As news broke of a Testimonial match for Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith at Suncorp Stadium next pre-season, that could be worth $1.5M for the players, NRL fans could be excused to question the deal that would give a nice injection of cash to top players and not count towards the salary cap.
With clubs cutting it so fine with player budgets, to give a huge advantage to some clubs over others, no matter the prestige and pedigree of the players, seems to be a little a unfair at best.
Sure some clubs should learn how to hide salary cap sins by enforcing a large sombrero, or conveniently having a major media company as a shareholder, but they could be forgiven to ask why they not them.
Whilst it is claimed that these two players are deserving, and we agree, where do we draw the line at which player is most deserving of a testimonial to boost their earnings.
Well, we’ve decided to draw the line here with our suggestions at the next line of players who deserve a pay packet boosting Thurston – Smith style Testimonial.
PAUL GALLEN – ROBBIE FARAH TESTIMONIAL
Two of NSW Blues best are heading towards the ends of their careers, some Souths fans say not soon enough for the current Rabbitoh, and with a lack of on field success for their state why not give them one last shot at interstate success for their big night.
And since their hogging of the ball away from the halves has been used as an excuse for the lack of Blues series wins, it would be appropriate that the duo play together one more time in the hunt for a last win.
It may be interstate, but to give the Gallen-Farah team the biggest chance of winning, their opponent will not be Queensland, but an AFL-Allies style merger of the remaining states. Surely the Blues can beat the group of Victorians, West Australians, South Australians, and Territorians.
Mitchell Pearce would of course be playing on the opposite side to ensure the NSW side will be victorious.
JARRYD HAYNE TESTIMONIAL
Not content with seeing off another coach at the Titans, costing NSW a series win, and winning August Jerk of the Month, all whilst earning over a million dollars a season, he would no doubt see him at the level of Thurston and Smith and demand a Testimonial.
And it would be just the way he likes it. No other players required, just Jarryd Hayne for two 20 minute halves putting on a show for the fans.
He could even mix it up by showcasing all of the talents from his journey through NFL and Rugby Sevens.
RAY WARREN TESTIMONIAL
If you’re talking prestige and reputation and standing within the game, then who could argue about Ray Warren getting a Testimonial. Although given their usual Cjhannel Nein schtick Gus Gould will probably argue just for fun.
This game would see all of Rab’s favourites turn out or come back for the showpiece game.
Steve Menzies and Brett Mullins will amongst the first selected, as will all of Rab’s favourites. The opposition will be provided by any Queenslander with dubious origin, most Souths players, and the NZ Warriors whose names Rabs will have to learn before the game.
And it will be on a Sunday afternoon in Sydney at 4pm of course. With only players from Sydney clubs considered.
TODD CARNEY GET BACK IN THE NRL TESTIMONIAL
Roy and HG recently remarked that no one has done more for rugby league than Todd Carney, and they’re right.
NRL hasn’t been the same since the enigmatic halfback bubbled his way to the Super League, so much cash will be needed to entice him back to the NRL, and to raise a little cash for his next indiscretion.
Given their thoughts on Todd Carney, why not have Roy and HG as opposing coaches and selectors to ensure the best possible line ups to do the Todd Carney Testimonial game full justice.
ANTHONY WATTS
Given the former rugby league player turned motor cycling enthusiast and bad boy’s issues since finishing up on field, why not a testimonial for him, to cover any future legal costs.
Given his new found love of the two wheels, why not have a Finks v Rebels clash somewhere on the Gold Coast as a mouth watering pre season event.
NICK KYRGIOS v BERNARD TOMIC
Given their cold war of trying to become the biggest Tennis Jerk in the world, has anyone wondered why these two haven’t been given their own head to head.
Firstly, since these two players offer more entertainment on court than the rest of the ATP combined, why not have a five rubber series between the two. Who would crack first. Telstra Tomic phoning it in and giving up after three games, or a Kyrgios brain snap. Throw in betting on the outcome and the time of the game being abandoned, it is pure gold.
Secondly, is it not about time we once and for all found out who is Tennis’ biggest jerk.
