What’s the Buzz: Bulldogs’ betting ban stinks of hypocrisy
The Bulldogs and Rabbitohs joined a push to ban sports betting sponsorship and advertising - but it’s a move that stinks of double standards, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Canterbury Bulldogs decision to ban sports betting sponsorship and advertising stinks of hypocrisy and double standards.
This is the club sponsored by hotel tycoon Arthur Laundy, who owns and operates more poker machines than any other publican across the state.
Laundy Hotels is the major sponsor on the front of their jersey.
Outside of Laundy’s $1 million-a-year commitment, the Bulldogs’ major source of income comes from the pokies at Canterbury Leagues Club.
No NRL club in the past decade has relied on poker machine revenue as much as the Bulldogs.
Some years the grant from the licensed club has been as high as $6 million to keep the NRL club afloat.
So they’re basically saying: don’t bet on sport but keep slapping the pokies.
Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton says: “We believe that you should be able to watch and enjoy our great game with your friends and families without the constant advertising from sports betting companies.”
Craig Laundy says his family supports the decision.
Perhaps he can envisage more cash going into his pokies with less on NRL games.
“If that’s the way the club wants to go we’re happy to support them,” Laundy said, “We trust the club’s management and leadership and they make decisions independent of us.”
The Rabbitohs have done the same thing despite a long association with Crown Casino.
They still have Crown Resorts on the front of their jersey.
“Research shows there are long term effects on families when sports betting causes gambling harm in the community,” said Souths CEO Blake Solly, “We feel the Reclaim the Game message is a positive for the fans and families that support our Club and our sport.”
Head office at the NRL won’t be supporting the Rabbitohs and the Bulldogs on this one.
Around $60 million a year of NRL revenue comes from the corporate bookies – $10 million in sponsorship and $50 million from their share in wagering.
Last year the NRL would have finished $20 million in the red without it.
WHY BARRETT’S JOB IS UNDER THREAT
Trent Barrett’s teams have run 15th and 16th in his last two years of NRL coaching.
That includes 38 losses from his last 48 games for a hopeless 20 per cent win record.
At Manly he even had Origin stars Daly Cherry Evans, Tom and Jake Trbojevic, Api Koroisau and internationals Marty Taupau and Addin Fonua-Blake but still finished 15th.
This is why speculation around Barrett being first NRL coach sacked won’t go away.
Especially after last week’s 36-6 loss to the Sharks, albeit just a trial game.
A Sunday Telegraph betting market suggests he is favourite to be first coach sacked ahead of the Wests Tigers’ Michael Maguire.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
Considering Bulldogs Head of Football Phil Gould pulled the trigger on Anthony Griffin four years ago when Penrith was equal fourth on the eve of the finals, it would suggest Baz is under extreme pressure.
Most are suggesting he has six weeks to survive. Other coaches have been sacked earlier in the season than this.
Souths axed Craig Coleman on the eve of the 2003 season after a 58-12 flogging by the Wests Tigers in a trial match.
The year before the Cowboys sacked Murray Hurst as coach after just three rounds.
Gould did not reply to a text message on Friday to discuss the situation.
It’s a delicate matter because both Gould and Barrett are managed by Wayne Beavis.
However there is already talk of restlessness around the playing group at Belmore.
This will be denied but new players are surprised the Bulldogs’ off-season has been nothing like what they have been used to at their old clubs.
Barrett has a reasonable start with an away game against the Cowboys and then the Broncos at home. Then it’s Manly, Storm, the Panthers and the Rabbitohs.
While Barrett didn’t have the roster last year to be in a position to challenge for the semi-finals, there are no excuses this season with the addition of Josh Addo Carr, Tavita Pangai Jr, Matt Burton, Brent Naden, Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan.
Whether he gets enough time to mould them into a contender is the million-dollar question.
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.