Big Hits Are Part Of The Game

Newcastle Herald

Thursday March 20, 2008

PETER STERLING - LEAGUE 2008

IT was always an exercise in futility when the NRL match review committee sat down this week to see if there was a citeable offence in relation to Riley Brown's tackle on Craig Wing.

That hit has seemingly polarised rugby league followers some seeing it as one of the most heinous actions and others completely unfazed, regarding it as a normal part of the game. Let me say I am completely in the latter camp.

As far as I am concerned if Craig Wing had not been hurt and had got up to play the ball, as happens on most occasions, it would have been a complete non-issue.

There would be no conversation or controversy about something we see happen in every game, every week of the season.

Like everyone I am very disappointed that Craig will now spend an extended period on the sidelines. To his credit he has not cried foul about being the victim of anything untoward and unlike his coach has certainly not referred to a cheap shot.

However I also feel for Riley Brown, who has been battered pillar to post in certain sections of the media this week.

Unfortunately that criticism was taken to a new low on Tuesday when legendary hard man John Sattler described Brown's challenge as the act of a coward.

Now John Sattler is undoubtedly one of the nicest men I've met and one of nature's gentlemen.

He did, however, play in the 60s and 70s era when the game was often referred to as open warfare, and he did give as good as he got. At that time there was a proliferation of knees and elbows used; two things which are now fortunately a distant memory when it comes to our game. Both were also completely absent in Brown's tackle on Wing.

Not once have I ever heard John refer to any of his former teammates or opponents as committing cowardly acts, and it was completely unfair to label young Brown in such terms.

Quite simply Riley did what 99 per cent of first-grade footballers would have done in exactly the same situation. If a legal opportunity presents itself to go in and inflict some damage in completing a tackle, a player has every right to do so. I'll be as bold to say that they would be expected to do so.

Let me also say that no player ever hopes that damage would be serious.

It may have looked bad but so too did the sickening clash between Ben Ross and Josh Perry at Brookvale Oval.

In our physical, tough, gladiatorial sport, these things will happen.

It is also unstable ground to level a charge of not playing in the spirit of the game.

Is it not in the spirit of the game for Adam Gilchrist to walk or is it the batsmen who stands his ground after nicking the ball who is at fault? While it may be a lovely turn of phrase and an admirable sentiment, it is completely subjective and therefore unable to be penalised.

Or can it? All of a sudden some wordsmith has determined there is a player of illegal intent who is to be called the prowler.

Apparently this is a player who lurks to finish off some deliberate team treachery; the hitman at the end of a devious plot.

I may be naive, but I am very confident that today's coaches do not train their players to deliberately hold up the ball carrier and get him into a defenceless position so a third tackler can try to put him out of the game.

Wrestling to slow down the play-the-ball is a definite tactic, but that is a far cry from such a serious and cynical suggestion.

The number of injuries was obviously the big minus to come out of an opening round that had a bit of everything.

I thought the Roosters were most impressive, and trainer Ronnie Palmer can take a bow for preparing a squad that looked frighteningly fit and fast.

The Houdini act was managed by Parramatta, who produced a shockingly inept first 40 minutes only to contrast that with a controlled and confident second half. Rallying from 20-0 down at half-time was the club's second-biggest comeback in their history.

I actually played in the Eels' biggest when in 1987 we overhauled Canberra's 22-point lead at the break. On that afternoon it was Bob Lindner who ran through brick walls to lead the charge. Last Saturday night it was a more subtle Brett Finch who came up with 40 minutes of football to remember.

Sterlo can be heard with David and Tanya

at 7.20am every Friday on 102.9 KO FM

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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