LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NRL fans are calling for urgent changes to the rules governing the 18th man in State of Origin, following reports that Tom Trbojevic declined the chance to be the emergency player for NSW in Game 1 to instead compete for Manly.
This decision raises concerns about potential rule breaches regarding player participation.
Bulldogs supporters are expressing frustration that Matt Burton has once more been named the 18th man for the Blues in Game 2, which prohibits him from playing for his club this weekend.
The significance of the 18th man has increased due to their potential necessity on game day if a player sustains an injury or is otherwise unavailable.
Unlike other extended squad members who can return to their clubs, the 18th man must remain in camp and be in peak physical condition to play.
Burton will miss his fifth game for Canterbury while occupying a role that leaves him on the sidelines during the match.
His situation became even more complicated when Jarome Luai was unexpectedly inserted into the starting lineup to replace the injured Mitchell Moses, despite having not been included in the original squad.
Many feel that Burton has been unfairly overlooked for this role, given that he was initially named the 18th man.
Nathan Hindmarsh commented on Triple M radio: "I've got to feel a little bit disappointed for Burton.
He's been carried as 18th man before, just give him a run.
I think his combination with Nathan Cleary would have worked alright." This sentiment underscores the discontent among fans regarding how players like Burton are being utilized in relation to their club commitments.
The recent news about Trbojevic's decision further amplifies the frustrations felt by Bulldogs supporters and others in the league community, as it illustrates the inconsistencies and complications surrounding the current 18th man policy.
The calls for reform signal a growing unrest among fans who seek fairness and clarity in player selection rules during critical events like State of Origin.