Bring Back the Biff - Take 2 - By Mary

Good evening everyone,

I have had a bit more time to reflect on this issue today and Phil Gould certainly gave me some food for thought in this video:

http://m.media.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-league/origin-a-product-not-a-role-model-4524806.html

I absolutely adore Gus. He is one of my favourite commentators. I often feel like he gets it spot on when most miss the point. I have a real soft spot for him.

However, I feel like he really missed the mark with his comments in that video.

Let's go back to the most controversial part of SOO Game 2, being the sending off of 4 players (Merrin, Hodges, Tate and Bird) following the NRL's decision to ban the punch on. Gus suggests that the sending off of these players was a 'massive overreaction to what we saw in Game 1'. The incident Gus is referring to is of course Gallen's hit on Myles. 

The argument Gus puts forward is that 'State of Origin' is a product and that too often the voices of minority groups and the media are heard over the voices of the fans who love the game. This view suggests that the decision to sin bin the four players was an overreaction and that because State of Origin is a special product, exceptions to the normal rules should be made.

Gus's comments made me slightly uncomfrotable. He suggests that it is up to parents to teach their children about what is and what isn't proper behaviour on the football field. This I find difficult. While parents certainly have a role in teaching their kids about correct on field behaviour, it is extremely difficult as a parent to tell your child that fighting isn't right and then trying to explain to them why in certain contexts, like State of Origin, it's ok. 

NRL is facing massive challenge from the AFL and this challenge will continue to grow, particularly in NRL heartland - Western Sydney. It is no longer good enough to simply cater to the 'fans of the product'. NRL needs to be marketable, accessible and respected by the wider public. The growth, commitment and adoration of NRL is not going to happen in the community if people continue to see it as a sport played by thugs... the nickname Thugby League is already beginning to take off.

Gus also makes the comment that what Gallen did is part of Origin. I also see this comment as part of the problem. Why is fighting part of State of Origin? Passion and aggression can be shown on the football field without having to resort to physical violence. By saying that fighting is part of Origin, this suggests that fighting is a part of NRL and part of the culture of NRL. I don't know about all of you, but that's not really a culture I'm looking for in the game I adore.

But Gus left his most ridiculous comment for last '11 on 11 is not a good look for our brand'. I would argue Gus that fighting is not a good look for our game and certainly not the look for the game that we should be promoting.

I would really love to know your thoughts.

Love,

@LadiesWhoLeague