Opinion: A theory on how the NRL is manipulating the Origin outcomes

“I say toughen up QLD and stand your ground by reminding NSW that cheats do not prosper in the long term and cheating to win is as low as you can go, just play good football on your merits.

Cameron Munster of the Maroons looks on during game two of the 2021 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

A question, when it comes to State of Origin are the rules fair? You bet they are, say NSW.

Well in this year’s series a red whitewash is absolutely fair, according to NSW.

How can this be done? Easy because Origin is controlled by the Australian Rugby League which is based in Sydney at NRL headquarters.

How do they cheat, sorry, manipulate a favourable outcome for NSW?

Easy, you control it by using the NRL judiciary process, example 2021 series.

Before game 1 Josh Papali, who is Qld‘s number one forward enforcer, gets charged with a high tackle in a NRL magic round game under the newly enforced high tackle rule, he fronts the judiciary and gets a 3 week suspension that rules him out of game 1.

As a footnote, the newly enforced rules are condemned by a majority of players who say it was unnecessary.

Before game 2 Payne Hass the NSW number 1 forward was placed on report twice in the one game against the Rabbit‘s once for a high shot and the second for a crusher tackle.

But guess what? A miracle happened and the charges were dropped which meant that Payne could play for NSW in game 2, surprise, surprise.

The NRL round before game 3 saw the Titans playing the Raiders and guess what Queensland’s best impact forward David Fafita was charged with a late hit on Sam Williams.

No injury was the outcome and it really looked to be no case to answer. But no, David was found guilty and of course ruled out of game 3.

NSW supporters would be saying all is fair in love and war which is a true analogy but is there any real satisfaction in manipulating the outcome and then thumping your chest and saying we are the champions.

I guess that is the difference between the two states, but why does QLD let it happen with regulatory.

I say toughen up QLD and stand your ground by reminding NSW that cheats do not prosper in the long term and cheating to win is as low as you can go, just play good football on your merits.

Charles O‘Neill, North Bundaberg

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