Des Hasler’s City-Country ban for Bulldogs an insult to his players and CRL, writes Nick Walshaw

NICK WALSHAW: Aren’t there rules against this? It’s almost like everyone has forgotten how greatly NSW country shapes the NRL.

JOSH Jackson, as a kid, fell into a campfire out Mudgee way. Then days later, played footy.

The story of Jacko wrapping his hand, complete with third degree burns, into a plastic glove for protection one that’s been told on here before.

But we want to tell it again.

For in Jackson, Canterbury has been gifted one of the game’s true toughs.

A NSW Origin forward who isn’t only aggressive and athletic, but courteous, hardworking and in seven years has never once created a negative headline.

A coach’s dream they call it.

HEARTBREAK: Dogs’ decision denies Jackson his day

Josh Jackson and David Mead at the Oriental Hotel in Mudgee in 2014.

So given this history, you would think Dogs coach Des Hasler — along with the NRL and NSWRL — would be grateful to the town who made him, right? For nobody just is.

No, people are shaped by environment.

And for this son of a Gulgong coal miner, that environment just happens to be where the last ever City/Country game is being played Sunday week. So how do you repay them?

Well, you ban Jackson from going home. Rule ineligible, too, Josh Reynolds, the Morris twins and anyone else in a Bulldogs jersey.

Um, aren’t there rules against this?

It’s almost like everyone has forgotten how greatly NSW country shapes the NRL. How as recently as the past 24 hours, seven of nine New South Welshmen selected for Australia are bushies.

Or maybe nobody cares.

LEAGUE CENTRAL PODCAST: David Riccio and Michael Carayannis join Fiona Bollen to discuss Josh Reynolds’ big bucks move, his true value and how Dogs fans will react.

Regardless, once again, it seems rugby league has a heap of Steedens, but no balls.

For if City/Country has lost all meaning, it’s not the fault of the concept, but NRL coaches. You know, the same ones who this Sunday will tell you how eligible star ‘X’ has sadly been forced out with a bung ankle, knee, calf, insert body part here.

And, sure, at least Hasler didn’t fake it.

But how does any coach ban his players from a sanctioned event? And how does officialdom say nothing?

For what would the NRL do if Canterbury took the same approach with, say, the Auckland Nines? Oh, wait ...