unfairly – as a man who thinks he is the game, rather than reporting on the game.
Heaven forbid anyone who gets on Kent’s wrong side, because no one likes using their platform to drive a personal agenda more than the grumpy old man on NRL 360.
It’s a shame, because rugby league needs more sharp thinkers like Kent. Sadly, he channels it in a way that seriously puts me off.
5. I don’t play SuperCoach
I played SuperCoach for a couple of seasons a few years back, and it ruined my life.
OK, that comment should have come with a ‘hyperbole alert!’ warning, but playing SuperCoach certainly changed the way I engaged with rugby league.
Though I actually enjoyed playing, it detracted from the footy. Worrying about try assists, injuries, who my captain was, players missing tackles, etc, all took away from the simple joy of watching games. I found myself worrying about stuff I really shouldn’t be.
So I deleted the app, and haven’t looked back.
6. I go to the occasional game as a ‘neutral’
I find it brilliant to go to the odd game in which I’m not supporting either team. I get pretty worked up watching the Doggies, and as much fun as it is to be emotionally engaged in the result, it’s also fun to just appreciate the skill without stressing about every mistake or point scored.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
7. I watch games on Fox
This is not some tirade against Channel Nine – and I actually miss Andrew Johns’ analysis – but apart from State of Origin and finals footy, I haven’t watched a game on the free-to-air broadcaster for two years.
Whether it’s the breezy commentary, the commercial-free aspect, or maybe even KFC’s Viewer Verdict, I just prefer Fox.
8. Tweeting
Twitter was made for live sport. OK, that’s not true – it actually wasn’t. Yet you could easily convince me that it was, such is the way it enhances my enjoyment of sport; rugby league in particular.
Being able to discuss events that happen in a game – in real-time – with other fans, is a real highlight. Whether it’s a cheeky blow-up over a mistake (normally by my Dogs), praising the brilliance of a set-play (normally by the Storm), admiring the skill of the game’s greatest players, or simply getting news and updates as they happen, Twitter really has increased my entertainment levels.
So, in the future, perhaps rather than whinging about things that affect your love of rugby league, do something about it.
Trust me, it’s more fun and it only benefits you.
Hanrahan
Guest
1. Go to games as a neutral 2. Mix it up - go to NRL and NSW cup games 3. Watch The Fan on Foxtel- 30min of pure fun
Adam
Roar Guru
It might be sacrilege, but I quite enjoy the podcast 6 tackles with Gus. It has James Bracey and Gus on it and it's refreshing to hear Gus' insights without the hyperbole that he normally tries to bring to the commentary box and as you said Bracey seems quite knowledgeable about the game. The problem I see, as you point out, is the more senior commentators ask some pretty dumb closed questions.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think Slater is really good, especially considering it’s early days. Really insightful analysis, picks up lots of little things and doesn’t deliver it all in a deadpan monologue. JT is pretty poor. He gets fed lines like “that was pretty good JT, what do you think?” “Yeah, that was pretty good” Someone did Sam Thaiday a gross misservice by telling him he was funny. I don’t mind James Bracey as the host. He’s professional and knowledgeable without overstepping the mark and getting in the experts way.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Agreed. Joey’s general comments are pretty poor but when he breaks down things like a player’s hip alignment as they engage the line or their hand position as they throw a pass as the reason the ball went forward is next level stuff and a fascinating insight. A long way from Sterlo’s “let’s freeze play there” analysis.
Tony
Guest
Instead of using twitter for "live" interaction during a game you should try r/NRL game threads. Far better. More live.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Great article, good points all. My number 9 would be to remember it's just a game, and one that I am not even playing. It's great to get passionate, but there is no need to get so angry if your team loses. Keep a sense of humour about you and you will enjoy the game a lot more.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
1. Don't worry so much about what commentators and media people say. 2. I totally agree that tipping comps and Supercoach can take away from the enjoyment of the game and I would love to be able to do that. Unfortunately for me Supercoach is a glue that holds our family together through winter. The family league we have plus the end of season awards bbq is as much a tradition as Christmas for us. The rule I have is don't gamble that is one sure way to ruin enjoyment. And send you broke.
League4Ever
Roar Rookie
Pretty hard to fault your logic on any of these.
BigGordy73
Roar Rookie
Agree on so much of this. As for the commenters saying they watch Brisbane for comedic value, as a Brisbane supporter I think I might try that. It might save me from throwing something through the TV next time they should be setting up for a field goal... Going to neutral games is great too, I go to more neutral games than Broncos games, probably as I now live in Sydney and love going to games. Think I’ve been to on average 1 game per round so far this year, and this weekend’s a bumper for me, Dogs and Souths on Friday after some time at the Easter Show, then a trip to Canberra on Sunday for the Broncos comedy show and finally back home to Sydney on Monday for the Parra vs Eels opening game at bankWest!
Nat
Roar Guru
I think we are on the same page with a lot of these ROC. 1, I don't have Fox so that eliminates Buzz, NRL360 and the continual 'Code in Crisis'. In Qld we have Badel and Dobbo and I give those 2 about as much oxygen. If there's a Saturday game I want to see, my local is a warm friendly place. 2, No Twitter - don't care and not interested taking time away from the action to read someone else's thoughts. 3, Same w/ Supercoach, tried it a while back and "ain't no body got time for that". 4, Hard to go to an NRL game as a neutral in Brisbane (as a Broncos nut) but I will go watch BRL (Diehards) and ISP (neutral) regularly. One ISP I rarely miss is the Dolphins v Hunters. Wannabees v Wanna haves. The PNG supporters give great atmosphere. As a neutral, it's a cracker of an afternoon. 5, Over the cap? Please? I read another Roarer today justify their comments today by citing Seinfeld “It isn’t a lie if you believe it". Says it all really.
RM
Guest
Agree with every single point here, although I do occasionally watch 360 when there's nothing else on.
Albo
Roar Rookie
With you on some, but I can't agree with all your points , Ryan. 1. I can take or leave Rothfield and his opinions. He gets the occasional scoop of interest, like the rest of the boof heads in the footy media. 2. The referees should be known as A & B . 3. Whilst ever they have 3rd party payment deals, all the Clubs are potential rorters, so no need to be fussed about others rorting the cap. 4. I watch NRL 360 . At least it is about footy, compared to other tripe in that time slot, like A Current Affair , Home & Away & The Project ! 5. Supercoach enhances my enjoyment of the game. I get to watch every player more closely to appreciate performances for possible future use in my team. And it gives some winning pleasure for the weekend even when your own team might be in the doldrums. 6. I watch 8 NRL games every week from my lounge chair, 7 of which are as a neutral. 7. I watch Fox exclusively even despite a few of their very own annoying talking heads. 8. No time for tweeting. Plus I already cop enough abuse from the wife now, due to point 6 !
watda
Guest
May I suggest 9/ Support the Rooster's or Melbourne
The Barry
Roar Guru
I’m sure he is and does...but his job is to sell papers. And it seems the best way to do that these days is to take extreme stances and drum up controversy. And he does that well. I generally don’t like what he writes so I don’t read it. When he first appeared on 360 I thought he spoke about the game far more passionately and knowledgeably than he writes about it. But I find people who get themselves into a frenzy based on his articles but can’t wait to read the next pretty amusing.
AE47
Roar Rookie
Sorry TB, I’ve known Buzz since 2008 he is honest , humble and loves his Rugby League
db
Guest
Are you ever reminded that the people in the TV can't hear you yelling at them?
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
When Joey breaks down a play in detail, I go weak at the knees.
AJ Mithen
Expert
Ripper again Ryan. I miss the days when NRL360 was good.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
I agree with all of those points. But there's one I'd quibble over. At the risk of sending most pundits here into a sudden paroxysm of outrage, I'm actually enjoying the Channel 9 commentary this year over the Fox commentary. Besides Voss (and Yvonne Sampson as the anchor, it's a festival of vanilla gibberers.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Leader in the club house for article of the year so far. If i had a point 9 it would be; Don't focus on forward passes. Easier said than done if it is your team. But you will do your head in trying to resolve something that isn't resolvable.