A new NRL challenge has been introduced to combat fan abuse.
With some fans threatening players on social media, the NRL has found an entertaining way to give those fans a slice of reality.
The Square Off will feature various skills and fitness challenges between ‘keyboard warriors’ and rugby league players, and will be posted on various social media channels.
“While it will all be controlled and perfectly safe, we hope these challenges will force these loudmouth fans to think twice about their social media behaviour as they’re left in the dust by first grade rugby league players,” said a spokesperson for The Square Off.
Wary of giving social media trolls free publicity, the contestants will be clothed head-to-toe in black (including a full face mask) and only referred to by a number, so their real identity isn’t revealed.
“Fans who think this is a shot at fame and notoriety among their mates will be sorely mistaken. This isn’t a reality show, it’s a physical challenge.”
The NRL players can choose the challenge, but tackling isn’t allowed.
“A halfback who’s also an excellent kicker may choose to make the contestant catch high bombs, while a fast winger can challenge the contestant to a 100-metre foot race. We want the contestants to be slaughtered physically so they learn to respect professional athletes.”
