Monday Buzz: Josh Addo-Carr bounces back from NSW axe, State of Origin pay dispute looms
Josh Addo-Carr was expecting to be in the NSW State of Origin camp this week - but has still managed to keep himself busy, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Don’t be surprised if there is a State of Origin pay dispute before the end of the series.
NSW and Queensland players are still on half pay despite the fact the NRL made a $43 million profit last year during Covid after handing out record cash grants to the 16 clubs.
Revenue for 2021 increased by $155.4 million or 37 per cent to $575.1 million on the previous year.
The players, who used to be on $30,000 Origin match payments, agreed to 50 per cent pay cuts during Covid when the economy was looking so grim.
However the Origin teams will play in front of huge crowds in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane this year.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.
Ticket and corporate sales will almost be doubled on last year’s series that was played at smaller venues in Townsville, Gold Coast and Brisbane when Covid forced the cancellation of matches in Sydney and Melbourne.
Obviously the players want a slice of the bigger pie.
RLPA boss Clint Newton is in talks with the NRL about future player payments, including Origin.
HIGHLIGHT
The retractable roof over Marvel Stadium on a wet day in Melbourne that allowed 41,129 fans to watch the Kambosos vs Haney fight without getting drenched. Surely NSW sporting fans deserve the same at Accor Stadium so we can watch Origin, grand finals, FC Barcelona and concerts in comfort in all weather conditions.
LOWLIGHT
The passing over the weekend of Robert Laurie, the first Dally M player of the year in 1980. Rocky played for the Roosters and Rabbitohs and two games for the NSW Blues in 1981. He was in Sydney recently for a Souths reunion but has been battling health issues in recent years.
SPOTTED
He was expecting to be in the Blues’ State of Origin camp, but instead Josh Addo-Carr was in Melbourne on Sunday for the big fight working at sponsor functions. He hasn’t completely disappeared from the Blues — a flag at Sydney Olympic Park promoting the State of Origin game features a giant image of Addo-Carr.
BROWN STRUGGLES
Nathan Brown is obviously struggling with the Warriors. This guy has a sharp football mind but probably lacks the wider skills of managing players and getting them up each week to play the football required to compete at NRL level each week.
SPOTTED
Former Storm forward Ben Roarty working as a security guard at the fight and still looking fit enough to play on Melbourne’s edge.
SHOOSH
Paul Gallen cleaned up nicely on Lucas Browne’s shock win, taking the $13 that he’d beat Kiwi Junior Fa with the corporate bookies.
SHOOSH
Which Sydney Roosters star is dating one of Australia’s most glamourous Olympic athletes?
360 VIEW
Catch you tonight on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Paul Kent, James Hooper and Cooper Cronk to discuss the weekend split round of rugby league and the build-up to Wednesday night’s State of Origin.
More Coverage
Originally published as Monday Buzz: Josh Addo-Carr bounces back from NSW axe, State of Origin pay dispute looms
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.