Brad Fittler has voiced strong criticism regarding players who feign injury to earn penalties, particularly following Jacob Preston’s four-match suspension for a crusher tackle during Magic Round. Preston, a back-rower for the Bulldogs, will be sidelined for four weeks, affecting both his club and a potential debut for State of Origin after unsuccessful appeals at the judiciary.
Although he received a grade one charge for the tackle on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Preston’s prior infractions resulted in a significant suspension. Fittler discussed the situation on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports Radio, expressing that he did not view Preston’s actions as excessively aggressive, suggesting he was trying to make space during the tackle.
The incident that led to Preston’s suspension saw him sin-binned by referee Todd Smith after Fa’asuamaleaui complained of neck pressure. However, Fa’asuamaleaui quickly recovered and continued playing, a scenario Fittler considers problematic for the sport. He remarked on players over-emphasising their injuries, stating, “I don’t know how these players don’t get embarrassed,” referring specifically to Fa’asuamaleaui’s reaction which he deemed unnecessary.
Fittler stressed the need to discourage such behaviours, describing them as attempts to "test the system," and has called for officials to avoid allowing players to exploit penalties in this manner. He likened it to "spitting the dummy out," emphasising that this kind of conduct is not fitting for the game.
Fittler’s views were supported by Preston’s lawyer, Paul McGirr, who highlighted a broader concern within rugby league regarding players who appear to exaggerate injuries in order to gain a competitive edge. He noted the inconsistency in players who, after feigning serious injury, seem to recover quickly and return to play, undermining the integrity of the sport.
The issue of players staying down to earn penalties remains a contentious topic, highlighting the ongoing debate over fair play within rugby league. As the NRL continues to evolve, discussions like this are vital in maintaining the sport’s integrity and promoting respectful competition.