Lost in the debate surrounding Paul Gallen and his tweet has been the central issue – his wellbeing and mental health.
It is something that this column focused on last Sunday, but because Gallen has never wanted to discuss his state of mind publicly and because he didn't want to be seen as making excuses, we did not bring up the medical help he has been getting.
But that will be laid bare when he presents medical opinion to the NRL as part of his defence this week. Gallen has private fears that information will be leaked but giving him faith this week have been dozens of people volunteering to provide character references for him.
In the days after he was forced to roll over and cop the ASADA ban, everyone around him was worried about his wellbeing. He did not get out of bed for days after the ban.
The NRL's attempt to spin its way out of the Gallen tweet debate has won them few friends and shown that their promise to "look after" the Cronulla players was hollow at best.
The NRL, and in particular chief executive Dave Smith, were starting to get rolled by the public and members of the media who were backing Gallen. The resignation of highly respected judiciary chairman Paul Conlon was the turning point.
All of a sudden the NRL needed a smoking gun – the revelation that Gallen was given $80,000 to pay for his legal fees was supposed to be a slam dunk. But here is the truth – Gallen has never seen a legal bill.
He did not know his legal costs were more than any other Sharks player. The reason is there was a promise from the NRL, made in front of Shane Flanagan and Steve Noyce, that all the Cronulla players' legal bills would be covered by he NRL.
Gallen separated himself from the rest of the players and got his own lawyers. The reason for that was not just because Gallen was the face of the drama because of his profile, but because his case was not the same as the rest of the players. The Sharks players were encouraged to get individual legal advice, that's why Gallen did what he did.
It is my understanding Smith also made Gallen a promise when he was on the World Cup tour last year. In a social setting, Smith told Gallen the Sharks players would have nothing to worry about and they'd be looked after. But when the heat was applied, all decency went out the window and confidential information about legal fees was disclosed.
There have been many false stories peddled about Gallen: one of the worst is that he has asked the Sharks for $300,000 compensation for his drugs ban. That never happened. What is true is that the drug ban has cost Gallen around that amount and the Sharks are aware of that.
If Gallen should be taking action against anyone, it should be the NRL. This is something that has been tossed around by the players: the NRL is the body that allowed the Sharks to operate in a professional competition without a chief executive in charge.
As for the tweet, Gallen knew he did the wrong thing. That hit him straight after he sent it out, but it was on the flight from Honolulu to Sydney when he fully realised the seriousness of what he had done. It's why he knew he had to apologise as soon as he got home.
Most players in the game have said Gallen's language was unacceptable. Australian skipper Cameron Smith summed up the situation best when I asked him about it. "Gal knows that he can't say those things and he needed to apologise," Smith said. "As a senior player you can't do that. But right now my main concern is about Paul and how he is coping. Like all the Sharks players, he has been through a lot."
Slater's tune-up
Billy Slater missed the Four Nations because of a shoulder injury that needed an operation, but while he was off he decided to get a complete overhaul. He needed an elbow clean-out and has also had his vision repaired. He was having trouble reading the scoreboard and figured it was time to get his eyes done.
Bring back Jones
There have been subtle inquiries by influential figures in rugby to bring Eddie Jones back into the coaching fold with the Wallabies. Jones could work in rugby in Japan for as long as he wants, but a job with the Wallabies could tempt him. The position that has been discussed is technical director – something that Jones would be perfectly suited to do. His knowledge of the game is second to none. What's more he is friends with new coach Michael Cheika – they played together and there is strong respect between the pair. They have a similar view on how rugby should be played. Jones doesn't need the gig, but he has confided in friends that watching the Wallabies and their demise has caused him huge pain. He sees enormous potential in the team that Cheika has and you get the feeling he would love the opportunity to move back to Australia and help a good mate and his country out.
Toovey tunes in
Geoff Toovey has been wearing plenty of flak in recent times, but he can see the funny side of the rumour mill that had him under pressure because of the change of ownership. Toovey was in the Australian dressing room talking to and consoling Tim Sheens after last weekend's loss to the Kiwis. By Toovey's side was Eagles chairman Scott Penn. "Yeah, I'm up here sucking up to Scott because I'm going to get sacked," he laughed. "I've got to stay close to him so he doesn't get rid of me." Penn interjected: "Geoff isn't going any place." Toovey has hated the drama that has gripped the club in recent times. He is hoping those days are gone. The toughest thing now for the Sea Eagles is re-establishing the culture that was created by the likes of Anthony Watmough and the Stewart brothers.
Foran in demand
Kieran Foran is the player that every club in the NRL is going to want at their club. That's not just because he is an elite player, he is the complete package: brilliant on the field and a quality person away from it. He is club captain in the making and a coach or club boss down the track. That's why he will be in unprecedented demand. "I've told my manager I want to get through the Four Nations and have the break with my family before looking at my future," he said. Foran was brilliant against the Australians last week, but he didn't have the ideal preparation. His wife was staying at the same Brisbane hotel as the players and when he went to visit her and his daughter he ran into the Australian players. It was civil, but awkward nonetheless.
Sione shines
Regardless of how Sione Mata'utia performs today in his Test debut, it's hard not to be impressed with the way he handled himself in the week that he made history when he became our youngest Kangaroo. His maturity and focus is beyond belief for a player who is just 18 and with only seven NRL games under his belt. It's no wonder that Wayne Bennett has tipped him as a future Knights skipper. "He wasn't just a selection out of the blue," Roos coach Tim Sheens said. "We had our eyes on him and when he played so well and blended in so well with the team when we went to PNG, he made us pick him." Sione has been speaking to senior players all week about his role – but the experience of rooming with fellow rookie Dylan Walker has been key. "He didn't change all week," Sione said. "He was so cruisy and I've tried to learn from his approach."
Lara to tee off
Local golfing identity Adam Wilcox is staging the Brian Lara golf day at Cromer Golf club on November 25. The West Indies cricket legend features on Wilcox's Las Vegas-US Masters golf tours – and he can navigate his way around a course pretty well. Lara plays off a six handicap. He will also feature in the Australian Open pro-am at the Australian Golf Club.
Backing for Peris
Of course there is a rugby league link in the Nova Peris drama – apart from Nova being a keen league fan, her daughter Jessica, who is a talented runner, dates Sydney Roosters and Kiwis centre Shaun Kenny-Dowall. Jessica has long been one of her mum's greatest supporters – and this week made the point very clear on social media that she has her mum's back. While on SKD, his effort of playing 67 minutes with a busted cheekbone when the Roosters won the 2013 grand final never really got the recognition it deserved – at least it didn't get Sam Burgess-style praise. It doesn't bother the ever-modest SKD. "I'm just a bit player, mate," he said. "Sam is a star."
Danny Weidler is a Channel Nine reporter
