The " out of touch" NRL

[Ron E. Gibbs]

This has come up before and, as everyone else has said, it's a pattern that goes back more than a few years. Like many of you, the only games I care about these days are Manly games, and even those are tricky. I think the problem is that I just don't get any enjoyment out of watching rugby league anymore. Instead, with predetermined "narratives" and referees working to an obvious plan, the predominate feeling I get watching any NRL game is anger. Maybe it's just part of becoming a crotchety old man, but I don't want to be angry and I don't want to be bitter. And I don't want to suppress the urge to vomit every time I see Greenberg's smug, oh-so-punchable face. So the best thing to do is tune out.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Well it's good to know it's not just us Manly fans thinking the world is against us.

I just don't enjoy watching games anywhere as much as I did say a decade or two ago, and forget Manly games I'm talking normal games.

I used to love watching SOO, as you knew you were watching the best v the best without refs taking much of a role in the game.

And then along came game 2 , 2017.

QLD, absolutely flogged in game 1, desperate to get a win in game 2 to get the future immortal a send off he deserves, SO, a run of 8 penalties,in a row, in ONE half and bingo they have their decider and the ratings go through the absolute roof!!

If we in any way weren't sure it was rigged then this night absolutely confirmed it!

 

[manly al]

Until the N R L commission can show some clear and consistent and decisive leadership, most of the present disillusionment and lack of of confidence in it will just continue. Certainly seems to be a definite problem at present with virtually all of the club"s C E O "s having lost confidence with Grant in particular . So to initially improve and rectify some problems , surely a reasonably competent and experienced chairman can be appointed to restore some stability when Grant"s term expires . In terms of the generally dissatisfied public perception with it"s general operation and consistent approach , the current Manly investigation is a good example. What was so difficult and with the recent Manly investigation , for the commission to also publicize the names of the other clubs purportedly with the same issues also. It just gave the impression that some elements of the commission were just conveniently looking for a diversion issue to distract from their own short comings and deficiencies and for the satisfaction of some for agenda purposes , to take the opportunity to also disadvantage the Manly club in the process . It also would not have taken much effort for the commission to directly convey to Manly and to the public in general that the investigation only really consists of unproven allegations and innuendo . But maybe that is expecting too much at the moment . It also seems inconceivable that the commission does not intervene with the Storm"s present contemptible exercise regarding the 2007 G F T V match scheduling may be more difficult to alter and taking into account the nature of the current broadcast deal but can surely be improved with more balanced commission input next season . Maybe the bunker should be given some more scope to adjudicate in some instances and to not just basically comply with the referee"s instructions . Not being permitted to rule on forward passes or some play prior to some incidents just seems illogical and impractical . Also maybe better and more transparent explanations from Archer on some referee blunders when it is so clear cut and obvious . Also naturally some specific and certain on field instances to rectify and in particular and as Stu boot referred to , such as third man being allowed in low after the referee has called held , this should just be a no brainer . Better financial management by the present N R L will also improve matters and some genuine effort by the commission to at least try to have a better dialogue and communication with the Rugby League public . The present N R L commission officials just seem almost invisible right now. Again part of the solution must start at the top with just a more professional and competent N R L commission leadership group.

 

[yokahontas]

This has come up before and, as everyone else has said, it's a pattern that goes back more than a few years. Like many of you, the only games I care about these days are Manly games, and even those are tricky. I think the problem is that I just don't get any enjoyment out of watching rugby league anymore. Instead, with predetermined "narratives" and referees working to an obvious plan, the predominate feeling I get watching any NRL game is anger. Maybe it's just part of becoming a crotchety old man, but I don't want to be angry and I don't want to be bitter. And I don't want to suppress the urge to vomit every time I see Greenberg's smug, oh-so-punchable face. So the best thing to do is tune out.

I agree totally. I used to have Foxtel largely for the NRL, and would watch most games every weekend. I didn't get it reconnected after I moved, but would still go to watch games at the pub or a friend's place - and I'd absolutely never miss a Manly game.

Now I don't even watch half the free-to-air games, and if I've got something else on when Manly are playing, I'll settle for occasional score checks on my phone (there was a point where I would've been hiding in a corner at a wedding to watch on my phone!).

You hit the nail on the head with anger - that's what I feel about most NRL games these days. You can see the orchestration happening right in front of you and nobody cares how blatant it's got. My dad has been involved in the sport for over 50 years and he's disgusted with the way it's rigged these days.

And it can't just be a 'turning into a crotchety old man' thing, I'm a young(ish!) woman FFS!

 

[Chip and Chase]

The worst thing about the NRL at the moment is the level of influence that the refereeing has on the outcome of the game. The inconsistent and selective application of the rules is frustrating - I'm not talking between different games, I'm talking about within the 80 mins of one game. Admittedly I'll have bias in Manly game and will watch through my maroon coloured glasses - that's to be expected. But if you watch any non Manly game objectively you will see that the vast majority of the time the refs have a large influence on the outcome.

If I could have one wish it would be for them to clean up the ruck and apply the rules that are written in the laws of the game. Get to your feet to play the ball, play it on the mark and don't touch the markers. Markers stand square and don't put a hand on the player playing the ball. The ruck is a joke at the moment.

One other thing that has killed the game is that there is absolutely ZERO reward for a copybook around the legs tackle - you have a nanosecond to release as the tackled player puts the ball on the ground and attempts to step over it, or exaggeratedly humps the ground in a faux attempt to get up to play it. The response from the refs is almost Pavlovian in predictability, whistle straight into the mouth and penalise player making great tackle. Greenburg and Archer would much rather see three players in a tackle wrestling to turtle the ball runner then lay all over them until the ref shouts out release or move. It's moronic that they have virtually penalised that part of the game out of existence.

I'd love to sit down with Tony Archer and watch a non Manly game were I have no emotional investment and get to grill him on the refs performance and have decisions explained.

 

[Blucky]

I agree totally. I used to have Foxtel largely for the NRL, and would watch most games every weekend. I didn't get it reconnected after I moved, but would still go to watch games at the pub or a friend's place - and I'd absolutely never miss a Manly game.

Now I don't even watch half the free-to-air games, and if I've got something else on when Manly are playing, I'll settle for occasional score checks on my phone (there was a point where I would've been hiding in a corner at a wedding to watch on my phone!).

You hit the nail on the head with anger - that's what I feel about most NRL games these days. You can see the orchestration happening right in front of you and nobody cares how blatant it's got. My dad has been involved in the sport for over 50 years and he's disgusted with the way it's rigged these days.

And it can't just be a 'turning into a crotchety old man' thing, I'm a young(ish!) woman FFS!

Yes but are you a crotchety young woman ?

 

[grassy]

The worst thing about the NRL at the moment is the level of influence that the refereeing has on the outcome of the game. The inconsistent and selective application of the rules is frustrating - I'm not talking between different games, I'm talking about within the 80 mins of one game. Admittedly I'll have bias in Manly game and will watch through my maroon coloured glasses - that's to be expected. But if you watch any non Manly game objectively you will see that the vast majority of the time the refs have a large influence on the outcome.

If I could have one wish it would be for them to clean up the ruck and apply the rules that are written in the laws of the game. Get to your feet to play the ball, play it on the mark and don't touch the markers. Markers stand square and don't put a hand on the player playing the ball. The ruck is a joke at the moment.

One other thing that has killed the game is that there is absolutely ZERO reward for a copybook around the legs tackle - you have a nanosecond to release as the tackled player puts the ball on the ground and attempts to step over it, or exaggeratedly humps the ground in a faux attempt to get up to play it. The response from the refs is almost Pavlovian in predictability, whistle straight into the mouth and penalise player making great tackle. Greenburg and Archer would much rather see three players in a tackle wrestling to turtle the ball runner then lay all over them until the ref shouts out release or move. It's moronic that they have virtually penalised that part of the game out of existence.

I'd love to sit down with Tony Archer and watch a non Manly game were I have no emotional investment and get to grill him on the refs performance and have decisions explained.

Because off all the inconsistencies in the ruck it is becoming a game off touch football and along with 1 penalty can get you to the other end off the field in no time.Before you know it you have 6 points on the board. So then i ask why is this happening? Well i think certain people with the power running the game likes to see it flow quicker thus sacrificing the rules.All in the name off trying to sell the game to the fans and getting more people to the grounds.At the end off the day money talks.What they are doing is going against their own principles of the game and its biting themselves in the backside. The NRL is chasing there own tail with the refs at the helm.If you make rules and simply cant enforce them well its going to be a mess.Anyone that runs a business with success knows this. Way too much sh....te going down in this game and for a game that is simple in structure is becoming very very complicated.Hell, i reckon the mafia could run the code better than the people running it now, at least everyone would know where they stand.

 

[mave]

The way the rules currently are interpreted regarding one on one legs tackles is the single biggest blight on the ruck, and therefore the game.

If they would only reward the legs tackle, more players would do it, coaches would encourage it and the wrestle would slowly phase out and we can go back to playing footy, not BellamyBall.

It really is that simple.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

At least in cricket ( my other sports love) you only get the occasional howler (BUT that's been largely taken out with the review system), so the umpires have little effect on who wins.

 

[Captain Moondog]

It's obvious from the comments on here most people believe the NRL have a agenda, seems like a great way to kill the code. If the majority of fans believe the results are predetermined the game has a huge problem.

 

[yokahontas]

Yes but are you a crotchety young woman ?

I've been called a lot of things in my time, but that's a new one!

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I've been called a lot of things in my time, but that's a new one!

If that's you in the profile photo I wouldn't call you anything other than " yes dear".

 

[Little Grubber Kick]

I agree totally. I used to have Foxtel largely for the NRL, and would watch most games every weekend. I didn't get it reconnected after I moved, but would still go to watch games at the pub or a friend's place - and I'd absolutely never miss a Manly game.

Now I don't even watch half the free-to-air games, and if I've got something else on when Manly are playing, I'll settle for occasional score checks on my phone (there was a point where I would've been hiding in a corner at a wedding to watch on my phone!).

You hit the nail on the head with anger - that's what I feel about most NRL games these days. You can see the orchestration happening right in front of you and nobody cares how blatant it's got. My dad has been involved in the sport for over 50 years and he's disgusted with the way it's rigged these days.

And it can't just be a 'turning into a crotchety old man' thing, I'm a young(ish!) woman FFS!

We might as well be clones.........exactly who needs to feel angry watching their sport?
Answer = nobody.

 

[cherry_poppins]

I like how contentious calls never get a billion replays anymore, also how they never show on side

 

[TWO DOGS]

I like how contentious calls never get a billion replays anymore, also how they never show on side

Wasn't it advertised at the start of the season that Fox were going to show a ten metre line? I bet NRL stopped it as it would show up the Pinkies.

 

[yokahontas]

If that's you in the profile photo I wouldn't call you anything other than " yes dear".

Haha...I'm only lifting about 70kg in that picture. I can deadlift more than double that now

 

[Eagleheart]

Kenny Edwards deliberately makes contact with the head by shoulder charging a semi unconscious player on the ground in the biggest dog shot of the year and cops an $1100 fine.

Yep. The Nrl really is doing fantastic aren't they.

I am genuinely in disbelief over how this cheating grub has escaped suspension.

The people who hold senior positions in the NRL need to be terminated effective immediately. The bias towards certain teams is far too obvious and is destroying the game, it needs to stop and stop now.

 

[Eagleheart]

Did anyone also see the article where Archer came out saying that the Riff should not have been awarded two tries from their clash with the Titans last week? Now how many leg ups have the Riff received so far this year?

I honestly think this needs to be investigated.

And on another note how many tries have been awarded this year that should not have been, any guesses? It seems quite a lot and the season is not over yet. Archer is not fit to manage a chook raffle let alone the important role of managing officials.

Are the NRL protecting him because they are actually instructing him and his minions on who wins what game?

 

[Aussie Battler]

This has come up before and, as everyone else has said, it's a pattern that goes back more than a few years. Like many of you, the only games I care about these days are Manly games, and even those are tricky. I think the problem is that I just don't get any enjoyment out of watching rugby league anymore. Instead, with predetermined "narratives" and referees working to an obvious plan, the predominate feeling I get watching any NRL game is anger. Maybe it's just part of becoming a crotchety old man, but I don't want to be angry and I don't want to be bitter. And I don't want to suppress the urge to vomit every time I see Greenberg's smug, oh-so-punchable face. So the best thing to do is tune out.

Stay Crotchety !!! (good word) Like me, it sounds like you have walked this earth long enough to whinge about all the crap being old brings. More power to you Gibbsy !!!

 

[mickqld]

Stay Crotchety !!! (good word) Like me, it sounds like you have walked this earth long enough to whinge about all the crap being old brings. More power to you Gibbsy !!!

I think a lot of us are getting old and cranky. It must be. Surely the game cant be as corrupt and irritating as we're saying. What are the under 30s supporters thoughts ??