There are urgent calls for a “try”, awarded to Premier Anthony Albanese during this morning’s State of Origin grudge match at Parliament House, to be diverted to the NRL bunker.
Wearing a blue shirt, track pants and football boots, the Prime Minister joined the ‘League of Parliamentary Friends of Rugby’ on Tuesday morning for their fourth annual State of Home football match .
Breathing in the cold Canberra air, the group raced out for the “friendly” – proposed by NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo – which was taking place at Parliament Field.
There are urgent calls for a “try”, awarded to Premier Anthony Albanese during this morning’s State of Origin grudge match at Parliament House, to be diverted to the NRL bunker. (9 News)
The New South Wales and Queensland sides were made up of veteran pollies, including former Nationals leaders Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce.
The latter, helping to bring back the Queensland team’s numbers, seemingly as red as his maroon jersey after a valiant effort.
Some speculated he was worthy of the Wally Lewis Medal, but the Prime Minister seemed to disagree.
“Barnaby has very short stays on the field. Even though he represents the seat of NSW, he also wears a Maroons shirt,” Albanese told Today.
“Look, there should be an investigation into some of these players and where they play, I tell you.”
He then had trouble with former Wallaby Senator David Pocock, who also walked out onto the Maroons field during the game.
NSW and QLD sides made up of veteran pollies, such as former Nationals leaders Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce. (9 News)
“I can report the biggest scandal since GI (Greg Inglis) played for Queensland, David Pocock of the ACT pulling a Queensland jumper.
“They will stop at nothing.”
But the biggest controversy came just before halftime.
With a sweaty and depleted NSW game already 2-1 down, the premier hit the gas, making a glorious run to a gap.
Hot on her heels was the new junior minister, Anika Wells.
Diving across the try-line, the crowd cheered and an elated Albanian raised both arms as he ran towards the pack, before doing a high-five.
Throughout, however, Ms Wells appealed to the referee, claiming she had contacted her boss, before she left the ball … and replays would suggest she did.
Albo’s blues take home bragging rights and some other ramp, winning 3-1. (9 News)
Finally, the referee gave Mr. Albanese the benefit of the doubt, awarding NSW the final try of the morning.
Albo’s blues have taken home the bragging rights and some other ramp, winning 3-1.
Asked about the controversial call at a press conference, meters from the prime minister’s office, Ms Wells laughed off the controversy.
“Before returning to the Prime Minister’s Office, I have really enjoyed being Minister of Sports, it has been an honour.
“I think we can all agree that the arbitrator will probably be the next governor general based on this decision,” he said.
The Minister of Labor makes history, with a little pink book