Richie Barnett: Scandals can't dent love of game

Opinion

What next? In the last 12 months or so, league has endured sex scandals, assaults, race rows, drug allegations, code-jumpers and a salary cap rort on an unprecedented scale.

It leaves you wondering just what could possibly happen next to the game? Surely this run of scandals has to come to an end sometime?

Amazingly, through it all the game remains strong. Crowds are still good and TV viewing numbers are up. It shows that the on-field product is strong enough to withstand just about anything. That, at least, is heartening.

I was amazed this week to hear New South Wales were inquiring to see if Kiwis prop Fuifui Moimoi could play State of Origin. Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel. They are dreaming if they think they can bend the rules enough to get the Kiwis prop into their team. It just shows how desperate they are.

The other thing I've been hearing is that Mark Gasnier, who is close to completing his comeback with St George, is going to be rushed straight back into the Blues side for the final Origin match.

Now that would be something. Gasnier is an incredible talent. The thinking is that he will be put straight back in to mark Greg Inglis. What an incredible match-up that would be. Let's hope it happens.

Speaking of player comings and goings, I reckon the Warriors were dead right in not offering Brent Tate a three-year deal. With Tate's injury history that third year would have been just too much of a risk. If the cost of only offering him two years was that he left, then so be it.

From Tate's perspective, you can't blame him for taking the Cowboys' offer.

He had to make the decision that was right for him and his family. At his age and with the injuries he's had, who knows, it might well be his last contract. So good luck to him.

Hopefully he can get back on the field soon and finish strongly with the Warriors. They certainly need him.

Looking ahead to next season, the most pressing need is a quality prop. The club has been denying it but I think they are chasing Melbourne and Kiwis forward Adam Blair. He would be the perfect signing. Blair's teammate Brett White would be another good buy. White's a tough guy who stays out on the park. Just the sort of player the club needs.

Sunday's match against the Roosters in Christchurch will be a tough one for the Warriors.

The Roosters have partnered Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce in the halves for the first time, switching Braith Anasta to lock and leaving Anthony Minichiello at fullback.

They are all quality players in key positions, which should give the side a real solid foundation. To me it looks like their strongest combination and I hope they stick with it for the rest of the season.

They've also got five Kiwi boys in the side who will be keen to impress playing back home.

Sam Perritt has been brilliant as always this season and Frank-Paul Nuuausala is a real beast, while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Shaun Kenny-Dowell and Mose Masoe will all be after big games.

The Roosters certainly have plenty of talent and when they put it together - look out. But, like the Warriors, they have been incredibly inconsistent so far this season, so the Warriors will fancy their chances.

Sunday could come down to the weather. If it's wet it will fall into the hands of the Warriors. Against the Dragons they were aggressive and played the conditions better.

But if it's fine a Roosters side that thrives on quick play-the-balls and an up-tempo style will have the advantage.