DIRTY THIRTY: Diving into decline

Our heroes launch into the milestone 30th episode of the Grapple with a eulogy of sorts, lamenting ongoing mutations and bastardisation of a game once known as Rugby League. Former NRL hard man Jamie McDonald calls in to weigh in on the plight of a game that’s gone too far down the path of change to retract, and ponders what it might mean for the future. Then we shake off the sads and rip into another epic round of confusion and point scoring. We all love attacking footy but 434 is just a bit much for one weekend. Frightening conclusions are reached. Is Covid time war hero PVL now the problem? Are we actually finding a small degree of sympathy for the hard running Graham A? The capitulation of the Dragons is bested only by that of the Broncos, and we analyse the decline of the Brisbane powerhouse- headlined by an exclusive reveal of player manager interference around one of the biggest stars of the game, who apparently doesn’t enjoy feedback from his coach.  And has the NRL descended into diving? A series of incidents from round 26 are explored, with the games coaches yet again doing what they can to make the most of the interpretations of the day.  Don’t worry though- it ain’t all bleak. The Grapplers toast the wonderful things; the Shaun Johnson’s and Wayne Bennett’s of the world again helping to keep faith that all is most definitely not lost. Life’s a grapple. Dig it.