Ridiculous NRL rule that blocks Rabbitohs legend John Sutton from getting testimonial match

THE NRL, in its wisdom, came up with a set of guidelines that has blocked John Sutton from getting a testimonial match like we saw for Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston. Try telling Rabbitohs fans this bloke is not worthy of the same recognition.

As John Sutton closes on his 300th milestone match the call has gone out to award this Rabbitohs legend a testimonial match. Picture: Boo Bailey

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IF you play 50 consecutive games at the start of your career, you are doing well. But coming towards the end, now that’s worth celebrating.

John Sutton will play his 50th consecutive NRL game when the South Sydney veteran takes the field against Parramatta tonight.

Chasing a new deal so he can play on next year, the 33-year-old continues to show why age is not an issue for him. Not only is Sutton arguably in the best form of his long career, he has not missed a game since round 14, 2016.

As John Sutton closes on his 300th milestone match the call has gone out to award this Rabbitohs legend a testimonial match. Picture: Boo Bailey

That in itself is an amazing achievement for a player who made his debut in 2004 and is closing in on becoming the first in South Sydney’s proud history to play 300 top-grade games.

Tonight’s game will be Sutton’s 297th in the NRL. If things go to schedule, he will play his 300th against the Wests Tigers in round 19.

Plans are already underway to make that milestone a memorable occasion.

But the question still to be answered is whether Sutton will also qualify for a testimonial, like was afforded Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston at the start of the season.

John Sutton has played almost 50 consecutive NRL matches as he edges closer to the big 300-match milestone. Picture: Getty

The NRL, in its wisdom, came up with a set of guidelines that block Sutton because he has not played State of Origin or Test football. If that turns out to be the case, it is just plain ridiculous.

Try to tell Rabbitohs fans this bloke is not worthy of the same recognition. A testimonial should have nothing to do with what a player has done on the representative stage. It should be about what he has done for his club.