Rugby League has always been a passionate sport driven by intense competition on the field and fiery debate off it. But in recent years, questions are increasingly being raised about the integrity of commentary and analysis provided by media personalities who hold multiple roles within the game. Conflicts of interest — once whispered about — are now being called out openly by fans, former players, and observers who believe they are affecting how the game is covered and consumed.
Selective Silence: The Thurston-Mam-Leniu Controversy
A striking example of selective media commentary occurred recently involving league legend Johnathan Thurston. He rightly condemned Spencer Leniu’s racial vilification of Ezra Mam — a moment where leadership and clarity were needed. However, Thurston failed to comment publicly on a separate but serious incident involving Mam: a car crash where Mam, allegedly driving unlicensed and with drugs in his system, seriously injured a young girl. The silence was deafening. Was it a case of protecting a fellow Queenslander or avoiding uncomfortable territory?
For fans, this kind of inconsistency raises alarm bells. Shouldn’t all players — regardless of reputation or origin — be held to the same standard?
Braith Anasta: Player Manager or TV Host?
Another key figure in this debate is Braith Anasta, who wears two hats — one as a respected host on NRL 360 and the other as a player manager. His dual roles have often collided on air. Most notably, Anasta has publicly criticised the South Sydney Rabbitohs for their handling of his client, Lachlan Ilias. The situation raised questions: Was Anasta offering genuine journalistic critique, or was he protecting his business interests?
When a media personality covers stories involving their own clients or rivals of their clients, the line between objective analysis and personal agenda becomes dangerously blurred.
Phil Gould: Jack of All Trades, Master of Spin?
Phil Gould is another prominent figure whose various roles continue to raise eyebrows. As the General Manager of Football at the Canterbury Bulldogs, a long-time commentator, and a frequent media presence, Gould often speaks passionately about league issues. However, his commentary frequently overlaps with the interests of the clubs he represents or the players he supports.
For instance, Gould’s criticisms (or lack thereof) of NRL decisions or rival clubs sometimes appear suspiciously aligned with the fortunes of the Bulldogs. Fans have long pointed out that such entanglements make it difficult to trust his media opinions as unbiased.
The Fans Have Spoken
Recent polling data from Fans Have Your Say shows that the vast majority of Rugby League fans are not only aware of these conflicts of interest but also deeply concerned by them:
- 72% of fans want stricter rules preventing media figures from holding roles that create conflicts of interest.
- Only 14% think no action is needed.
- Another 14% support transparency, suggesting dual roles are acceptable only if conflicts are clearly declared.
- Interestingly, 0% of fans support independent oversight or were unsure about the best solution — suggesting that fans want practical, immediate reforms rather than more bureaucracy or indecision.
What Needs to Change?
It’s clear from fan sentiment that Rugby League media needs to take this issue seriously. Options include:
- Banning dual roles where a media figure’s commentary could influence or benefit their other job.
- Mandatory declarations of conflicts of interest before covering related topics.
- Editorial separation, where producers and editors enforce boundaries around topics covered by conflicted media personalities.
- Encouraging independent voices and former players without vested interests to take on greater media roles.
Rugby League deserves strong, credible, and unbiased voices guiding the conversation. When trust in the media breaks down, so too does trust in the sport itself.
Until meaningful change is implemented, fans will continue to question the motivations behind every headline, every opinion, and every silence.
Fans Have Your Say – The App Store or Google play store.
