The code war between the NRL and the AFL has reached new heights on Thursday, with Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys firing a series of pointed barbs at the rival code.
That rivalry took centre stage during a lively appearance on Triple M, when V'landys was asked about the competition between the NRL and AFL.
"Well, firstly, can you explain what AFL is?" V'landys says as he laughs.
"How can they have a State of Origin? It's all in Victoria, most of the games, aren't they?"
The comment immediately set the tone for what has become a week of sharp remarks aimed squarely at the AFL's expense.
Host Mick Molloy chimed in with a cheeky observation:
"You love kicking Victoria in the balls, you really do! You like taking a big chunk out of the Melbourne sporting market, don't you?"
V'landys was quick to frame the tension as healthy competition rather than simple animosity.
"No, we give them competition. As you say, competition lifts all boats.
"It's actually lifted the AFL… they've come out of their slumber!
"They're soon going to wake up and have a go – they're looking at India now.
"They should not be scared of competition.
"We lead them, like you lead a horse. We lead them through.
"What's this Gather Round? What are they gathering? Rocks of stones! They've got Gather Round… they've copied Magic Round.”
His swipe at the AFL's 'Gather Round', a festival-style event modelled on the NRL's popular Magic Round, was one of the broader digs this week, highlighting how V'landys believes rugby league innovation outpaces its rival's idea.
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