Saint, Sinner, Shoosh: Johnathan Thurston learns about the tough life of NRL media
Johnathan Thurston’s tough media lesson, why Taylan May still hasn’t signed with an NRL club plus the spat that could cost the Roosters a young duo – all in Saint, Sinner, Shoosh.
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Former Penrith star Taylan May has put his NRL career on hold indefinitely to fight mental health issues.
The premiership-winning centre is undergoing medical treatment in a private facility with the full support of family and friends.
May last month had charges of domestic violence dropped in court and was cleared by the NRL to resume his playing career.
He had pleaded not guilty to charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of stalking and intimidation over alleged incidents in April and May last year which led to his sacking from the Panthers.
However, his manager Ahmad Merhi, has confirmed May is now under treatment to deal with his personal issues and that football is not an immediate priority.
“He’s had some struggles he needs to deal with and he’s getting help,” Merhi said.
“Taylan is taking some time out away from the game to get himself right.
“We sat down and had a discussion about taking the right steps moving forward.”
The 23-year-old centre had previously been linked to the Wests Tigers as a replacement for Justin Olam, who has been medically retired.
He actually met with Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson but the talks didn’t progress.
May’s brother Terrell joined the Wests Tigers during the off-season and has been one of premiership’s form front-rowers to an extent where he is now in contention to play for the NSW Blues in this year’s State of Origin series.
SAINT
Injured South Sydney flyer Tyrone Munro has recently linked up of his own accord with the Sydney Children’s Hospital to become a volunteer. What a fantastic gesture from a young fella who has had to deal with a lot of hardship in the last 12 months.
SINNER
Working in the media is a tough game. We’ve all been verbally abused and been called a “f…wit.” People get upset by what we write or say. Like what happened to Johnathan Thurston in his clash with Spencer Leniu on Friday night. No one wants to see it happen ... but it’s life. If you work in the media it’s something you have to accept. That’s not to say Leniu is in the right. He is entitled to express his anger but it was stupid to do it on the field in front of TV cameras, and not somewhere more private.
SINNER
No rugby league in Sydney this weekend. This should never, ever happen. We’re all for taking the game to new markets like Perth in WA for the double header but Sydney, at this time of the year, has to be hosting at least a couple of games every weekend.
SHOOSH
Which NRL club, just six weeks into the season, has made discreet inquiries about a well-respected coach at a rival club as part of a succession plan should their current coach decide to take a break to coach overseas.
SPOTTED
Our favourite lovebirds — Matildas superstar Mary Fowler and champion Penrith half Nathan Cleary — in Newcastle having a dip at the ocean baths on Wednesday morning. Cleary was in Newcastle to watch Fowler’s player-of-the-match performance in the Matildas’ 2-0 win over Korea Republic.
SPOTTED
Player agent Mario Tartak and South Sydney Rabbitohs recruitment boss Mark Ellison at a cafe at Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday. Tartak has a number of players at Souths — Tyrone Munro, Davvy Moale, Josh Schuster and Jayden Sullivan.
SPOTTED
Cricket superstar Sam Konstas and Grace Hayden — daughter of former Test opener Matt Hayden — at Royal Randwick races for The Championship, where they are both Australian Turf Club ambassadors.
‘I WON’T LET MY SON PLAY’
Last week I received a text message from a senior rugby league media personality.
“I won’t let my son play rugby league,” he said.
It was in regards to the story we published about a 12-year-old boy who ended up in Sutherland hospital with a broken shoulder from a pile-drive tackle in a C-grade game.
And how the NSWRL showed no care or compassion for the youngster, who was seriously hurt.
Just a statement from an unnamed spokesman: “We have every confidence that the (grading) process works well and that it will continue to work well this season.”
Not one mention the NRL’s Safeplay Code for kids aged between six and 15, that states that a ball carrier cannot be lifted in a tackle, like what happened.
No welfare checks on the injured player — young Oliver Campbell — no phone call. Nothing.
This is another example of how the NSWRL has fallen asleep at the wheel in regards to the safety of young players at grassroots level.
The week before we reported on allegations of racial and verbal abuse in Souths juniors by an assistant coach who was allowed to be involved without a working-with-children-permit.
The NSWRL is, in my opinion, an organisation that is run under the misconception that it exists for the more glamorous role of running State of Origin football from their corporate suite.
What is happening in juniors needs the attention of the NRL and the likes of boss Peter V’landys and CEO Andrew Abdo.
The last week has been a massive rugby league turn off for parents. Like for the media guy who sent me the text message.
He knows there are other footy codes such as soccer and AFL where your kids don’t get pile-driven into the ground and finish up in hospital because of a grading system that is clearly not working.
And as for social media keyboard warriors who attacked the 12-year-old with comments like: “Go to netball or soccer” or “you’re too weak to play a contact sport” … you are all a disgrace.
● If you have a similar story or experience from grassroots rugby league, please let me know at: philliprothfield@gmail.com.
SAM TO STICK BY ROOS
Roosters star Sam Walker will resist the temptation to join teammate Victor Radley or Titans star AJ Brimson in an English Test jersey in international football.
The million-dollar halfback was born in the UK while his dad Ben had a season with the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League in 2002.
“I was born there but I’m a proud Aussie mate,” Walker said.
“The plan is to represent Australia one day. I’d love to do it.”
His more immediate goal is getting back onto the field for the Sydney Roosters, dismissing speculation that he might sit out the season.
His aim now is returning as early as round 12.
“I’m tracking along nicely,” he told me from Brisbane, where he joined the Roosters for Friday night’s game against the Broncos.
“I’m doing six kilometres a day on the field and getting my strength back. It’s the final stage of the rehab. It’s been so frustrating and I can’t wait to get back out there.
“My goal with physios has always been a nine-month recovery. I’m looking at anywhere between rounds 12 and 14.”
SPAT TO COST ROOSTERS YOUNG DUO
Sydney Roosters are in danger of losing two future NRL players because chairman Nick Politis refuses to deal with their agent.
Rising stars Mikey Nassar — an S.G Ball utility back, and Lachlan Metcalfe — a half in Harold Matthews, are both managed by controversial player agent Isaac Moses.
It was Moses who took Roosters superstar Joseph Suaalii to rugby union on a $5.8 million deal last year without informing Politis — or at least giving him the opportunity — to counter the rival code’s offer.
Politis now refuses to take his phone calls or text messages.
The Roosters were never going to match Suaalii’s union money but felt blindsided over the manner in which Moses kept them in the dark.
The Roosters had carefully overseen Suaalii’s development from a raw 17-year-old talent to a footballer who advanced to Origin with the NSW Blues.
We reached out to Moses but he did not return texts or calls.
Politis’ refusal to deal with the agent is understandable. In 2021 Moses was deregistered as an agent. The NRL described the breach that led to his ban as one of “great seriousness.”
He was found guilty of helping Parramatta skipper and client Tim Mannah to give evidence that was “false and intended to mislead an investigation” run by the NRL’s integrity unit into salary cap breaches.
Moses’ ban was lifted 18 months later. And it was Politis who helped him; providing a reference that significantly aided his case for reinstatement.
It’s why the Roosters’ billionaire chairman felt so betrayed.
FOOTY GIVEAWAY IS LAW
Police in Sydney’s west are using a rugby league connection to build better relationships with youngsters on the street.
Constables Dan Egan and Jessica Boyle are handing out Panthers footballs in the local area as part of an excellent initiative to build a closer bond with youngsters.
“The success of the program is nothing short of amazing,” said Mount Druitt superintendent commander Darrin Batchelor.
“Previously kids used to run away when they saw a police car, they now run to us, wave and have a chat. This grassroots engagement is making a huge difference in the community.”
RUGBY COSTS ITSELF BIG TIME
You’ve got to worry about where rugby union in Australia is heading.
Four years ago Rugby Australia rejected a $40 million-dollar-a-year offer from Fox Sports to take a cheaper deal – $10 million a year less — with Channel 9 to get a free-to-air audience. And that was fair enough.
But now RA has agreed to ditch free-to-air TV on Channel 9 for Super Rugby.
It will be shown from behind a paywall on Stan from next year.
So they are back to where they were with Fox Sports all those years ago. And they could have stayed there and had an extra $50 million in the bank.
BIG BREKKY
Catch you Sunday morning on the Weekend Big Sports Breakfast with hosts Ray Thomas and Dean Ritchie to discuss all the big issues in rugby league.
THE BETTER HALF with Cathie Flanagan, wife of Shane and mother of Kyle
Q: How long have you been with the great Flanno? Where did you meet and how did he propose?
A: We have been dating for 47 years and married for 37 of those years. We met at School (Shane was at De La Salle and I was at St Ursulas Kingsgrove) but didn’t start dating seriously until after year 12. He proposed at our favourite Italian restaurant; it was not very romantic.
Q: Wives and partners ride all the emotions. It must be doubly hard for you sometimes with the coach and your son in the same team?
A: It’s probably better they’re in the same team as I only have to go to one game and ride one emotional rollercoaster each weekend. But on the other hand, they’re both grumpy if they lose.
Q: Is it hard for him coaching his son?
I don’t think it’s too hard coaching Kyle as they usually see the game the same way. Although Shane is hard on Kyle, they get along really well. I think they do a good job of keeping footy and home life separate.
Q: The 2016 grand final. You must have been so proud.
A: Grand final day was fantastic and heart-stopping at the same time and I couldn’t watch the last few minutes. Seeing all of the Cronulla fans crying and cheering is a sight I will never forget. That day was Shane’s ultimate ambition and I was so proud of him as I know how hard he worked to get them there.
Q: There have been some tougher moments as well when Shane couldn’t work. I’m sure it was hard on the family. But he got through it!
A: Everyone in Rugby league experiences highs and lows and we’ve definitely had our share of lows. However, we’ve won a premiership and had so many great times along the way. Our family and close friends are super supportive and are always with us on this crazy journey called football.
Q: Okay what’s he like at home. Tell me he’s not as grumpy as his press conferences.
A: After a loss he is quiet and disappointed but he bounces back the next day – especially when he sees his grandkids.
Q: What does he do to relax?
A: He doesn’t relax that often but when he does, he likes to spend time with our three grandkids (soon to be six) or a BBQ with friends or trying a new restaurant.
Q: Any chores around the house or cooking skills?
A: He is OCD about clean floors so he is always vacuuming or cleaning the floors. Unfortunately, his cooking skills only consist of a BBQ or bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Q: And finally, what product is he using in his hair. He’s looking like Michael Ennis.
A: That’s funny you ask, but his dad had his black hair until he was in his seventies. If we keep losing games by one point, he will be grey sooner than we think.
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