The Melbourne Storm has again beaten other clubs to the punch, appointing a full-time acting coach to assist in the tactical use of the head injury assessment (HIA) process.
The club that pioneered the use of advanced sports science, data analysis and jiu-jitsu gurus has now appointed world-renowned acting coach Les Fayker, one of the finest performing arts teachers in the country.
Fayker has worked with thespian talent right across the spectrum, from stage performers to movie actors. Although he has previously consulted to several European soccer clubs, it is believed the Storm role is the first time he has worked in rugby league.
The news comes as critics hailed Cameron Munster’s portrayal of a man viciously struck in the head by a swinging arm in Friday night’s clash at AAMI Park. On appearance, most commentators were convinced that Munster was immediately unconscious or at least suffered a Category 1 concussion, and many expected a send-off to follow.
It was only after Storm general manager Frank Ponissi confirmed that “there was nothing wrong with him” and that Roosters player Victor Radley “hardly got him” that the true genius of Munster’s display was appreciated.
Storm football manager Frank Ponissi and Storm coach Craig Bellamy (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
One expert judge was in awe of Munster’s efforts:
“The way Cameron was able to emulate that free-falling, limp drop to the ground was just too convincing to be the work of an amateur. His eyelid movement and his ability to fall floppily was masterful, and would be the envy of De Niro, Brando, Ledger, indeed all of the great method-actors. It has all the hallmarks of Fayker’s tuition.”
The appointment is sure to open the regular debate about the haves and have-nots in clubland. Clubs which are unable to afford the appointment of full-time acting consultants will be left with sub-par performances of the same low-quality as a Kenny Edwards leg cramp or a Josh Dugan knee injury, being B-grade at best.
Meanwhile, the Storm will enjoy the advantage of tactical use of the HIA process in a way other clubs will only dream about.
As one rival coach bitterly complained, “I’ve got 13 blokes who didn’t even get picked when they auditioned to be a camel in their Year 3 nativity play, yet you’ve got bloke channeling Daniel Day-Lewis. How is that a level playing field?”
But Peter V’landys was supportive of the lifting of acting standards in the NRL.
“I’ll admit we have a long way to catch up to soccer, but once again, these sorts of innovations that the Storm have started can only benefit the quality of the spectacle,” the chairman said.
“I’d like to think that one day, an NRL player might win the coveted double of a Dally M and an Academy Award in the same year.
“It’s only a dream at this stage, but we’re on the road now!”.
Glenn
Guest
Easy fix, if it looks like you've been knocked out its off for 15 mins for HIA. No other option. As usual NRL will not bring it in to appease Storm who have been at the forefront of most of the dirty tactics introduced into NRL.
Kman
Roar Rookie
Thanks andyfnq, and I will try to be a bit fairer in target zone for future articles. I appreciate the point, and definitely don't want to alienate fans of any team.
Michelle
Guest
So true
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Feedback well taken, cheers for polite dialogue :happy:
Kman
Roar Rookie
Thanks for reading and commenting andyfnq. Your comment is fair. Just for the record, last year, I wrote a number of satire articles for the Roar which made (light) fun and criticism of other clubs, including the Broncos, Roosters, Tigers and my own team, the Eels. I agree that the Storm are certainly not the only culprits for gamesmanship, far from it so your point is taken. Cheers,
Catherine Brown
Guest
Muster has always played this way. He's a grub and continues with his grubby antics. As a Queenslander I object to him playing in the Queensland jersey but unfortunately he's there. He didn't deserve the Wally Lewis medal. These antics are always in his game. Unfortunately this behaviour will continue to get rewarded and his behaviour will change the game
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
Why only single out Munster and the Storm when this is an issue for all clubs and most players? You gave a half hearted mention to Edwards and Dugan and that was it. I can see your point that maximising distress after an illigal hit may be stretching the law beyond its original intention, but it still comes off as a bit of a salty dig at Melbourne; it's not helped when you mention the tackling issue at the start that was the biggest beat up and non issue ever. They tackled better than other clubs and people got upset by it; rules were the same for every club. Maybe spread your target zone a bit wider next time?
Kman
Roar Rookie
Good question Joey. Fayker is shrouded in mystery, and the line between what is real life and performance is blurred! :laughing:
Kman
Roar Rookie
I think that is the best way for the NRL to handle it GregM, great comment. It is going to be hard in the heat of the moment for referees to be able to police, but match review process may be the only way.
Joey
Guest
Wondering if Fayker is his real name or stage name ?
GregM
Roar Rookie
maybe the NRL can review some of this playacting after the game, then warn the team / player that their histrionics is not an acceptable part of the game, that the Refs'll be keeping a closer eye on them and if they continue with it they'll be penalised / fined etc for unsportsmanlike conduct and bringing the game into disrepute
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
sad thing is – she’s going that way((
mushi
Roar Guru
I gave it before knowing you are an eels fan. That's a natural advantage for satire
mushi
Roar Guru
Yeah,nah. Shouldn't whack him in the face. The situation is all in the offending team's control. Penalties have to be disproportionate otherwise there isn't any point if the disadvantage when caught equals the advantage of the action. As a roosters fan, I'd have been ok with him being sent off. A free interchange is a penalty we should have avoided (it was hardly a bad thing with cuntster is off the park - interchange him all you want he's a top 10 player)
Kman
Roar Rookie
That had me in stitches kentdorf!!!! :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: classic!!
Kman
Roar Rookie
Mushi, thanks for reading and positive feedback! Appreciate it.
Emcie
Roar Guru
100% But if you allow punishment against one side to disproportionately benifit the other (like the opposition being a man down and getting a free interchange while keeping the "injured" player on the field) it makes it a very attractive situation to manufacture
mushi
Roar Guru
I meant Brando, clearly the Ahole Munster did :silly:
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Joey Manu??
mushi
Roar Guru
Didn't he kick a guy in the face once?