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Top 20 Controversial NRL Players: 10-1

Published by
Michael Ehmer

These players are 10 to 1 on the top 20 most controversial players list.

Corey Norman

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.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 08: Corey Norman laughs as he warms-ups during a Parramatta Eels NRL training session at the Old Saleyards Reserve on May 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Billy Slater

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.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 22: Billy Slater of the Storm looks on during the round 19 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Will Chambers

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.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Will Chambers of the Storm runs with the ball during the round seven NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on April 20, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Daly Cherry-Evans

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.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Sea Eagles looks dejected at fulltime during the round nine NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Moses Suli

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.

Moses Suli

Cameron Smith

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.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Cameron Smith of the Storm runs with the ball during the round 23 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park on August 17, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Paul Gallen

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.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Paul Gallen of the Sharks celebrates winning the 2016 NRL Grand Final match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Jarryd Hayne

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.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 19: Jarryd Hayne of the Eels looks on during the round 19 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on July 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Andrew Fifita

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.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Andrew Fifita of the Sharks takes on the defence during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Cronulla Sharks and the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Matthew Lodge

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.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Matthew Lodge of the Broncos looks on during the round one NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Broncos at UOW Jubilee Oval on March 8, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Published by
Michael Ehmer