The Serve

Violent origin ad the wrong message

Tonight is one of those rare nights where rugby league takes a prime time position on the southern television schedule. Nine’s decision to broadcast Origin I live into Melbourne is a bold gamble, and probably suggests their regular Wednesday night line up isn’t all that strong.

The game was given just about the best publicity possible in Melbourne: A plug on the AFL Footy Show. Garry Lyon’s spiel was then followed by highlights of nothing but all-in brawls. Fights from the 80s, fights from the 90s, more fights from the 80s.

That is not rugby league anymore.

There is a context, with the AFL world still foaming at the mouth after the Collingwood and Carlton push and shove of the week before. However, League has become far more sophisticated. The Melbourne public could have been shown images of Billy Slater’s chip and chase from 2004. Perhaps origin’s finest try. Either of Greg Inglis’ tries from game one in 2006. Glenn Lazarus steamrolling somebody, anybody. Mal Meninga. Andrew Johns. Faces the Melbourne public would recognize. And sure, maybe a fight in there somewhere.

But not the whole damn thing.

David Gallop had to order a television rights holder in Europe to abort newspaper advertisements that glorified Gorden Tallis’ one on one punch up with Ben Ross. It’s clear the perception of league remains entrenched in biffo. In the no-league states they probably think Reg Reagan is one our more revered experts.

Origin used to be about the fights. If there wasn’t one in the first twenty minutes, the fans would feel ripped off. Nowadays, toughness is measured in different tones. Brett Hodgson shot with a staple gun. Tough. Either going at full pace for the entire 80 minutes. Tough. Even back in 1989, the Maroons winning on the back of King Wally Lewis when down to their bare bones after a plethora of first half injuries.

Now that is tough. Not a fight in sight.

Enjoy the game Melbourne.