The game is treading a fine line. They want to appease the part time supporter and blow ins, at the expense of the dyed in the wool fans. Between the constant rule changes, and knee jerks and turning away from its core supporters, the refs are just killing it as a spectacle.
I read something recently how fans are turning off the box this year and not watching. Crowds are up but there is a definate drop in overall figures. Its not hard to tell why
Refs determine too many outcomes, show piece games are relegated , and one sided affairs are comm on on free to air. Its just so hard to get enthralled in a tight contest, as its either not there or the refs eliminate the contest altogether gifting supremacy and forcing "catch up footy" in almost all contests
I honestly find it hard to watch any games at all these days. i just seem to treat the product with disdain. It is impossible to respect as a product due to the obvious inconsistencies
Dugan got screwed here. Micky mouse could have come up with a better decision than that.The panel that suspended him should be sacked, there families should be sacked, there kids should be sacked, they should be put on a boat and sent to Iran. Inglis could lend them one
It was that bad it will probably be good PR for Dugan and everyone will feel sorry for the bloke and forget about his rap sheet
Also I have had enough of the massive over reaction on the origin fights. These fights happened about 9pm on the TV.Everything on at that time is rated MA at the vesy least. They have autopsies, violence, nudity, drug use, murders and swearing on at the same time on the other channels but a few punches are the worst on offer
Make origin MA. Anyone who has a 10yo watching origin at 9.45 on a weeknight is a bad parent and no one should be listening to them about whats good for the children.
Anyone who thinks the origin is worse than big brother unplugged , or NCIS, or underbelly is kidding themselves and needs therapy about how righteous they think they are
Ig this game was on at 6pm it is different but it rarely starts until 8.20 and both fights have occured after 9
If a kids video game is rated MA then surely origin should be