Tipperary star Lar Corbett has suggested that horses receive better treatment than hurlers at this time of the year.
Corbett will be part of the Thurles Sarsfields team for Saturday's AIB All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final against Kilcormac-Killoughey in Portlaoise (throw-in 2pm).
However, the lynchpin forward has criticised the scheduling of the semi-final for early February when bad weather can often ruin a game and dictate the outcome.
"Every field in Ireland is nearly unplayable - they're calling off race meetings but hurling matches? Play away," Corbett told the Irish Examiner, as he previewed the last-four encounter with the Offaly club.
"You have humans calling off animals but humans are saying to humans, play away! You wouldn't put a horse out in it!
"It's not hurling at this time of the year, (it's) a dogfight, rough and ready. It's down to who wants it most."
The 2010 Hurler of the Year is also of the opinion that the pre-match odds are wrong - the bookmakers have placed Thurles as heavy favourites - 1/7 in some quarters - to beat the first-time Leinster champions.
"1/5 Thurles Sarsfields in the semi-final, the bookies have it wrong," he insisted.
"It's all about work-rate. In summer, the hurling might get a bit better but it's about working in the right way and as a team. Hopefully we can perform."
Thurles' annexing of their maiden Munster club crown has helped Corbett rediscover some of his best form after he failed to score during three Championship outings for Tipp last summer.
The 31-year-old forward was unable to lift the Premier County in August as they lost heavily to eventual champions Kilkenny (4-24 to 1-15) in a one-sided All-Ireland semi-final.
"When you play a game of hurling and you don't perform on any given day, you're always going to question yourself and your ability. A couple of bad games together and you question are you too long there, should you make a decision on your future.
"When that happened - the All-Ireland semi-final - everyone is disappointed as an individual but collectively too. So, it was great to get the opportunity to come back with Thurles Sarsfields and perform.
"To forget about something that didn't go well and drive on with a couple of good performances, I'm definitely grateful for Thurles Sarsfields," he added.