Even during a weekend full of things to cheer about in the world of rugby league there always seem to be those who want to put a stain on the game.
No, I am not talking about the Ronaldo Mulitalo fiasco (sheeeesh) or New South Wales having a practice run against Queensland on Sunday night (ouch!).
What I’m referring to is the silly putdowns any woman in the game of rugby league cops when they seem to make significant steps forwards to improve the game.
Two things in particular really stood out to me this weekend.
On Friday night the annual Women’s State of Origin game was played. Yes, it was a low-scoring affair, but some of the talent and skill displayed in that game was incredible.
(Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)
Some of those hits dished out from both sides, especially from NSW captain Kezie Apps and Queensland hitwoman Tazmin Gray were brutal. I thoroughly enjoyed the game, and I’m enjoying the progression of the game, especially with the expansion of the NRLW competition.
But despite them putting it all on the line, some of the social media comments were in rotten taste, putting the players down for not being able to score more than ten points, asking why women were playing footy instead of undertaking other ‘homely’ duties et cetera. I don’t need to go on to paint this picture, but the disrespect was huge after what I considered to be a fairly entertaining game.
Let’s flatten one thing out: any of those so-called men commenting wouldn’t talk if they copped a hit from either Apps or Gray, I can assure you!
The flair and speed from players like Tamika Upton, Jessica Sergis and Isabelle Kelly and the toughness in carries showcased by my personal favourite, Tiana Penitani, were immense. I thought the game was a testament to the progression of the women’s game and how far developed they really are. The keyboard warriors really need to give them their flowers.
The second thing that stood out to me was the appointment of Yvonne Sampson as co-host of NRL 360.
Let’s not mess around here: in terms of controlling a panel on Channel Nine or Fox Sports, there is no-one better than Vonny. She holds a panel well, she angles her questions to the right people at the right time and she is always professional in her approach.
The fact people were annoyed by the fact it was her and not a man or possibly another female counterpart shocked me. Lara Pitt comes to mind, but to be on that panel, which is quite fiery and fiesty at times, I thought Vonny was definitely the best choice they could have made.
The scream for a male panelist, with some critics claiming that it should and always will be a ‘male show’, was a confusing one for me. Does Vonny have the background Ben Ikin did? No. But does Paul Kent or James Hooper? They’re as credible as Vonny, if not less.
To shun female involvement is just ludicrous. The fact is that women will get their feet into this sport, whether the public like it or not. When it is due, this should be respected and applauded. In these instances these two cases deserved to be applauded, not shunned.
Job well done to all.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Roar Rookie
I thoroughly enjoyed the game a much better viewing contest than SOO for the boys
Heyou
Roar Rookie
The women played good footy. I enjoy watching them play. It’s a tough, rugged game alright and not for the faint of heart. I try not to compare the men’s games with the women’s games. I like to take each on the merits. We have some very knowledgeable women commentators of RL They know their stuff. I must admit to a preference for the purists who don’t have a tendency to bubble up like champagne when interviewing players. It’s kinda sweet but a bit grating at times. I say GO you women of league… go hard or go home? Na…yeah lol Love ya work. :thumbup:
Birdy
Roar Rookie
Supposed to be top 100,typo. Does it matter if it was Serena or JMac quoting. The fact is it's accurate, my memory says Serena but willing to concede it was JMac. Not worth looking up.
BLACKTOWN
Roar Rookie
Parra v dogs 1986 Mick Stone disallowed 2 Brett kenny tries..35 years ago but I’m almost over it final score 4-2 Mick Cronin 0-2 blinded earlier in the year from a Mark Laurie stray finger to the eye.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
These blokes complaining of a low score, they do realise that Qld won an Origin game 2-0 and that GF games have had scores like 4-2 and 6-4.
Kevin Leighton Jazz
Roar Rookie
I grew up playing rugby league and played rep footy against some of the legends of QLD rugby league...I couldn't agree with Will more...that women's state of origin was tough as. I didn't see the online heroes dissing the game but some of those hits would have rocked some of the NRL players let alone these online clowns. I'm from a different era where the rule was first scrum all in...but these women are playing really well and I'm enjoying every minute of it!
Greg
Roar Pro
agree with other commenters. Have pretty much only seen praise for the Origin game, which I too enjoyed (though ive always enjoyed women's sport). I am typically indifferent towards Simms as a commentator but thought she was very good and by far the best option for expert comments on Friday night as her knowledge of the women's game exceeds any of the other options at 9. I have seen criticism over Sharpe, some standard ref bashing but also questioning if she was the best option or the best female option? I think it is fair to ask this question but typically it is not done in the most respectful way. Similarly, I think it is fair to question if Sampson is the best option for 360. I do however think she has got the job on merit as I don't think Fox would risk ratings by appointing someone substandard in the interest of gender politics. I personally however have never been a fan of Sampson. Would have liked Lara Pitt, Mic Ennis or Dan Ginane though i can respect others may feel differently.
BLACKTOWN
Roar Rookie
Was that serena that said that or John Mac
Albo
Roar Rookie
## Make that Megan Barnard !
Starlight
Guest
I haven't heard or have I seen any adverse comments on my Twitter. As for the Origin, I have been fortunate to see Womens Origin at North Sydney Oval, and the two in my region, Sunshine Coast. Enjoyed every minute. Great atmosphere, great support. So, I have only seen & heard nothing but praise.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
I didn’t watch the NRL women’s game, but having watched a game of mixed touch footy at a high school recently, I noted that the girls in the team had excellent passing and catching skills, no dropped balls, very accurate perhaps better than the boys, whereas the boys were better at running the ball. One of the coaches said the girls were very good as they grew up playing netball, which is a catch and pass game, and their skills where developed back at an early age. I appreciated the difference in skills between the sexes, that both made the game very enjoyable. I am not sure I’d like to see a women’s footy match just for the big hits with all due respect, but for the subtle differences they may display on the field.
Tony
Roar Guru
Clive Palmer has a few quid
Albo
Roar Rookie
Not sure where you are finding all this disrespect of women in Rugby League , Willie ? I am assuming it must be some trolling on other social media platforms other than the Roar ( the only social media playground I play in ). I enjoy the Women's game greatly. There are some very talented women involved playing the game or commentating on the game. Take last weeks Womens State Of Origin match where surely any serious rugby league fan has to admire the skill levels of athletic backs like Tamika Upton, Lauren Brown, Julia Robinson , Taryn Aikin, Botille Vette-Welsh, Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly & Tiana Penitani, and the toughness and hard hitting of forwards like Chelsea Lenarduzzi, Destiny Brill , Tamzin Gray , Ali Brigginshaw, Simaima Taufa, Millie Boyle , Kezie Apps & Hannah Southwell. But surely we can also be critical of some poor performances without being accused of disrespect. I thought Blues half Maddie Sudden had a shocker on Friday, just as I thought Maroons Cameron Munster was ordinary too on the Sunday night. I can still respect both players for what they do in the game. As for the apparent storm over the Ben Ikin replacement on NRL 360, I am not an Yvonne Sampson fan, as I think she is too prone to churning out cliches of our game rather than any unique personal perspectives. Though she is probably the most experienced of our female NRL panelists & presenters. Personally , I would have preferred Lara Pitt , Megan Barnett or Jess Yates in that role. But that's just me. I would be just as happy with Brandy or Sterlo as counterpoints to the Kent abrasive style on that show.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
' Snagging a rich fellow' . What an outstanding aspiration you have for her.
Nat
Roar Guru
As others have commented, pay no mind to the trogs. Poor little sociopaths post for the attention from the spare bedroom of their parents house. IMO, NRLW has only one place to go – up. The female comps are getting bigger and stronger every year and that will only assist with the talent development at the top end. This year with the BHP Premiership, my club Valleys had a (good) team and occasionally played on the same day as the BRL. To my surprise, there was a whole crowd that came just for those games. Might I say, a crowd that made it look like an event being well dressed and enthusiastic. Unlike some old drunks wearing their flannos and thongs feeding hot chips to the dog. :stoked: (In my defence, it’s a new flanno)
Nat
Roar Guru
What was your contribution?
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I do agree HY, I wouldn't like my female family playing contact sports.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I watch and judge women's footy for what it is. What would they do if Mitchell ran the ball back with a full head of steam? 80m tries all day. I still find it enjoyable. As Serena Williams said, if she played in the men's circuit she wouldn't make the top 200
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Women can play footy if they want. Doesn't mean it's top shelf viewing. I personally prefer watching field hockey, netball, squash, and tennis with the women. I'm just not keen on contact sports with women, which includes but is not limited to boxing and MMA. That might be a generational thing. But whether it is or isn't, Women's league has a looong way to go before it hits the big time. Good luck and best wishes to them, but let's be real.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I was pleasantly surprised when I first started watching the women's game. Big hits and good attack. Kelly was a stand out, her pace and positional play plus her ability to read the defence. You can teach that all you like but the naturals just keep pulling off the great defence plays. For the life of me I've never understood why centers in the modern game are the lowest paid, Sergis and Kelly, / Mitchell and Turbo tell me they wouldn't be among the first picked in either gender game. The new host for nrl360. Easy I'm anti inclusive, I believe in best person for the job. Yvonne wins hands down.