Gallen reported, Sonny Bill leaves, NRL faces extinction
July 26th 2008 09:21
For what - Paul Gallen should have nothing to answer
Sharks enforcer Paul Gallen became the convict on a night full of drama.
The tackle that left Broncos second rower David Stagg flat on his back, showcased the desperation evident in both Cronulla and Brisbane. A home final was on the cards and neither team left anything in the dressing rooms.
Side by side, both teams had players form a defensive wall of authority that yielded some big hits. None bigger though than the one suffered by Stagg.
It left the QLD second rower in a mind state of pain. As he looked above, three Cronulla mobsters were there, led admirably by Gallen.
Unfortunetly for Gallen, the referee passed by and put him on report. Another warning for the Sharks human cannon to tuck in his aggressive persona.
The penalty went to the Broncos and the NRL officially put up the 'for sale' sign in terms of wrecking the game of its toughness and mongrel.
Believe me, the game is going soft. In the midst of the player drainage and the salary cap system, the NRL has become desperate to charm youngsters to play a game falling apart.
While i was writing this article, i got hit with the news of Sonny Bill Williams departure to France to sign a three million dollar deal with French club Toulon.
The NRL is now in risky territory and the loss of Williams will tend to cause rugby league in this country a hell of alot of grief.
Before we got pinched with the news of Sonny's departure, i was writing in regards to the loss of toughness the NRL experienced and how it coincided with all the drama surrounding the league today.
Laying it down simply, Gallen's shot on Stagg was a beauty and looked more like a bear hug than anything else.
All he did was bring his physical game to the table. A game that has won many admirers and critics.
On par, Gallen is the most intimidating player to run head first into. A true nightmare for any opposing forwards ,let alone ones of Stagg's stature.
The tough as nails Bronco will have x-rays tonight, cuffed with the pain that exists in the forearms of Gallen.
Although i wish Stagg the best in his recovery, Gallen should have no matter to attend to. The NRL is a game of war and attrition. A game not for the faint of heart.
There are some players in today's game you would prefer not to cross on a footy pitch. Gallen is one of them.
Rugby league should be thankful to have characters such as Gallen running week in week out. His report yesterday planted the seeds of doubt surrounding the lack of toughness present in the NRL today.
Coaches and sponsers alike invest in players like Gallen. Their character and tenacity to stand firm when actions go soft.
As a crew, the NRL needs to be honest in terms of the game's future.
There are too many private conferences being held. Too many secrets being kept.
The enemy that is Europe approaches from all corners, Rugby Union in France the main instigator.
European whips are cracking big time and the NRL is suffering.
Judging by yesterdays match between Brisbane and Cronulla, the game needs to observe the heavens in order to grind through a very difficult period.
Eye for eye, the centenary season of the NRl has been marred with controversy. Players have been locked up from attending Kings Cross while others try to survive the lure of playing overseas for millions of dollars.
In a century of hard toiled loyalty and passion, rugby league is now permitting everything possible to destroy the greatest game of all.
With Gallen facing suspension and Williams leaving the NRL, something needs to be done to save a game on the edge of extinction.
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