By Casey OÇonnor
It has been a sad few days for Maroons supporters like me after Sunday’s night’s State of Origin result in Perth.
I knew in my aching bones they should never have taken that game West. It’s simply not right.
Of course, it sets up a mouth-watering third game at Suncorp in a couple of weeks and hopefully some good clean Southern Downs air prior to the game will be just the panacea the Maroons need to upset the Blues.
Of course, the elephant in the room when speaking about this game is without doubt the “Six Again” rule. Like everyone else who watched the game (with the exception of Ashley Klein and Freddy Fittler) none of us, players, experts and even Blue’s supporters have a clue what is going on.
I am all for backing the officials. I understand how difficult their job is but Sunday night but this was just a circus. How disappointing that such a great spectacle and the jewel in the NRL crown can be spoilt by a rule that is totally unnecessary. For 100 years of Rugby League, the bloke in the middle with a whistle managed the game. A ruck infringement, off-side, pushing a player off the mark, wearing your short to tight and more were dealt with by blowing a penalty.
I don’t doubt for a moment that Queensland would have been beaten on Sunday night, but the game was certainly spoilt by this inconceivable six again nonsense.
Seriously even Queensland’s public enemy number one, Uncle Gus was perplexed and disappointed.
Billy Slater took the defeat of his boys in his stride refusing to look for excuses. I personally hope Billy sends Cam ‘the Accountant” Smith to have a heart to heart with the Ashley Klein or whoever gets to wear the whistle (I say wear, because clearlythey don’t use it) prior game three.
By the time the professor finishes with whoever it is they will be as confused as we are.
Anyway, it is apparently good for TV ratings and bums on expensive seats at Suncorp so that must make it acceptable.
And then there is that other major sporting event which has just kicked off – Wimbledon.
Our Ash will be sorely missed but there is a large contingent of Aussies who will do us proud. Then there is the Special K’s doubles pairing who have the ability to set Wimbledon alight. (hopefully not literally)
Who knows which Nick Kyrgios steps out on the court in the Singles. It’s worth losing some shut eye to see firsthand what he is up to.
It is early doors but there is nothing quite like that thwack, thwack, thwack to cure or cause insomnia.
Casey (bleeding a little Maroon this week)
CASEY’S NRL ROUND 16 TIPS
Storm; Knights; Panthers; Bulldogs; Cowboys; Rabbitohs; Warriors; Dragons.
