The Fair Dinkum Department: NRL Finals recap, Willie Mason-Tyson Gamble feud and Keaon Koloamatangi future

Chris Danks

Liam O'Loughlin

The Fair Dinkum Department: NRL Finals recap, Willie Mason-Tyson Gamble feud and Keaon Koloamatangi future 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.

Ashley Klein has emerged as the villain from the second weekend of NRL finals, with the experienced referee stood down following two controversial decisions in Storm-Roosters semi-final. 

Elsewhere, a high-ranking official at the Panthers has levelled an 'unfair' criticism at a fellow premiership heavyweight, while a high-profile Rabbitohs star could be looking for an exit.  

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 Ashley Klein deserve to be dropped? 

Ashley Klein has been the talk of the rugby league world in recent days, with his performance in the semi-final clash between the Roosters and Storm leaving plenty to be desired.

A missed knock-on that led to a try and a bizarre non-call for a high tackle have led to the experienced official being dropped in favour of Gerard Sutton ahead of the prelim finals, while Adam Gee is cementing himself as the top dog. 

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

Should the Broncos be forced out of Suncorp Stadium?   

Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher believes the Broncos have an 'unfair' advantage by being allowed to play their prelim final at their home ground, while the reigning premiers will play at Accor Stadium.

Despite having a strong record at Homebush, there is plenty of whinging coming from the foot of the Mountains - but was there really any other option?

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

Does the NRL need to move the Warriors time slot?

The rise of the Warriors in 2023 has been one of the great stories, with the pre-season wooden spoon favourites now just one game away from their third grand final appearance.

However, fans across the ditch will need to stay up late to watch their side take on Brisbane, with a 10pm kickoff in New Zealand less than ideal. 

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

Has Willie Mason crossed the line with Tyson Gamble comments? 

In one of the most left-field feuds of the year, Bulldogs great Willie Mason has found himself going back-and-forth with Knights playmaker Tyson Gamble.

It all started on a podcast and it ended with a brutal social media beatdown following Newcastle's exit from the finals, with many claiming Mason took things a little too far. 

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

Should the NRL adjust judiciary structure?

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will look to reduce his ban for the Roosters, with a potential loophole allowing the Kiwi veteran to be available earlier than expected next season. 

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

Can the Rabbitohs splash the cash on Keaon Koloamatangi?

South Sydney have had plenty of negative headlines coming their way in recent weeks - but losing one of their best players and local junior could be the tip of the iceberg. 

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

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.

 

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.