The NRL Agenda: Napier pitch invaders set to escape punishment due to loophole

Want to streak at an NRL game? If the weekend’s events — and subsequent ‘penalties’ taught us anything, it’s head to New Zealand to do so. More in this week’s NRL agenda.

From the disgraceful streakers at Napier to Canberra coach Ricky Stuart’s controversial move to rest club stalwart Jarrod Croker this weekend and State of Origin in between.

We take a look at some of the talking points ahead of all the action in 14.

PITCH INVADER FARCE

A slap on the wrist.

That is what the 12 pitch invaders, that not only disgraced themselves but the Warriors, copped for running on the field during play in Napier.

New Zealand has laws to punish invaders but wait for it … only if they are in the nude.

So even though all 12 people were handed over to police, every single person escaped the $5,000 fine and then were given warnings, trespassed and released.

The NRL is currently investigating the chaotic final 20 minutes of the game.

“An investigation is underway and the NRL has sought reports from the Warriors, the venue, security contractors and NRL staff at the ground,” an NRL spokesperson said.

What’s to stop other miscreants behaving the same for their 60 seconds of social media fame knowing the most trouble will get in is a warning.

One of the pitch invaders is caught by security.

Pitch invaders should not only be fined but whacked with a ban.

On the field, the Warriors are making a brilliant account of themselves as a tough, gritty and competitive football team.

The behaviour of sections from the crowd, like those who cheered on the invaders, was nothing short of utter contempt and disrespect for the country’s NRL team.

Napier waited 28 years to host the Warriors and on the back of the utterly disgraceful behaviour from the pitch invaders you would not blame the NRL for staying away for another three decades.

Former Cronulla and NSW great Paul Gallen put it best.

“Just idiots. Just a stupid thing to do, just dumb,” Gallen said.

“It was terrible behaviour.”

SCARIEST MAN IN ORIGIN

The future of NSW coach Brad Fittler could rest on the Blues’ ability to stop one man in Maroon over the Origin series – Cameron Munster.

Blues selector Greg Alexander has warned that Munster has the ability to dismantle NSW’s defence and with that the Blues’ coaching staff.

Fittler has an extension clause with the NSWRL that is automatically triggered if the Blues win this year’s series.

“It’s Cameron Munster over the last five years, if you pulled out his highlight package over that time,” Alexander said.

“I wince every time he gets the ball.

“He can do anything. It looks like nothing is happening on the field and he has the uncanny ability to create something when Queensland are on the ropes.

“He’s the one I have feared in the last five series.”

Jarrod Croker is set to be rested so he can play his 300th game at home.

STICKY CALL ON CROKER

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart is unapologetically emotional so the decision to rest Jarrod Croker this weekend against the Tigers so the club stalwart can celebrate 300 NRL games in front of a home crowd should not come as a surprise.

Stuart has been guilty of letting his emotions get the best of him in the past, but this call is steeped in as much respect as it is sentiment.

At one point, Croker’s 300th game looked like it wouldn’t come after a mountain of injuries.

But only has the milestone arrived, Croker has been crucial to Canberra’s turnaround in form and has won six of the last seven games.

Some view Stuart’s call as disrespectful to the Tigers. But if Stuart has to disrespect the Tigers to ensure Croker gets the celebration he deserves then so be it.

The Raiders do have injury concerns over fullback Seb Kris, but Xavier Savage is waiting in reserve grade to get another shot at NRL. Nick Cotric can step in for Croker.

MARKET MOVER – Adam Reynolds

Adam Reynolds was superb in his return from a head knock, again driving home the reality that the halfback is pivotal for Brisbane’s title chances.

The club is working to extend the experienced playmaker, while also trying to lock in powerhouse forward Payne Haas.

Haas should be a priority for the club, but Reynolds is the most important piece in the puzzle.

Reynolds is already signed until the end of season 2024, but is looking for another year beyond that. The longer the Broncos can keep Reynolds on the field, the better the position the roster will be in to compete once he finally decides to hang up the boots.

SELECTION CALL – Cleary’s conundrums

Now that centre Stephen Crichton has been thrust into Origin game one to replace Latrell Mitchell for the Blues, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has six players backing up into round 14.

Cleary will be allowed to name 24 players on Tuesday for this weekend’s clash against the Dragons before deciding who to rest, if any.

Already, Nathan Cleary is fighting a tooth infection and while he’s likely to play on Wednesday night the coach could rest the halfback.

Coach Cleary has a number of options to cover in the halves including Jack Cogger, who has been playing at No. 7 in NSW Cup. Cogger had missed two Cup games with a hand complaint but is now available for selection.

Kurt Falls and youngster Jack Cole are also options for Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai at No.6.

Liam Henry could come into the frame if backrower Liam Martin, who has overcome a hamstring injury to play in Adelaide, is rested.

Options in the outside backs to replace Crichton and Brian To’o include Thomas Jenkins and Jesse McLean.

Originally published as The NRL Agenda: Napier pitch invaders set to escape punishment due to loophole