Controversy erupts over NRL star's two-second reserve grade cameo
The Bulldogs have sparked debate after playing regular first-grader Rhyse Martin in reserve grade for two seconds on Sunday.
Canterbury stretched the rules when the goal-kicking back-rower ran straight from the field after the kick-off during their NSW Cup side’s 42-28 win over North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
Martin was off the field before the Bears had even caught the ball and then ran on for the club’s NRL clash with the Warriors a few hours later.
The cheeky tactic means Martin will now be allowed to turn out for Canterbury in the NSW Cup finals after only needing one more appearance to qualify.
A NSWRL spokesperson said the Bulldogs had not broken any rules and the governing body would not stand in their way if Martin wanted to turn out in the NSW Cup finals.
However many were left questioning whether the ploy was against the integrity of the game.
Maybe in a bygone era it was acceptable but it kind of goes against the integrity of the competition to have him play one grade the another. If you want to qualify him, play him in reserves only
— Jacob Grams (@JGrams23) August 19, 2018
Rhyse Martin’s ISP shenanigans…ultimate SuperCoach loophole. Dunno whether to applaud the move or hope the NSWRL steps in
— Martin Gabor (@MartinJGabor) August 19, 2018
Not only did the Dogs fudge the eligibility rules with Rhyse Martin, they had another bloke altogether playing for him
— Anna (@anna2533) August 19, 2018
Absolutely ridiculous that the rules allow Rhyse Martin to be on the field for four seconds for the NSW Cup game before interchanging him to get his games up so he can qualify to play finals.
— BallerSprts Rugby League News, Views & Opinions (@LeagueHeadlines) August 19, 2018
Shouldn’t be allowed. They need to tighten this grey area up
— Supercoach FANATICS (@FanaticsTalk) August 19, 2018
So it’s ok to play 20 seconds then run off, and play 1st grade an hour later so he qualifies for finals. Seems ridiculous. Obviously they are just exploiting the fraud rules
— Supercoach FANATICS (@FanaticsTalk) August 19, 2018
This is a rort surely
— Des Danger 🚌 (@dangerousdes76) August 19, 2018
Martin has this year established himself as an NRL star of the future and was last month signed to a one-year contract extension.
While the Bulldogs’ NRL side have been out of the running for months, their seconds are positioned for a top-four finish.
Under NSWRL rules, players can only turn out for their club in the state league finals if they play eight reserve grade matches during the year.
Before this week, Martin had played seven games and only one since making his NRL debut in round nine.
The Bulldogs’ ploy left them with just three men on the bench for the rest of Sunday’s NSW Cup game.
with AAP