Here's a question for you Mr Merritt: Did your team figure in the finals of the RL competition in 2006? Was your team's absence from the finals because during 2006 other teams outscored South Sydney? Perhaps it's your defence which isn't up to the mark. A bad tradesman always blames his tools.

Just commenting on schoolboy AFL, we have billeted indigenous players and can assure the author that we have seen nothing but fairness and encouragement given to them by their teachers, coaches, selectors and well-wishers.

We have never seen anything but warm help and encouragement given by their peers either. In fact the indigenous players are treated no differently from other players execept for some sensitivity in trying to pair players from remote areas with friends when arranging billets with host families.

Cripes Stephen, now that you have made me think about it, in schoolboy AFL there is commonly a broad range of cultural heritage displayed by officialdom, players and spectator alike. However no-one is ever conscious of it because the focus is on sport and fun. They don't play for sheep stations either.

Stephen, I don't know about the case/s you have before you but have you ever considered that you might be finding what you are looking for and in so doing you might detract from the good work being done out there?

Those who have a victim mentality will always be discriminated against in their own eyes.

I reckon the clubs in the NRL don't have much in the way of selection prejudice. They do appear to have a greater proportional representation of indigenous players than population comparisons would rate. But then again they want the sponsership that comes from winning. Steven I think your point would have even greater support if that same inbalance of overall representation isn't reflected in 'representative' team selections.

No I haven't the time to do the research. This is my opinion only.

Mr Hagan, Thank you so much for alerting me to the fact that Mr Beetson is possessed of such good sense. I was hitherto unaware of his comments. He has risen considerably in my estimation.

Let Mr Brown rest in peace and divert your attention to a certain brand of cheese.

G'day Stephen

Thank you for your article. I usually agree with you. On this occasion I do not. Even so, the issue is of definite concern for debate.

Mr brother played half-back with Artie Beetson during the 70s Balmain years, and I befriended Jack Beetson around 1980. We certainly witnessed racism during those days.

I watch Message Stick every Sunday. I love it with a passion. I watched the 40th anniversary program last Sunday. I cried most of the time throughout the program. I cried with both sadness and joy.

I think that Cornflour comes from my perspective.

Stephen, I think that you have been hurt by racism so many times yourself that you are now over-reacting and misinterpreting. Maybe you are projecting your own hurts onto others when they do not perceive the problem as you do. Perhaps you are stirring up the old racism pot from years ago.

Cheers
Kay

Some dont call it racism, they call it favouratism.

Stephen, you claim to be an educated man, why not use some critical thought as to why Nathan Merritt was not selected. Was it because of his skin colour or was it because the position he plays is a vulnerable position at reprasentative level. He is a very good footballer at club level but at reprasentitive level his size and defence makes him vulnerable. Racism exits in many levels in society and yes it may surface in sport but to play the race card with Merritt is way off the mark. Was the reason in form Manly fullback Brett Steart was overlooked for State of Origin because of his skin colour, or hair colour, no it was because the selectors chose another player who they knew would do the job. Intersting once again you have chosen another negative topic, why not bring to light the AFL match last week between Richmond and Essendon in front of 60,000 people at the MCG that celebrated the contribution of Indigenous people to the sport. it is not all bad Stephen.

Jeez Outback

Ever hear of Alf Langer, Kerry Beaustead, Tom Radonikious? (Sorry Tom).

All giants at international and state level.