Opinion Let’s get ready to stumble: Fines set to ignite Origin opener
The NRL’s preference to fine players for on-field misconduct in representative matches instead of suspending them is welcome news for clubs but threatens to set the opening match of the series between NSW and Queensland at Accor Stadium on fire.
What’s a lazy $5000 to a player on $800,000 a season if he can rough up Nathan Cleary or Kalyn Ponga? What’s a casual $2500 when tensions are running high late in the game and a defender is laying all over you before whispering some choice words as you play the ball? The matches were so fast Blues forwards told their on-field trainers they were thankful when tries were scored because it gave them time to catch their breath as Cleary lined up the conversion.
Both players were fined $700 but more damage was done to Haas’ torn jumper than the game’s reputation.“My Dad’s got that jumper,” the Broncos prop told me in a recent interview. “He really wanted it.”“Nah, that wasn’t a blue — it was a little wrestle. People blew that way out of proportion. Two young bulls going at each other. There’s no friends on the field. It’s Origin.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Kalyn Ponga has the whole State of Origin series in his handsKalyn Ponga has worn plenty of shots this season, but the Queensland fullback has everything to gain and very little to lose in the 2022 Origin series.
Read more »
'Dumbfounded' teen's first call after Origin shockState of Origin might be the toughest form of rugby league known to man but several teenagers not only debuted but left their mark on the biggest stage of the game. 9WWOS
Read more »
Queensland out to defy State of Origin expectations against heavily favoured NSW | Nick TedeschiMaroons count on inspirational qualities of their novice coach with Blues holding talent advantage yet again
Read more »
Is this New South Wales' secret weapon in the battle for Origin supremacy?There is nothing Brian To'o likes more than running into people — and that could give New South Wales a serious advantage in the State of Origin opener, writes Nick Campton.
Read more »
Everything you need to know before State of Origin INSW will be chasing a fourth State of Origin triumph in five years when the series kicks off at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night | angusthomson_ SMHsport
Read more »
How to live stream State of Origin 2022New South Wales and Queensland will go head-to-head tonight as State of Origin kicks off in Sydney. Gabrielle_Boyle JessMillward9 9News FULL DETAILS:
Read more »