Eels Blogs

You hear that some players have their "pump-up" songs before a match. I'm not sure Gallen does but if he did I'm sure it would be Reg Reagans' "Bring Back the Biff." And Gal certainly brought it back on Wednesday night.

Now many have criticised the Blues' captain for being a thug and hurting the reputation of rugby league. Let me remind these so called "League purists" that League was founded as the tough man's game. The object was to belt the opposition into the ground, it was a war of attrition. 

Now I know the game has evolved from the semi-professional days that we saw back in the 60's, 70's and 80's. But the game is built on toughness. They out-lawed the shoulder charge which I believe was the wrong move.

I've never played league competitively but I did play it at school which would usually turn into about 20 a side belt the other blokes before you get suspended. I've never been one to start a fight unless I'm really pushed to do so.

I had one bloke punch me in the back so I turned around and landed one just under his ribs, like most fights punches were thrown but not much connected. I still get on with the guy and nothing else came of it.

Why do we still get on? Because after his initial shot we stood toe-to-toe and sorted it out there and then. I respected him after that and he respected me. I don't necessarily condone fighting but what Gallen did was stand up against a cat.

Myles last series led with his head against a number of players as well as punch players who couldn't defend themselves. I don't like that and I think Gallen did to Myles what Hindy did to Ennis a few years back. Square the ledger.

Both of them pretty much said "Niggle and get in dog shots all you like but this is what will be coming back at you." For everyone going "Think of the children." Firstly I'm not married and I don't have kids so I couldn't care about "the children."

Secondly it's your responsibility as a parent to teach your kids right and wrong. I hate it when parents say athletes are the child's role model. As a parent you should be your child's role model. I watched Origin as a kid when I was growing up at the end of the 90's so it was still relatively aggressive with Harragon, Tallis, Bella etc. were playing.

Now I knew it wasn't right to belt someone but enjoyed watching a good stink in Origin. I know the difference between footy and real life. If, in say 10-15 years time punching was still allowed in rugby league and I sat down with my kids to watch Origin I'd still enjoy a good bit of biff. But I would be telling my kids it's the wrong thing to do.

I don't like players who niggle or hit players when they can't defend themselves for mine that's just cowardice. Gallen looked Myles in the eye and decked him. He didn't blind side him or punch him in the back. Myles had more than enough time to get his guard up. You can't push a guy like Gal in Origin and not expect to get something back. In my mind Gallen squared the ledger.

Gallen is the New South Wales captain and we'll all go to war with you Gal.