Andrew Abdo – Michmutters
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NRL 2022: Paul Kent slams ‘idiots’ calling for season ban as NRL accused of scapegoating Ricky Stuart

Paul Kent has blasted the decision from the NRL to hand down a one week suspension to Ricky Stuart for his infamous spray of Panthers playmaker Jaeman Salmon.

Stuart is banned from all duties with the Raiders team for a period of one week and was hit with a $25,0000 fine for calling Salmon a “weak-gutted dog”.

“Is this sufficient or over the top?” Braith Anasta asked on NRL 360.

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“It says that the NRL are just trying to set an example here because he is actually the first coach to be suspended.”

Kent believes the NRL have been looking to set an example for coaches criticizing officials and chose to make Stuart the test case after his unique outburst at a player over personal history.

“I don’t agree with it,” Kent said.

“I think the NRL have been looking to suspend a coach and they engineered backwards on this one.

“I think they went backwards from OK this is an opportunity to do it, so let’s apply it.

“I had a vigorous conversation today with Andrew Abdo. I understand where he is coming from. I don’t agree with it and he doesn’t agree where I’m coming from.

“His reason was because the comment was made in a public forum, which was an unacceptable comment.”

Kent took aim at the over the top reactions from nameless people on radio who were calling for Stuart to be banned for the rest of the season.

“Those idiots on radio who don’t even use their own names and sit there and say he should get the rest of the season, piss off,” Kent said.

“Who cares what they think. There is too many people who I don’t think are invested enough in the game. They just have these off the cuff comments.

“Ricky Stuart said the wrong thing. I have acknowledged that almost immediately.

“I have not defended once the fact that he said it where he said it. I understand the reasons he did and I still believe if the reasons ever came out then people and public opinion would swiftly turn in his favor.

“I spoke to Abdo about that today and he said, we could not find corroborating evidence about that.

“I said, well you have given yourself what? You started the investigation yesterday and you have closed it today, so you haven’t really had a real crack at finding corroborating evidence. But I’ll accept that.

“I just don’t believe this was worthy of a one-game suspension when we know for a fact that they have been angling to do this for some time to find the coach to do it to.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio revealed the NRL had another coach in their sights to ban, before Stuart was the first to be made an example of.

“The NRL have been considering going down this path for some time with coaches who have a history of being fined for post match comments,” Riccio said.

“They know that the fine system isn’t having an impact.

“I know of a situation where the NRL were considering hitting another coach with a game ban. A separate coach to Ricky.”

Kent believes there is no consistency and link between the Stuart ban and coaches criticizing referees after matches.

“The NRL have had this suspension system, that they have now implemented, in place to apply to coaches because they don’t believe coaches are getting the lesson about generally criticizing referees after the game,” Kent said.

“Then on the other hand we have got this incident, which is such a one-off and so out of context with anything that has ever happened in the game.

“It is the first time it has happened and I think if you treated it as a once in a lifetime thing where you say, you have really stuffed up here and shouldn’t have done it therefore you are going to be fined for it and that’s it. I think it would rest there.

“But they have managed to take the bit out of this that they want to apply and the bit out of that they want to apply and they have put it all in there and ignored the overall picture.

“There is no consistency between saying, Ricky you said the wrong thing here and it is extremely out of left field what you have done, but by the same token you blokes aren’t copping the tip so we are going to sit down and apply what we apply to every other coach. There is no consistency there.”

Riccio believes the ban on Stuart from not even being involved with the club in any way for a whole week is harsh, given what players cop for indiscretions.

“I think it is tough, Riccio said.

“If we look at it from the aspect of a player when they get suspended they miss the game.

“The best part of the week for a coach is game day and coaching the game. When a player gets suspended they don’t miss training. They are still allowed to be part of the group.

“It is hugely significant. It shouldn’t be underestimated how big this is because he can’t do anything whatsoever.

“He has basically been deregistered for one week. I would be happy for him to miss the game not the entire preparation. I think it is harsh because take away what hurts him most and that is game day. That is coaching.”

However, Paul Crawley believes the NRL had no choice but to give Stuart a suspension given the nature of his comments directed at a player and thinks it is a fair result, but defended the circumstances surrounding the mistake from the Raiders coach.

“I think the NRL had no choice but to hand down a match suspension,” Crawley said.

“There were calls for Ricky to be stood down for the remainder of the season and that was just outrageous and ridiculous.

“I think one game is about as fair as it could have been. There is no doubt in the world Ricky has shown remorse for his comments on him and the club have backed the NRL to make whatever decision they have made and Ricky will learn from it.

“But at the end of the day Ricky is Ricky and coaches make mistakes.

“They are forced to go to these press conferences and forced to front up when they are at their emotional best.

“He got through that entire press conference and he got to the last question and the name was brought up and that’s what he reacted to and if people understand that they may understand the reason he did it.”

Originally published as ‘P**s off’: Host slams ‘idiots’ calling for season ban as NRL accused of scapegoating Ricky Stuart

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Wests Tigers vs Cowboys, escort penalty, captain’s challenge, video, outcome, Asu Kepaoa, Kyle Feldt

The NRL has conceded the use of the captain’s challenge “needs to be reviewed,” however no action will be taken regarding the Wests Tigers’ controversial loss to the Cowboys in Round 19.

Meanwhile, the Tigers have confirmed they will not pursue the matter any further.

The Tigers lodged a formal complaint after the Cowboys received an escort penalty in the final seconds of the game, allowing Valentine Holmes to kick the matchwinning goal.

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While there were big question marks raised over the penalty itself, there was also confusion over how the Cowboys were able to trigger a captain’s challenge when it seemed like play was never stopped.

As a result the Tigers demanded answers and began looking at legal options to potentially get the result overturned.

NRL defends Bunker call | 00:43

The NRL acknowledged that the escort penalty was incorrect but stood by the Cowboys’ right to use their captain’s challenge.

Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe and chairman Lee Hagipantelis met with ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and NRL head of football Graham Annesley last week to discuss the matter.

The NRL released a statement on Monday afternoon to confirm that no action will be taken regarding the result other than a review of the captain’s challenge at the end of the season.

MORE NRL NEWS

IN TROUBLE: Stuart facing unprecedented ban with NRL boss ‘so angry’

TALKING POINTS: NRL facing moment of truth after ‘ugly’ Ricky spray

WHISPERS: Dragons eye hookers amid shock retirement; Haas’ lucrative switch

DRAMA: Knights trainer breaks silence, reveals word that made Klemmer saga ‘worse’

“The Chairman and CEO of the Wests Tigers met with the Chairman of the ARLC, NRL CEO and NRL Head of Football last week,” an NRL statement read.

“The meeting was agreed to discuss various aspects of the rulings made in the final minutes of the Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys match on 24 July 2022, being the subject of a formal complaint lodged by Wests Tigers with the NRL.

“The NRL has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers and in response has put forward its interpretation of the rules which enabled the Captain’s Challenge to be made and the subsequent decision of the Bunker match official.

“The NRL has already acknowledged that the Bunker official decision of “escort” was incorrect, leading to the erroneous awarding of a penalty in favor of North Queensland Cowboys which ultimately decided the match.

Tigers Chair won’t rule out legal action | 04:10

“On the matter of whether the Captain’s Challenge was permissible in terms of how the rules were drafted, the NRL and the Wests Tigers expressed differing views and interpretation.

“The NRL is comfortable with the interpretation that was applied but has acknowledged, in light of the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers, that the rule needs to be reviewed at the end of the season to provide more clarity so as to ensure that there is no future misunderstanding as to the intent and application of the rule. Wests Tigers will be consulted as part of the review, together with other interested Clubs and stakeholders.

“The NRL acknowledges the professional and respectful manner in which the representatives of the Wests Tigers have pursued their concerns on behalf of their Club’s members and fans.

“There will be no further consideration in relation to the match of 24 July 2022.”

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Following the NRL’s decision, the Tigers released a statement to confirm the club will not pursue legal action.

“Wests Tigers have decided not to pursue a course of legal action following the club’s loss to North Queensland Cowboys in Round 19 of the NRL Telstra Premiership,” the statement read.

“The club, through Chair Lee Hagipantelis and CEO Justin Pascoe, has been involved in lengthy discussions with the NRL over the past two weeks, and following the receipt of external legal advice, has decided against pursuing this matter any further.

“The NRL has acknowledged, in light of the concerns raised by the Wests Tigers, that the rules do need to be revised at the end of the season, so as to prevent similar incidents occurring again. Wests Tigers will be consulted as part of that review.

“Wests Tigers have been overwhelmed and humbled by the support the club has received from its members and fans.

“We have made our point to the NRL and made it forcibly. We did so on behalf of our members and fans and gave voice to their legitimate concerns that the outcome of the match was not just nor fair.

“We extracted a concession from the NRL that the obstruction penalty which was given was erroneous and therefore, by implication, Wests Tigers should have won that match.

“We know it, everyone knows it. Unfortunately, the history books will not record it that way.

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Dylan Edwards Dally M contender, Penrith Panthers star backed as chance to win, leaderboard, points

Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards has been nominated as a shock contender to win this year’s Dally M award after another Herculean effort for the Panthers.

Edwards battled through a shoulder problem to deliver a man-of-the-match performance in Penrith’s 26-6 win over Canberra on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old continues to prove himself as one of the NRL’s toughest players — battling through a serious ankle injury in Penrith’s run to last year’s premiership.

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Dylan Edwards receives treatment during the win over the Raiders.Source: Getty Images

“Penrith, they’ve got some wonderful players but I don’t know whether they’ve got a more consistent player or a braver player than their fullback Dylan Edwards, what a player he is,” NRL great Laurie Daley said on Sky Racing’s Big Sports Breakfast.

Daily Telegraph reporter Phil Rothfield echoed those sentiments and predicted Edwards was a legitimate contender for this year’s Dally M award, especially with Nathan Cleary set to miss the rest of the regular season due to suspension.

“Well you know he played through the finals no media publicity, nothing was heard about until after the game basically with a really serious ankle injury, couldn’t train, was in a moon boot all week, he’s a really, really tough dude and he just got needled game after game,” Rothfield said.

“Again he took a heavy knock the other night and just played outstanding.

“I looked up the Dally M leaderboard when it closed and he was running eighth, in equal eighth with Daly Cherry-Evans and he was only six points behind Ben Hunt.

“I think he might be a bolter’s chance to actually win the award.

MORE NRL NEWS

IN TROUBLE: Stuart facing unprecedented ban with NRL boss ‘so angry’

TALKING POINTS: NRL facing moment of truth after ‘ugly’ Ricky spray

WHISPERS: Dragons eye hookers amid shock retirement; Haas’ lucrative switch

DRAMA: Knights trainer breaks silence, reveals word that made Klemmer saga ‘worse’

ARL to decide Grand Final location soon | 05:25

“I think he’s a good thing to finish in the top 3 and apart from him being subject to terrific play, picking up points every week, he no longer has, for the rest of the year, Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai in the side, competing with him for points each week.”

Rothfield said Edwards was only a “cigarette paper” behind the likes of James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic in the echelon of the game’s premier fullbacks

“He’s improved out of sight in the last two years and I’m really happy for him because while he may lack a few of the skills of the boys I’ve just mentioned he’s toughness and his effort plays are up there with any player in the competition.”

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Ricky Stuart, Canberra Raiders, punishment, ban, suspension, fine, sanction, Jaeman Salmon, Andrew Abdo, one game, two games

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart is facing a historic ban for his stunning attack on Panthers young gun Jaeman Salmon.

Stuart called Salmon “a weak-gutted dog” after the 23-year-old was placed on report for lashing out with his foot while being tackled by Raiders hooker Tom Starling.

The Salmon family has called on the NRL to act, while Stuart has copped an avalanche of criticism for the stunning outburst in his post-match press conference on Saturday night.

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MORE NRL NEWS

TALKING POINTS: NRL facing moment of truth after ‘ugly’ Ricky spray

WHISPERS: Dragons eye hookers amid shock retirement; Haas’ lucrative switch

PHEW: Knights win a ‘relief for everyone’ after ‘tough’ week

DRAMA: Knights trainer breaks silence, reveals word that made Klemmer saga ‘worse’

The NRL are furious with the veteran coach and are expected to throw the book at Stuart, with the 55-year-old potentially facing an unprecedented ban.

Stuart has been fined $135,000 by the NRL since becoming a coach in 2002, but could now be looking at a match suspension for the first time.

NRL boss Andrew Abdo described the remarks as “very serious” and “disappointing” and is expected to speak again on Monday afternoon.

“I think it was so serious what happened that we’re looking beyond a fine this time,” Phil Rothfield said on Big Sports Breakfast.

“I think Andrew Abdo was so angry about it yesterday that he’ll probably look at some kind of suspension, it might just be standing him down for one week or two weeks.”

Ricky apologizes for salmon spray | 01:04

MORE NRL NEWS

‘SAVED MY LIFE’:Hynes’ touching tribute to ‘best mate’ after thick blow

‘TRULY SORRY’: Stuart issues apology to Salmon after controversial post-match spray

SIMS’ RED V CAREER OVER: Dragons veteran handed huge ban for ugly high shot

The NRL Integrity Unit launched an immediate investigation, while Stuart issued an apology on Sunday.

“I’ve crossed the line there on the weekend,” NRL journalist Adam Pengilly said on Big Sports Breakfast.

“I love Ricky’s passion and the way he talks about the game but he shouldn’t have used an NRL press conference to say what he did about an NRL player on an issue going back at least a decade.

“I think the NRL will be really hard and firm on this. Ricky has been fined a number of times in the past, we know that, but I would be very surprised if they don’t go down the route of suspension given how serious an issue it has been.

“Ricky did the right thing yesterday by apologizing but I’m very keen to see what Andrew Abdo and Peter V’landys come up with later today.

Knights get much-needed win over Tigers | 02:41

“I can’t think of a coach ever being suspended, certainly in the past 10 years I can’t think of an incident where a coach has been sat down on the sideline for something in a post-game press conference.

“We’ve seen off-field stuff, Shane Flanagan comes to mind, but nothing for a press conference.

“I think the NRL will wrap this up as quickly as they possibly can, if not this afternoon then tomorrow at the latest, they don’t want to leave this lingering on.

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David Klemmer stood down, Newcastle Knights vs Wests Tigers, Adam O’Brien, press conference, video, when David Klemmer will return

Knights coach Adam O’Brien has conceded that Sunday’s 14-10 win over the Tigers was a “relief for everyone” after what’s been a “tough” week for the club.

The Knights have been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after star prop David Klemmer was stood down for over disciplinary matter.

Klemmer sprayed a trainer and refused to come off in the Knights’ Round 20 loss to the Bulldogs with the incident being elevated to HR.

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While being left out of the team for the Tigers clash, Klemmer was also handed a suspended fine.

The club copped criticism left, right and center in the lead-up to Sunday for its handling of a matter that happens often in the game.

Making matters worse, a report emerged earlier in the week alleging that a racist remark was made to a player by a staff member.

But the Knights put the horror week behind them and shot out a three-try lead on Sunday before surviving a comeback from the Tigers to seal the win.

Fox League analyst Michael Ennis said the squad looked “galvanised,” while Knights captain Jayden Brailey said after the game that the players used the turmoil as “a bit of motivation.”

“It was tough reading all the headlines and there was a lot of stuff that came out that we didn’t like and probably a lot of it wasn’t true,” he said.

“But I think in tough times you’ve got to stick together to pull yourself out of weeks like this.

“I think we probably did a really good job this week to block out the outside noise and use that as a bit of motivation to show who we really are… it was just a gritty performance tonight.”

“A big overreaction’ Johns on Klemmer | 04:26

O’Brien went through all the emotions in the coaches box during the game. The Knights shot out to a 14-nil lead at half time… but then the Tigers narrowed the scoreline to just four points to set up a grandstand finish.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘WEAK GUTTED DOG’: Ricky’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers star over low blow

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

‘TRULY SORRY’: Stuart issues apology to Salmon after controversial post-match spray

SIMS’ RED V CAREER OVER: Dragons veteran handed huge ban for ugly high shot

Asked if the win — which snapped a four-game losing streak — was a relief, O’Brien said: “Definitely a relief for everyone — players, staff, families.

“It was ugly but we don’t care, we got it done,” he added.

“It matters. Everyone is invested, it’s not just me, everyone from physios to players.

“It was a tough week, I’m really proud of the players, they rallied, we were really united and trained well. I’m really pleased for them.

“These boys, they certainly grabbed it.

“The leaders addressed some stuff — there was some stuff that needed to be addressed.

“There’s no doubt there’s been a lot of commentary on our club and how we run things. Some things are learnings for us and some things are completely inaccurate, but when you’re losing you open yourself up to that so I get it.

“We’ll take our medicine, we’ll look at the parts that we can control and do something about… and the rest we’ll forget.”

Salmon family calls for action on Stuart | 03:00

O’Brien also gave insight into his involvement in the incident.

“I just gave a statement in and around when it got to that level, which it has to escalate up,” he said.

“I just made a statement regarding it but I’ve been around footy long enough to know it’s pretty hard to get some guys off the field sometimes. I’ve been in that position, but it’s dealt with now.”

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He confirmed too that Klemmer will come straight back into the 17 for next week’s clash with the Broncos.

“Yep, it’s been dealt with,” O’Brien said when asked if Klemmer would return.

“There was a process it went through and sometimes when you go through a process you realize you can do it in a different way so you change it — so we’re better for going through that part.

“Big Klem accepted some accountability on some of his stuff, he has addressed the team and no doubt he’s dealt with now, he’s back in the team. He’s back at training now so I can pick him on Tuesday.”

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Ricky Stuart spray, Jaeman Salmon history, Ricky Stuart son, Cronulla Sharks juniors, Penrith Panthers, weak gutted dog, news

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has confirmed an investigation will be launched into Ricky Stuart’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers young gun Jaeman Salmon — as details of the history between the pair has been revealed.

Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast, Abdo said the NRL Integrity Unit would be looking into the matter, and The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield also explained ARLC chairman Peter V’landys is “aware of the full background”.

The bad-blood reportedly stems from Salmon’s time in the Cronulla Sharks junior system 12-years-ago and an incident with Stuart’s son, who played in the same team, according to the SMH.

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Stuart’s son was reportedly reduced to tears following an incident with Salmon in 2010.

Stuart then made comments which saw Salmon’s father get involved.

The dads then had a heated exchange and had to be separated.

“Not pleasant, I spoke to Ricky late last night and I have spoken to him again this morning,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

“He knows that this happened a long long time ago, involving junior football and his son and I think that is common knowledge.

“But Ricky last night chose the wrong platform to speak out about it, and his choice of words were probably inappropriate.”

Sims distract after Tracey KO | 00:37

Rothfield also called for all parties to sit down and mediate the situation which has “lingered on for a long time”.

“I think they (NRL) will have to (investigate), I think there has been quite a significant public outrage over Ricky’s choice of words and again the platform of a press conference,” Rothfield said.

“They will certainly investigate it.

“I would like to see them do it properly and maybe get all parties involved, because it has obviously lingered on for a long time and it is not good for the game when things like that blow up like it did last night.”

MORE NRL NEWS

‘WEAK GUTTED DOG’: Ricky’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers star over low blow

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

BIG HITS: Brave Edwards leads Panthers to victory as Raiders’ finals hopes fade

GONE: Dragons shock call to sack NRL great as coaching clean out continues

Stuart labeled the Panthers playmaker a “weak gutted dog” in his post-match press conference, referencing his previous run-ins with Salmon.

The 23-year-old was placed on report for kicking out at Canberra dummy-half Tom Starling in a tackle.

“But where Salmon kicked Tommy (Starling), it ain’t on,” Stuart said.

Canberra Raiders press conference | 06:28

“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well.

“He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary chose not to respond to Stuart’s comments, and Rothfield explained the Raiders coach’s biggest problem is his inability to control his emotions.

“I am very close to Ricky and we know how emotional he gets,” Rothfield said.

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“Ricky’s biggest problem as a football coach and even when he was a player, he is one of those guys that gets so emotionally worked up.

“He has never been good at controlling those emotions, and you can say it wasn’t in the heat of battle, but after you have lost an important game you are still worked up.

“You aren’t thinking as clearly.

“I am not defending him at all, but it is a difficult one for the NRL to manage, I know Peter V’landys is aware of the full background so it is going to be an important story.”

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Peter V’landys vs Dominic Perrottet, Stadium funding, Leichhardt Oval, Tigers, Knights, Sharks, Panthers

The NRL are holding the NSW government to ransom over an $800 million promise by taking the Grand Final to Queensland as the Sydney stadium wars potentially head to the courtroom.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported the NRL will consider all options after NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet refused to commit funding to rebuild suburban stadiums after a handshake agreement, with flood reconstruction his main priority.

“I find it appalling that they’re using human tragedy of the floods to renege on an agreement,” V’landys, told the Herald.

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Perrottet’s decision sparked an angry confrontation with V’landys in Parliament, with the NRL now resorting to tactics that could lead to a legal battle over the future of Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park.

A 2018 agreement reached by the then premier Gladys Berejiklian, stipulated the NRL grand final would stay in Sydney until 2042 as long as Accor Stadium at Olympic Park was reconfigured into a 70,000-seat rectangular stadium, which would cost taxpayers $800 million.

However, the pandemic caused the government to backflip on the plan and relocate between $250 to $350 million to upgrading suburban grounds in Cronulla, Manly, Leichhardt and Newcastle.

Leichhardt Oval will have to wait for redevelopment.Source: Supplied

While the plans to develop suburban grounds is not in writing and therefore not rubber-stamped, V’landys is adamant the original Sydney Olympic Park agreement still stands.

The Herald reported that V’landys and the NRL will now hold the government to their original Olympic Park agreement, which is in writing, despite their preference being to develop suburban grounds.

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VERDICT: Broncos star cops four-game ban for controversial hip-drop tackle

TEAMS: Manly young gun dumped; Bellamy’s big Storm reshuffle

Andrew Abdo the Chief Executive Officer of the National Rugby League and Peter V’landys the Chairman.Source: Getty Images

“When you consider the billions of dollars they spent in the recent budget, the amount they need to honor our agreement is insignificant,” V’landy’s said.

“We will press that they honor the original agreement, which will cost the NSW taxpayer more due to the way they have handled this.”

The NRL are exploring its legal options and have one of the country’s most respected barristers, Alan Sullivan QC on the case.

Perrottet released a statement saying the government were committed to upgrading suburban stadiums over a period of time, given the natural disasters and pandemic that remain a more pressing priority.

“The government has just received the Floods Inquiry Report, which will likely require a significant cost to the taxpayer, and I note right now there are still 1,366 people without a home in NSW due to flooding,” Perrottet said.

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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.Source: News Corp Australia

“It should come as no surprise that my top priority is therefore supporting those devastated by the major floods across NSW.”

The development has forced the NRL to consider taking the Grand Final to Queensland in response to the NSW government failing to honor their agreement.

“Everything is now back on the table,” V’landys said.

“It will be a board decision, not mine.”

Sports Minister Stuart Ayres labeled plans to take the Grand Final to Queensland “an extraordinary move”.

“We’ve got to make sure that we make investments that are in the best interests of the people of NSW,” Ayres said.

Madge’s take on Tigers coaching plan | 02:04

“It just might mean that we have to wait a little bit longer before we can spend additional money on those venues.”

The government will put on hold plans to develop Leichhardt and Newcastle stadiums, but are committed to a new venue at Penrith, which has angered Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis, who blasted the government for their change of policy on developing suburban stadiums.

“The government’s management of its stadiums policy from the outset has been amateurish and embarrassing,” Hagipantelis told the Herald.

“I assume if the state government is to backflip on its commitment to fund suburban stadiums, then the $300 million committed to the Penrith stadium can now be better utilized for schools and hospitals?

“It would be outrageous for Penrith to retain its stadium for the obvious political benefit of its local member.”

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Anthony Albanese victorious in pollies’ annual State of Origin match

Anthony Albanese has been caught in a fresh parliamentary scandal after questions were raised about the legitimacy of his moves on the footy field.

The Prime Minister joined the Parliamentary Friends of Rugby League on Tuesday morning for their fourth annual State of Origin touch football match.

Just before half time in the clash against Queensland, Mr Albanese dived to plant the ball on the try line to give NSW the upper hand.

Sports Minister Anika Wells protested, claiming she had tagged Mr Albanese before he scored.

The referee ultimately gave Mr Albanese the benefit of the doubt, awarding NSW what would turn out to be the final try of the day.

The parliamentary Blues ended up taking home bragging rights, winning 3-1.

Asked about the dubious try later in the day, Ms Wells laughed off the controversy.

“I think we can all agree that the referee is going to be the next governor-general based on that decision and I think we can say ultimately, glory to Queensland,” she said.

On if the Prime Minister could be trusted given his shady moves on the footy field, Ms Wells left that question unanswered.

But she joked NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo should take the inquiry straight to the league’s commission as a “top priority”.

Speaking earlier, Mr Albanese took issue with former Wallaby turned Senator David Pocock joining the Queenslanders for the grudge match.

“I can report the greatest scandal since (Greg Inglis) playing for Queensland. David Pocock from the ACT pulling on a Queensland jumper,” Mr Albanese told Nine.

“They will stop at nothing.”

He also complained about former deputy prime minister and NSW MP Barnaby Joyce also donning the Queensland jersey.

“Barnaby has very short stints on the field. Even though he represents the NSW seat, he has a Maroons jersey on as well,” Mr Albanese said.

“Look, there should be an inquiry into some of these players and where they are playing for, I tell you.”

Read related topics:Anthony Albanese

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