These players are 10 to 1 on the top 20 most controversial players list.
Corey Norman has found himself in hot water for his associating with a member of a bikie gang. Additionally, Norman has been caught with illegal substances and has filmed incidents which included drug use and sexual behaviour. These numerous indiscretions have seen Norman face court and serve suspensions from the NRL.
Though Billy Slater is quite possibly the greatest fullback of all time, many fans find him to be a controversial figure. Slater was awarded the 2018 Wally Lewis medal despite only playing two of the three games in the series. This decision angered many fans who believed he did not deserve the accolade. Fans have also accused the champion fullback of having a dirty style of play.
Many fans have taken to labelling Storm centre Will Chambers a grub, due to his actions on the field. Most recently, Chambers was suspended for an ugly crusher tackle on Jarryd Hayne. This is just one of many incidents that Chambers has been involved in that has seen many fans turn on the talented centre.
In 2015, Daly Cherry-Evans revealed that he had agreed to join the Titans for the 2016 season. However, before the deal was finalised, Cherry-Evans back flipped and decided to re-sign with the Sea Eagles. The Manly halfback was booed by Queensland fans for the rest of the season and lost many fans due to the decision. In addition, Cherry-Evans was at the centre of a dispute which saw young half Jackson Hastings leave Manly.
Currently contracted to Manly, Moses Suli was sacked by both the Tigers and the Bulldogs before the start of the 2018 season. Suli’s attitude towards training saw both clubs part way with the talented young player and many believed he had squandered his chance to play in the NRL.
Despite being the Australian captain and one of the best players of all time, Cameron Smith has been a magnet for criticism for most of his career. Whether it is his tackling technique, bending of the rules or discussions with the referees, many fans have found a reason to dislike Smith.
Paul Gallen always says what is on his mind and often annoys or infuriates large groups of people with his opinions. One of Gallen’s most famous, or infamous, moments was when he stated Queenslanders have two heads. Other controversial moments in the Sharks captain’s career include the ASADA scandal, racial comments towards Micky Paea and his attempt to rip Anthony Laffranchi’s stitches out of his head.
Jarryd Hayne surprised the NRL community in 2014 when he announced he would be making the switch to the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers announced they had signed Hayne in early 2015 and he eventually debuted for the team. However by 2016, Hayne was back in the NRL and did not impress during his time with the Titans.
Throughout his NRL career Andrew Fifita has stunned fans with his behaviour both on and off the field. Recently Fifita launched a verbal attack on journalist Phil Rothfield in the same week he was believed to have sworn at his coaching staff after scoring a try. Other incidents Fifita has been involved in include verbally abusing a junior referee and supporting a one punch killer.
The NRL shocked many when they allowed Matthew Lodge to return to the competition with the Broncos. Lodge was arrested in 2015 for a drunken, violent rampage in New York and though he escaped jail time, he was ordered to pay $1.6 million to the victims.