While we are all undoubtedly parochial when barracking for our own NRL teams, we are also seemingly wired to enjoy the David versus Goliath moments in footy history as the bottom of the ladder dwellers snatch unexpected wins. (“Feeling the Origin crunch”, DT, 3/6). Over the weekend, a reinvigorated Eels team proved their coach was sacked too soon by one game. Now 15th on the ladder, beating the Sharks at No. 2 was footy gold. The Dragons (12th) crushing the Panthers (3rd) might have pleased betting agencies, but the Sunday afternoon game where the tenacious Cowboys (10th) beat the Roosters (8th) was the best game of the year for pure drama. As State of Origin impacts on the main NRL competition, surely it is time to compensate teams by giving a point for each man sacrificed from a team for state duties. Six players from one team, for example, would give the remaining teammates a six point starting advantage on the scoreboard. Although bringing reserves into teams makes for great TV excitement, something must be done to bring fairness back to the game. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 4June2024