- A phenomenon is being attribute to the Lions star’s marriage breakdown
Lachie Neale’s marriage breakdown is still sending shockwaves through the AFL world and now rival players are reportedly paying the price.
In the wake of the Brisbane Lions star’s split from wife Jules, clubs have quietly introduced what insiders are calling the ‘Neale tax’ ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster State of Origin clash in Perth.
Neale confirmed in early January that the couple had separated, telling reporters: ‘Jules and I have separated. I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions … I need to rebuild the trust with Jules.’
The fallout from the split, and the alleged involvement of Jules’ former best friend Tess Crosley, has placed unprecedented focus on AFL partners and their movements during interstate trips.
According to News Corp, one club has already adopted a new ‘initiative’ encouraging partners to travel with players for major fixtures.
It has been labelled the “Neale tax”, a cost that may hurt the hip pocket but is designed to ease concerns off the field.
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale and his wife Jules separated during the AFL off-season
With the State of Origin concept being revived in the AFL, a host of players are travelling to Perth for Saturday’s clash
Many of the players’ WAGs, including Lexi Lobb (pictured) are making the trip west for Origin
Casey Battle, wife of Josh Battle, will also reportedly make the trip to Perth to support her husband
With Western Australia set to host Victoria at Optus Stadium on Saturday night in the first official Origin match in 27 years, partners are heading west in force.
Patrick and Mardi Dangerfield travelled to Perth earlier this week with their children and Geelong teammate Bailey Smith, as part of a broader wave of WAGs flying in for the event.
Others making the trip include Casey Battle, Lexi Lobb, Georgia Stirton, Jess Gawn, Paris Stubberfield and Arlette Amor.
There are AFL dinners, brunch plans and Valentine’s Day celebrations scheduled around the match, adding to the sense that partners are now expected to be present at marquee events.
The heightened awareness has spilled into football commentary. During a Stick or Pick segment on SEN Breakfast, Kane Cornes quipped: ‘Jules Neale or Tess Crosley.’
Co-host David King quickly responded: ‘I’m not playing that game.’
The Origin clash itself begins at 7.40pm AEDT on Saturday and has officially sold out, with fans packing Optus Stadium to see the return of representative football.
When the AFL confirmed Origin’s comeback, chief executive Andrew Dillon said fans and players had been ‘calling for its return for some time and we are thrilled to see it back.’
‘Ultimately it’s about us playing games that the fans want and we know that the fans will flock to this game when we get the best players from WA and Victoria on a massive stage,’ Dillon said.