Buzz’s highlights, lowlights: NRL betting ad ban comes unstuck, Jarrod Croker retires

The Wests Tigers’ attempt to tape over a betting sponsor logo came unstuck literally over the weekend but the move is a responsible one, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.

Luke Brooks was forced to cover up a sponsor logo.

NRL clubs are now forbidden from wearing betting agency jersey sponsorship for matches against the Warriors in New Zealand.

It is a little-known government regulation in which offshore betting agencies are banned on playing strips.

The Wests Tigers took their home game on Saturday to Waikato but had to cover up chest sponsor, betting agency PlayUp.

Instead they had Roar Racing on the front, although the logo fell off Luke Brooks’ jersey and he had to cover PlayUp with tape.

The Manly Sea Eagles are facing the same issue with PointsBet being on the front of their jersey and shorts.

They have sold the sponsorship for next weekend’s game against the Warriors to another non-betting company.

The New Zealand government will only allow the NZ TAB to advertise in the country.

It is a responsible move in a world where problem gambling has become such a big issue.

Luke Brooks was forced to cover up a sponsor logo.

SPOTTED

Recently retired AFL champion Buddy Franklin leaving a BWS store in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast on Saturday with a slab of beer and a couple of bottles of champagne rather than being at the SCG for the Swans’ match against the Gold Coast Suns.

HIGHLIGHT

The Matildas winning the penalty shootout heartstopper over France is up there with any sporting moment your columnist has witnessed in 50 years. Cathy Freeman, the America’s Cup, anything.

LOWLIGHT

More refereeing blunders. Cody Walker scored a crucial try for the Rabbitohs after both he and Latrell Mitchell were clearly offside from a Lachlan Illias kick against the Dragons. At Brookie on Thursday night the Panthers scored from a blatant Liam Martin knock-on. Seriously, are they falling asleep in the bunker?

LOWLIGHT

How did the NRL allow Cronulla and Gold Coast Titans players to wear almost identical coloured jerseys at Shark Park?

The Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans were almost impossible to tell apart. Picture: Getty

SPOTTED

Boxing champ George Kambosos shopping at the Lego and Uniqlo stores at Miranda Westfield on Saturday morning.

SPOTTED

Former premier Gladys Berejiklian in Manly owner Scott Penn’s chairman’s suite for the match against the Penrith Panthers.

JERSEY AUCTION

The 17 NRL clubs are devoting next weekend’s round to Daniel Anderson. Every captain’s jersey will be signed and auctioned off next week. You can register a bid at www.fanplus.com.

360 VIEW

Catch you on NRL 360 on Fox League at 6.30pm with Braith Anasta, Gorden Tallis and Brent Read to discuss all the major stories from the weekend round.

CROKER CALLS TIME ON NRL CAREER

Canberra Raiders legend Jarrod Croker walked into a team meeting on Thursday last week to quietly announce his retirement from the NRL

No media, no fanfare. So typical of the most humble man you could ever meet.

Croker insisted it be kept in house in order not to distract the team as they prepared for the Melbourne Storm game.

After 15 seasons and 305 NRL games, the Raiders centre will call it quits at the end of the season, a player up there with Laurie Daley, Ricky Stuart, Bradley Clyde or Mal Meninga as a Canberra Raiders legend.

The timing is perfect.

Croker made his NRL debut in round 2, 2009, against the Roosters.

Croker embraces his mother after playing his 300th game. Picture: Getty Images

“I’ve been thinking about it for a few weeks,” Croker said, “and I’m relieved I’ve finally made the decision.

“It’s more the body. My heart and head still love the game but the body’s had enough.

“The kids I play against these days are so fit, fast and strong.

“It’s certainly not getting any easier at my age (32).”

Croker has recovered from his hamstring injury and will be back for the game against the Canterbury Bulldogs next week.

His final home game with Wighton will be the following weekend against the Broncos.

He’ll never forget the emotion around breaking the news to his teammates.

“When you’ve got to get up there and talk about yourself and say goodbye it’s hard,” he said, “I didn’t want to ramble on too much.

“To finish up with Jack (Wighton) is going to be special for me.

“The reality is that I’ve had enough. There’s a full pre-season and the intensity you train at is ridiculous to what it used to be.”