Timana Tahu has withdrawn from the NSW State of Origin team to play Queensland next week in protest at one of his own coach’s racist remarks about one of the Queensland players. The coach has now stood down as well.
Story here.
Tahu said:
*“Joey said something which he thought was just some banter amongst the boys that I took offence to,” said Tahu, who played with Johns in Newcastle’s 2001 premiership-winning side.
"It is something I feel strongly about.
"To sacrifice my NSW Origin jumper and to give up the chance of bringing the trophy back to NSW is obviously something I gave a lot of thought to.
"But I felt I had to make a statement that this sort of behaviour in any environment is unacceptable and, as a senior player, I had to show that.
“The fact that it came from someone on the coaching staff that is highly respected in the game and has such influence in rugby league, and someone I have known for a long time, made it more hurtful.”*
To Rugby League players State of Origin is the absolute pinnacle of football. The annual Grand Final is the equivalent of the Super Bowl and the interstate Origin series is ranked above that, even above playing for Australia. So Tahu’s gesture should have major repercussions.
I am frankly amazed now that the whole story is out and it’s not just “personal reasons” behind his withdrawal. Good man.