Friday Night Lights

The NRL competition rounds that stand in the shadow of the annual State Of Origin series always seem to fall a little flat. It's not only the on-field performances that suffer, but the interest of the fans as well. At this time of year our eyes are fixed on the jewel in the Rugby League crown.

For some reason though, this year's State Of Origin period has produced some incredibly lacklustre displays in the NRL. I don't remember the debate about competition scheduling being as loud as it has been this year.

And now New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart has asked his players to stand down from their round 16 matches to better prepare for the Origin decider on July 6. If this proves anything, it is that the NRL's current scheduling just isn't working