NSW player Brad Fittler must cross the red line

Kalyn Ponga, Ben Hunt, Daly Cherry-Evans and Harry Grant being lauded for the wonders of Queensland’s third game, but Fa’asuamaleaui represents the fundamental difference between the two teams.

His presence rocked the Blues, who nervously fumbled their way through the second half, sabotaging every chance they had of winning. He also took advantage of the NRL’s inconsistent attitude to dirty play – and got away with it.

Maroon enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui puts a headlock at the center of NSW Matt Burton in Origin III.Credit:NRL .’s photo

The NRL insists the same rules apply to Origin as regular competition matches, though few believe it. It also insisted there was no room for thuggery but then invited it on the night of a draw by introducing a preference for fines over suspensions for representative matches.

As a result, Fa’asuamaleaui received two fines for his indiscretion involving Burton instead of time beside the Titans.

NSW coach Brad Fitler lamented that Burton had sinned in defending himself while Fa’asuamaleaui persisted despite his ugly head.

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He had a point but what became clear was that the Blues had to stop complaining about the referee and challenge him, breaking the rules like their Queensland rivals. For years, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith Push the boundaries in every level. Was it coincidence that this Maroon side had done the same thing now that they were training?

I’m not saying it’s right or wrong – although, personally, I picked up my Origin with a bit of a mess – but if that’s the way Origins is going to be unveiled, the Blues need to pick such a player. Players with anger issues. A player who can really doing.

As long as he is fit or not suspended, Rooster locks up Victor Radley is a must for the next series. So, too, raw boned Jack Wightonwho missed the third game after missing the second due to COVID-19.

Fittler didn’t choose Wighton, the Blues’ best player in the first game because he didn’t want to upset the balance of the substitutes, preferring the second prostitute. Damien Cook and Siosifa Talaki, which can cover the middle and back. It proved to be a fatal error.

Cook came on in the 53rd minute and ran twice over nine yards against an allegedly tired Maroon defence. Talakai made some terrible mistakes late in the game, though he wasn’t alone in that.

When NSW can dominate the middle, as it did in the second game in Perth, they can play some beautiful Penrith football. When they don’t dominate the fray, and can’t play on the lead line, they don’t seem to be able to reclaim the momentum.

Central midfielder Nathan Cleary faced with the same problem as game one: always cramped for space in attack, or in the back when he kicks. His attacking kicks rarely hit the target, nor did he find any rushing support players.

Fittler likes to use a lead pencil when selecting his team but after this draw loss might want to use a red pen and set the line through some players.

The Blues have beaten Joey

Thoughts and prayers now for Channel Nine experts and herald columnist Andrew Johnswho looks like he just drank the schooner spikes on the panel after the game.

Johns drew criticism for this statement: “Now we have to listen to the bullshit you’ve been continuing for another 12 months.”

If I know the man at all, there’s no way he’s hiding his emotions. When the Blues lost in the second game of the 2017 series, after failing to target injured players Johnathan Thurston at the end of the game, he was the most chatty person in the NSW dressing room when he interviewed the players.

He wore the same cranky head on Wednesday night. What people don’t see are hundreds of well-marinated Maroon fans on the fence, hurling insults at him.

Johns reaction shows how much he cares about the Blues. He wasn’t involved in their camp this year, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Fittler approached him to get involved another time.

Crooked Tiger Story

The Wests Tigers’ search for a new coach is as bad as firing the old coach.

The tiger on Thursday announced Sheens Team will return to lead for two years before being handed over to Benji Marshall.

A week ago, this column spoke at length to Sheens for a story about Nathan Cleary and the playmaker and what makes it good.

The conversation turned to talk of the coaching situation at his club and reports he would take on the role a decade after being sacked – a decision that prompted Sheens to launch legal action in the Supreme Court to damage his reputation.

Sheens rejected the idea of ​​coaching again, speaking at length about not rushing to appoint a coach. He was disappointed with the campaign from the media that tried to make it happen.

Wests Tigers head of football performance Tim Sheens and interim coach Brett Kimmorley.Credit:Oscar Colman

His comments were in stark contrast to those given to reporters a few weeks earlier at a lunch where the chief executive of Tigers Justin Pascoe and chairman Lee Hagipantelis also present. Lunch was held at Pascoe’s second office, Grappa.

Tigers fans wonder why there is always so much speculation about their club. This might explain why.

Neighbors like Nick

Nick Kyrgios received a standing ovation from the most unexpected people a few hours after his defeat for Novak Djokovic in the men’s Wimbledon final.

When Kyrgios and his entourage returned to the mansion they had rented for the tournament, they were greeted by about 30 neighbors who had waited two hours for him to return.

It highlights a dramatic shift in perception around Canberran, who was humiliated after spitting at the crowd in the first half but was just as beloved. Neighbor by finals.

Another nice touch came after the game when boxer member Djokovic warmly congratulated Kyrios’ box straight after the championship points.

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Much has been made of Kyrgios and Djokovic’s “bromance,” but the most important bromance you can have is the bromance you have with yourself so Kyrgios takes a short break in the Bahamas before rejoining the ATP Tour.

He has also been summoned before the ACT Magistrates Court on August 2 in connection with one count of general assault involving his ex-girlfriend.

NRL has the Ability to make a difference

The push for a special “Disability Round” in the NRL will increase on Friday when some players attend the clinic at the NSWRL Center of Excellence.

What Ability is a non-profit charity that exists to open up community experiences for people with disabilities and their families.

Many current players, including tom, Jake and Ben Trbojevic, Joseph Suaali, Joe Ofahengaue and Jai Arrowis a support worker for the foundation.

More info: www.whatabilityfoundation.org.au/nswrl-clinic.

QUOTE
“The best team will win the game.” — Blues midfielder Nathan Cleary on the eve of Origin III. And Queensland did. #sad face

TOPNOTCH
Great news for sports and nightclub fans: NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal will take up positions behind the deck of Pioneer at the Sydney Marquee in late August under the alias DJ Diesel. A source familiar with the situation told herald the former Lakers center will put the phat beat on new form.

THUMBS DOWN
Australian Cricket need to add clause for Steve Smithcontract prohibiting him from using DRS. His ghastly waste of references in the second Test at Galle, after he was stuck perpendicular, was one of the weak points in Australia’s collapse and was ultimately beaten by the round against Sri Lanka.

It’s a big weekend for… Wallabies, who have gone from a draw against England to Eddie Jones jokes and rides a Queenslander sled for wearing a scarf. The third and decisive test series will be played at SCG on Saturday night. Let’s hope the referee keeps his card in his pocket.

It’s an even bigger weekend for… Tiger Forest, who will try to hit his tee-shot in his 150th British Open with the same restrained rage he hit Greg Norman earlier this week. That said, Tiger, please pay attention to his condition. May I suggest to holster the driver and use the iron off the tee, keeping it low and straight to the wind. Where should I send the invoice?

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