QRL boss questions under 20s concept

QRL boss Peter Betros has questioned the under 20s State of Origin concept after a controversial match which featured a homophobic slur.

Queensland Rugby League boss Peter Betros on Monday spoke with the NRL to question the under 20s State of Origin concept after a controversial interstate clash that resulted in a player being banned for a homophobic slur heard on live TV.

NSW under 20s halfback Mitchell Moses of Wests Tigers copped a two game suspension for breaching the league's anti-vilification policy during the spiteful 30-8 win over Queensland at Penrith on Saturday night.

The NRL launched an investigation after the referee's on-field microphone picked up Moses calling Queensland lock Luke Bateman a "f***ing gay c***".

Barely a month ago the NRL joined the AFL, FFA, ARU and Cricket Australia to take a stand against homophobia and other forms of discrimination by launching a new diversity and inclusion policy.

Moses was banned despite arriving at Sydney's Rugby League Central office on Monday morning to apologise and also saying sorry to Bateman.

"The NRL has consistently made it clear that there is no place for any form of discrimination in our game and we will take firm action if it occurs," NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said.

Moses will also undergo an anti-vilification education and awareness program.

His NSW teammate Matt Lodge faces up to four weeks on the sidelines after being slapped with a grade three detrimental conduct charge for writing "c***" on his wristband that was visible during the TV coverage as well as a grade one striking charge.

Three other players were charged from the fiery game - Queensland's Lloyd Perrett (grade one dangerous contact) and John Folau (grade one contrary conduct) and NSW's Dean Britt (grade one contrary conduct).

Betros was so upset after the weekend match that he spoke with the NRL on Monday to question the annual under 20s match's validity.

"I was disappointed with the tactics of the NSW team, deliberately trying to put the Queensland boys off their game - it left a lot to be desired," he told AAP.

"I don't believe they were playing in the true spirit of the game."

Betros wondered if the annual under 20s Origin game should continue if it was not supported by NRL clubs.

The lead-up to this year's clash was soured by Wests Tigers young gun Luke Brooks and South Sydney's Alex Johnston not being made available for the junior Blues.

"I question whether the NRL clubs actually want the game to go ahead," Betros said.

"Is there are a future for the game if clubs don't release their players?"

The homophobic slur further marred a spiteful contest in which Lodge and Folau were sinbinned for fighting.

"We have spent a lot of time, effort and money on educational programs ... so that players understand all the problems in society," Betros said.

"It's disappointing that a team (NSW) is allowed to go out on the field and behave like that.

"I hope it is something that doesn't happen again."


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Source: AAP


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