Hey Parra fans, I trust you all have had a much nicer weekend post round 2 triumph. Welcome to this week’s issue of TCT Golden Point: an “in the news” focused weekly column about all things Parramatta Eels and Rugby league in general. As always, I hope you find it insightful and engaging.
Holistic Recovery: When There Is More to the Score Than Points
The Brisbane comeback win was an epic recovery by the top squad after round 1’s disappointing result, and it was great to share the moment with other fans at the Parra Leagues TCT Watch Party. While the shaky start was a little nerve wracking and there are obvious areas for improvement, the overall performance was both admirable and impressive given the sensationalised build up and universal post game scrutiny of the previous round.
The psychological recovery would have been a tough hurdle this week, particularly for the younger squad members who in my view outperformed some of their more senior and seasoned teammates in round 2, with reference not only to form, but also to accountability, discipline, consistency, and commitment. The power of intentional and well administered pathways programs within the Parramatta Eels and Rugby League Community in general needs to be given a wrap here. As does the Clubs proactive investment in engaging dedicated and capable education & well-being staff that aid player development and recovery alongside traditional coaching and physical medical supports. Seeing these measures having their intended impact in the Club’s senior (and junior systems) is inspiring and exciting.
More than just 80 minutes
Achieving the turn-around we saw against Brisbane required more than physical conditioning and inherent skills. It required the players’ commitment to effectively utilise the unprecedented breadth of holistic supports, tools, and techniques that are available to them. In effect allowing them to successfully turn emotion and disappointment into motivation and progress, that highlighted improved effort, attitude, resilience and technical performance during the match and prioritised objective evaluation, practical analysis, and balanced reflection post match. Yeah the Boys! Entire Playing Group (Senior & Junior Reps), Coaching Team, Administration and Support Staff. The future is bright. Go Parra!
The ‘Marketing Genius’ of Contributory Negligence
Now to the biggest news story of round 2, the now iconic Alex Johnston Pitch Invasion. Just to be clear, I never said it would not happen, all I said was it is a bad idea for mine and a risk I wasn’t willing to take as a middle-aged woman with questionable coordination. Post chaos, my stance remains, though I will acknowledge it was absolutely epic and surprisingly humorous to watch.
That aside, I believe the award for “best all-round performance” in this story belongs not to Alex Johnson or the on-field rebellion, but to the media and event organisers who strategically collaborated to prepare for the perfect coverage of a rare and inevitable sporting moment, while placing the perceived onus of accountability entirely on the spectator.
Celebrating Johnston’s record
The hardline risk warnings across all media channels, were in my view an intentional marketing strategy disguised as overwrought hierarchical control, to increase public interest, viewership and crowd numbers while reducing the potential liability of organisers should any injuries occur in the moment. It’s a common risk mitigation strategy when an inevitable event poses an uninsurable public liability risk. The “marketing genius” comes from the strategy’s ability to simultaneously promote and prohibit an action, increasing the likelihood of occurrence while justifying the tactical use of contributory negligence and its capacity to reshape the narrative of public liability.
I genuinely love that it all worked out well for Alex Johnston and for the (all but two) fans who made it on and off the field without serious consequence or injury. You created memorable scenes that acknowledged an incredible individual achievement and exhibited the perfect balance of the valiant camaraderie and jubilation that make Rugby League fans an authentic and incomparable force.
However, care should be taken not to diminish the true purpose of the moment, by defining the focus point as being an “up yours” to the rule makers rather than the legitimate celebration of an incredible achievement. After all the biggest tangible beneficiaries from Friday night and its legacy are the rule-makers themselves, and I reckon the event unfolded exactly as they planned and predicted.
Ethical Exits: When Contract Breaches Are Plausible
With reference to the recent Supreme Court contract saga, there were some initial suggestions that the respondent’s mental health and well-being were collateral damage in the applicant’s pursuit of victory. There were also concerns around the negative impact the outcome might have for ongoing player wellbeing and freedoms in a broader sense.
I believe the post hearing actions, comments and behaviours exhibited by the respondent over the past week have expunged any immediate mental health concerns. That being said, the RLPA’s broader concerns about the outcome were relevant and relatable from a player level perspective, albeit overwrought from an organisational or legislative standpoint. Hence, I am hopeful that the events surrounding Mitch Barnetts release agreement eases these concerns and reassures all Rugby League stakeholders that there will never be a one size fits all approach to the discontinuation of contractual arrangements under law or by negotiation.
Mitch Barnett
Mitch and the Warriors have demonstrated that ethical exits for the betterment of both parties are possible and plausible when both primary parties are willing to be respectful, and accountable to one another’s rights and their own obligations.
I have previously applauded the Eels for protecting the integrity of basic contractual obligations that are present and necessary in all legitimate employment relationships. Today I applaud the Warriors and Mitch Barnett to the same extent for negotiating a fair and ethical release agreement in a situation where mental health and parental obligations were indeed at the forefront of the exiting party’s motivations.
See you at Commbank on Sunday.
Onwards and upwards,
Roly-Poly Parra
I hadn’t considered that there was a marketing strategy behind the warnings, but when you think about it, all of the statements against the pitch invasion only served to further promote it. Well noted Roly!
Tks RP..and Storm/Jason Ryles another example of mutual recognition of contractual obligation. Perhaps indicates they understood perfectly what they were doing with Lomax , and avoiding court exposure of the various threads was essential. I found it amusing how many observers fumbled the reality that contracts can be terminated but must comply with the conditions agreed for termination. Those conditions can be set in the original contract or formally agreed by both parties as a variation to the contract.
BDon, without doubt “discovery” played a big role in the case being settled outside of court
Very orchestrated campaign I think. Even got the PM there for his moment in the spotlight.
Notwithstanding what a great moment for a quality and humble footballer. All plaudits to him.
Of note to me in the win over the Broncos. I thought Sam Tuivati was outstanding. He did not get big minutes but he did get big metres. He is a big keeper in my opinion.
Sam will only go from strength to strength
I agree the warriors deserve praise, we only need to look back to last year and the huge benefit we have enjoyed with the release of Dylan Walker
Well noted Paul