Hugh McGahan: Opinions... we all have one

Alex McKinnon of the Knights is carried off an a stretcher. Photo / Getty Images

Sport divides opinion like few things in life and we have seen a handful of stories recently which have polarised people.

None more so than the reaction to Alex McKinnon's injury. The debate has raged over myriad things, like three players in the tackle, lifting in the tackle, McKinnon's contribution to the injury, the length of the suspension and who else should have been charged.

The seriousness of his injury prompted many to comment but most who have weighed in and made judgement on what needs to change in the sport are unqualified. People who are not league fans or even sports fans felt strongly enough to comment based on the attention it has attracted. No one has escaped it.

Sonny Bill Williams is another who polarises opinion. Remember when he arrived in New Zealand to play rugby and had the goal of making the All Blacks? What a reaction that was.

Everyone in this country seems to have an opinion on SBW. What is it based on? Most New Zealanders have never met him but consider themselves experts on his character and values.

Benji Marshall captured the attention of the sporting public from the moment he was linked to the Blues. He doesn't polarise opinion to the extent Sonny Bill does, but many have a view on Benji's form at the Tigers, his profile, his obvious rugby league ability and his burgeoning profile in media and the distraction it may have been causing.

The shoulder charge has also caused considerable debate with the "old school" brigade feeling aggrieved it was banned.

The Warriors, too, will never escape diverse opinion. The frustration of many is borne out of a desire for them to succeed.

We take a side because of loyalty, obligation, personal experience or hate and emotion. This is personal and varied but, without real balance, these extremes will maintain their distance and will never be resolved.