Words from the Warhorse
Once again, the NRL season is upon us and regretfully, negative publicity surrounding allegations of gambling misconduct around fixtures last season is dominating the League landscape.
It’s difficult to comment on specific allegations, given that the authorities are still in the midst of fulfilling their responsibilities following due process. The comment I can and will make though is that I strenuously refuse to accept that this type of alleged behaviour is rampant within our game. What has supposedly transpired is all very complicated, but having intimate knowledge of what it takes to make it in the NRL in terms of the sacrifices, determination and sheer hard work, it’s not conceivable that players en-masse would be willing to throw all of that to the wind for what amounts to, in real terms, a relatively small financial reward.
That said, I concede that individuals may have weaknesses and be more susceptible to approaches from those that would profit from such activities, but I am dead sure they’re in a tiny minority.
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Drama too, at my club the Broncos, with an 11th hour installation of former assistant coach Anthony Griffin to the top job at the expense of Ivan Henjak, who had been at the helm of the Broncos for the past two seasons. Incoming CEO, Paul White was handed a report detailing a whole range of issues within the playing and coaching ranks at the club and quickly decided upon the course of action which has since played out. Dwelling on the rights and wrongs of Henjak's demise is pointless and counterproductive, given that we must quickly ready ourselves for our opening match against the Cowboys. Griffin, or Hook as he is affectionately known, has been in the Broncos coaching ranks in varying capacities over the past few years and is no stranger to the culture and ethos of the Broncos. Moreover, he is old school and has the respect of the players without demanding it - in much the same way Wayne Bennett has and does with the players under him. He knows the game and knows about the highs and lows of coaching and will serve the team well. And Wayne Bennett - is he coming back to the Broncos or is he going elsewhere? Personally, I would love to see him back with us but a-la Wayne he is playing his cards tight. One thing’s certain, wherever he lands, that club will have the services of undoubtedly the finest coach that has ever graced the game.
So it all starts again, and I for one am looking forward to the on field action dominating what’s promising to be a watershed season for the game of rugby league.
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