Having said that, there is definitely a push from the NRL to ensure its broadcast partners remember they are partners when it comes to dealing with the sport more broadly.
A particular bugbear of the NRL is when the AFL is deemed, in their eyes, to be getting more coverage in news bulletins than the NRL. This column also recently highlighted requests from NRL spin doctors for access to rundowns, or at least topics that are to be discussed, on magazine-style rugby league TV programs.
Andrew Johns’ frustrations with the game are becoming obvious.Credit: Getty Images
Again, it’s understandable why they would like to put the NRL’s spin on things, and to correct or prevent errors, but it is a very fine line they are treading.
The bigger concern is the potential gagging of talent. If that ever happened, the game would have a serious issue. Trying to control the media narrative by stopping people from expressing their opinions would hurt the game more than help it.
Sometimes commentators not saying anything can be more damaging for the code.
It has been widely reported that Channel Nine commentator and league Immortal Andrew Johns refused to call the last 23 minutes of the Wests Tigers-Cronulla game on Sunday as he was so frustrated with the NRL’s approach to high tackles and the number of sin bins.
His silent protest made a real impact.
What plenty of people missed – and it should be documented – is the stance Phil Gould took on 100% Footy on Monday night. NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo was facing up to questions about the farcical 18 sins bins last weekend. In a panel of experts, of which Gould was by far the most experienced, he was the only one not to ask Abdo a question. He’s clearly fed up with the way the NRL is handling its crackdowns – or non-crackdowns, as the NRL claims – and could not be enticed into entering the conversation with Abdo, who is doing his best in a tricky situation.
Gould can talk for hours about tackle techniques and where the game has gone wrong, but his refusal to ask Abdo any questions said it all.
Benji puts lawyers on notice
Benji Marshall’s team has had some quiet chats with lawyers in case any stories emerge from the club about his coaching methods, or private conversations are made public.
Marshall is aware of who is saying what behind the scenes as the club continues to deal with Lachlan Galvin’s claims that he is not in a safe working environment. As coach, Marshall is wise to seek his own counsel separate to the lawyers the Tigers are using.
Lachie Galvin and coach Benji Marshall at Tigers training.Credit: Renee Nowytarger
Galvin knocked back a $5.5 million, six-year extension offer that prompted the Tigers to announce his exit at the end of 2026. The Tigers released an extraordinary statement, declaring Galvin would not be with the club beyond 2026, but that he is expected to see out the final 18 months of his deal.
It was later suggested Galvin was leaving because he did not have faith in Marshall’s coaching.
It remains an emotive issue. Tigers fans are a passionate lot, but they are also sadly misinformed. Some of their trolling is disgraceful.
This is an email I received from Steve Stretton trying to shame me into appearing on his Wests Tigers Podcast.
Influential player agent Isaac Moses.Credit: Ben Symons
“Danny, I invite you to appear as a guest on Wests Tigers Podcast,” he wrote. “We are the group that initiated the petition that led to the review of Wests Tigers. We find your constant one-sided articles defending and promoting Isaac Moses the lowest form of journalism and a blight on our great game.
“Despite our reluctance to pay any attention to your articles, we would like to debate your point of view. We will be fair, professional and courteous, giving you time and space to air your point of view. Surely a man of your experience would relish the opportunity to debate a hot issue against “fans on the hill” as [News Corp journalist] David Riccio likes to describe us.
“We will let our 3000 an episode audience know we have extended this invitation to you.”
Moses is Galvin’s manager. The first time in a decade that Moses responded to a message I sent him was a couple of weeks ago. He told me he was so surprised that he laughed when he read it.
Moses will tell anyone who will listen that I’ve given him considerable grief over the years. But it’s my job to get both sides of the Galvin story, and Moses has done what his client has asked him to do. And if anyone is responsible for this story exploding, it’s the Tigers, who made it Benji-focused.
Finau Latu is leaving the Dragons.Credit: NRL Photos
Another chapter in Flanagan-Gould feud
The screeching coming out of the Dragons about the loss of young gun Finau Latu is motivated by the talent he has. But it is also fuelled by the fact the Bulldogs and general manager Phil Gould had another victory over Dragons coach Shane Flanagan.
The pair do not get along. During the week, Flanagan attacked the player’s agent, Mick Chebl, a former homicide detective who is one of the many decent agents in the game. He took up player management to assist young players and their families, and is not motivated by money.
During negotiations with Latu, the player and his family decided their preferred choice was Canterbury. That choice wasn’t about money, but rather their feeling the Bulldogs would be the best club for his development as a player.
The Bulldogs recommended the family think carefully about their final decision, because the club was well aware there were much bigger financial incentives at other franchises.
In the end, Finau wanted to be a Bulldog, and a three-year deal was agreed for 2026-28.
Chebl faced interference, intimidation and abuse, plus orchestrated media pressure, as people tried to scuttle the deal.
Shane Flanagan is not happy about losing Finau Latu.Credit: Getty Images
Flanagan publicly shamed Chebl for the way he handled negotiations.
The truth is the Latu family was far from happy with the way the Dragons dealt with their son.
Chebl also received an abusive text from a Knights employee, who was upset at missing out on the player.
Media reports then criticised the player manager and overstated the financial terms of the Bulldogs deal. The Bulldogs have remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment when approached by this column.
Latu is regarded as a highly talented young player and the Bulldogs have made an astute purchase, at good value, to bolster their forward depth for the future.
Sam’s got the Bear essentials
Criticism of the seemingly unchallenged appointment of Brad Arthur as Perth Bears coach has brought Sam Burgess into the picture as a contender for the job. And Burgess has a significant supporter in ARLC chairman Peter V’landys.
It was significant that another of Burgess’ strong supporters, Wayne Bennett, was sitting beside V’landys at the women’s State of Origin clash on Thursday night.
Burgess spoke to this column from England, where he is coaching Warrington.
Is former Eels coach Brad Arthur set to make an NRL comeback with the Bears?Credit: Getty Images
“The Perth job has obvious appeal … I’d love to be part of building a team from the ground up in a sports-rich state,” he said. “The right people are aware of my interest, and until I hear from the people making the decision, I’ll be completely focused on my job here.”
Burgess deserves genuine recognition as a candidate. Arthur is far-better credentialled and can rebuild a team, as he showed with Parramatta. He would do an excellent job. But Burgess has an advantage in that he is highly respected for his achievements as a player, and he has the charisma to potentially attract star players and generate interest in a state where AFL is king.
In fairness to Arthur, not even Bennett could land some of the big names the Dolphins targeted.
While on expansion and coaches, Bennett is already being earmarked as coach of the PNG team. The ageless supercoach looks like he will be doing that job into his 80s, which is quite remarkable.
Or will it be former South Sydney assistant Sam Burgess in charge in Perth?Credit: Getty Images
Brace for board spots
While on the Bears, Nine TV host James Bracey has been identified by the NRL as a potential board member for the new Perth team. Bracey is a highly respected media personality and the face of a range of Channel Nine events and programs. In his spare time, he is also a Bears tragic who lives and breathes everything to do with the North Sydney club. He grew up spending his winter afternoons at North Sydney Oval waving a red and black flag.
He has the right people backing him to be on the board for the expansion team. It remains to be seen the level of interest Bracey has in the role. Between reading the news, hosting football, tennis and the Olympics, he is a busy man.
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The fear of Dodd
Lewis Dodd was seen eating the traditional English dish Yorkshire pudding at a Paddington pub last weekend – but don’t start the homesick rumours. While working his way into the Rabbitohs line-up has been a long process, he is loving the challenge.
He was given a few things to work on by the South Sydney coaching staff, which as a football head gave him comfort and direction.
The biggest issue for Dodd has been his price tag. His deal of about $700,000 a season is probably $200,000 over market value. But if he can develop his game, he may be worth it in time.
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