Hugh McGahan: Origin doesn't just hit players hard

NSW skipper Paul Gallen had to back up for the Sharks last night. Photo / Getty Images

The elite players involved in representative fixtures can't have their cake and eat it, too.

They want to play State of Origin and for their clubs but they want to have enough rest to prepare for both. Oh, yes, and be handsomely paid.

This has been an ongoing issue and debate continues around whether there should be a stand-alone weekend or the rounds continue with or without the bye.

Who is deprived under either scenario?

The stand-alone weekend was introduced and players were happy but fans and broadcasters complained there weren't enough fixtures. Pressure was applied by broadcasters because they paid huge sums to the NRL and stand-alone weekends didn't work for them or the fans.

The fixture list was rearranged and bye rounds introduced to try to satisfy players, fans, clubs and broadcasters.

Unfortunately, there is no answer to the State of Origin period.

Representative players are expected to front for their clubs and pressure is applied. Who should be looked after more? The players who have to front up for their clubs so soon after Origin, the fans because they pay for subscriptions and gate entry, or the broadcaster for the large sums of money it pays to screen the games?

The NRL try to please all parties but it's impossible. I can see all sides of the argument, having been a player (albeit not State of Origin) and administrator and now fan and involved in the media.

I played tests on a Saturday afternoon and then backed up for my club the next day in another city, state or country.

I once played a test in Papua New Guinea on a Sunday and didn't have enough time to have a shower. I threw on my tracksuit and drove straight to the airport and just made the last flight to Cairns. I stayed overnight and then spent seven hours making my way back to Sydney for a Monday night game at Leichardt Oval.

There is an argument that the intensity of yesteryear is not like it is today. I totally agree. We did not have the rehabilitation that today's players have but the pressures from the club were the same.

I didn't complain as it was expected that I honour the contract I had. No problem.

Players at representative level today stay in luxury accommodation, have first-class medical and recovery treatment along with rehabilitation never heard of 30 years ago.

Outside of injury, players should front for their clubs because fans want to see that players really care about their club.

Athletes today play at a level much more demanding than in my day but our conditioning prepared us for the intensity of that era. The pressure to play then is no different today. Just get on with it.