Manly forward Joel Thompson wants to take the two supporters sanctioned for abusing South Sydney Greg Inglis to an indigenous community.
He wants to give them some semblance of understanding of why their comments cut not just Inglis so deeply, but every indigenous footballer in the NRL.
He wants to make sure their abuse — Inglis was allegedly called a black dog while leaving the field over a week ago at Panthers Stadium — ends with them, and doesn’t become a generational problem for their children and their children’s children.
He says enlightenment rather than retribution is the key. “For those two guys, it’s disgraceful but I hope they get some education,” Thompson said. “I will take them out to do some community stuff with them. That would open their eyes up. It’s more ignorance and no education.
“It’s probably what they have been taught and the environment they have been in.
“I’m sure if they go out and learn about the (indigenous) culture, learn about the history behind it, I’m sure that will change their opinion.
“Hopefully that would be a ripple effect down to their kids, and then so on and so on.
“I was angry at the start but I just feel sorry for them now. Hopefully some education will mean they can put their hand up and say how bad it was. Try and improve what they did.
“(Former indigenous players) George Rose or Dean Widders, any of those blokes who work at the NRL, maybe take them out and do some camps. Do something with them.
“Give them some cultural training. Give them a chance to say sorry and learn.”
The two offenders were issued with breach notices earlier this week after an investigation involving the NRL, security officers and police. They are facing significant sanctions, although they will be given the opportunity to defend themselves.
Many want life bans to be brought against the pair responsible for comments which outraged rugby league fans across the game, regardless of their background.
Thompson would rather see them rehabilitated, just like so many players who do the wrong thing but then get an opportunity to prove they have changed their ways. “If they want to rehabilitate and they won’t do it again, do some volunteer stuff and still be involved in the game, I’m all for it (a lighter penalty),” Thompson said. “They stuffed up, everyone stuffs up. I’m a big believer in second chances. It’s absolutely disgraceful what happened but it would be good for them to go out and meet some people. Get some education around why what they said was wrong — change their opinions.
“I know ‘GI’ would have some good support around him. It’s not good what happened.
“The NRL is perfect for rehabilitation. Look at some of the cases there. It’s not just for players but fans as well.”
Meanwhile, Todd Carney is expected to hold further talks with the NRL integrity unit today as he edges towards a comeback with North Queensland.
Carney’s meeting with the integrity unit is a forerunner to talks with NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg, who has made it known he wants a face-to-face meeting with Carney before he will consider registering a contract for the former Canberra, Cronulla and Sydney Roosters bad boy.
Carney has spent recent years playing in Super League, having left the NRL following the infamous ‘bubbler’ incident but has an offer on the table from the Cowboys for this season.
He needs the NRL to rubberstamp his return before he can accept the deal.
