Wrap - Family BBQ

1. Origin. Can there be any more stories about Origin in the lead up phase? We've had everything analysed, dissected and evaluated. Is anyone getting the feeling there will be a familiar end for NSW...a loss, refs criticised, coach outbursts, sackings and then Idris and Hayne back in. NSW need to start winning or the concept may after 30 years be nearing death.

Surely the time is nearing for a Pacific Islander team and a Maori Team. A four way 'Origin' series. Place of birth.

2. What about the Waratah Fan Forum? Fans able to bag the crap out of them. Who organised that? Can't imagine too many more. Maybe that says more about the Waratahs than anything else. Their crowds are the lowest they have EVER been.

Brumbies bounced back with a draw after Tony Rea's spray. It is as good as it gets for them.

Is James O'Connor thick? Make a decision and move on. Quade Cooper's one year deal should coincide with the end of Deans as coach.

3. AFL. Hawthorn looking sharp. Carlton have ramped things up too. Perhaps Collingwood are not over the line yet. Even Richmond have toughened up with a good win v Essendon.

4. Canterbury Bulldogs. They are underachieving again. Coach Moore seems to escape much scrutiny. They looked good v Saints and lost but were simply appalling v Canberra. Furner may have had the tap on the shoulder the way the players have rallied recently. Orford is clearly not popular. When not there, they go better. Brian Smith must have gotten out of trouble this week with his many wives. A win but nothing flashy.

5. Sam Stosur through in the first round at the French, but did anyone notice her capitulation to Sharapova last week in the final. The questions still surround her. Get on Nadal too. He will win v Djokovic. I still reckon Federer has another Grand Slam win in him.

Hewitt withdrew with yet another injury. He is up there with Eric Grothe senior, Brett Papworth and Jana Pittman as one of our most injured. Can you believe we have ONE bloke in the draw? Tomic. Bring back Draper - Kratzmann - Edmonson - Warwick.

6. Thorpie looking trim and fit. He is a freak. What price a gold in London? Surely he will be close now that EPO is being ironed out in world sport.

7. How about that James Sutherland. Reports he is sitting in on all interviews in the review of Australian cricket. They are getting like FIFA that mob. The integrity of that Cricket Australia organisation is shot.

8. Signing of the year - Timana Tahu. Take the money and run. Season ending injuries are his specialty. Golden handshakes are a specialty too. Still waiting for his explanation of the racial allegations at that two bob footy carnival.

9. Quote of the week: "FIFA is not corrupt" (Sepp Blatter). He is as popular as an invitation to an Ibrahim family BBQ.