Former Canberra Raiders star Mark McLinden has been revealed as the pitch invader who disrupted Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.
The Sydney Morning Herald has broken the news that the 43-year-old former Dally M Rookie of the Year was the pitch invader who ran onto the field early in the second half at Accor Stadium as part of a protest designed to raise awareness of environmental issues.
He stripped the padding from one of the goalposts and ran away from security guards before he was eventually rounded up and escorted from the arena.
McLinden, who lives in Mullumbimby in the Byron hinterland, was wearing a shirt that read “end coal, gas & oil” on the front with “for our kids” on the back.
The play was down the other end of the field when the incident occurred and the referee did not need to call a halt to proceedings.
Former Raiders star Mark McLinden was the pitch invader who disrupted the NRL Grand Final. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Parramatta were on the attack at the time during their 28-12 loss to back-to-back premiers Penrith.
McLinden, who now has a beard and long hair, was wearing football boots for his return to a ground he played on many times in the NRL.
NSW Police arrested him and issued him with an infringement notice which carries a $5000 fine for entering the playing field. He has also been banned from attending matches at the venue.
“A 43-year-old man from Mullumbimby was arrested after he allegedly entered the southern end of the playing field and dragged one of the pads from the goal post,” a NSW police spokesperson said.
“He was removed from the field by security before being arrested by police.
“He has been issued with an infringement notice for entering a competition playing field.”
Mark McLinden during his playing days at Canberra in 2001. (Photo: Scott Barbour/ALLSPORT)
He posted a lengthy message on Facebook just before he entered the field on Grand Final night.
“The world’s climate scientists have concluded that the continuing burning of coal, gas and oil is causing catastrophic ecosystem loss and climate change.
“As a result, the stable climate that humans have enjoyed for the last 10,000 years is becoming unstable before our eyes.
“The floods, fires, heatwaves and droughts will only get worse unless we stand up against the fossil fuel industry and demand that they pay for the carbon they emit. In addition, they must phase out its use to be replaced with renewable energy far quicker than governments have allowed.
“Climate Scientists are turning to activism due to the lack of action from governments.
“I stand for science. I stand with scientists, and have joined them in activism.
“I encourage you to do the same.
“Our kids and grandkids are relying on it.”
McLinden also released a song in the lead-up to the 2022 federal election, pushing for people to vote for candidates he claimed were “climate champions”.
He burst onto the scene with the Raiders in 1998 and won the Dally M Rookie of the Year award before going on to play 165 matches at Canberra over the course of seven seasons.
The talented playmaker then spent four seasons in the Super League with the London Harlequins before trying his hand at rugby union, representing the Queensland Reds briefly in the Super Rugby competition before retiring more than a decade ago.
There was a pitch invader a week earlier at the AFL Grand Final with a man dragged off the field at the MCG after running on while wearing a shirt asking for KFC to bring back krusher drinks of all things.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
I've had another reply disappear.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
I missed a conversion of a try from right in front down 10-8. I was usually accurate with short kicks but cracked under pressure. *** I was good at tackling the players who would run straight at me. When I played some senior games in Canberra 2nd division I would always get the first tackle because big guys ran straight at me thinking they could run over the top of me.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I was hopeless at goal. But l could kick to hands strangely enough. It's funny how you can kick for one thing but not another. ------ I always played back as tackling, smothering, hip n shoulders and shepherding were my favourite things. And l couldn't mark for a Sewerage Farm.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
That's impressive and I imagine plenty of pressure on the hip. I was not popular when I failed to find touch trying to get more distance. When we got a big prop who could kick I was relieved of duty. The problem was he was injured I had to play prop as well as kick.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
How dare you?
Footy fan in SG
Guest
Pickett I have a serious question for you Are you a $pa$tic?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I won a long distance kicking comp, south of Adelaide, 36 years ago. I kicked a screwy 73 metres. The best l could do a drop punt was 55 metres
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
That's good. A friend has had two HR's and it did wonders. Good luck.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I found out today my hip replacement has been brought forward 2 weeks to the 12th Oct. After 17 months wait. Finally get mobility back.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Thanks Pickett. I'm waiting for elective surgery to have my colon reconnected but I know I'll live a long life waiting for the Dragon's next premiership. My sister became an Easts fan after the 1966 season with 18 straight losses. She was barracking for you in 1975 grand final. I can't remember who scored all those tries but it was a great backline.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Footy fan, I have a very serious question for you. Are you Greta?
Footy fan in SG
Guest
Because only a fool would pay for electricity if they have the means to generate it for free? If that's not the action of a fool, then politely, what is that person?
Footy fan in SG
Guest
I abuse stupid people who reject science. There is no view in science. It simply is
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Thanks Pickett
Pickett
Roar Rookie
There you go again..why insult and abuse?
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Footy fan in SG Why do you abuse people who have a different view on climate change to you?
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Tim Buck and Rowdy I salute you blokes. Hang in there.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
I met a bloke who was falsely accused by a step daughter and was imprisoned for a short time until the teenager recanted. He was never going to trust anyone again. Not much I can say but I hope all goes well for you from now on.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
He gets $5k and Matterson could have got $4k . I wonder who got the better deal .
Footy fan in SG
Guest
Actually, I'll also add that America has an archaic neglected power grid that would require the best part of $700bn in funding to fully restore. It is leaking billions of dollars of generated electricity each year, and basically whether you are using coal or renewables, so much of it is absolutely wasted. The US - particularly the western states in the rockies should be switching to independent solar power as soon as they can and liberate themselves from the costly grid.