The scamps at the Telegraph used this opportunity to make this rather staggering claim: "Rugby League’s disadvantage is that its most extreme violence tends to be highly visible, explicit, direct. Rugby union offers greater potential for sneaky stuff in scrum, ruck and maul: eyes gouged, testicles twisted. But the generally honest machismo evident in League – some of it fuelled by anabolic steroids – has placed it at the nexus of guilty pleasure and thuggery." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html

The scamps at the Telegraph used this opportunity to make this rather staggering claim: "Rugby League’s disadvantage is that its most extreme violence tends to be highly visible, explicit, direct. Rugby union offers greater potential for sneaky stuff in scrum, ruck and maul: eyes gouged, testicles twisted. But the generally honest machismo evident in League – some of it fuelled by anabolic steroids – has placed it at the nexus of guilty pleasure and thuggery." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html

In essence Terry Newton cannot argue anything can he?
The situation that Flower's was in was entirely different insofar that he behaved like some kind of automated Monster, and the other Player who got the brunt of the thuggery was to all intents and purpose hell bent on releasing that pent up stupidity that was bound to boil over at some time>

The coach must bear some of the blame if the video was anything to go by, that was verbal thuggery and did nothing to endear anyone to the game.

I know that in any team sport certain opposition players are targeted as the player to watch carefully, and to mark them... that of course is the euphemism, for "Stop that (expletive ) at any cost" or the " he's not a good player, but he knows how to stop those that are!" scenario that the Wigan coach seemed to try instill in his Players, on the video anyway?

One of the problems Ben Flowers will face is the pariah status, of media frenzy and rightly the contempt of the general public, I think that's the most worrying aspect that if he did something out of character after a ridiculous madness descending on him, his future mental Health may be at risk.
If he is just a Thug (and I personally don't think he is) he will shrug it off and do it again when he starts playing once more.

We have known various players who have served more time at the disciplinary procedures for the same offences time and time again..

It's not doing our game any good at all is it?, some people will say "Well it's a Mans sport so what do you expect?" I would say, Courage, skill and endurance of an elite athlete, not thuggish behavior is what the Game of Rugby League should be known for!

I don't think that's a necessary comment. In fact, I'd go so far as to suggest some people may find it a bit offensive.

Having known and mourned Terry Newton, that is something I would not have wanted to do?
The worst aspect of Terry's problems were that nobody recognised the situation he was in, which obviously was the darkest place possible, brought about by severe depression!
I was attempting to point out that Ben Flower could be pushed into a similar dark place by being castigated by the media and the general public at large.

There is another report in the Daily Mirror that is in the same vein as the Telegraph article, and I understand Ben Flowers has already attracted the "Death" threat brigade of idiots.

Like they say there will be no going back from his horrendous behaviour, but no one in Rugby League would like to see another tragedy that befell us when we heard about Terry Newton, at least the RL cares community can offer support to him, without minimising his offence.

I am sorry Roofaldo if I, unintentionally, offended anyone!

Pumpetypump wrote:The scamps at the Telegraph used this opportunity to make this rather staggering claim: "Rugby League’s disadvantage is that its most extreme violence tends to be highly visible, explicit, direct. Rugby union offers greater potential for sneaky stuff in scrum, ruck and maul: eyes gouged, testicles twisted. But the generally honest machismo evident in League – some of it fuelled by anabolic steroids – has placed it at the nexus of guilty pleasure and thuggery." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html Do not normally read the Torygraph but it was lying around the airport lounge this morning( honest guv'nor) I was appalled that the journalist included the steroid allegation and hope Red Hall will respond. Other than that I was impressed by his comments on the hysteria and blatant hypocrisy we've witnessed from many who have no love for our sport.

Pumpetypump wrote:The scamps at the Telegraph used this opportunity to make this rather staggering claim: "Rugby League’s disadvantage is that its most extreme violence tends to be highly visible, explicit, direct. Rugby union offers greater potential for sneaky stuff in scrum, ruck and maul: eyes gouged, testicles twisted. But the generally honest machismo evident in League – some of it fuelled by anabolic steroids – has placed it at the nexus of guilty pleasure and thuggery." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyl ... fford.html Do not normally read the Torygraph but it was lying around the airport lounge this morning( honest guv'nor) I was appalled that the journalist included the steroid allegation and hope Red Hall will respond. Other than that I was impressed by his comments on the hysteria and blatant hypocrisy we've witnessed from many who have no love for our sport.