Well done Fittler!

[Coxy]

Roosters have implemented a very strict drinking policy. Players are allowed to drink only on the day after a game after the recovery session. And banned from going to Kings Cross at any time.

[eusa_clap.gi

During the season I think this sort of strict regime is absolutely justified. During the offseason players can muck up (to a degree), but finally a club acknowledging that their players are athletes and need to look after their minds and bodies.

And the senior players at least are supportive.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,865 ... 14,00.html

Minichiello said the players had accepted and endorsed the ban.

"The game is very professional now. I know if I have a big night I pull up a bit sore these days," Minichiello said. "I don't mind the rules. We can have a drink once a week, just not two or three times a week. But it is up to Freddy's discretion."

Anasta described the rules as "strict".

"Nowadays, it's just so hard to go out anywhere. Obviously going out at 9.30 (like Bulldogs player Reni Maitua) in the morning is not on. That's a no-no anyway," he said.

"The rules are pretty strict but we're pretty lucky to be doing what we're doing and we've just got to make those sacrifices to play the game these days."

 

[Bannermania]

Kudos. Great stance to take with players. Keeps the idiots away from where they shouldn't be.

 

[mick]

In a way it's very sad that such a stance has to be taken.

But that's just it, it does have to be taken. Good on Freddy and good on the Roosters imo.

 

[Coxy]

In a way it's very sad that such a stance has to be taken.

But that's just it, it does have to be taken. Good on Freddy and good on the Roosters imo.

In reality it shouldn't be viewed as the club telling the players what they can and can't do, it's simply making the club's expectations of them perfectly clear. Pretty sure most clubs' code of conduct would be interpreted that drinking during the week and clubbing at Kings Cross into the small hours is not acceptable, but players do it anyway.

By spelling it out, takes away the ambiguity and makes all parties know where they stand. I think that's what I like about it most.

I mean nothing's stopping a player going home after training and having a beer in front of the TV, but if they get caught or dobbed in they know the consequences. So they certainly won't go anywhere they can be recognised. And that's the real aim of it.

 

[Nashy]

In a way it's very sad that such a stance has to be taken.

But that's just it, it does have to be taken. Good on Freddy and good on the Roosters imo.

Exactly. It's sad when grown men can't act their age in town, and drink more than they can handle.

Good work on the Roosters behalf!

 

[mick]

And I also don't know about you guys, but my work doesn't require me to be in supreme physical condition.

And yet, I still don't feel the need to go out drinking until 4am eusa_think

 

[Coxy]

And I also don't know about you guys, but my work doesn't require me to be in supreme physical condition.

And yet, I still don't feel the need to go out drinking until 4am eusa_think

No, but your job would require you to be in good mental condition, and if you've been out until the early hours drinking, there's no doubt your mind wouldn't be as sharp as if you'd been eating properly and sleeping.

We've got one guy here who comes to work some mornings with blood shot eyes and just isn't all there. And for the last 4 Mondays he's come in late, or gone home sick because of weekend activities. His contract isn't likely to be renewed, because his personal life is impacting his work productivity.

He's not going to be sacked because he drinks and does whatever else in his private life, but that it's impacting his performance in his employment.

Footballers are no different. As Steve Folkes said about Reni Maitua, it's not as if having a few drinks socially is a problem, but if you've been asked not to, and you're out 2 days after a game, then it's a sign you're not committed to keeping your mind and body in the condition required for his vocation (playing elite level rugby league).

Same deal IMO.

 

[spoonbled]

great idea freddy, every team should have it to some degree.

 

[Kee]

Well if anyone can act from experience Freddy can.
Good on the Chooks though.Hope it works out for themNot really cos I hate em with a passion and hope they all get sacked. icon_smile

 

[Black Philip]

Kudos to Brad Fittler. Its fantastic that he has put this into practice and I hope more clubs follow. If this was enforced by all teams then maybe all the bullshit that happens off the field can become history.

 

[kimlo_]

Awsome work fredwa! I think this should be an NRL wise policy, then maybe NRL players won't be in the papers for the wrong reasons 3 times a week

 

[Vogstar90]

The players shouldn't have to rely on rules being brought in to the club; it should be common sense in the first place. None the less, I think all clubs should apply this policy during the season.

 

[kimlo_]

Well the players shouldn't rely on rules yes your right, but the sad reality is if we don't want the nrl players to be in the paper for the wrong reasons all the time then this is something that should be imposed.

 

[Professor47]

In a way it's very sad that such a stance has to be taken.

But that's just it, it does have to be taken. Good on Freddy and good on the Roosters imo.

Yeh I'm with you on this one, I know my stance on this 'role-model' garbage, but the way the media is right now, bloody ridiculus as it is, its a good measure and the senior players seem to understand the necessity/value of Freddie's actions... fair enough.

But I can't help thinking its crap how such a stance has to be taken...

The professional game is ever changing and evolving though, I'll admit that.

 

[Coxy]

Of course NRL players are role models!

 

[kimlo_]

people idolise these players and follow the actions and everything they do THEY ARE ROLE MODELS, regardless whether they like it or not they are still role models and need to act like one. Thats what the big cash is for. Hazem El Masri, best role model in ruby league.

 

[Professor47]

Of course NRL players are role models!

Dont get me started Coxy!!!! [icon_razz1

 

[Playboy Bunny]

This is twiztid by the way.

How come when a coach comes out and says it everyone on here is all sweet great idea. But last year PHAC was going to make South players sign contracts to stay off the booze yet everyone said ahhh boys will be boys, it is all in a bonding thing, the players are human after all? It just doesn't make sense how one can be beat up so much much and one can be the best idea ever. How does that work [icon_shru ? Also waiting for a comment from some smart arse to why Souths players should drink to play better on the field this year.