When Robbie Farrah took a dive last year against Manly because Steve Mattai was in the same postcode as Robbie, he won his side a penalty and some slaps on the back from a few team mates. Im sure the story went down well in the sheds with a few brews as well
Steve on the other hand was far less impressed. Lets be honest the man they call shoulders can sail close, but he knows where he hit him, as anyone with eyes does as well
But thats footy, players milk the unmilkable , coaches test the refs and players test well....everything. Its there jobs
Coaches do their homework, know which players in the opposition to test and niggle , to spot in defence, who can and cant catch so when a player lays down in front of Mattai, it is probably no accident
But when a player lays down to get a penalty are they just looking for a kick for touch. With the refs inconsistency and that of the judiciary and loading, could a kick for touch and another set of 6 also include 6 weeks on the sideline for a player like steve, a loss of income, a fine, and possible a problems negotiating a new contract.
Players live by the mantra that happens on the field stays on the field but a single play can have many ramifications off the field as well.
Sometimes its luck of the draw but coaches dont believe in luck , they make their own, and firmly instuct their players to do so also. So did steve belt Robbie on his invisible 8th chin, did robbie take a dive hoping mattai didnt get him, or was it part of a plan.( gotta have some conspiracy, its game day)
So what started as gamesmanship, from a lack or sportsmanship, could just be a dog act really, and it has nothing to do with the on field mantra. Dont know how true it is but its a good story
Steve on the other hand was far less impressed. Lets be honest the man they call shoulders can sail close, but he knows where he hit him, as anyone with eyes does as well
But thats footy, players milk the unmilkable , coaches test the refs and players test well....everything. Its there jobs
Coaches do their homework, know which players in the opposition to test and niggle , to spot in defence, who can and cant catch so when a player lays down in front of Mattai, it is probably no accident
But when a player lays down to get a penalty are they just looking for a kick for touch. With the refs inconsistency and that of the judiciary and loading, could a kick for touch and another set of 6 also include 6 weeks on the sideline for a player like steve, a loss of income, a fine, and possible a problems negotiating a new contract.
Players live by the mantra that happens on the field stays on the field but a single play can have many ramifications off the field as well.
Sometimes its luck of the draw but coaches dont believe in luck , they make their own, and firmly instuct their players to do so also. So did steve belt Robbie on his invisible 8th chin, did robbie take a dive hoping mattai didnt get him, or was it part of a plan.( gotta have some conspiracy, its game day)
So what started as gamesmanship, from a lack or sportsmanship, could just be a dog act really, and it has nothing to do with the on field mantra. Dont know how true it is but its a good story