“‘Someone’s stepped up’: Catalans coach shows support for Luke Keary following intense Super League comments”

Catalans coach Steve McNamara has come to the defence of former NRL standout Luke Keary, who recently made waves with his forthright remarks regarding the Super League’s state.

In a discussion with Wide World of Sports, Keary did not hold back, claiming that the quality of the game’s coverage and broadcast is “unwatchable,” labelling the product itself as “horrendous.”

On Friday morning (AEST), a senior figure in the Super League expressed disappointment to the BBC, describing Keary’s comments as “surprising, disappointing,” and “overly dramatic.”

After the Dragons’ narrow 26-24 defeat to the Leigh Leopards, where Keary scored the first try, McNamara acknowledged the aggressive tone of Keary’s remarks but applauded him for speaking candidly.

“The way he expressed it has certainly come across as aggressive,” McNamara commented.

“We all desire honesty, and while people may prefer not to hear controversial statements, it is important not to always shy away from expressing opinions,” McNamara added.

“Here we have someone who’s done just that. With three NRL grand final titles to his name, Keary is passionate about the game and wants to see the same standard upheld in the Northern Hemisphere.”

“He’s entitled to share his views. I resonate with some aspects of his commentary, while there are certainly discussions to be had about others.”

McNamara noted that Keary would be “more than willing” to discuss the opportunities he believes should be provided to emerging talent and what the sport rightfully deserves based on his extensive experience.

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Wide World of Sports has learned that Keary may face a fine from Catalans and the RFL. Following the match, he refrained from speaking to the media.

On Friday, Rhodri Jones, managing director of RL Commercial—the RFL’s business wing—stated that Keary’s remarks were “honest” from someone recently out of the “Sydney bubble.”

“I acknowledge Luke has played at the pinnacle of the sport in Australia – the game there is quite similar to the Premier League here,” he explained on BBC radio.

“That Sydney bubble is non-stop media – front pages and back pages. That’s what he knows.”

“I was taken aback by his comments. I had a conversation with his club, and they too were caught off guard. I imagine they feel let down, perhaps, by the intensity of his statements.”