I awoke the other morning and, for my sins, I checked Twitter for the latest “news” from “journalist” Danny Weidler. Rugby league is an unpredictable game at the best of times, but even I was surprised to read that Bulldogs player Lachlan Lewis is being investigated over a “serious matter”. This alleged incident being Lewis taking a soundbar gifted by the NRL to the club and trying to sell said speaker on eBay. While this is indeed a wild story if true, the indignation from NRL elites and the Twitterati is way out of line. They shouldn’t be deriding Lewis, instead they should be celebrating him.

“Life’s too short to hang out with people who aren’t resourceful.” I have never bought paper for my home printer once in my life. Instead, when leaving the office, I pick up a ream of Reflex Ultra White A4 Paper 500 Sheet as I walk out the door. Similarly, the last time I bought a pen was after I earned my pen license in Year 4. People can fawn over Mont Blancs, Parkers, Space Pens or bloody Quills for all I care, The best kind of pen is a free pen. Times are hard, with Australia looking down the barrel of a second COVID-19 recession and wage growth at its lowest level since the introduction of the GST, you need to get your hustle on.

Lewis allegedly demonstrating his resourcefulness to earn additional money outside of the salary cap should be applauded. Aussie battler spirit in full display. The Bulldogs club has seen better days, and to them, it may seem the NRL is more focused on providing them with premium audio rather than funding. Lewis may have been subsidising his own wage or looking to raise funds for the upcoming Mad Monday celebrations. While on-field performances may have disappointed Dogs fans this year, the true potential for the team is always reached on Mad Monday, and it would be rock bottom for the club if this year’s celebrations don’t live up to expectations.