Time to celebrate footy’s heroes not halfwits, writes Phil Rothfield
The most shameful chapter of player scandal in rugby league history has finally been closed. Bring back the footy and let the games begin, writes Phil Rothfield.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
GRIFFIN’S VERDICT: Huge test of Sharks’ bite
NOT HAPPY: McGregor takes aim at NRL over de Belin
The most shameful chapter of player scandal in rugby league history has all but closed.
No more Jack de Belin, Dylan Walker, Scott Bolton, Dylan Napa, salary cap rorts, Mad Mondays or Shane Flanagan.
Bring back the footy and let the games begin.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg on Friday sent an email to the 16 clubs with an appeal to start talking the game up on the eve of the premiership.
To help put heroes instead of halfwits on the back page.
But just hours after Greenberg’s email was sent the NRL integrity unit was on Friday night investigating another sex tape allegedly involving a Penrith player.
“It’s time to get fans excited about the 2019 season,” Greenberg wrote, “I need the help of every club to turn the discussion about the game into a positive as we approach season launch.
“I am sure you agree that we have a lot of ground to make up to get the season off to a good start.”
MORE NRL NEWS
WALKER, NAPA, CLUBS HIT HARD BY NRL SANCTIONS
CRAWLEY: NRL MUST SALVAGE IMAGE TO KEEP GAME ALIVE
The latest incident shows there is still a hard road ahead when it comes to bad player behaviour but at least the footy is back with seven trial matches on Saturday, highlighted by the traditional Dragons-Rabbitohs Charity Shield game in Mudgee.
Suddenly the Sharks boom new signing Shaun Johnson playing opposite Kalyn Ponga in Maitland becomes the must-read story rather than the salary cap.
Or Sam Burgess lining up against Tariq Sims in Mudgee is the taking point rather than de Belin. Bring it on.
Greenberg is determined to win back the support of disgruntled fans in the countdown to the kick-off.
“I would appreciate anything you can do to promote the football now that we have dealt with the off-field issues,” he said in his email to the clubs.
“I have spoken to several media outlets today and promised we will do all we can to help them promote the football from next week.
“That means making players and coaches available – above and beyond the usual requirements – so that journalists have plenty of good news to write about.”
Originally published as Time to celebrate footy’s heroes not halfwits, writes Phil Rothfield
Daley explains why Tedesco was overlooked from Origin ‘meet and greet’
In what represents his first crucial steps as Blues coach, Laurie Daley held a meet-and-greet session with 28 players that are most likely to be charged with defending the Origin shield against Queensland.
Jarryd Hayne on verge of NSWRL return
The Wentworthville Magpies are set to hand controversial former NRL star Jarryd Hayne a deal to play in the Ron Massey Cup a feeder competition to the NSW Cup.