On the eve of a weekend where eight teams will battle it out for incredibly rare spots in two Grand Finals, we once again spend our time trying to demoralise and cut people down instead of being responsible about how we analyse rugby league.
The disappointing part is, unfortunately, that it’s not surprising. We’re so conditioned to the brutal negativity that some genuinely think this is the only way to critique and promote our game.
We know that the game doesn’t function as a profitable and thriving industry without the valid opinions of those who promote and analyse our game across radio, television, and all media alike.
But most of us – players and fans alike – know there are better and more interesting ways to celebrate rugby league, its elite athletes, fans, and clubs.
You only need to look to the growing success of modern media platforms hosted by players, past players and fans to see what people are craving when it comes to an evolution of what balanced and genuine critiques of our great game look and sound like. Thankfully, there are still lots of good people in the broader media who want to and do tell great stories while also expressing their honest opinions and fair criticisms.
There are, however, some loud voices that try to dominate what most of us are trying to achieve and what the game deserves.
No one is saying you can’t have an opinion or criticism. But there’s a difference between having an opinion and tearing apart people’s characters.
There’s a difference between acknowledging genuine mistakes and crossing the line into reputational damage.
Players are allowed to make fair and reasonable decisions without the fear of retribution.
Players are allowed to play below their best without being targeted with lengthy and negative agendas. Their actions as rugby league players don’t determine a player’s entire worth.
When it comes to their jobs as elite rugby league players, NRL and NRLW players are used to criticism of their performances – privately and publicly. It comes with the territory of working in a high-performance environment.
Let’s, however, aim to move toward a landscape where criticism is balanced, rugby league is celebrated more often, and agendas are a thing of the past. With fair and balanced criticism, we can ensure the integrity and growth of our beloved sport.
