NRL 2021: Buzz Rothfield calls on Peter V’landys to save State of Origin

Phil Rothfield played a big part in saving an Origin game from disaster three years ago. He hopes his open letter to ARLC boss Peter V’landys will have the same effect.

Peter V’landys can save Origin by relaxing his high tackle crackdown. Picture: Jonathan Ng

An open letter to Independent commission chairman Peter V’landys.

Dear Peter,

Three years ago on this same day I wrote an open letter to then NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg.

It was an appeal to end a penalty crackdown that threatened to ruin our showpiece State of Origin game.

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That year average penalty counts had risen from 12.52 to 17.74, an increase of 46 per cent.

I even tweeted: “Rugby league is now a shit game.” Fans were in outrage.

Greenberg took the advice on board. There were only five penalties when the Blues played the Maroons at the MCG. The fans loved it.

Today we’re appealing for the same latitude when Townsville hosts what should be a magnificent contest.

Peter V’landys can save Origin by relaxing his high tackle crackdown. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The Magic Round high-tackle sin-bin blitz cannot be repeated. You have conceded the game overreacted on that forgettable weekend.

By all means send-off or sin bin players for deliberate acts on foul play. But high speed, high pressure, fatigue-related accidents will occur. Put them on report and deal with them after the game.

Phil Rothfield fears the crackdown will ruin the game’s showpiece event. Picture: Brett Costello

Every fan understands you have the best interests of player health and safety in mind. This newspaper is now running a campaign to support your safe play policies.

But Origin is Origin and this is the biggest stage in rugby league.

We want to watch the most brilliant players and magnificent athletes, 13 v 13.

And we want to be discussing their extraordinary skills in Thursday’s newspaper, not the referee.

Cheers, Buzz.