State of Origin 2013 - Game I Chat
- Thread starter stiggy
- Start date
Definitely a sin bin and borderline send off. The rules are anything goes in origin, and if it's the week before a test then the rules are three times as harsh for NZers.
You can't have different rules for different games, it's ridiculous.
That swimmer lady is a bit of an embarrassment for a gold medal winner.
You can't have different rules for different games, it's ridiculous.
That swimmer lady is a bit of an embarrassment for a gold medal winner.
MattyM
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Glad we saw a decent fight!
Last night bloody amazing! The atmosphere was insane, the chants were awesome, the Blatchy's Blues pumped everyone up. It was just incredible to watch live. Every tackle the crowd seemed to cheer and every penalty conceded the crowd yelled: "BULLS**T!" over and over.
A great night was had. UP THE BLUES!
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Last night bloody amazing! The atmosphere was insane, the chants were awesome, the Blatchy's Blues pumped everyone up. It was just incredible to watch live. Every tackle the crowd seemed to cheer and every penalty conceded the crowd yelled: "BULLS**T!" over and over.
A great night was had. UP THE BLUES!
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rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Blues legend Tommy Raudonikis backs Maroons enforcer Nate Myles' tackling style
HE bleeds blue and is the godfather of the all-in brawl but NSW legend Tommy Raudonikis has backed the way Maroons hardman Nate Myles plays as the Queensland forward came under fire for his State of Origin tactics.
Titans co-captain Myles was on the receiving end of a barrage of punches from Blues skipper Paul Gallen in the series opener in Sydney on Wednesday after being accused of headbutting and twisting the knees of opposition players.Gallen yesterday pleaded guilty to a grade 2 striking charge and will be free for game two at Suncorp Stadium later this month where fireworks are expected to fly as the Maroons seek revenge.
But Myles found an unlikely ally in former Blues coach Raudonikis, infamous for his "Cattle Dog'' call, who said the veteran of 21 Queensland appearances played Origin how it should be."State of Origin is State of Origin. I don't think he's a grubby player and Gallen's not a grubby player,'' he said."I like [Myles] as a bloke and I think he's a good player. He plays a tough game."He does use his head, which is fair enough. If you're going to give it out you've got to cop it too. It's about toughness."It's just the way it is. It's a war between the states."Nate Myles said he's OK and he'll wait until the next game. He's not too worried about it and neither is Gallen.''The NSW camp has been fuming since last year's decider when hooker Robbie Farah was knocked out in a Myles tackle.
Nate Myles led with his head on this controversial tackle on Jarryd Hayne. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Their tempers flared again at ANZ Stadium when Myles launched himself at fullback Jarryd Hayne and Gallen unleashed his attack after landing a swinging arm on the Gold Coast forward's face.Titans coach and former Blues Origin back-rower John Cartwright defended his skipper, saying Myles' "perfect'' defensive technique was going out of fashion."Nate's a very hard player but he's also very fair. There's no swinging arms or cheap shots with him,'' he said."Technically he's a perfect defender.
We get carried away with wrestling, holding up but Nate tackles like they did 20 years ago."He leads with his head and that's the way you were taught when I was a kid. Not many guys can go out there and do it."If we try and take all collisions out of the game we'll end up playing Oztag.''Gallen's claims will mean Myles is heavily scrutinised for the remainder of the series but Cartwright said his star forward was doing nothing illegal."Nate is just as hard and fair a footballer you'll ever come across on and off the field,'' he said."Footy's about making the opposition's life as tough as possible. If Nate was born in Dubbo he'd be the first bloke picked for NSW, don't worry about that."The reason he's the captain of our club is he's very respectful, plays the game in the right spirit, plays tough and doesn't expect any favours."You can hit Nate with anything but he'd just get up and get on with it."
Myles' Titans and Maroons teammate Ashley Harrison said: ``It's not in Nate's nature to do that sort of stuff. For someone to say he's a dirty player, that's unwarranted.''
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-tackling-style/story-fni3fr51-1226658930605
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Queensland enforcer Nate Myles pushed his luck too far
WHEN Paul Gallen complained about the grubby tactics of Queensland forward Nate Myles during Origin I, it wasn't the first time.
The Daily Telegraph can today reveal an angry Blues camp told NRL officials of their concerns about the way Myles plays following game one in Melbourne last year.Gallen might've dodged a bullet with merely a one-match suspension for his one-two combination on Myles' chin, but many within the NSWRL establishment believe the Maroons hardman should have been brought to heel some time ago.NRL general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk last night confirmed the Blues' complaint after the Origin opener last year."We discussed with NSW a number of minor issues following the opening Origin last season relating to player misconduct," he said."Those points were taken on board by our referees department at the time."
In the case of The Head of Nate Myles versus The State of NSW, the allegations are varied and numerous.The Blues have vivid memories of him rubbing the faces of players when they were on the ground in game one last year, and to game three when he twice headbutted hooker Robbie Farah, who was left with concussion as the Maroons won their seventh straight series.When there was no mention of the incidents involving Farah in the referees report, the Blues coaching staff were stunned. And angry.When Myles attempted to headbutt fullback Jarryd Hayne moments after snuffing out a kick in the first half on Wednesday night, it merely reminded the present coaching staff of his previous form.
Nate Myles during his scrap with Paul Gallen. Picture: Mark Evans
The breaking point for Gallen, according to insiders, came in the 35th minute.Replays show it clearly: Myles holding on to Gallen's right leg, twisting it and his troublesome knee like it's the top of a stubby.Gallen jumps to his feet and stares daggers from across the ditch as Myles runs away. Minutes later, all hell breaks loose.Queensland assistant coach Michael Hagan yesterday said the lack of action taken against Gallen set a dangerous precedent.Indeed, the boundaries are set to be tested in Brisbane in game two on June 26 as the Maroons do whatever they can to save the series."There might be a little bit of a square-up in game two," Hagan told Triple M.Meanwhile, some in the NSW camp believe Gallen has been harshly treated.If the rule of Origin is that there is only one rule, and that rule is that there are no rules, then why has Myles been allowed to act with impunity?That said, plenty of credit was being handed from NSW figures about the way Myles handed himself post-match.They appreciated the fact he did not want to see Gallen suspended, and that it was part of Origin. Increasingly, though, the boundaries are becoming wider. Almost as wide as Nate Myles' head.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...his-luck-too-far/story-fni3fqyo-1226658961868
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Queensland great Wally Lewis says NSW captain Paul Gallen is Origin's version of Pinocchio
Paul Gallen lands a punch on Nate Myles as Billy Slater offers support. Source: Getty Images
MAROONS legend Wally Lewis says Paul Gallen is Origin's version of Pinocchio after the Blues skipper was yesterday accused of conning officials to justify his vicious attack on Nate Myles.
Origin tensions intensified last night with Queensland selection boss Des Morris claiming Gallen had pre-meditative thoughts and was waiting for an opportunity to punch Myles in the series opener.Gallen, who was hit with a grade two striking charge after NSW's 14-6 win, defended his actions on-field by telling referees Ashley Klein and Shayne Hayne that Myles "was getting my knee and twisting it every time".Gallen added that the Maroons enforcer had a history of dirty play, saying: "He's been doing it series after series ... headbutting and twisting."But a review of Origin I by The Courier-Mail found Myles tackled Gallen just three times on Wednesday night. Of the three tackles, none showed Myles engage in any visible act of twisting Gallen's knee or spoiling tactics.
Lewis, Origin's greatest player, subsequently took aim at Gallen, accusing the NSW captain of misleading officials to deflect scrutiny of his own misconduct."When Gallen said that (Myles was guilty of dirty play), I was watching his nose grow like Pinocchio," Lewis said."It was a joke, it (his nose) was growing at record rates, you can quote me on that."For Gallen, to claim he was consistently set upon with twisting, maybe he should check the replay and see he was only a tackled a few times by Myles."Either he has a poor memory or he is embellishing his claims."Ultimately, what he did was try and take the pressure off himself.
NSW captain Paul Gallen runs into the Queensland defence. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
"He was the man in the firing line, the man penalised, the man accused, the man in danger of being sent to the sin-bin and suddenly he turned the heat on Nate and had the referees thinking about Myles."It was cunning ploy by Gallen ... but he's kidding."With an early guilty plea, Gallen will receive a one-match ban, clearing him to lead the Blues in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on June 26.Queensland assistant coach Michael Hagan told Triple M radio: "There might be a little bit of a square-up in Game II, I might suggest. I think they (Queensland players) are a little bit cranky that they did ambush us a little bit. We look forward to Game Two and we can repay the favour."Morris suggested Gallen had plotted to seek retribution against Myles after the Maroons back-rower led with his head in last year's Origin decider, injuring NSW hooker Robbie Farah."It was interesting," Morris said of Gallen's volley of punches."It seemed like a pre-meditated move, but there's nothing we can do now."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ion-of-pinocchio/story-fni3fbgz-1226658970152
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The images that prove Queensland were not hard done by
The images that reveal Queensland's dirty tactics in Origin I. Source: The Daily Telegraph
CONQUERED Queensland are complaining about a knock on. Well, what about these 10 incidents (above) that graphically show the Maroons' unsporting and unscrupulous tactics.
The Daily Telegraph can today reveal how beaten Queensland reverted to knee twisting, shoulder charges, leading with the head, grapple tackles, throat grabs, scorpion tackles, flops, elbows to the back of the head and a leg pull in their desperate bid to go one-up on Wednesday night.Queensland stars Greg Inglis, Nate Myles, Cam Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Thaiday and Ashley Harrison were the offenders."Nothing would surprise me when it comes to Queensland," former Blues captain Ben Elias said.The Maroons are whingeing about a knock on which to led NSW's first try, scored by fullback Jarryd Hayne.But it seems the Canetoads have conveniently forgotten how they tried to turn Wednesday night's game into park footy anarchy.Eventually NSW skipper Paul Gallen snapped and twice clocked Myles."He pushed me and I did what I had to do," Gallen said.
Former NSW players David Gillespie and Greg Alexander spoke last night about Queensland's antics, although Blues coach Laurie Daley was reluctant to hammer the Maroons' tactics."It is State of Origin," Daley said. "We have no issue how the match was refereed."But we won't be bullied or intimidated. It is all part of State of Origin and trying to get on top of your opponent."But what happens on the field should stay on the field."Gillespie, who played 15 games for NSW, was open when asked about Queensland's dubious style."Some of the stuff I saw wasn't flash," Gillespie said."There seemed to be a lot of niggle out there. Yes, it's Origin, but I could see NSW becoming frustrated."I saw a few grapple tackles and a couple of leg pulls."I guess in the end Paul Gallen had enough and acted.
The game on Wednesday just continues the rivalry between the two states."There is no love lost and I am sure it will start up again in game two in Brisbane."Alexander, a six-game veteran for NSW, said players often receive more latitude in Origin games."I saw Nate Myles lead with the head on Jarryd Hayne - that has happened before," Alexander said."There were other incidents which looked a little unsavoury. I saw a couple of grapple tackles the other night too. I thought the ruck was too slow all night."Look, it is State of Origin and perhaps players can get away with more. Yes, Paul Gallen did punch Nate Myles. Maybe Gallen wanted to make a statement."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...not-hard-done-by/story-fni3fqyo-1226658971771
- TRAVIS MEYN
- GOLD COAST BULLETIN
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
HE bleeds blue and is the godfather of the all-in brawl but NSW legend Tommy Raudonikis has backed the way Maroons hardman Nate Myles plays as the Queensland forward came under fire for his State of Origin tactics.
Titans co-captain Myles was on the receiving end of a barrage of punches from Blues skipper Paul Gallen in the series opener in Sydney on Wednesday after being accused of headbutting and twisting the knees of opposition players.Gallen yesterday pleaded guilty to a grade 2 striking charge and will be free for game two at Suncorp Stadium later this month where fireworks are expected to fly as the Maroons seek revenge.
But Myles found an unlikely ally in former Blues coach Raudonikis, infamous for his "Cattle Dog'' call, who said the veteran of 21 Queensland appearances played Origin how it should be."State of Origin is State of Origin. I don't think he's a grubby player and Gallen's not a grubby player,'' he said."I like [Myles] as a bloke and I think he's a good player. He plays a tough game."He does use his head, which is fair enough. If you're going to give it out you've got to cop it too. It's about toughness."It's just the way it is. It's a war between the states."Nate Myles said he's OK and he'll wait until the next game. He's not too worried about it and neither is Gallen.''The NSW camp has been fuming since last year's decider when hooker Robbie Farah was knocked out in a Myles tackle.
Nate Myles led with his head on this controversial tackle on Jarryd Hayne. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Their tempers flared again at ANZ Stadium when Myles launched himself at fullback Jarryd Hayne and Gallen unleashed his attack after landing a swinging arm on the Gold Coast forward's face.Titans coach and former Blues Origin back-rower John Cartwright defended his skipper, saying Myles' "perfect'' defensive technique was going out of fashion."Nate's a very hard player but he's also very fair. There's no swinging arms or cheap shots with him,'' he said."Technically he's a perfect defender.
We get carried away with wrestling, holding up but Nate tackles like they did 20 years ago."He leads with his head and that's the way you were taught when I was a kid. Not many guys can go out there and do it."If we try and take all collisions out of the game we'll end up playing Oztag.''Gallen's claims will mean Myles is heavily scrutinised for the remainder of the series but Cartwright said his star forward was doing nothing illegal."Nate is just as hard and fair a footballer you'll ever come across on and off the field,'' he said."Footy's about making the opposition's life as tough as possible. If Nate was born in Dubbo he'd be the first bloke picked for NSW, don't worry about that."The reason he's the captain of our club is he's very respectful, plays the game in the right spirit, plays tough and doesn't expect any favours."You can hit Nate with anything but he'd just get up and get on with it."
Myles' Titans and Maroons teammate Ashley Harrison said: ``It's not in Nate's nature to do that sort of stuff. For someone to say he's a dirty player, that's unwarranted.''
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s-tackling-style/story-fni3fr51-1226658930605
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Queensland enforcer Nate Myles pushed his luck too far
- ANDREW WEBSTER
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
WHEN Paul Gallen complained about the grubby tactics of Queensland forward Nate Myles during Origin I, it wasn't the first time.
The Daily Telegraph can today reveal an angry Blues camp told NRL officials of their concerns about the way Myles plays following game one in Melbourne last year.Gallen might've dodged a bullet with merely a one-match suspension for his one-two combination on Myles' chin, but many within the NSWRL establishment believe the Maroons hardman should have been brought to heel some time ago.NRL general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk last night confirmed the Blues' complaint after the Origin opener last year."We discussed with NSW a number of minor issues following the opening Origin last season relating to player misconduct," he said."Those points were taken on board by our referees department at the time."
In the case of The Head of Nate Myles versus The State of NSW, the allegations are varied and numerous.The Blues have vivid memories of him rubbing the faces of players when they were on the ground in game one last year, and to game three when he twice headbutted hooker Robbie Farah, who was left with concussion as the Maroons won their seventh straight series.When there was no mention of the incidents involving Farah in the referees report, the Blues coaching staff were stunned. And angry.When Myles attempted to headbutt fullback Jarryd Hayne moments after snuffing out a kick in the first half on Wednesday night, it merely reminded the present coaching staff of his previous form.
Nate Myles during his scrap with Paul Gallen. Picture: Mark Evans
The breaking point for Gallen, according to insiders, came in the 35th minute.Replays show it clearly: Myles holding on to Gallen's right leg, twisting it and his troublesome knee like it's the top of a stubby.Gallen jumps to his feet and stares daggers from across the ditch as Myles runs away. Minutes later, all hell breaks loose.Queensland assistant coach Michael Hagan yesterday said the lack of action taken against Gallen set a dangerous precedent.Indeed, the boundaries are set to be tested in Brisbane in game two on June 26 as the Maroons do whatever they can to save the series."There might be a little bit of a square-up in game two," Hagan told Triple M.Meanwhile, some in the NSW camp believe Gallen has been harshly treated.If the rule of Origin is that there is only one rule, and that rule is that there are no rules, then why has Myles been allowed to act with impunity?That said, plenty of credit was being handed from NSW figures about the way Myles handed himself post-match.They appreciated the fact he did not want to see Gallen suspended, and that it was part of Origin. Increasingly, though, the boundaries are becoming wider. Almost as wide as Nate Myles' head.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...his-luck-too-far/story-fni3fqyo-1226658961868
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Queensland great Wally Lewis says NSW captain Paul Gallen is Origin's version of Pinocchio
- PETER BADEL AND TODD BALYM
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
Paul Gallen lands a punch on Nate Myles as Billy Slater offers support. Source: Getty Images
MAROONS legend Wally Lewis says Paul Gallen is Origin's version of Pinocchio after the Blues skipper was yesterday accused of conning officials to justify his vicious attack on Nate Myles.
Origin tensions intensified last night with Queensland selection boss Des Morris claiming Gallen had pre-meditative thoughts and was waiting for an opportunity to punch Myles in the series opener.Gallen, who was hit with a grade two striking charge after NSW's 14-6 win, defended his actions on-field by telling referees Ashley Klein and Shayne Hayne that Myles "was getting my knee and twisting it every time".Gallen added that the Maroons enforcer had a history of dirty play, saying: "He's been doing it series after series ... headbutting and twisting."But a review of Origin I by The Courier-Mail found Myles tackled Gallen just three times on Wednesday night. Of the three tackles, none showed Myles engage in any visible act of twisting Gallen's knee or spoiling tactics.
Lewis, Origin's greatest player, subsequently took aim at Gallen, accusing the NSW captain of misleading officials to deflect scrutiny of his own misconduct."When Gallen said that (Myles was guilty of dirty play), I was watching his nose grow like Pinocchio," Lewis said."It was a joke, it (his nose) was growing at record rates, you can quote me on that."For Gallen, to claim he was consistently set upon with twisting, maybe he should check the replay and see he was only a tackled a few times by Myles."Either he has a poor memory or he is embellishing his claims."Ultimately, what he did was try and take the pressure off himself.
NSW captain Paul Gallen runs into the Queensland defence. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph
"He was the man in the firing line, the man penalised, the man accused, the man in danger of being sent to the sin-bin and suddenly he turned the heat on Nate and had the referees thinking about Myles."It was cunning ploy by Gallen ... but he's kidding."With an early guilty plea, Gallen will receive a one-match ban, clearing him to lead the Blues in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on June 26.Queensland assistant coach Michael Hagan told Triple M radio: "There might be a little bit of a square-up in Game II, I might suggest. I think they (Queensland players) are a little bit cranky that they did ambush us a little bit. We look forward to Game Two and we can repay the favour."Morris suggested Gallen had plotted to seek retribution against Myles after the Maroons back-rower led with his head in last year's Origin decider, injuring NSW hooker Robbie Farah."It was interesting," Morris said of Gallen's volley of punches."It seemed like a pre-meditated move, but there's nothing we can do now."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ion-of-pinocchio/story-fni3fbgz-1226658970152
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The images that prove Queensland were not hard done by
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
The images that reveal Queensland's dirty tactics in Origin I. Source: The Daily Telegraph
CONQUERED Queensland are complaining about a knock on. Well, what about these 10 incidents (above) that graphically show the Maroons' unsporting and unscrupulous tactics.
The Daily Telegraph can today reveal how beaten Queensland reverted to knee twisting, shoulder charges, leading with the head, grapple tackles, throat grabs, scorpion tackles, flops, elbows to the back of the head and a leg pull in their desperate bid to go one-up on Wednesday night.Queensland stars Greg Inglis, Nate Myles, Cam Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Thaiday and Ashley Harrison were the offenders."Nothing would surprise me when it comes to Queensland," former Blues captain Ben Elias said.The Maroons are whingeing about a knock on which to led NSW's first try, scored by fullback Jarryd Hayne.But it seems the Canetoads have conveniently forgotten how they tried to turn Wednesday night's game into park footy anarchy.Eventually NSW skipper Paul Gallen snapped and twice clocked Myles."He pushed me and I did what I had to do," Gallen said.
Former NSW players David Gillespie and Greg Alexander spoke last night about Queensland's antics, although Blues coach Laurie Daley was reluctant to hammer the Maroons' tactics."It is State of Origin," Daley said. "We have no issue how the match was refereed."But we won't be bullied or intimidated. It is all part of State of Origin and trying to get on top of your opponent."But what happens on the field should stay on the field."Gillespie, who played 15 games for NSW, was open when asked about Queensland's dubious style."Some of the stuff I saw wasn't flash," Gillespie said."There seemed to be a lot of niggle out there. Yes, it's Origin, but I could see NSW becoming frustrated."I saw a few grapple tackles and a couple of leg pulls."I guess in the end Paul Gallen had enough and acted.
The game on Wednesday just continues the rivalry between the two states."There is no love lost and I am sure it will start up again in game two in Brisbane."Alexander, a six-game veteran for NSW, said players often receive more latitude in Origin games."I saw Nate Myles lead with the head on Jarryd Hayne - that has happened before," Alexander said."There were other incidents which looked a little unsavoury. I saw a couple of grapple tackles the other night too. I thought the ruck was too slow all night."Look, it is State of Origin and perhaps players can get away with more. Yes, Paul Gallen did punch Nate Myles. Maybe Gallen wanted to make a statement."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...not-hard-done-by/story-fni3fqyo-1226658971771
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Cattledog creator Jim Dymock behind Paul Gallen's flying fists
EXCLUSIVE: THE man who invented State of Origin's famous "Cattledog" war cry was behind Paul Gallen's controversial left-right combination to the head of Queensland forward Nate Myles.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Jim Dymock, working the sideline on Wednesday night as part of the NSW coaching staff, watched Myles lead with the head and twist knees before sending out a message to the Blues: "Enough is enough."Nearly 20 years ago, then-Blues coach Tommy Raudonikis wanted a call for his side to initiate an early-match brawl, and one of his forwards, Dymock, came up with "Cattledog".NSW players have a genuine dislike for Myles after he twice led with his head during Origin III last year.
NSW assistant coach Jim Dymock and Paul Gallen. Picture: Mark Evans
And on Wednesday evening Myles again led with his head on NSW fullback Jarryd Hayne, and also twisted the knees of angry NSW players.Dymock sent out the message and Gallen stepped up with two game-changing blows. "Cattledog" was back."There was a lot of niggle and 'Gal' simply had had enough," Blues coach Laurie Daley said. "Gal made a statement for the team and for our state."That is, we won't stand there and be bullied. We support Gal 100 per cent."I didn't think there was much in it."
Gallen had history on his side with his gamble - no NSW captain has been sent off in State of Origin.Gallen yesterday pleaded guilty to a grade-two striking charge and will miss Cronulla's match against Melbourne at AAMI Park on Sunday."He pushed me and I did what I had to do," Gallen said yesterday."Tempers flare, it's a game of footy. Nate said he didn't care about it."Moments after the game, which NSW won 14-6, Myles described Gallen's punches as "one of those things, it's Origin football", while also addressing claims from the NSW captain that he was a headbutter.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen and Queensland's Nate Myles go at it.
"That's just the way I tackle," Myles said. "If you want to get a good tackle in you have to use a good technique, but I'll leave that up to the referees."To be honest, I'd leave it on the field, that's Origin. He put a couple of good ones on me."After the game, Maroons coach Mal Meninga was unconcerned about the drama, but changed his tune yesterday to declare: "It probably shouldn't be part of Origin, really. Maybe a sin bin at the very least."I'll make some judgments a bit later. I'll be talking to Daniel (Anderson, NRL referees coach) prior to game two."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ens-flying-fists/story-fni3fqyo-1226658938849
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Anderson happy with Origin refs
By Ian McCullough
AAP
Thu 06th June, 9:38pm
NRL referees boss Daniel Anderson says he was satisfied with the decision not to sin-bin Paul Gallen in Wednesday's State of Origin opener.
The NSW skipper was put on report and will miss Cronulla's clash with Melbourne on Sunday after catching Nate Myles with a flurry of punches in the Blues 14-6 win at ANZ Stadium after pleading guilty to a grade two striking charge.
The incident on the stroke of halftime led to a melee between players from both sides but referee Ashley Klein opted not to give Gallen 10 minutes off the field.
Myles said he was not upset by the decision not to punish Gallen for the incident at the time and Maroons coach Mal Meninga said likewise, with NSW coach Laurie Daley calling it a great Origin moment.
However, Meninga changed his tune somewhat 12 hours later saying the Blues captain was lucky to stay on the field.
"It shouldn't be part of Origin really, it should be a sin bin at least," he said.
Anderson said he was pleased with the overall performances of Klein and Shayne Hayne although he conceded Gallen and Cooper Cronk were fortunate to stay on the field.
Cronk was penalised for failing to allow James Maloney to get up and play the ball after the five-eighth had a made a break for the line.
"These games are difficult to referee as there is a lot at stake for both teams," Anderson told AAP.
"There were two possible sin-bins, one from Cooper Cronk for a professional foul on Maloney in the first half, but the adjudication was not to put him in the sin-bin.
"In regards to Paul Gallen, he was put on report, he was penalised and the match review committee have dealt with it.
"Although we don't condone striking in any way, I am comfortable with both decisions."
Meninga said he would be in contact with Anderson before game two and the former Parramatta coach said he would welcome the dialogue.
"I thought we had a solid performance from the refs given the need to enforce the game, they were largely invisible which is what you want," he said.
"Nobody is really talking about them today.
"We will provide a pretty extensive valuation to Mal and Laurie on our perception on how the game was adjudicated.
"We do it for every game, for every single coach in the NRL.
"Some of them up to 50-60 lines, some are easier than others. It's pretty transparent and covers both teams on the same piece of paper."
Anderson is yet to make a decision who will be in charge of game two but said he didn't expect the furore to make it harder to officiate.
"Game two will be difficult because there is a lot at stake," he said.
"But that is always the case in Origin. Players will always be competitive and it's up to the referees to see the game run properly."
http://www.nrl.com/anderson-happy-with-origin-refs/tabid/10874/newsid/72761/default.aspx
- DEAN RITCHIE
- THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 07, 2013 12:00AM
EXCLUSIVE: THE man who invented State of Origin's famous "Cattledog" war cry was behind Paul Gallen's controversial left-right combination to the head of Queensland forward Nate Myles.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal Jim Dymock, working the sideline on Wednesday night as part of the NSW coaching staff, watched Myles lead with the head and twist knees before sending out a message to the Blues: "Enough is enough."Nearly 20 years ago, then-Blues coach Tommy Raudonikis wanted a call for his side to initiate an early-match brawl, and one of his forwards, Dymock, came up with "Cattledog".NSW players have a genuine dislike for Myles after he twice led with his head during Origin III last year.
NSW assistant coach Jim Dymock and Paul Gallen. Picture: Mark Evans
And on Wednesday evening Myles again led with his head on NSW fullback Jarryd Hayne, and also twisted the knees of angry NSW players.Dymock sent out the message and Gallen stepped up with two game-changing blows. "Cattledog" was back."There was a lot of niggle and 'Gal' simply had had enough," Blues coach Laurie Daley said. "Gal made a statement for the team and for our state."That is, we won't stand there and be bullied. We support Gal 100 per cent."I didn't think there was much in it."
Gallen had history on his side with his gamble - no NSW captain has been sent off in State of Origin.Gallen yesterday pleaded guilty to a grade-two striking charge and will miss Cronulla's match against Melbourne at AAMI Park on Sunday."He pushed me and I did what I had to do," Gallen said yesterday."Tempers flare, it's a game of footy. Nate said he didn't care about it."Moments after the game, which NSW won 14-6, Myles described Gallen's punches as "one of those things, it's Origin football", while also addressing claims from the NSW captain that he was a headbutter.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen and Queensland's Nate Myles go at it.
"That's just the way I tackle," Myles said. "If you want to get a good tackle in you have to use a good technique, but I'll leave that up to the referees."To be honest, I'd leave it on the field, that's Origin. He put a couple of good ones on me."After the game, Maroons coach Mal Meninga was unconcerned about the drama, but changed his tune yesterday to declare: "It probably shouldn't be part of Origin, really. Maybe a sin bin at the very least."I'll make some judgments a bit later. I'll be talking to Daniel (Anderson, NRL referees coach) prior to game two."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ens-flying-fists/story-fni3fqyo-1226658938849
- - - Updated - - -
Anderson happy with Origin refs
By Ian McCullough
AAP
Thu 06th June, 9:38pm
NRL referees boss Daniel Anderson says he was satisfied with the decision not to sin-bin Paul Gallen in Wednesday's State of Origin opener.
The NSW skipper was put on report and will miss Cronulla's clash with Melbourne on Sunday after catching Nate Myles with a flurry of punches in the Blues 14-6 win at ANZ Stadium after pleading guilty to a grade two striking charge.
The incident on the stroke of halftime led to a melee between players from both sides but referee Ashley Klein opted not to give Gallen 10 minutes off the field.
Myles said he was not upset by the decision not to punish Gallen for the incident at the time and Maroons coach Mal Meninga said likewise, with NSW coach Laurie Daley calling it a great Origin moment.
However, Meninga changed his tune somewhat 12 hours later saying the Blues captain was lucky to stay on the field.
"It shouldn't be part of Origin really, it should be a sin bin at least," he said.
Anderson said he was pleased with the overall performances of Klein and Shayne Hayne although he conceded Gallen and Cooper Cronk were fortunate to stay on the field.
Cronk was penalised for failing to allow James Maloney to get up and play the ball after the five-eighth had a made a break for the line.
"These games are difficult to referee as there is a lot at stake for both teams," Anderson told AAP.
"There were two possible sin-bins, one from Cooper Cronk for a professional foul on Maloney in the first half, but the adjudication was not to put him in the sin-bin.
"In regards to Paul Gallen, he was put on report, he was penalised and the match review committee have dealt with it.
"Although we don't condone striking in any way, I am comfortable with both decisions."
Meninga said he would be in contact with Anderson before game two and the former Parramatta coach said he would welcome the dialogue.
"I thought we had a solid performance from the refs given the need to enforce the game, they were largely invisible which is what you want," he said.
"Nobody is really talking about them today.
"We will provide a pretty extensive valuation to Mal and Laurie on our perception on how the game was adjudicated.
"We do it for every game, for every single coach in the NRL.
"Some of them up to 50-60 lines, some are easier than others. It's pretty transparent and covers both teams on the same piece of paper."
Anderson is yet to make a decision who will be in charge of game two but said he didn't expect the furore to make it harder to officiate.
"Game two will be difficult because there is a lot at stake," he said.
"But that is always the case in Origin. Players will always be competitive and it's up to the referees to see the game run properly."
http://www.nrl.com/anderson-happy-with-origin-refs/tabid/10874/newsid/72761/default.aspx
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Paul Gallen will be public enemy No.1 as Maroons aim for Origin redemption at Suncorp Stadium
NSW skipper Paul Gallen lands a punch on the chin of Queensland forward Nate Myles. Source:Getty Images
YOU may think of him as Queensland's public enemy No.1.
I think Paul Gallen's downfall has been his short fuse on the field.He has tempered it a little over the years, but more than ever, after his punching of Nate Myles in Origin I, he is someone Queenslanders will love to hate.Judging by the Queensland team's comments to the media after the game, they want to settle this on the scoreboard.Gallen has played enough Origin to know there was going to be niggle. Over time, Myles has got under his skin.Off the field, when Gallen tours with an Australian team, everyone gets on well with him and enjoys playing alongside him. I know I did.He will be irked by walking into Suncorp Stadium on June 26 to what is going to be one of the more irate receptions a footballer has received there.Gallen's snap decision to punch Myles was not a great idea, considering his team was up by 14 points and in control. If anything, it sparked up Queensland towards the end of a flat first half in which we seemed to lack some fire in the belly.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen lands a punch on the chin of Queensland forward Nate Myles.
I think the right decision would have been to sin-bin Gallen for his punches on top of the swinging arm.He got to stay on the field and Queensland were the team in that game disadvantaged by those punches.While he still held his feet, Myles would've been dazed and for a period of time lost to the Queensland effort. I watched him from ground level - he wasn't the same for a while.Origin is what it is - niggling and sledging sometimes, as well as the great skills from the players.The players and referees see Origin as having a higher threshold for what is permissible in terms of foul play.I don't mind having the rules stretched a little because it being different adds to the theatre of Origin. Fewer penalties to make the game flow is one of the elements I think helps make Origin.As time goes on, not so many will accept there should be a big distinction between what is allowable in an Origin game and a NRL match when it comes to foul play. There will be a clean-up, same as the shoulder charge and the spear tackle are not part of the wider game anymore.The Gallen punches will be talked about in the lead-up for Game Two and sets that up for plenty of fireworks.The game needs to be mindful about the precedents set.
In the modern world, sport is about being professional and being mindful of player welfare and setting an example for the next generation. Mal Meninga is a loyal man and won't be too reactive to one loss when the selectors consider their team for the rematch. I wouldn't be surprised if it is the same 17, fitness allowing.Our go-forward wasn't great in Sydney. Our defence in the middle was poor early and it didn't get much better.Maybe Ben Te'o or Corey Parker could earn a start in the next game to give us some mobility early.I thought Queensland's bench players - Te'o, Parker, Matt Gillett and Chris McQueen - were outstanding.Ben Hannant would have to prove himself if he can come back next weekend from injury.On a fast pitch at Suncorp Stadium, mobility and offloads will be important.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-suncorp-stadium/story-fni3fbgz-1226659546583
- DARREN LOCKYER
- THE COURIER-MAIL
- JUNE 08, 2013 12:00AM
NSW skipper Paul Gallen lands a punch on the chin of Queensland forward Nate Myles. Source:Getty Images
YOU may think of him as Queensland's public enemy No.1.
I think Paul Gallen's downfall has been his short fuse on the field.He has tempered it a little over the years, but more than ever, after his punching of Nate Myles in Origin I, he is someone Queenslanders will love to hate.Judging by the Queensland team's comments to the media after the game, they want to settle this on the scoreboard.Gallen has played enough Origin to know there was going to be niggle. Over time, Myles has got under his skin.Off the field, when Gallen tours with an Australian team, everyone gets on well with him and enjoys playing alongside him. I know I did.He will be irked by walking into Suncorp Stadium on June 26 to what is going to be one of the more irate receptions a footballer has received there.Gallen's snap decision to punch Myles was not a great idea, considering his team was up by 14 points and in control. If anything, it sparked up Queensland towards the end of a flat first half in which we seemed to lack some fire in the belly.
NSW skipper Paul Gallen lands a punch on the chin of Queensland forward Nate Myles.
I think the right decision would have been to sin-bin Gallen for his punches on top of the swinging arm.He got to stay on the field and Queensland were the team in that game disadvantaged by those punches.While he still held his feet, Myles would've been dazed and for a period of time lost to the Queensland effort. I watched him from ground level - he wasn't the same for a while.Origin is what it is - niggling and sledging sometimes, as well as the great skills from the players.The players and referees see Origin as having a higher threshold for what is permissible in terms of foul play.I don't mind having the rules stretched a little because it being different adds to the theatre of Origin. Fewer penalties to make the game flow is one of the elements I think helps make Origin.As time goes on, not so many will accept there should be a big distinction between what is allowable in an Origin game and a NRL match when it comes to foul play. There will be a clean-up, same as the shoulder charge and the spear tackle are not part of the wider game anymore.The Gallen punches will be talked about in the lead-up for Game Two and sets that up for plenty of fireworks.The game needs to be mindful about the precedents set.
In the modern world, sport is about being professional and being mindful of player welfare and setting an example for the next generation. Mal Meninga is a loyal man and won't be too reactive to one loss when the selectors consider their team for the rematch. I wouldn't be surprised if it is the same 17, fitness allowing.Our go-forward wasn't great in Sydney. Our defence in the middle was poor early and it didn't get much better.Maybe Ben Te'o or Corey Parker could earn a start in the next game to give us some mobility early.I thought Queensland's bench players - Te'o, Parker, Matt Gillett and Chris McQueen - were outstanding.Ben Hannant would have to prove himself if he can come back next weekend from injury.On a fast pitch at Suncorp Stadium, mobility and offloads will be important.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-suncorp-stadium/story-fni3fbgz-1226659546583
rhugh89
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Paul Gallen's actions nothing to clap about
PAUL Gallen's excuses for punching Nate Myles in the head last Wednesday night in Sydney were many.
It was a sign of his respect for Nate.He was paying Nate a compliment.He was settling old scores.What drivel.Everyone in the Queensland State of Origin team respects Paul Gallen, both as a player and a captain for NSW.We have a tremendous amount of respect for every NSW player.So should we pay each of them a similar compliment at Suncorp Stadium in three weeks' time?
Paul Gallen punches Nate Myles during Origin I. Picture: Mark Metcalfe
Of course not.Not just because the argument and justification is ridiculous, but because we have too much respect for the game to behave that way.I understand fights sometimes happen in rugby league, particularly in an arena as passionate as Origin.Fights have happened before, and they will happen again given the very competitive nature of the contest.But what bothers me is that this wasn't heat of the moment stuff.Paul Gallen said the reason for his actions were that he had to make a statement against the man who he rated as Queensland's enforcer for the past few years, and to make up for alleged incidents that had happened in past seasons.It would seem by his very comments a pre-meditated attack to settle old scores and, worryingly, the game's officials seem happy to let it slide.Not only has he not been condemned for his actions, people have been applauding it.Gallen at the very least should have had 10 minutes in the bin for his actions.I think all commentators of our game would see that as fair.
He deliberately hit Nate with a swinging arm tackle, and then threw punches at a man who had his hands by his side. And what was the punishment?He stays on the field, neither he nor his team are disadvantaged by his actions. The victims of the foul play get no real advantage, and he then ends up with a one-week suspension.The ones who copped the most severe punishment are the Cronulla Sharks and their fans. Because of an incident that had nothing to do with the club, they will again be without their captain this weekend.The game says "we don't condone it", but then decide it is only worth one week's suspension - and Cronulla, who pay Gallen's wages, get left carrying the can.
The referees did not react to this incident the way they should have.And neither did the game.We need an overhaul of the judicial process at State of Origin level.A one-match suspension should constitute one Origin game, not affect the clubs who already take a great risk to their key assets by allowing players to compete in Origin.To be honest, I have been taken a little by surprise by the reaction in some quarters to the loss.My message to Queensland fans is simple: Don't panic.We have been very consistent, both in our performances and success, over the past seven years - and now all of a sudden we are falling apart?This is so far from the truth, and how we see things internally within the team.It is one game. One loss. Realistically, we know we are playing against a terrific team and winning every game is just not possible.When you look at the way that we started the game, there are questions to be asked, and there are obviously areas that we need to fix. We know that. Slow starts have unfortunately become a bit too regular over the past few seasons.We have great self-belief in the footy team, and sometimes I worry that it is relied on too much.Instead of jumping into it, and going out and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck early, we have a tendency to rely on that self-belief and our abilities as a group to work our way out of adversity by waiting until we are in trouble before we produce our best.
I think this is a team that thrives on adversity.We don't like being front-runners.We love chasing. That is something we need to turn around.But if adversity is what the team needs to succeed on, then we have our wish.We are one down in the series, NSW have their confidence up, and the selections and playing futures of players are in the firing line.We have great people, talent and leadership in this playing group and the only place to prove our worth is on the footy field.The players have been here before, they have endured and won.The task will not be daunting them at all. Knowing this team, they will be relishing it.To my mind, this is our greatest challenge since 2006.Being back at home at Suncorp Stadium, their backs against the wall, with their abilities being questioned will add up to one hell of a game!I know it will bring the best out of our team, the same way it has for Queenslanders for 105 years.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ng-to-clap-about/story-fni3fr51-1226660617797
- - - Updated - - -
NSW skipper Paul Gallen's filthy over copping an Origin ban for belting Nate Myles
Paul Gallen lands a shot to the jaw of Nate Myles. Source: Getty Images
DID my fight with Nate Myles change the game? Why did I react the way I did? Was it a bad look for rugby league? Am I scared of Queensland putting a target on me for game two?
So many questions have been thrown my way in the wake of Wednesday night's State of Origin match.The biggest shame of it all is that the incident between Nate and myself has taken the gloss off the Blues' victory.He's tough, Nate, and plays the game hard. He's an experienced footballer and was the Maroons' best forward last Wednesday night.He showed character to claim that what happens on the field in Origin, should stay there. In fact, the only people who didn't have this view were those not involved.Nate's ability to play the way he does is the reason why we ended up coming to blows.I'll be the first to admit, I'm no angel on the field.
But some things Nate has done in the past and continued to do on Wednesday night culminated in the two of us coming together. It was a case of hit or be hit. That's what Origin does. You're taught to never give an inch.I don't hold any grudges towards Nate. By the sounds of it, he doesn't either.Up north, they're speaking about retribution, but it doesn't really faze me. I honestly don't care what's being said, so long as the Blues get the result. Victory for NSW is all that matters now.While I have no animosity towards Nate, I'm filthy that I've been suspended. If a fight in Origin is now worth a possible two weeks on the sidelines, then clearly the NRL has drawn a line in the sand.My club Cronulla are the biggest losers in this.I should be out there ripping and tearing for the Sharks. I wanted to contest the charge, but the threat of missing two weeks instead of one forced me to take the early plea.
By taking their stance, the NRL must also ensure footage of the fight is now banned from all promotional use in the lead-up to game two.Every year Origin is promoted as a battle field. Fans are told there's genuine hatred between both states, that it's us versus them.Images of Queensland's Arthur Beetson belting his Parramatta teammate and Blues rival Mick Cronin are legend. Mark Geyer and Wally Lewis going hammer and tongs, Jamie Goddard and Andrew Johns hurling fists and Tommy Raudonikis' 'Cattledog' call are all used to help sell Origin, yet here I am on the sidelines.I appreciate that some parents would be put off by what happened. I totally understand that. I would never advocate violence or condone behaviour that encourages others to do so.Anyone who knows me would vouch for that.As a father, my kids aren't old enough to understand what Dad does for his job or what happens on the footy field. But certainly I wouldn't have a problem explaining to them when they're old enough that Dad's job is not like many other jobs.I'm paid to win a physical battle with my opponent. I'm paid to use my body to hit the opposition. I'm paid to keep running the hardest I can into other people, who in return want to hit their Dad the hardest they can.And if I don't do this, Dad may not have a job.I know this is a very simple way to explain the game of rugby league, but Origin is the purest form of speed and aggression and when emotions spill over things can unfortunately happen.I'm disappointed that my run-in with Nate has taken the gloss off what was a terrific Blues performance.
As a team, we came together brilliantly and we played to our structure really well.There were some wonderful performances. Luke Lewis was outstanding, Blake Ferguson did his job well, Andrew Fifita and Trent Merrin lifted us when they came on, while our halves were strong and will be better for the experience.We all have to improve.Our completion rate fell away in the second half and we allowed Queensland to get back into the match.We had the opportunity to really make an impression on the scoreboard, but we dropped the ball on too many occasions.We need to do a better job on Justin Hodges and I thought Corey Parker caused some problems with his offloads.I don't expect them to make any changes and, frankly, I won't spend too much time thinking about them.This campaign is about us.We have to focus on ourselves as individuals and how we can perform better in what will be a hostile environment in Brisbane. I think only injuries over the next two weeks will force Laurie Daley into making changes to our side.It's a reflection of the depth of talent that the Blues now possess that guys like Brett and Glenn Stewart, Tariq Sims, Michael Ennis and Tim Grant have been left out of the squad to date.
I took a moment after our win on Wednesday to bring the boys together. It was a 10-second speech.I told them this battle isn't over. It's just the beginning.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...lting-nate-myles/story-fni3fh9n-1226660600613
- MAL MENINGA
- THE SUNDAY MAIL (QLD)
- JUNE 09, 2013 12:00AM
PAUL Gallen's excuses for punching Nate Myles in the head last Wednesday night in Sydney were many.
It was a sign of his respect for Nate.He was paying Nate a compliment.He was settling old scores.What drivel.Everyone in the Queensland State of Origin team respects Paul Gallen, both as a player and a captain for NSW.We have a tremendous amount of respect for every NSW player.So should we pay each of them a similar compliment at Suncorp Stadium in three weeks' time?
Paul Gallen punches Nate Myles during Origin I. Picture: Mark Metcalfe
Of course not.Not just because the argument and justification is ridiculous, but because we have too much respect for the game to behave that way.I understand fights sometimes happen in rugby league, particularly in an arena as passionate as Origin.Fights have happened before, and they will happen again given the very competitive nature of the contest.But what bothers me is that this wasn't heat of the moment stuff.Paul Gallen said the reason for his actions were that he had to make a statement against the man who he rated as Queensland's enforcer for the past few years, and to make up for alleged incidents that had happened in past seasons.It would seem by his very comments a pre-meditated attack to settle old scores and, worryingly, the game's officials seem happy to let it slide.Not only has he not been condemned for his actions, people have been applauding it.Gallen at the very least should have had 10 minutes in the bin for his actions.I think all commentators of our game would see that as fair.
He deliberately hit Nate with a swinging arm tackle, and then threw punches at a man who had his hands by his side. And what was the punishment?He stays on the field, neither he nor his team are disadvantaged by his actions. The victims of the foul play get no real advantage, and he then ends up with a one-week suspension.The ones who copped the most severe punishment are the Cronulla Sharks and their fans. Because of an incident that had nothing to do with the club, they will again be without their captain this weekend.The game says "we don't condone it", but then decide it is only worth one week's suspension - and Cronulla, who pay Gallen's wages, get left carrying the can.
The referees did not react to this incident the way they should have.And neither did the game.We need an overhaul of the judicial process at State of Origin level.A one-match suspension should constitute one Origin game, not affect the clubs who already take a great risk to their key assets by allowing players to compete in Origin.To be honest, I have been taken a little by surprise by the reaction in some quarters to the loss.My message to Queensland fans is simple: Don't panic.We have been very consistent, both in our performances and success, over the past seven years - and now all of a sudden we are falling apart?This is so far from the truth, and how we see things internally within the team.It is one game. One loss. Realistically, we know we are playing against a terrific team and winning every game is just not possible.When you look at the way that we started the game, there are questions to be asked, and there are obviously areas that we need to fix. We know that. Slow starts have unfortunately become a bit too regular over the past few seasons.We have great self-belief in the footy team, and sometimes I worry that it is relied on too much.Instead of jumping into it, and going out and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck early, we have a tendency to rely on that self-belief and our abilities as a group to work our way out of adversity by waiting until we are in trouble before we produce our best.
I think this is a team that thrives on adversity.We don't like being front-runners.We love chasing. That is something we need to turn around.But if adversity is what the team needs to succeed on, then we have our wish.We are one down in the series, NSW have their confidence up, and the selections and playing futures of players are in the firing line.We have great people, talent and leadership in this playing group and the only place to prove our worth is on the footy field.The players have been here before, they have endured and won.The task will not be daunting them at all. Knowing this team, they will be relishing it.To my mind, this is our greatest challenge since 2006.Being back at home at Suncorp Stadium, their backs against the wall, with their abilities being questioned will add up to one hell of a game!I know it will bring the best out of our team, the same way it has for Queenslanders for 105 years.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ng-to-clap-about/story-fni3fr51-1226660617797
- - - Updated - - -
NSW skipper Paul Gallen's filthy over copping an Origin ban for belting Nate Myles
- PAUL GALLEN
- THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
- JUNE 09, 2013 12:00AM
Paul Gallen lands a shot to the jaw of Nate Myles. Source: Getty Images
DID my fight with Nate Myles change the game? Why did I react the way I did? Was it a bad look for rugby league? Am I scared of Queensland putting a target on me for game two?
So many questions have been thrown my way in the wake of Wednesday night's State of Origin match.The biggest shame of it all is that the incident between Nate and myself has taken the gloss off the Blues' victory.He's tough, Nate, and plays the game hard. He's an experienced footballer and was the Maroons' best forward last Wednesday night.He showed character to claim that what happens on the field in Origin, should stay there. In fact, the only people who didn't have this view were those not involved.Nate's ability to play the way he does is the reason why we ended up coming to blows.I'll be the first to admit, I'm no angel on the field.
But some things Nate has done in the past and continued to do on Wednesday night culminated in the two of us coming together. It was a case of hit or be hit. That's what Origin does. You're taught to never give an inch.I don't hold any grudges towards Nate. By the sounds of it, he doesn't either.Up north, they're speaking about retribution, but it doesn't really faze me. I honestly don't care what's being said, so long as the Blues get the result. Victory for NSW is all that matters now.While I have no animosity towards Nate, I'm filthy that I've been suspended. If a fight in Origin is now worth a possible two weeks on the sidelines, then clearly the NRL has drawn a line in the sand.My club Cronulla are the biggest losers in this.I should be out there ripping and tearing for the Sharks. I wanted to contest the charge, but the threat of missing two weeks instead of one forced me to take the early plea.
By taking their stance, the NRL must also ensure footage of the fight is now banned from all promotional use in the lead-up to game two.Every year Origin is promoted as a battle field. Fans are told there's genuine hatred between both states, that it's us versus them.Images of Queensland's Arthur Beetson belting his Parramatta teammate and Blues rival Mick Cronin are legend. Mark Geyer and Wally Lewis going hammer and tongs, Jamie Goddard and Andrew Johns hurling fists and Tommy Raudonikis' 'Cattledog' call are all used to help sell Origin, yet here I am on the sidelines.I appreciate that some parents would be put off by what happened. I totally understand that. I would never advocate violence or condone behaviour that encourages others to do so.Anyone who knows me would vouch for that.As a father, my kids aren't old enough to understand what Dad does for his job or what happens on the footy field. But certainly I wouldn't have a problem explaining to them when they're old enough that Dad's job is not like many other jobs.I'm paid to win a physical battle with my opponent. I'm paid to use my body to hit the opposition. I'm paid to keep running the hardest I can into other people, who in return want to hit their Dad the hardest they can.And if I don't do this, Dad may not have a job.I know this is a very simple way to explain the game of rugby league, but Origin is the purest form of speed and aggression and when emotions spill over things can unfortunately happen.I'm disappointed that my run-in with Nate has taken the gloss off what was a terrific Blues performance.
As a team, we came together brilliantly and we played to our structure really well.There were some wonderful performances. Luke Lewis was outstanding, Blake Ferguson did his job well, Andrew Fifita and Trent Merrin lifted us when they came on, while our halves were strong and will be better for the experience.We all have to improve.Our completion rate fell away in the second half and we allowed Queensland to get back into the match.We had the opportunity to really make an impression on the scoreboard, but we dropped the ball on too many occasions.We need to do a better job on Justin Hodges and I thought Corey Parker caused some problems with his offloads.I don't expect them to make any changes and, frankly, I won't spend too much time thinking about them.This campaign is about us.We have to focus on ourselves as individuals and how we can perform better in what will be a hostile environment in Brisbane. I think only injuries over the next two weeks will force Laurie Daley into making changes to our side.It's a reflection of the depth of talent that the Blues now possess that guys like Brett and Glenn Stewart, Tariq Sims, Michael Ennis and Tim Grant have been left out of the squad to date.
I took a moment after our win on Wednesday to bring the boys together. It was a 10-second speech.I told them this battle isn't over. It's just the beginning.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...lting-nate-myles/story-fni3fh9n-1226660600613
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