The fake news that’s actually fake.
In shock news, St. George-Illawarra have voluntarily withdrawn from the NRL 2018 premiership.
The decision was made after their 52-30 loss to Melbourne last Thursday.
“We know the stats, no team has won a premiership after conceding 50 points in a game,” Dragons coach Paul McGregor said. “So, rather than fight history, we’re going to pull out of the race and get a head start on 2019. We really need to work on our defence.”
The Dragons’ remaining opponents (Wests Tigers, North Queensland, Sydney Roosters, NZ Warriors, Parramatta, Canterbury and Newcastle) will receive two points for the forced bye.
There’s good news for Dragons fans, with the club to host two intra-club matches every weekend at Kogarah Oval and WIN Stadium. Members get in for free, with half-price tickets for non-members.
“It’s great for the fans,” McGregor said. “They get to see our boys win every week in our wonderful stadiums and watch us build for a sensational 2019.”
Dragons halfback Ben Hunt is elated. “Honestly, I was terrified of playing another grand final after 2015. I came to the Dragons to get away from that pressure.”
“Now the Dragons are gone, Melbourne are a big chance to go back-to-back, the first in NRL history,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said. “I know Cam Smith was very happy in this morning’s referee meeting, he told them to start manufacturing Billy’s perfect farewell.”
The Forward Pass is a fictional and deliberately ridiculous look at the NRL. References to real people is for satirical purposes only. Check it out on Twitter @thefwdpass
