No matter what side of the Blake Robinson reserve grade debate you stand on, it begs the question, why can’t we all just play sport for the love of the game?
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I’ve spoken to both sides of this decision and can appreciate the argument from each camp, but at the centre is a player who has effectively been graded out of the comp.
Robinson has been barred from reserve grade for 12 months, but his portability club the Eden Tigers have made it very clear they don’t need another halfback.
So Robinson has been left with seemingly no leg to stand on and the entire Bermagui-Cobargo club has been threatened with suspension.
In case you forgot guys, this is small town footy, not the NRL.
A word that’s been left ringing in my ears this week is “stacking”. That is to say; stacking a second grade side with top level players.
But we’re not talking about top level players, we’re talking about Blake Robinson.
Does the executive really mean to surmise Robinson’s inclusion will be game-breaking in some way?
My rationale is that just because he was good previously does not mean he is any good now.
I watched him play for the Eels in Bega and let me tell you, he had a shocker.
There has been an overwhelming cry of support for Robinson on social media and it’s not hard to see why – he wants to play club footy with his mates for his home town.
I can absolutely appreciate the mentality of the executive looking closely at his ability, but grading him out after one rather poor outing? I can see why the club is fuming.
Let’s not forget that first grade players get dropped to reserve grade regularly across any number of clubs with no consequence.
So it appears Robinson has been made example of with a 12-month suspension.
For clarity it’s only a reserve grade ban, but 12 months? NRL stars would cop a lesser punishment and they’re paid professionals, not a small town league.
Whether you support Robinson or not, if someone is being punished for wanting to play footy with their mates I have to say we’re heading in the wrong direction.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg’s message about rugby league is that it’s an inclusive sport, but this grading says otherwise.
So again I ask, why can’t we just play for love of the game?
Share your thoughts with us at jacob.mcmaster@fairfaxmedia.com.au.