They say you learn a lot about someone in how they handle defeat. But what do we learn from how someone handles victory? Specifically, what does Mal Meninga’s outburst tell us about him?
It tells us that Mal is a passionate person but maybe he lets that sometimes get in the way of common sense. In his rant he bemoans a perceived lack of attention to the achievements of his fantastic Queensland side. Unfortunately the storm he has created itself is overshadowing the Origin victory. If it was just a go at the Daily Telecrap hacks and some of their absurd Origin articles no-one would have begrudged him the spray. But his targets were wide and varied and he came across as a sore winner.
Just as much as having Slater, Lockyer, Thurston and Smith granted Queensland six years of domination, Mal has just been as an important part of Queensland’s domination. While his assistants may have had input, they themselves would be enough. Mal brings it all together making the whole. He deserves full credit for the 6 years of domination. But not so much credit for how he has handled victory.
And remember it is Rivalry Round this weekend. Of course, it is always Rivalry Round in the comments here at Sidelined.
It has happened again. For the sixth year running I have no memory between 8pm and 10pm for a Wednesday night in early July. I have no idea why this continue to happen. I wonder if I have missed anything important?
I was going to use the intro to talk about the NRL and pokies. But as I thought more about the issue a more detailed and considered post is required. I shall get one up over the weekend.
So Dave Taylor didn’t get off. While Queenslanders will be sure to cry conspiracy theory and take the case to Lord Monckton, a man who has never come across a conspiracy theory he didn’t like, I’m more interested in the very petty manners of the judiciary. Taylor’s charge was originally only four weeks but because he contest and lost another week was added on. I find this added penalty just another example of why many fans regard NRL justice at the “jokeidicary.” If a player feels he is wronged then the act of a challenge should not carry an extra penalty. If the new independent commission does get up and running (an event seemingly to be equal odds with the Sharks winning premiership) an overhaul of the judiciary would be most very welcome.
While the Women in League round is a more than worthy recognition of the women who make the great game great, it would be nice to see more focus on women in the NRL than just during these rounds.
Which is why I believe it is essential that NRL director Katie Page be part of the game’s future. And frankly, I can’t see any reason why a woman could not be a first grade referee or a first grade coach. There are women referees officiating A grade games so if they are good enough then lets bring them into the NRL.
As for a coach, that will take time. As much as the game welcomes women I can see the old guard being very reluctant to move on this front. Unfortunately I suspect that any female coach would need to prove herself at a lever far greater than a male coach at the same level.
Page also makes a good point about the drinking culture in the NRL and the fact that players, whether they like it or not, are role models whose off field behavior will be subject to scrutiny.
Although the vast majority of players were “very good men, inspiring men”, Ms Page said she had little sympathy for players who claimed they never asked to be role models.
She dismissed the suggestion that the NRL had no right to direct the behaviour of, for example, Wests Tigers star Benji Marshall, who is facing assault charges over a 3.30am scuffle outside a McDonald’s restaurant in March.
“These boys know when they start playing, when they get to that level, these are the rules,” she said.
It is a point worth noting. The NRL is a sport that is bound to tradition. However that does not mean it cannot change. People such as Katie Page offer a different perspective and such talent is essential in ensuring the game survives.
The farce that the citing of Jonathan Thruston reached its nadir when Bob Katter wanted to suspend standing orders to condemn the charge.
My view is that Thurston did not see Chechin and it was an accident. If I remember correctly there was a time in the AFL where any contact with the umpire meant a suspension. I hope we are not heading down that path.
Apologies for the brevity this week as I’m a little pressed for time.
Sad news for league fans with the passing of Rex Mossop.
A dual international and Manly great he is best remembered for being the voice of league during the 70s and 80s. And also fondly remember for his Mossopisms. He was a tough man on the field and, for good and bad, just uncompromising off it as field.
Here is Mossop commenting in 1981 during an all in brawl between Newtown and Manly.
Just a few weeks ago Petero Civoniceva’s game against Titan’s was lauded as a great example of how a front rower can inspire a team. After New South Wales’ display last night, some are saying the game has moved past such a role. Gallen’s performance as a makeshift prop was tremendous. But not every side has a Paul Gallen like player who can move easily from the second row to the front and provide such an impact. But even your average prop is more mobile than those of yesteryear. Ricky Stuart’s tactics worked but new tactics often do. Once coaches wise up to it they’ll learn. The traditional prop position is dying. It is just undergoing evolution as all positions do.
And was it just me but did Queensland and New South Wales have essentially the same game plan last night? That is make sure Jarrdy Hayne saw little of the ball in space as much as possible?
Ricky’s Revenge or Magnificent Maroons? A lot rides on this match not at leat Stuart’s reputation. For a loss, no matter how close, just wont do for NSW. All the renewal of spirt, the exclamations of pride and curios selections will mean bugger all if NSW lose. Any claims of “We are getting better” will be lost in the Queensland celebrations of another series win.
This game means everything. And I’m glad to be seeing this one live. Homebush will be a tremendoes spectacle tonight.
Loyalty ain’t dead in the NRL. Darren Lockyer is set to retire a one club man. Nathan Hindmarsh will do so for the Eels. Gidley once a Knight, always a knight. Benji Marshall will never be anything other than a Tiger. If you are one of the premier players then it is easier to a one club player. But there are plenty of journeymen who played their careers out at one club. Yes the increase in money means that players will move if the dollars are high enough but it is not all about money for some.
And there is a relatively rate type of loyalty. Darius Boyd has signed with the Knights following Wayne Bennett. Wonder what Boyd will do if Bennett decides to retire after his stint with the Knights.
And then there is young Will Hopoate. Those who know me well know that I’m not a god fearing man. Nor even a god believing man. But his loyalty to his faith does can be admired. It is not something I’d do but it is a reminder that in the end, footy is just a game. A wonderful game but still.
The return of Anthony Minichello to the NSW side is a great story. His form has been very good for the Roosters and he won’t let anyone down. But I’ve still go to ask why is Hayne still on the wing. It still seems a strange decision. New South Wales do lack depth in the outside backs at the moment but Hayne at 1 makes more sense.
If Stuart is smart, he’ll move Minichello to the wing during attack and give Hayne a little more freedom at fullback. Otherwise to keep Hayne out on the wing will be a waste regardless of how well he has played in that position during past campaigns.
The forward pack is very interesting given only two props. Tim Mannah deserves a run on spot. He took advantage of his limited time in Origin I to show he is going to be the mainstay of the New South Wales pack for quite a few seasons to come. Gallen to the front row makes sense. It is a gamble on mobility and I’m concerned that it may be at the cost of impact especially during the early stages of the game.
Stuart is putting a lot of faith in what seems to be a make shift side. In 9 days we’ll see if it pays off.
