I'm interested in seeing where the official debate stands.... I've been unable to find evidence that an official debate exists outside of Dragon's fans opinions....
I'd very much like to see one.
Unfortunately it's impossible to conduct a proper one here.
I've seen emails that have been sent to the NRL, the response (usually from John Brady) is pretty dismissive.
The club has made various approaches to the NRL to fix this. To date, it hasn't gone to the next level. It is my view that the club should do more, but these things usually require someone with the time and energy to be instrumental in bringing it all together. We had one such football club director some years ago, he listened to everyone and made things happen. But tragically he passed away well before his time.
Look, I think when the traditions of the game start to erode, we all lose something.
I was brought up on the Sydney comp and respect the clubs that formed the backbone to the greatest game in Australia - and in the world.
When Souths won their battle and starting competing again, I thought it was a victory for tradition. When 'the Sydney Bulldogs' changed back to being called Canterbury Bankstown, I thought it was great. In fact, I never stopped calling them Canterbury. Same with Manly, Menzies is always a one club player to me. The list goes on.
When Canterbury play Saints, do we think the clubs have only been playing each other over the last decade? The same with Souths. How can you explain the passion and rivalry that is so deeply ingrained in the opposing supporter bases?
The great Sydney clubs of the NSWRL may be playing in a different national competition, but to me they are still the first grade, and I congratulate the NRL on maintaining the continuation of that history. But that's where their flexibility seems to end. It seems they have a dilemna with "what to do with St George". They've gone for the easy option while other competitions have been more flexible.
As for these silly discussions. Well I've lost count of the amount of times I've heard and read that we have been 'chokers since 1979'. Now that that's in the dustbin, we are expected to accept to some new tripe about it being premiership #1.
The point is, this type of sledging doesn't spring up overnight. It was born out of the old tribal rivalry of the Sydney comp. For some of us, it is in our blood. For some others, it was handed down from our parents. Quite frankly, I'm pleased to see that it is still alive and well. And tradition - in a strange way - is still being observed and respected. If only the sore losers could admit to it.
