The trial game debacle that was Souths versus Manly at Gosford Stadium on Sunday, February 11, was a travesty to both the game and the thousands of rugby league supporters who were in attendance.
The score line of 68 to 6 tells the story.
Everyone knows that trial games are an opportunity for clubs to test out new or upcoming players but it was obvious after the first 10 minutes that Souths had elected to field a team of reserve graders or lower.
In comparison there were at least eight regular first grade players in the Manly team, resulting in a lopsided affair that was an insult to those in attendance.
I felt sorry for the many Souths fans who, dressed in their colours and initially excited to see their team play, had to suffer the ignominity of watching a one-sided slaughter.
No amount of loud, distorted rock music, which was played after every try, goal and change of possession could make watching this game an enjoyable experience.
The NRL needs to take a long hard look at these trials as in the long run they do more harm than good to followers of the game.
Email Feb 11
Robert Hickey, Green Point
Trials are to enable coaches and selectors the opportunity to watch any proposed positional changes, promotions etc prior to the official start of the season.
Souths gained very little from that game.