A REPORTER'S role is to remain objective, but sometimes it's quite difficult with sport.

There's no problem when a Macarthur or a Wollondilly team is playing opposition from outside the area.

But some games which I cover, for example, the recent top of the table Group 6 Country Rugby League clash between Thirlmere/Tahmoor and Narellan, pose a problem.

Although the words of wisdom in my report a few days after the game are balanced and don't favour either team, it doesn't stop me silently cheering for one team over another.

If you ask some of the Group 6 coaches which team they think I favour you would probably get several different replies.

The Roosters game against the Jets was a classic example of baffling both sets of supporters.

I stood among and exchanged opinions with a large contingent of Thirlmere/Tahmoor officials, but would they realise that I might be secretly urging Narellan to get the wood over their team?

As a blow-in from another country with zilch rugby league background, it was encouraging to hear expressions of agreement from the die-hard rugby league fans in relation to some of my comments during the game.

I'd be the first to admit it was a daunting prospect to be challenged on my knowledge of the game in my early years reporting.

However, a few seasons covering Group 20 and Group 9 in the Riverina's dry dusty grounds soon gave me a good grounding.

One bloke associated with the Thirlmere/Tahmoor club asked me, tongue in cheek, what a Scotsman knew about rugby league.

Easy answer minutes after his team was dealt their first loss since 2007 against Oakdale, my reply was: ``Enough to tip Oakdale to beat your mob, mate.''

Of course it was all friendly banter and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I've grown to enjoy rugby league and I'd prefer to watch a local dust-up with two Group 6 teams than an Origin match.

Maybe I'd have a different opinion if the Blues had managed to stop the Maroons winning a historic four consecutive series last week.

In the meantime, go the Jets, or did I mean to say the Rams or the Workers ... and the list goes on.

Go to macarthuradvertiser.com.au to let me know if you've had to remain unbiased at a sporting event.