The Fair Dinkum Department Round 20: James Tedesco's holiday, Shaun Johnson's resurgence and RCG's dog shot

Liam O'Loughlin

Chris Danks

The Fair Dinkum Department Round 20: James Tedesco's holiday, Shaun Johnson's resurgence and RCG's dog shot image

Welcome to The Fair Dinkum Department - a weekly deep dive into rugby league's hottest issues and whether or not we think they are real or ridiculous.

Round 20 provided some major talking points, with Eels prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard facing a lengthy ban due to a 'dog shot' against the Titans and Shaun Johnson winding back the clock against Cronulla.  

Elsewhere, the pressure on the Roosters continued after a third-straight loss - and their captain was nowhere to be seen against Melbourne. 

Here's your weekly look at the biggest issues in the NRL, courtesy of The Fair Dinkum Department.

Check out the full episode in the YouTube links below. 

Did Reagan Campbell-Gillard deserve to be sent off? 

Reagan Campbell-Gillard is facing four weeks on the sidelines for a 'dog shot' against the Titans, with the judiciary coming down hard on the Parramatta enforcer. 

But many within the game - including our very own - believe the on-field punishment wasn't up to scratch. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Should James Tedesco have taken a mid-season holiday? 

Following last Wednesday night's State of Origin clash, Roosters captain James Tedesco was rested for his side's crucial clash to the Storm in Round 20.

The 30-year-old was granted time away from the club to recharge his batteries - but there are some who think he should have been in the crowd cheering on his mates in their eventual loss. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Do the Roosters need a major overhaul?

After three losses in a row, a tough run home and their finals hopes slipping away, pressure is mounting on Trent Robinson and the misfiring Roosters. 

Despite having one of the best squads in the NRL, the side are languishing in the bottom-four with just seven rounds remaining in the regular season, with many calling for changes across the board. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Is Shaun Johnson the Dally M favourite? 

It's 2011 all over again folks, with start halfback Shaun Johnson leading the Warriors towards the promised land. 

The veteran playmaker has been in tremendous form and after crunching the numbers, Johnson could be the front-runner for the coveted award. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Should kids be sent off for swearing?

Cronulla JRL have made the huge decision to penalise and sanction junior players for swearing - but will the new rules be too hard for referees to enforce? 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNO

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW. 

 

Chris Danks

Chris Danks Photo

After a failed athletic career in a far-flung land where delusions of former grandeur are hard to verify, Chris found a home at The Sporting News covering rugby league, MMA and the occasional failed winter athletic sport. A TSN devotee, Chris is committed to showing fans there's more to sport and athletes than the scoreline.

He also occasionally writes in the third person and refuses to explain why.