Wrap - Blooper 14

Boys,

1. Swans have hit rock bottom and will be doing well to make the semis. Their roster is a bit hollow. A high degree of 'sameness' in the build and profile of their players meaning that as injuries hit, there is little to go to. Roos sounds like he is ready to walk before the scheduled exit. He's had enough and so have we. Nice to see Fremantle firing up and Melbourne sparking. Gets a bit boring with Geelong certain to win the comp again.

2. NRL without Origin stars is TERRIBLE. The standard is awful. Parramatta - what a disgrace v Cronulla. Scoring tries off blokes heads, knees and through intercepts makes them think they have it all. Can't get excited about Kris Keating. Too small and runs across field too much. Would have killed them in the U/8's but this is NRL. Souths no better. Tigers scratchy. Look elsewhere.

3. Super 14. This business of playing finals when no one gives a tinker's cuss (1am and 3am in AUST - 3am and 5am in NZ) and could not be bothered to get up needs some serious reconsideration. This kills all interest. Who the hell will get up and watch the final next week? Engrave "The Bulls" on the cup and call it off. JOKE!

4. Brendan Canon (Sunday Telegraph) absolutely gave it to Tahu for some very dumb comments re Origin jumpers being more valuable than a Wallabies one! Stupidity. However we must have better rugby correspondents than him and Frier to write in Sydney papers. Both were so so and neither has much authority. Good to see Penrith Rugby start to get ahead a little of late, beating West Harbour and Warringah. Lost !st Grade colts by 100 however. NSW Rugby might just be putting their hands in their pockets beyond Gladesville Bridge.

5. Is Chris Gayle the problem with West Indies cricket? I reckon he is. Too laid back, no value for his wicket, too interested in the bling - not the swing or ding - and a bad example for all teammates. Tough, but think about it. The fish rots at the head.

6. Jose Mourinho. Inter Milan win UEFA Final 2-0 and he continues his formula. Buy the best players. Insist on it and then use them to further your cause as a coach. He can write his own ticket and price now. "The Special One"

7. State of Origin. Is it just me or has the shine been well and truly lost from State of Origin? Years ago there was a genuine rivalry - the King and no interchange among other things. Is the modern version better? NO. There are no real 'hated' figures - or characters - in either team. Choppy, the King, the Axe, Geyer, Chief, Pricey, Artie. Tame and clinical now. Pity.