The Fair Dinkum Department Round 4: Joseph Suaalii's code switch and Anthony Griffin's coaching future

Liam O'Loughlin

Chris Danks

The Fair Dinkum Department Round 4: Joseph Suaalii's code switch and Anthony Griffin's coaching 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.

The talk of the town has turned to the Dragons, who were on the wrong-end of a heavy defeat against Cronulla

Elsewhere, Ryan Matterson is edging closer to a return from a controversial suspension, while the pressure is mounting on the Cowboys after two-straight defeats. 

And if you thought it was too early to talk about State of Origin, think again! 

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 videos below or visit us on Spotify. 

Do the Dragons need to part ways with Anthony Griffin? 

After a horror loss to the Sharks on Sunday night, the blowtorch has firmly been applied to Anthony Griffin and his coaching future at the Dragons.

St George Illawarra have already told 'Hook' that they will be looking at other options for 2024 and beyond, but the writing is clearly on the wall. 

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

Can the NRL do more to stop code switches? 

Joseph Suaalii has officially inked a long-term deal with Rugby Australia, sending the 13-man code into chaos.

And with Eddie Jones in charge of the Wallabies and other rugby league players on the hit list, should the NRL be doing more to stop any other big names jumping ship? 

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

Should Joseph Suaalii be banned from State Of Origin? 

The big decision from Joseph Suaalii to switch codes has led to plenty of outcry, and even some calls for the star outside back to be blacklisted from playing for NSW. 

This so-called 'hot take' has left both our league experts in a state of confusion. 

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

Is there anything wrong with a late-night Maccas snooze? 

Following a Round 3 victory over the Eels, Manly coach Anthony Seibold was snapped having a late-night snooze at McDonalds. 

In terms of real or ridiculous, 99 per cent of league fans will be sitting on the same side here.

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

Are the Sydney-based NRL clubs too selfish?

Wayne Bennett has come out swinging in the ongoing debate around expansion and relocation, accusing Sydney-based clubs of acting selfishly. 

While clubs are always going to do what is best for their own backyard, can they do more to help grow the game? 

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

Is it okay to leave an NRL game early? 

With 20 minutes remaining in Sunday night's clash between the Dragons and Sharks at Kogarah Oval, a plethora of home fans were heading for the exits as the visitors piled on the points.

It's never a good feeling for the fans or the players, but where is the line? 

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

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.