Spot on. The game needs to improve it's image, and irrespective of what they're like as players or people, guys like Lockyer, Tallis, A Johns, Fittler just give the game an image it shouldn't be striving for. There are plenty of good commentators/personalities out there (Stirling, Brandy, M Johns) but if you're going to hire a bloke to talk his playing ability should be of secondary concern.
A Johns, Fittler, Daley, Lewis, Lockyer: five of the greatest players in the 100+ year history of the game (4 of them, as well as Langer, are the top 5 players I've ever seen play since I started following league. I was too young to remember watching Lewis), but their commentary skills leave a lot to be desired. I really feel sorry for Lockyer. Why Ch9 put him through the pain of having him as sideline commentator on Friday nights whilst he's struggling with that gravel voice of his (much in the mould of Jason Smith and Gary Larson) is very harsh on him. I also don't like how Ch9 use certain commentators in matches involving their teams (e.g. Joey with the Knights, Lewis/Fatty/Lockyer for Broncos matches, Fittler for Roosters matches etc.)
I know this is going to sound like a broken record as I myself have mentioned the same thing in multiple threads, but I 100% agree with everything you said. Naturally talented, legendary player does NOT = outstanding coach or commentator. Only a handful of naturally talented players (Sterlo being one of them, as you mentioned) are also naturals infront of a tv camera. MG - I love his passion and he's one of the very few non-politically correct people going around on tv these days, but the minute you hear him talking and his voice, people just jump to the conclusion "western suburbs bogan"
Personally, if Ch9 did lose the rights and whoever got them had to form a new commentary team, I could see Sterlo being the only from from Ch9 that either Ch7/10 would be interested in poaching. Given that both of those networks will strive at all lengths to move away from The Footy Show type of image, neither network will touch Fatty or Gus Gould.
I agree also with your point regarding Joel Caine. In a similar mould, I also think Ryan Girdler is wasted talent. Why he hasn't been snapped up in a larger gig, whereas ppl like Dellavision got a plethora of gigs, I will never know. Regarding the coaches, Brian Smith, despite his negative reputation, was very impressive on the handful of occasions he was on ABC radio. However, the one coach who has really impressed me over the past year or so that I've seen him is Matt Elliott. I didn't think much of him when he was at Canberra and Penrith, but since he's appeared more in the media after coaching Penrith, I think he'd make a very good commentator (much better than Stuart Raper) and he has a fantastic understanding of the game.
What do you guys think of a Controversy Corner type of panel hosted by Sterlo and comprising of Caine, Girdler, Elliott and maybe Jimmy Smith? Two players with distinguished careers (Sterlo, Girdler), two players with average playing careers (Smith, Caine), and a coaches perspective (Elliott). All 5 are very articulate and a very good reprieve from the constant Benji Marshall wankathons on TFS, and the Big Marn starting off every sentence with "I'M ANGRY FAT! YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO ME LAST WEEK? LAST WEEK,...." as well as the myriad of fat jokes.
