WARNING. This is a politically incorrect column.

It’s about how rugby league has thrived on controversy, outrage and scandal since 1908.

It brings out our passion, our tribalism and our true love for the game.

Social media goes into meltdown. Channel 9 gets super ratings and it sells lots of newspapers. Our website had 34,000 readers vote on the controversial penalty — an unbelievable response on a public holiday.

Next time the Bulldogs play the Rabbitohs it will be on for young and old. No advertising or promos will be required.

Sadly, we have to wait until round 24, Friday night, August 21 until we get to witness a replay of what has now ­become the game’s most-anticipated grudge match.

What happened on Friday night was obviously unacceptable behaviour on and off the field.

Fans should not have thrown bottles, while James Graham and Dave Klemmer should have shown more respect to the referee. We all know that.

But what it has done is kickstart the NRL season with the massive explosion it needed.

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REPERCUSSIONS: NRL threaten to strip points off Bulldogs

media_camera David Klemmer and James Graham confront referee Gerard Sutton. Picture: Mark Evans

After a flat opening four rounds with poor crowds, Sydney is talking rugby league again.

Maybe for the wrong reasons but we’re still talking about it. Like the old saying: any publicity is good publicity.

Give me Friday afternoon’s game any day over the dreadfully boring Knights v Dragons.

In clubs, pubs and TABs on Saturday afternoon everyone was talking about the Bulldogs-Rabbitohs game. About Graham, Klemmer and poor Adam Reynolds. About the mugs who hurled missiles and face life bans.

Everyone had an opinion on the penalty that decided the game.

This match had everything. The eight-point try, big hits, superb skill and great tries.

Klemmer made an unbelievable 205m from just 43 minutes.

He should be one of the first forwards chosen in the Blues’ State of ­Origin pack.

It was just a memorable afternoon for rugby league.

And yes, Klemmer and Graham need to be punished. But let’s not go overboard like after the now infamous $50,000 Paul Gallen tweet.

Fine them, for sure. Maybe even a one-game suspension. But remember too that Chris Sandow escaped a ­suspension last year for calling Ben Cummins a cheat.

And remember too that rugby league is such a great game because it can create drama like no other sport.

That’s why we all love it.