BY CURTIS WOODWARD

Some things are worth more than gold and as the sun sets on the end of another turbulent, eccentric, beautiful NRL season – attention turns to the international game.

There was once a time when playing for the mighty Australian jersey meant everything. It signified you being the very best and rewarded you with a place in history as an Australian Kangaroo. But as the Aussie club game became stronger, rival nations faded away. First the French, then the English and for a while, New Zealand. The NRL became the cannibalistic monster, devouring those that once gave it life. But with the Kiwis claiming the 2008 World Cup and now the top spot in World rankings and more poms playing in the NRL than you can poke a warm beer at, things are finally starting to come around. And while the NRL is top dog to the people in Australian club land, those in power have realised the importance of a healthy international game.

Long gone is the prestige of a Kangaroo tour, Dally Messenger and ‘The Invincibles’ but nothing can ever top the Australian jersey. In a world where clubs and players alike spend as much time terminating, moving on and doing what’s best for their families and boards of directors (depending on what side of the table you’re sitting), there is nothing as sacred and pure. For all its Hollywood blockbuster appeal, State of Origin is played by two states. Despite the brotherhood that comes with playing in the NRL, only a few get to slide on that premiership ring. Yet being a Kangaroo symbolises something completely different and it’s been lost in recent times.

Coach Mal Meninga announced his Four Nations squad on Tuesday with plenty of people having their say about the fact that Andrew Fifita was left out of the team. The Cronulla prop was outstanding in the grand final scoring the match-winning try. Luke Lewis was named Clive Churchill Medallist and it’s hard to argue with his all-round performance. Lewis was incredible from the first to the last minute of the match. But this isn’t just about how good somebody plays in a grand final. If that was the case, Fifita would be in the squad.

“We have drawn a line in the sand around behaviour,” Meninga said.

“He (Fifita) is one of the best front-rowers in the game, no doubt about it — but there’s more to playing for Australian than just ability.”

And that’s the point.

Fifita has tangled himself up over and over again about his relationship with coward punch killer Kieran Loveridge. In one breath he’s apoligising for using the NRL to show his support for his mate, in another breath he’s talking about shutting up the critics. After his grand final try on Sunday, Fifita walked back to the other end of the ground holding his finger to his mouth – apparently telling those that questioned him to shut their mouths. Really? Fifita doesn’t deserve to wear the same jersey Wally Lewis, Reg Gasnier and Graeme Langlands once wore.

“This is a day that we take a stand against poor behaviour off the field with the ultimate sanction in our sport, missing the chance to represent your own country. I hope every player in the NRL heeds the warnings,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

“Andrew is clearly a talented footballer and played a key role in the Sharks grand final victory. However we believe to wear the Australian jersey, the most prestigious jersey in our game, you should have to distinguish yourself both on and off the field.

Andrew is currently being investigated by the integrity unit after wearing an armband supporting someone convicted of a violence offence. While that may not have been illegal it was in poor taste in the extreme.

“He was suspended for six weeks last year for abusing a junior match official and has been involved in other off-field incidents.

“I hope this decision will be seen for what it is — our determination to build a culture in the Kangaroos which every Australian can be proud of. I hope players realise that misbehaviour can in future lead to them missing out on their dream of playing for their country.

“I hope Andrew learns from this decision, deals with his off-field issues and returns to the Australian team soon.”

How can you argue with that?

Have people really forgotten what the Kangaroos jersey stands for?

Are we that diluted by what’s happening in our little pocket of the rugby league world that we can’t see what being selected to tour with the Aussie team means?

@woodward_curtis