Peter Sterling says after a week of talking points, the NRL must make a change Referee Shayne Hayne sends off Kade Snowden of the Knights. A WEEK in rugby league never fails to provide plenty of talking points. Firstly, I am completely against on and off field decisions being made based on the degree of injury to a player. From what I have seen this season I am in no doubt that if the Cowboy's Ray Thompson could have risen to his feet to play the ball, then the Knight's Kade Snowden would not have been sent off. That is based on the fact that I have seen a number of similar types of contact throughout the year which didn't result in serious injury and ultimately no marching orders for the man who infringed. I have also not spoken to anyone who didn't think that the shoulder charge unleashed by the "Dogs Frank Pritchard on South's Bryson Goodwin involved more intent than the Snowden hit. However because Goodwin wasn't badly hurt and was able to get up and play on, Pritchard was allowed to finish the game before copping two weeks on the sideline. A fortnight compared to the Knight's prop's seven weeks is grossly imbalanced; especially considering the latter's loading points is not for a previous similar offence. This assessment is in no way meant to detract from any of the seriousness or sympathy associated with Ray Thompson's injury. As a game we are gutted for the young man and the difficult period he is now faced with and the chance it may coincide with a final's campaign for his team. There is no doubt that Kade Snowden deserves a period of time off the field but it should be based solely on the infringement, not the injury. Kade Snowden of the Knights hits Ray Thompson of the Cowboys. In this instance I don't believe that was the case. What I do applaud is the "real life" reality suggested by Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle this week in relation to players looking to break contracts and move to another club. She correctly points out that away from the relatively insular (unreal) world of being a professional sportsperson in the NRL there are repercussions for those who seek to walk away from binding agreements. Often this takes the form of financial remuneration and it would seem appropriate that with the increasing number of players in our game seeking to not fulfil commitments that they previously signed on for, an "exit fee" is something that could be introduced. The game should always be more concerned with the individual off the field than on, and that is why a request for the breaking of a contract on compassionate grounds will always be treated on individual merit with the sensitivity it deserves. However in accordance with the wider society a financial recompense is not unfair. It would also serve as something of a litmus test for those few who seek to use compassion as a camouflage in an effort to move elsewhere. Of course this system will only work if there is the appropriate amount paid in reverse, in other words to those players moved on by clubs whilst they are still on contract. Speaking of moving, it would seem that current Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart may be faced with a decision shortly concerning his future. As revealed on the Sunday Footy Show there is strong mail that the Canberra Raiders are keen for him to take over the reins in the national capital. This overture has not been officially confirmed but it seems that when it comes to NRL coaches, where there's smoke, there's usually fire. I also recall his name being linked with the club in the past in such a capacity, but following the unexpected and unfortunate demise of David Furner last week, the attraction to return "home" this time could be strong. The dilemma is leaving a job half-done (quarter?) with the Eels and the responsibility that he has to those players. Especially when you consider decisions that have been made on their futures and the signing of those coming to the club next season, who put pen to paper with the understanding he would be in charge. The only thing I am certain of is that nobody will be signing a seven year contract. Finally, the composition of our eight finalists was only made murkier by round 24 with teams sitting 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th going into the weekend, all being beaten. This obviously helped those snapping at their heels to improve their chances of grabbing a play-off position with the Cowboys, Panthers and Warriors all making a move. Newcastle must still be favoured to qualify, especially with a one competition point advantage and a final round clash with the Eels. Not that they will be taking that game for granted. It is not inconceivable that all five teams now sitting on 24 points could each win just one of their remaining two matches. That could see "for and against" determining the difference between a host of teams. Unless Brisbane win their last two games and swamp them all! I wonder what next week will bring.