What’s the Buzz: The NRL’s crackdown on anti-social behaviour from fans is hitting the mark
Buzz: AN NRL crackdown on unruly behaviour has resulted in 16 fans being banned from venues by its integrity unit over the past 12 months.
Phil Rothfield
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AN NRL crackdown on unruly behaviour has resulted in 16 fans being banned from venues by its integrity unit over the past 12 months.
Origin streaker and perennial pest Wati Holmwood heads the list with an indefinite/life suspension following his three-month jail sentence last year.
Another 15 fans have been turfed out for at least one season for offences including drunkenness, assault and anti-social behaviour.
The NRL’s tough stance since setting up the integrity unit is a move to attract more families and members to the football in a comfortable environment.
Once under the control of clubs, chief executive Dave Smith instructed his own security staff to oversee all crowd behaviour incidents when the integrity unit was established.
The irony is that it has happened at the same time that notorious Dragons supporter Ross ‘The Skull’ May has been allowed back to the football.
For years The Skull was famously banned from Kogarah Jubilee Oval but, such was his passion, he would often climb a tree or ladder to watch games from over the fence.
He was allowed back to all major venues this year, including Allianz Stadium for the Anzac Day game.
Under the strict new behaviour guidelines, the NRL is working closely with the police.
When an offender is arrested at the game, the integrity unit then speaks to police officers on the nature of the offence, whether the person is convicted, what kind of sentence is imposed and the recommendation of police. The unit then determines the length of the ban from rugby league games.
“This is all about ensuring the comfort and safety of spectators,” an NRL spokesman said.
“We are going to continue to take action against people who engage in anti-social behaviour, which can ruin the experience of other fans.
“Rugby league is a game for families and we are determined to create the right environment for them.”
The A-League has also come down hard on fans’ misbehaviour over the past 12 months, banning 34 supporters for varying suspensions — including incidents outside their venues.
MUMS TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE
IT’S great to see the Dragons and Bulldogs are working together to make Mother’s Day at ANZ Stadium next Sunday an extra special event.
Members of both clubs will be invited to bring their mums to a luxurious Mother’s Day lunch at the stadium in the lead-up to kick-off.
And the first 6000 mums into ANZ Stadium will each receive a free Mother’s Day pamper package featuring body balms and soap.
The pamper zone will be set up on the Level 2 South-West Terrace at ANZ Stadium, where 20 5-Minute Angels will offer massages while mums enjoy a glass of vino courtesy of the St George Illawarra club’s sponsor, McGuigan Wines.
There’s also a kids zone where dads can entertain the little ones while mum gets a special treat before the game. A bucket collection will take place to raise money for the charity of one of the Dragons’ favourite mums, Joanne Mackay, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2002.
IT COULD BE FULL-TIME FOR PRICE
SAINTS will make a decision on the future of coach Steve Price in four weeks at the halfway mark of the premiership.
CEO Peter Doust says there is not the same urgency this year because most of their big names are under contract.
Price has the Dragons running equal eighth but, had it not been for the full-time siren blunder against Storm, they would be fourth.
We keep hearing Neil Henry’s name mentioned for the Dragons’ job but Doust insists there have been no discussions.
If Price can win two or three of his next four games — the Bulldogs, Eels, Souths and Sharks — he deserves to keep the job.
NO EARLY RETURN FOR HUNT
KARMICHAEL Hunt’s manager David Riolo says it’s highly unlikely the former Broncos star will be back playing rugby league this year, despite rumours suggesting otherwise.
Hunt has lost 6kg since joining the AFL and would need an off-season to get his body back in shape for league. The ex-Origin and Kangaroos star has been struggling in the Gold Coast Suns reserves this year. NRL clubs have until June 30 to sign players for 2014 but Riolo says it’s more likely to be next season.
“A lot of clubs are looking for fullbacks and five-eighths,” he said, “It’s something we’ll look at in the next few weeks and seeing what interest is
out there.”
WHERE FOR THE CROWNING GLORY
WONDER how John Grant and the NRL would handle the stress and challenges facing the English Premier League administration this week?
Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all vying to be crowned champions on the final weekend of the campaign, which is looming.
The EPL is preparing three presentation ceremonies at three stadiums — Anfield, Etihad and Cardiff City Stadium.
Three trophies, three sets of winners’ medals and three presentation sets will be ready for each venue.
PAY FUMING OVER PARISH NO-SHOW
THE last thing Ricky Stuartneeded in Canberra was a stink between his assistant coaches.
Dean Payis coach of the NSW Under 20s and Matt Parish looks after the Samoan Test team.
On Thursday they had agreed to have a contact session at Leichhardt Oval. Pay and his team turned up and waited and waited but Samoa and Parish were a no-show.
Pay was fuming at missing a session and Parish will be in his sights when the pair return to Raiders headquarters on Monday.
REST IN PEACE RYAN
I MET Ryan Tandy only once. It was just him and I, in his Bronte apartment, as he was packing his belongings after being evicted for not paying his rent.
A fallen footy star at rock bottom with a look of absolute desperation on his face. It was the saddest sight. May he rest in peace.
SUNDAY SESSION
SAINT
Saturday marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of our late and great colleague Peter ‘Chippy’ Frilingos.
The memories will never die of his office banter, wonderful sense of humour, his friendship, the 24/7 advice, the lectures, the tours, our late-night phone calls and that relentless energy of his to break a big story. We still miss him dearly.
SINNER
NO NRL club footy this weekend, just as the competition was recovering from a slow start.
This afternoon the greatest game of all has given soccer a free kick for the A-League grand final in Brisbane. With the Broncos not playing, the Courier-Mail has given acres and acres of space to the rival code. Carn the mighty Wanderers.
SHOOSH
WHICH NRL coach talked Kiwis mentor Stephen Kearney out of picking one of his best young forwards because he wanted him to rest instead of play against the Kangaroos on Friday night? The player is carrying a minor injury but would have played if it was a club game. He will be furious if he finds out what his coach has done.
SPOTTED
Sam Burgess enjoying the break from NRL in the company of a glamorous blonde walking down the main street of Bowral on Sunday.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
THERE used to be a law to prevent false advertising yet the NRL commercial for Friday night’s Test match prominently featured Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
LEAGUE OF ITS OWN
THE A-League grand final will have a global audience reach of about 250 million thanks to international broadcast and internet deals done over the past year by FFA.
CITY FAILS THE BIG TEST
SYDNEY might have hosted its last league Test. Officials can no longer justify staging internationals in the harbour city following yet another poor turnout on Friday night. The ticket prices and meal deals were dirt cheap at a fabulous facility. There are no more excuses.
WORTH LESS
SWANS superstar Buddy Franklin is no longer all that popular at his old club, Hawthorn.
A limited edition, signed and framed print of the former Hawks champion has been reduced from $595 to just $120 on the official Hawthorn merchandise website.
JOSH KENNEDY’S SPORTING HERO
“I can’t split Jason Dunstall (left) and Michael Voss — they were both my favourite players as a kid. Jason for his marking and goal kicking ability and Vossy for his hardness and competitive spirit. I try to bring a little bit of them into my game. They were an inspiration.”
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