Rugby league fans don't buy the tears of 'sorry' stars

It's the first lesson they teach you at crisis management school – immediately own your mistake and control the narrative.

But while the tactic may fool some people when it comes to politics, fortunately rugby league fans have stronger bullshit detectors.

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They know Paul Vaughan wasn't genuinely sorry when he was knocking back his third Tooheys Extra Dry last Saturday night.

It was only after the excrement hit the fan – and he realised he'd blown an $800,000 income - the tears started forming.

Coach Anthony Griffin's tears may have been more genuine.

He previously went into bat for many of those huddled around Vaughan's Weber, either pushing for their arrival – or retention - at the Red V.

We wonder if that went through the minds of Jack De Belin as he stared up at Vaughan's Sealy posturepedic or his teammates as they scattered like felons in an old episode of Cops (What'cha gonna do when they come for you).

The actions of the Dirty Dozen + 1 could now cost the Dragons a top eight spot.

Oh well, there's always next year.

Jai Arrow? He wasn't feeling any sorrow when he sent a message to a female friend to meet him at the Queensland team hotel.

Presumably she wasn't there to help him run through the Maroons' set plays.

It was all about Arrow at that moment.

Forget about coach Paul Green, who may be sacked if the Maroons lose the series 3-0.

Several stars in the firing line

Or skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, who is not only in danger of losing the captaincy but possibly his position if he can’t get something out of his side a third time.

We're also looking at you, Josh Dugan.

You decide to go out with some mates in breach of the Covid restrictions, leaving the Sharks minus an experienced centre for a crucial showdown with Brisbane.

Too bad if the ensuing loss costs Cronulla top eight berth.

Not your problem, eh brah.

In this line of work you often get asked: Are all footballers dumb?

The short answer is no.

But there's clearly no shortage of self-entitlement.

Madge not going anywhere

Michael Maguire was walking to the press conference following Wests Tigers' heavy round two loss to the Roosters when a journo remarked: "Pretty ordinary, Madge"

"Ordinary?", he responded, "that was absolute shit".

Maguire's not a sugar-coater. He's been given a "whatever it takes" licence to fix things at the Tigers.

Granted, it's taking longer than expected and fans are understandably frustrated and angry about what’s been dished up this year.

But most telling, the board is willing to go the distance with Maguire - and that will mean the exit door for players not willing to cop his tough love.

Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness: