Australian FB for end of year tests?
- Thread starter frankLauda
- Start date
MBQLD
Adam Woolnough
The hate he’s received is phenomenal. Like why would you have regretted the decision to play for this country considering the hate he’s copped and off the back of people saying things like, “the guys crap”, “he’s made of glass”, “not even in the top 5 fullbacks”, “should be banned from rep duties for life” , “the guy thinks he’s top sh!t and is so full of himself”, “he should cop heavy fines and suspensions”
These are REAL quotes mind you. The selectors have 2, maybe 3 other options and it’s not like he was selected and then told them to stick it! He’s said, “I don’t wish to be considered as I need to focus elsewhere”
God people are stupid, nasty, low forms of life.
These are REAL quotes mind you. The selectors have 2, maybe 3 other options and it’s not like he was selected and then told them to stick it! He’s said, “I don’t wish to be considered as I need to focus elsewhere”
God people are stupid, nasty, low forms of life.
with the current agreement, should he of played, he cant walk into knights hq to begin preseason until december 8. Now his good to go november 1. Got to respect his dedication prioritising 5 extra weeks of preseason over 2 or 3 internationals and a decent payday.
Just imagine what this says to the playing group on the first day of preseason.
Just imagine what this says to the playing group on the first day of preseason.
frankLauda
Steve Simpson
I respect his decision and I’m happy as a Knights supporter his commitment to the club. But I would have preferred he was available to play. I want to see the international game grow and the NRL supporting plans to do that.
But in order for that to happen they need to reduce the regular season. 27 rounds is far too much. So many injuries.
But in order for that to happen they need to reduce the regular season. 27 rounds is far too much. So many injuries.
I think the criticism is pretty justified to be honest. If nothing else, it’s part of his contract that you have to play rep football unless injured, or retired after long rep service.
If he didn’t even actually contact the Australian coach or selectors before making the statement, then that’s really poor form.
If he didn’t even actually contact the Australian coach or selectors before making the statement, then that’s really poor form.
frankLauda
Steve Simpson
Some of the criticism is over the top but agree with you about not contacting Mal or the selectors a mistake. Which is more or less what Brent Reed said on 360. It was handled poorly by Pongas camp, and the Knights also.
although, that woukd be the end of his Origin career.
Yes some of the criticism is definitely a bit crazy, I should clarify I’m not supporting the sort of stuff @MBQLD posted!
Frank McWilliams
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Shouldn’t need to advise Mal, should automatically be available for tests/representative games as all players should including other nations, subject to passing fitness.
As for players playing for other countries, NZ etc, not being available for SOO should be scrapped, if you are elligible by the rule, where you first played at the acceptable level than you qualify but International games come first.
As for players playing for other countries, NZ etc, not being available for SOO should be scrapped, if you are elligible by the rule, where you first played at the acceptable level than you qualify but International games come first.
Roundtable
Paul Marquet
It wouldn't have mattered....they still would have been up in arms. Complaining about the form of the communication rather than the message is it knitpicking and isn't the main issue.
waynesworld
Shane Mackley
I disagree, if he picks up the phone to Mal, they could have a discussion and he explains his point of view then Mal can understand and probably doesn’t pick him. The way it has been reported is that the club was told he’s selected, he’s been informed and said tell them no thanks. It is disrespectful to the coach and just the game in general for him to release that statement not explaining himself to anyone prior.
Pretty sure it's after a decade of rep footy, you're allowed to apply for rep retirement.
Bit different when he'd played 32 tests starting in 2012 though, he'd earned a break. And presumably he did contact the NZRL to talk it over with them, which I think is the main issue here.
MullosLefttoRight
Logan Campbell
I theoretically have no problem with the NRL taking a stance on players pulling out of International games if it was to mean they were finally putting Test football back on the same pedestal they put Origin on.
The fact that this has occurred for a Kangaroos-eligible player after Australia was belted 30-0 by NZ - a result that casts doubt on the false pinnacle Origin is set up to be is pretty disgraceful, especially when you can guarantee they're not going to take the same stance on guys pulling out for smaller nations.
The fact that this has occurred for a Kangaroos-eligible player after Australia was belted 30-0 by NZ - a result that casts doubt on the false pinnacle Origin is set up to be is pretty disgraceful, especially when you can guarantee they're not going to take the same stance on guys pulling out for smaller nations.
Lefty
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
There is now talk of Ponga being banned from the opening games of next year’s premiership. 
I hope Gardner, tells the NRL that the Knights will retaliate anyway they legally can if this happens, such as if possible, not participating in NRL promotions and not talking to any non-local media.
I hope Gardner, tells the NRL that the Knights will retaliate anyway they legally can if this happens, such as if possible, not participating in NRL promotions and not talking to any non-local media.
Kurriboy
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Andrew Johns has blasted the Knights saying who in the club let him come out and say this, and surely the way to deliver this news was more that he needed an ankle cleanout etc.
I can see both sides of this. And honestly I can't see a lot of motivation for KP to play against NZ.
But, a player who is fit to play, saying yeah nah don't consider me, when they are contracted to make themselves available is not something the NRL should take lightly. Unfortunately they have let themselves get in to this mess allowing other players like with the world cup saying they are unavailable etc.
I think the NRL will back down and not suspend KP for next year, the Knights should fight it if so and it will come down to contract and what is in there that allows the NRL to suspend a player and why.
But all around, it's not a good look.
I can see both sides of this. And honestly I can't see a lot of motivation for KP to play against NZ.
But, a player who is fit to play, saying yeah nah don't consider me, when they are contracted to make themselves available is not something the NRL should take lightly. Unfortunately they have let themselves get in to this mess allowing other players like with the world cup saying they are unavailable etc.
I think the NRL will back down and not suspend KP for next year, the Knights should fight it if so and it will come down to contract and what is in there that allows the NRL to suspend a player and why.
But all around, it's not a good look.