Broncos veteran Sam Thaiday unleashes frustration at Kangaroos snub on social media
BRONCOS veteran Sam Thaiday has shared a personal rant on social media about missing out on Kangaroos selection, saying “a bit of respect would’ve been nice”.
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AXED Kangaroos forward Sam Thaiday has slammed Australian coach Mal Meninga and selectors over a lack of respect shown in his Rugby League World Cup omission.
Thaiday, a member of this year’s Anzac Test side and the player behind the Kangaroos’ new ‘Rise’ catchcry, says he wasn’t told of being dumped from the green and gold, and only found out he was overlooked when the 24-man squad was leaked the night before Tuesday’s official
announcement.
Although he didn’t mention Meninga by name, the 32-year Test veteran took to social media to vent his frustration.
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“Aussie Aussie Aussie ... No, No, No. So it’s official — the end of my 2017 Rugby League year. Who would’ve thought this year would be the last time I played for both QLD and Australia,” Thaiday wrote on Instagram with a photo of him in Kangaroos colours
“A bit of respect would’ve been nice ... to at least receive a phone call and learn about selection that way instead of through a leaked report from the media on last night’s news.”
Thaiday made his Kangaroos debut in 2006 and, while lying in a London hospital with a broken cheekbone and on a morphine drop before last year’s Four Nationa final, began penning the words to what has now become the Kangaroos’ mantra ‘RISE’ — Respect, Inspire, Selfless and
Excellence.
But that commitment, according to the 32-year-old, didn’t warrant a phone call from selectors to say he was no longer part of Meninga’s plans.
“After dedicating more than 10 years wearing the Maroon and Green and Gold jersey, you’d expect to be treated with a bit more decency and respect,” Thaiday wrote.
“I guess not. Lucky I have one more year left at the Brisbane Broncos unless someone wants to shatter that dream too.
“What a rollercoaster of a year — Peace out 2017.”
Thaiday was also dumped from Queensland’s State of Origin side following the Maroons’ game-one loss to New South Wales, seemingly putting an end to his glittering 29-game interstate career.
Retired former club, state and international teammate Corey Parker consoled Thaiday on Tuesday night.
“Mate it’s a real shame that’s been the case, it would not of (sic) been hard! However nothing surprises me anymore. You were a privilege to play alongside and a great friend!” Parker wrote.