Monday Buzz: Farcical manager rules exposed in Jack Wighton contract saga

The Jack Wighton saga is seemingly done and dusted - but there’s one aspect of the negotiations that just doesn’t sit right, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

WAGGA WAGGA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Jack Wighton of the Raiders in action during the round nine NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and Dolphins at McDonalds Park on April 29, 2023 in Wagga Wagga, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

The NRL’s player manager rules are a complete farce.

Boxing promoter Matt Rose has no agent accreditation yet he is allowed to negotiate for Jack Wighton with the Canberra Raiders, the Dolphins and the Rabbitohs.

He does the same for Latrell Mitchell.

Other agents have to pay $1650 a year for their licenses.

Boxing Promoter Matt Rose has been negotiating NRL contracts. Picture: Getty

TERRIBLE HYPOCRISY OF DOGS BEING DOCKED

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will keep their two competition points for beating the Broncos despite having 14 players on the field for a short time.

Try explaining this to long-time Canterbury Bulldogs fans.

Back in 2009 the Bulldogs beat Penrith 26-24 with a late try.

They were hit with a breach notice and subsequently lost their competition points.

The Rabbitohs smashed the Broncos 32-6 on Friday night.

Having 14 players on the field obviously had no effect on the result.

The NRL’s Head of Football Graham Annesley has defended the decision not to take the points away from the Rabbitohs.

Cody Walker and the Rabbitohs celebrate during their victory. Picture: Getty

“I can’t express a view on the current matter until a final decision has been reached,” he said.

“Thankfully incidents of 14 players on the field are rare due to the governance measures in place to control the process.

“When it has occurred in the past, each case has been treated on its merits based on the impact of the breach on the game.

“That will always be the primary factor considered in reaching an appropriate penalty ranging from fines at the lower of the scale, through to loss of competition points at the extreme upper end.”

HIGHLIGHT

The Wests Tigers breaking a 273-day drought. The most remarkable victory and beautiful dressing-shed emotion for the wooden spooners over the premiers. It shows why this 2023 premiership is so great. Any team on any day can beat any opponent.

HIGHLIGHT II

Two NRL thrillers in Wagga Wagga and Bathurst on Super Saturday. These great old country rugby league towns have been neglected for too long.

LOWLIGHT

The potential for the hip-drop blitz to ruin Magic Round in Brisbane next weekend. The sin-binning of Penrith’s Soni Luke in Bathurst was ridiculous. Minor incidents like this one should be a $1000 fine from the match-review committee or even just a concerning act letter.

SPOTTED

Jai Hamnett with his 10th birthday present from Jai Arrow.

South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow climbed into the grandstand at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night to present his match jersey to Jai Hamnett, a youngster celebrating his 10th birthday.

SHOOSH

Which NRLW team is struggling to attract quality players because their coach is notoriously hard to get along with. He is understood to be on the nose with a number of elite players.

SHOOSH

Which big name UK Super League star is desperately looking for an opportunity in the NRL. He is a middle forward who played at the World Cup last year.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League with Braith Anasta and Paul Kent to discuss all the big issues out of another dramatic round of rugby league.

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Farcical manager rules exposed in Jack Wighton contract saga