It never ceases to amaze me the influence that NSW has in the whole origin process, and it is just another notable point in the adversity that QLD have to overcome in achieving success. It is astounding how simple it is – when NSW wins the referees were fair and had a good game and when they lose, it all about “we were playing by a different set of rules” diatribe, to the point where the referees get sacked. The truth is, it’s astounding that they kept their jobs after origin one.

There were abundant examples of poor refereeing from game 1, however why go pass the key one? They let a blatant swinging arm go by, which was followed by the same perpetrator’s cowardly punches to the same victim who had his arms at his side. Firstly, if the referees penalised the swinging arm, problem solved, but they didn’t because they were poor referees. They could have redeemed themselves by employing the correct ruling in rugby league for the following cowardly act, and sent the offender off, but they choose not to, because once again they are poor referees. This would have solved the entire problem of the “biff” banning that is currently taking place in rugby league.

Due to this poor inaction, the very fabric of rugby league has been challenged, yet the NSW referee assessment was fair and adequate, QLD’s opinion differed, which resulted in Mel being branded a “whinger”. Surprise surprise, NSW lose Game 2 and the referees’ heads are now on a platter. Laurie is cheered as a hero for standing up against the poor plight of refereeing.

Let’s make this clear, the referees actions (or lack of) in Game 1 changed the fabric of our sport and that attains an OK rating. Game 2 NSW loses and the referees are sacked. Does this make any sense?

Now, let’s be honest. The state of refereeing in Rugby League has been an issue for several years now, the appointment of Daniel Anderson was a step in trying to rectify it. It has not now become a problem because NSW lost a game of rugby league. The state of poor refereeing across all NRL is a threat to rugby league and must be resolved, however this is a topic for another discussion.

Secondly, the use of complaining about/to referees is not new and has been used to try to manipulate the refereeing for an upcoming game – all about applying pressure to get an advantage in the next game. Mel did this for game 2 and now Laurie and camp are doing it for Game 3. Ricky Stuart was labelled a hero for doing it over the past few years, and took it to the extent where Gallen is arguing with the refs at every stoppage. This is almost as distasteful and negative for the game as his continuing thuggery and poor sportsmanship. Ricky is finally being pulled into line this year for this negative tactic.

However, the scariest thing of all, it’s starting to appear that NSW players, coaching, media and fans are starting to believe their own rhetoric and really believe that it is they who have the disadvantage. Astounding.

League administration has always been poor and self serving. The only reason it’s still around after 100 years is solely because it’s a great game. Just to sit back and think of all the rubbish that we, the fans, put up with year in and year out, it’s absolutely amazing that we keep coming back. If it was not for the simplistic brilliance of this game it would not have lasted 10 years, let alone 100.

I’ve often thought this as one of sport’s ultimate conundrums. As in maybe the poor administration for rugby league is an essential quality of what makes rugby league, rugby league. If we were to take away the self serving, negative people running the game, would that leave us with something that is not rugby league? Maybe this yin and yang of the good and bad is precisely what the fabric of rugby league is.

Regardless, it always appears that the bad (example channel 9) is single-mindedly striving to destroy the good, but there’s no doubt that at this particular time it feels that balance is definitely tilted to the dark side.

There is no denying that information surrounding ASADA’s investigation on the Sharks is sparse, however the fact exists that the ASADA are conducting an investigation on this club, and wouldn’t be doings so simply for the hell of it. It does not take a genius to establish that Gallen is a big part of the sharks, and there is a very strong probability he is involved in the activities that have instigated this investigation.

The issue was raised about the possible ramifications to NSW of Paul Gallen being outed as a drug cheat from this investigation, of which I continued with the much greater ramifications of if this was to occur after the World Cup this year.

My points were:

1) Gallen is a man that has always pushed the rules and moral standings of Rugby League, with countless examples throughout his career, with the perfect example being his ridiculous assault in origin one that has had a lasting effect that we all now unfortunately have to live with.

2) Gallen is a man that fails to take responsibility for his actions, using comments like “Myes should take it as a compliment” displaying behaviour of a small, irresponsible and selfish man, who would will never admit he was wrong. If it happens it will be 100% the Sharks fault according to Gallen.

3) The effects of Gallen being exposed as a drug cheat after the world cup will be disastrous for rugby league at an international level, especially when we’re we finally starting to re-build momentum in international league. This one, childish man is not worth even the slightest of chances of damaging our great game.

4) Gallen was a player whose performances and decision making were always under question until Ricky Stuart, one of the biggest whingers and another irresponsible and childish man (with the help of pathetic, fact free journalists) decided to position him as the NSW poster boy.

5) The bias NSW influence of Australian selection will make it certainty that he is selected for Australia, regardless of the risk that he is a drug cheat.

6) Gallen is the high profile player in the middle of this investigation.

7) There is a state of denial surrounding the ASADA’s sharks investigation and Gallen’s highly possible involvement.

8) Ignorant people, who typically do not care about the international element and future of league, will typically stamp and squawk at others who point out real issues that they do not want to accept or hear.

If the Sharks drug cheating allegations prove to be baseless, it will be a one less black eye for rugby league. This would be good news. If they prove to be true, with Gallen in the centre, it will add to the never ending list in the NRL.

If this occurs after the world cup, it will taint Australia, the players, the fans and the great sport of Rugby League, all to stroke the ego of simple man who takes pride in damaging our sport.

Case in point about the ignorance currently on display.

Everyone likes to ignore the ASADA factor, but no matter how much the NRL, Channel 9 and the Sharks pretend it’s not there, it is something that is going to happen. To use the classic, “it’s not a matter of if, but when”.

The second topic of denial is the involvement of Gallen. He is the Lance in this whole mess, and is the one that they will be gunning for, and deservedly so. Before the irrational Stuart promoted him to Blues poster boy, he was a player questioned extensively if he should even be in the side, due to his extremely poor decision making.

Now the bed has been made, and no matter how much bias news limited press is generated, there will be a lot of unhappy people sleeping in that bed when the time comes.

Blues be tainted, is not my concern, as integrity has never been one of their qualities. However, in this year of the world cup, the Kangaroos must NOT be exposed to this threat.

Pray that ASADA comes out before that date, or the powers that be will have Gallen in the Kangaroos to taint their achievements. As we all know Gallen is too small of man to admit blame and stand aside.

It’s not April 1st, is it?

This is the best rugby league news there has been in a long long time. The saddest factor is that we’re actually excited about getting to see 1) all games and 2) live broadcasts. It’s sad because in today’s age, this is something that should be status quo, and not something we have to demand. Actually, I doubt there is one Australian rugby league fan that even expected to see more than 2 or 3 world cup matches, let alone live.

The element that has shocked us all is that Channel 7 is going to give the viewer something they actually want. This is in such contrast to the Channel 9’s where they tell us what we want, which of course is the garbage they deliver week in week out, it make’s me question reality. Channel 9’s disgusting, incomprehensible, disrespectful sports coverage sets the benchmark on NOT how to treat the viewer. Unfortunately, our favourite sport has been stuck in this abusive relationship, and no matter much we plead with it, it continues to make excuses for is repulsive partner.

Thank you Channel 7 for giving us a glimpse of what league coverage could be. Thank you.

Well it came a little earlier than expected, but the wheels are definitely in motion for this club to finish its massive implosion.

A Curtis Woodward article posed the Folau questions 6 months ago. Note the first comment 🙂

Parra’s loss of Folau is Parra’s gain

We all knew this was coming and we all know where this will end, with Ricky walking away from the club some point next year (my guess is just at the point where they can’t win enough games to make the finals).

Parra get everything they deserve. To hire a shallow and failed coach due to origin hype, they exposed themselves as the clowns they are. There is simply no educated decisions at that club.

It’s about time Western Sydney lost a team or two.

There is no need to apologise Robert number 9. However, I do believe it is a little naive to suggest this discussion has not already taken place. There have been clowns calling for NZ to be added to the origin concept for years, and every time a notable NRL player born outside of maroon and blue is in good form the question is always raised.

Yet the discussion point of the representative avenue for these players is extremely valid and a worthy topic to discuss in communities such as these. Thank you for posing it.

However, when discussing this it terms of state of origin, it does nothing but continue the greatest fallacy surrounding origin and league in a general. This is that State of Origin SHOULD be the peak of rugby league, as opposed to just a matter of circumstance.

The simple fact is that origin’s success is essentially a fluke. A concept initiated by rugby players and administrators. We all know rugby league players and its administration are not known for their good ideas. However, this simple idea worked very well, something that the simplest of ideas often do.

Our issue is the idea that State of Origin is the peak of Rugby League and is promoted as such. We have to look a little deeper, and realise why this is? Was this the chief objective when it was conceived? No, it wasn’t. Their objective was not to establish the peak of rugby league, but to pit the best players FROM Queensland and New South Wales against each other – the simple idea.

The fact that it has become the elite match of rugby league is a consequence of this, and that is all. We promote it as the elite, because it is and it’s our biggest draw card, but this was never its intention. This is what is forgotten when we talk about the concept of State of Origin. If we change this original intention, for the conceived one, it will fail because it will be hollow.

The fact that Queensland and New South Wales produce the best rugby league players in the world is a proud achievement, but it is really an indictment on the sport. The true peak should be at an international level. Something of the likes of the World Cup, but alas our sport does not hold that calibre. I wish it did and hope one day that it will.

However, if we saw league explode, and become a strong international sport and we see another nation become the dominant league playing nation, does that mean we should abandoned state of origin? What if Western Australia produces the best players in the country, does that mean we abandoned QLD vs NSW? I believe we should never abandon this concept, nor alter it.

Let’s just stick to that simple idea that works so well.

It never ceases to amaze me that this discussion comes up every year.

To change origin by adding other states destroys the very essence of what makes it popular.

It will cease to be popular if significant changes are made and therefore will cease to exist, which makes this discussion absolutely moot.

NOTE: “State of Origin” is now an idiom, therefore acts as a single piece of vocabulary. It means NSW vs QLD. It does not mean NSW vs WA or QLD vs TAS.

If the author understand this point, they understand why this discussion is moot.

Although I’m 100% rugby league expansionist, origin is just too precious to touch. What should exist is an end of year knockout cup (not an origin replacement, but additional). That would include all states and territories, plus all the league pacific islands. The top teams, QLD, NSW, NZ, PNG will enter in the final stages.

Off the top of my head…

SOME PROs:
+ Grows national league.
+ Gives developing players outside NSW/QLD opportunities to represent.
+ Grows the international league.
+ Gives the pacific islands important game time, help develop for world cup.
+ Gives the pacific island players the opportunities to represent.
+ Provides another opportunity for QLD v NSW match outside origin – big ratings, money and a chance for revenge!
+ Stops the kiwi whinging, and lets them have a crack at QLD / NSW.
+ More league for the fans.

SOME CONS:
– there will be some floggings – only the strongest 4 teams will make it to play the top four, these will still be floggings, but we have to start somewhere.
– player burn out – if players don’t want to play they don’t have to. Top 4 will only play a max of 2 matches. Other team players would be keen to play rep.
– early rounds – not enough interest – play them locally, gather local fans and support. We have to develop the sport.

This is the way we have our origin cake and eat it too.

And the fact that he is a Queenslander.

God, let’s leave the bigotry behind, as you don’t have to be born somewhere to call it home. Living somewhere from the age of 6 and still being questioned about loyalty, as to suggest his choice is in the purist of money is low. Playing for Queensland is a lot more important than money.

If you were in his shoes would you call yourself a kiwi? There’s a difference about embracing you heritage and loving you home.

Rather than labeling all players not born is a state (or Australia) as money hungry turn coats, let’s just play it case by case.

Who am I? I am just a fan of the sport of rugby league, a sport I love and a sport I want to see become Australia’s number one code.

Unfortunately, low crowd numbers is a symptom of an unhealthy sport, typically associated with offering a poor spectacle. The majority of games are now being dominated by wrestle tactics, and refereeing decisions have rapidly become intertwined with such tactics. From this we are seeing more and more games being won by the whistle, and more and more fans becoming discontented and sapping enthusiasm for turning up or on the following week.

I want to see the game healthy. I want to see the game go forward and embrace the term, it deceitfully uses, called “National” and grow to its huge potential. I do not want to see the game go backwards, with poor spectacles and low crowds, and a return to the NSWRL competition.

A true fan will point out the negatives of a sport they love, only in an effort to voice change and improvement. A poor fan is one that lives in denial and preaches ignorance and a return to the past.

Yep, they won’t have to look through too many players’ rubbish bins to fill their columns this week!

Bloody frustrating to watch. The dogs wrestling will be shown as THE EXAMPLE when either 1) they decide to clean it up or 2) document in the history books to what, when and where killed rugby league.

I do not know how Griffin hasn’t lost it yet, but by god his team has the rough end of the stick week in week out. A noted, a high shoot laughed off by the commentators, a massive forward pass let go (not a mention) and so much more… but what about morris ripping the ball out off the Gillett break? That was a professional foul if I’ve ever seen one. Billy Slater would have been sent. Inconsistent referring – do they realize that that people watch the NRL and its built off the fans?

Who cares how many turn out to a game? Spoken like a true Sydneysider… I’m pretty sure the NRL care, and I’m pretty sure the dogs care. The point is Sydney crowds suck, yet when people put it out there to remove a team or two from the most congested sports city in Australia, people scream bloody murder. Simple fact is your city doesn’t deserve the amount of teams and games it gets every year. The dogs and all the other dysfunctional Sydney teams are not bigger than the sport of rugby league, no matter how much you cry about it.

20,000 boutique stadiums is a good idea to cover Sydney’s lack of passion and commitment to rugby league, but problem is they’ll still only be 50 percent full.

John Sattler. Judge, Jury and Executioner.

Simple fact is there are too many Sydney teams, that don’t have enough support from the most fickle sports fans in Australia, and possibly the world, Sydneysiders.

That’s no one turning up to games, and no one watching it on TV in NSW. Queensland has the crowds and ratings, because its consolidated.

Cut the glut, and it could be possible that NSW could garner more interest in the sport they claim they love. I did say its possible, as chances are Sydneysiders that hate everything, wouldn’t turn up if it was free and David Smith piggybacked them to the game.

Another rubbish Sydney crowd, another disgusting refereeing effort and yet another game the predicts the death of rugby league with deplorable wrestling tactics that dictated the game. All round revolting rugby league.

The argument for status quo? Well that is the NRL’s current plan for the next 5 years, as was the choice to go once again with the recalcitrant channel 9. Well the question should be who is leading the race, AFL or NRL? I think its clear to everyone that AFL is 10 years ahead of the NRL.

The fact that channel 9 didn’t just buy the rights to the NRL, but literally bought the control of the NRL, as was clearly demonstrated last week with the commentator delayed debacle game, tells us all so much about the current standing of our sport. And that is its all negative. AFL’s plan is definitely not status quo. They are attacking new markets, striking sport benefiting deals with the TV networks, and doing everything to grow their sport. Really, they a kicking our butts and we’re hanging onto a supposed billion dollars thinking everything is going to be ok.

Well, it’s extremely rare that any business or group can survive on status quo thinking. It’s actually extremely dangerous for any commercial based enterprise in this commercial landscape. Check your phone – Is it still a Nokia? Maybe it was pre 2008, but if you’re still carrying one around now you’re a dinosaur. So many companies have failed and are failing all the time due to simply not keeping up with a rapidly changing world. Very few like Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Levis work hard to maintain their market dominance. They often have the big bucks and more importantly, the big brains to maintain it.

We’re all kidding ourselves if we think that the NRL have the brains, history tells us it’s the exact opposite. We keep carrying on with 9 Sydney clubs, bringing in rubbish crowds with all their in-fighting, we won’t be even able to sell our product next time the deal comes around. Can anyone honestly say that the single, one and only, solitary, individual, lone live game a week is worth over a billion dollars? Especially the games that 9 have been serving up to us this year. Anyone?

There’s nothing wrong with supporting one’s team, loyalty is core element to rugby league, but the sport is bigger than any single club. Does anyone think that maybe fans in Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Central Queensland, and so forth would like a team to follow too?

Unfortunately, those people don’t have the choice, because a sport they love cannot expand. Why can’t it expand? Because “we don’t have the player base”, “we don’t have the money”, “populations are too small” we always hear the haters say. But, the real reason is because of the greed and short sightedness of Sydney. People of Sydney would rather see the sport die, before their club. Their selfishness knows no bounds.

And they won’t need you support in another 30 or so, because you will have most likely expired. The point is life goes on, and League has carried on when North Sydney, Newtown, Glebe, Annandale, Cumberland and so forth went the way of the dodo. Of course some people will walk away if a club goes under, I’m sure many did with the Bears. But here we still are, and no one cares in the long run if a fickle fan abandons a sport they claim they like.

Adelaide needs a team, so does Brisbane (a 2nd). Unfortunately there are a lot of places that need teams to complete what NRL needs to be in Australia for it to compete with the rapidly growing codes of A-league, afl and super rugby. People fail to see that these codes are our competitors. One of the 4 footy codes will eventually become the natural pastime and I personally want that to be rugby league.

Unfortunately, AFL is the closest at the moment, with A-League soon to become a real force. Due the the Sydney glut, League is handicapped severely. League is sitting on its hands, and being dictated to by media and Sydney administrators, this will end in misery. They all put their our needs ahead of the greater cause, which is the sport’s growth. If it doesn’t put a plan in place soon, league will lose this war, and end up on the bottom – relegated from the once mighty to niche sport.

It is a good point. If Wests have so much money, why couldn’t they field a NSW Cup team this year?

There’s no doubt the NRL have it wrong, and the AFL will be feeling their 9 teams in a decade or so. They’ll move a team to Canberra and Tasmania, that is certain, and they’ll have no further expansion until other Melbourne teams go.

If the NRL bit the bullet now, and cut the Sydney glut, they’ll be in a significantly stronger position in the 10 years compared to the AFL, who will really be feeling the same effect Sydney has now. Sydney keeps its 9 now, and the weight will eventually drown them. Don’t forget the NRL is already a decade behind the AFL (and that’s generous).

The key advantage the AFL do have is that people still turn up to their games. They don’t have to worry about trying to get the most fickle fans in Australia out to matches. Sydney’s numbers again this year, just like the last, have been disgraceful. Broncos get 35,000 on Friday. Souths v Tigers, the comp leaders v the supposed beloved tigers – under 20,000. Disgraceful, plain and simple.

Brisbane’s pop. 2.1 mil v Sydney 4.6 mil. Those numbers don’t add up and they don’t support 9 Sydney clubs.

1) Sydney does not have the population to support 9 clubs.
2) Sydney fans lack the loyalty and passion to support the clubs they have.
3) Sydney keeps proving week in week out, year in year out, that it does not deserve 9 teams.

Remove the glut, and grow the sport of league across the nation. We can’t let Sydney hold us back any longer.

The saddest element to the going ons with league in Sydney at the moment, is that the NRL has not jumped on the opportunity to axe some of the teams like the tigers and the sharks from the comp. We all know for the NRL to be viable in 20 years that there can’t be 9 Sydney teams. It just doesn’t work. If you want a national sport, you go national or you don’t.

They should be looking at the Sharks, and take their drug cheating habits, their disgusting handling of it, their lack of leadership, their poor support, all of it and say enough is enough, you’re out. Tigers are next, because its never going to work. De-merge and Balmain and wests go back to the NSW Cup.

Add a new QLD and Perth team, and its all win win.

“They’ll lose all those fans” I hear the whingers cry! Well the tigers are Est. 2005, meaning their fan base of youngsters is not even a decade old! They can easily migrate to a new club and the oldsters have already lost their tigers and if there are any wests fans left who actually go for the tigers, shame on them, as the tigers have done everything possible to distance themselves from the Magpies.

There is no better time to remove 2 clubs from the Sydney glut, that add nothing to the NRL. It is this gutless inaction now, that we will all be pointing at when league is dying come 2020’s.