Steve Roach slams ‘arrogant’ NRL’s decision to scrap City-Country after 2017

THE annual City-Country match is set to be scrapped after 2017 and former legend Steve Roach says it's a disgrace.

TAMWORTH, AUSTRALIA — MAY 08: Ryan Matterson of City is tackled during the NSW Origin match between City and Country at Scully Park on May 8, 2016 in Tamworth, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

KANGAROO great Steve Roach has accused an “arrogant” NRL of turning its back on bush footy, describing the decision to scrap the controversial City/Country match as “a disgrace”.

Despite existing for over 100 years, the annual NSW Origin trial will be axed following next year’s game in Mudgee.

NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan will confirm the decision at a press conference in Mudgee today to announce the venue for 2017.

And while promises are likely to accompany the news — including more NRL games being taken to the bush — Roach suggested the only answer was to have all 10 NSW-based CEOs commit, in writing, to one game per year in country NSW.

“I think it’s an absolute disgrace,’’ Roach said of the representative fixture’s demise.

“I thought rugby league was supposed to be all about acknowledging history and tradition. All about respect and grassroots.

“Yet now the NRL takes a game with more than 100 years tradition and just scraps it? That’s arrogance.

“The NRL is turning its back on the bush with this decision.”

Back in 2013, the NRL announced a potential $1.2 million blueprint to take four competition games to country NSW every winter. Then last year, it was suggested Monday Night Football — which will now be scrapped in 2017 — could be taken west.

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“So they’ve been talking for years,’’ Roach continued. “But if the NRL is serious, they should make every CEO sign a commitment to take one game bush every year.

“Because you can bet those same clubs will still be signing young country players, won’t they? But what are they giving back?

“You can’t take, take, take and not give back.”

Despite first being contested 1911, the annual City/Country match has taken a hit in recent years as big name players were either rested by their clubs or withdrawn because of ‘injury’.

Questions have also been raised over the game’s worth as a genuine Origin trial.

“But try telling that to Shannon Boyd, who is about to represent Australia in a Four Nations Final,’’ Roach fired.

“He’s there after debuting with Country this year. And look at what the game has done for guys like Boyd Cordner, James Maloney, Jack Bird and Tyson Frizell. Maybe the NRL should’ve asked them if this game matters.”

Certainly there is no doubting the popularity of City/Country among bush fans either, with the two most recent outings in Tamworth and Wagga both selling out.

Earlier this year, Origin greats Brad Fittler and Craig Fitzgibbon, who coach City and Country respectively, both suggested the NRL must find a way to make the event work.

Players from both squads also overwhelmingly backed the concept, including rising Blues stars Frizell and Bird.

Originally published as Steve Roach slams ‘arrogant’ NRL’s decision to scrap City-Country after 2017