Does the ANZAC Test cheapen the NRL?

Well the it-doesn’t-matter-what-day-we-play ANZAC Test will be held tomorrow night on the Gold Coast and this year, for the first time, I’ve got mixed feelings. Over the years I’ve been in the minority by generally supporting a Test Match this early in the season. But this year it’s a bit different.

Broncos Team

The thing that changed for me was the announcement of the Brisbane Broncos team on Tuesday to face Melbourne on the weekend – just 24 hours after the Test Match. Of the six players named for the rep game, not a single one was included in the Broncos side. Common practice is for these players to be named and assessed on game day but the coach more or less said “nope, they won’t play”.

This has since changed slightly with Gerard Beale certain to play for Brisbane after missing final NZ selection. Unless they get injured, Ben Hannant and Jharal Yow Yeh should play too.

However I will be very surprised if Darren Lockyer, Sam Thaiday and Justin Hodges back up to face the Storm. All three will play for Queensland and have a long season to go, so they likely won’t be risked.

Disappointment

I’m going to this game on Saturday because in my opinion, the Broncos vs. Storm at Suncorp Stadium is a marquee game not to be missed. I guess we could question why such a blockbuster was scheduled for this weekend, but I wasn’t even thinking about that when I arranged to attend the game.

Then Tuesday afternoon I was disappointed to see the Broncos side especially when Melbourne named their rep players. The Broncos stars may well end up playing, but I’m not banking on it.

What about the NRL

Potentially, because of the Test Match and NRL match scheduling; our top-of-the-table showcase could turn into a mauling with a star-studded Melbourne against the baby Broncos. It all comes back to that argument we have every year about representative stand alone games, byes and player burnout etc.

I don’t have a better solution – as mentioned I’ve been a supporter and just accept it. Growing up following the Broncos I know what the rep season does to my team so I’m used to it. But as a fan paying money to watch what I hoped to be a massive game, I’ll be disappointed if both sides aren’t at full strength and sides are ‘resting’ players.

The answer however, is a pineapple. I want the Test Match and the only way to keep the NRL at full strength is to scrap it. As a fan I don’t want four weekends (one Test and three Origins) without some sort of club football.

So in this case, I will go to Suncorp Stadium and cheer whoever is wearing the Broncos jersey. And I will still back them to knock over the Storm!

Gallipoli Test

It was reported this morning that both Australia and New Zealand are very keen on playing a Test Match on ANZAC Day in Gallipoli. This match is pencilled in for 2015 to mark the centenary of the troop’s famous landing.

I think this is a wonderful idea and if it happens, this could be one of the best things rugby league has ever done.

I’m all for it and would happily accept an NRL free weekend as a trade-off. I really do hope things can be worked out for this match and I would definitely try and attend – as would thousands of rugby league fans.

TIPPING
Tips – Brisbane, Gold Coast, Dragons, Manly
Last Week – 7/8
Total – 42/64 (66%)

That’s all for this week but if you want a chat find me on Twitter (@keyto316), email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com) of comment below.

Enjoy the weekend,
Keyto