Wrap - Slow Coaches and Numb Nuts

1. As much as it pains everyone to admit it...Melbourne have done some extraordinary things to lead the NRL comp after the fiasco that Bellamy knew all about over $$$$$. Still they are not favourites for the comp. An injury to 1, 9 or 7 would set them back...but unlikely to happen. They must be nervous about the future of Cronk however. He is the weakest link there. Equally, Geelong have been exceptional too under a new regime. West Coast too have made a stunning form reversal. Swans gallant against the Pies, but gallantry does not win comps.

2. NRL Expansion. This story, the new Independent Commission and any number of other whinges (stand alone weekends, draw, player workload) seem to be never ending - and never addressed issues. David Gallop is surely one of the least effective sports administrators in Australia these days. The weeks roll by...the issues remain unresolved - and never addressed. The judiciary decision to cite Thurston is a shocker too. Ref appeaser.

Perth Reds to make a comeback? The conditions of the Friday night game were as unexpected as they were disgraceful.

3. Did anyone notice that Matt Elliott did not see out his contract at Penrith last week as predicted? Kevin Moore has been spared the axe this week but is a dead duck too. I see Steve Kearney may have his contract renewed for a longer period. Paul Osborne is heading the way of Denis Fitzgerald. He said that Kearney has been able to attract the big names....the big names? Sandow..Tautai....Great.

4. Can a team have too many Pacific Islander players in it? More talented than most, but error prone and ill disciplined. (Are Parra really missing Inu and Mateo? How about Albert Kelly? A master stroke to get rid of him).

5. Parramatta were a disgrace. That LOKO on the left hand side is pathetic. His defence is appalling. Lucky for Parra that they play the Broncos (and lucky for the Broncos) without Lockyer and his precision passing game (best in the game - ever). Spoon favourites really. Spineless.

6. Tomic. Great effort v Soderling - after MUCH hype to make the final 16 in the world on grass. A big chance of beating Xavier Malisse who has been around as long as a standard burqua.

7. Great to see Meat Loaf coming out to the AFL Grand Final. Here's hoping he is not on the drink. Lionel Ritchie is booked out.

8. Super Rugby. Reds likely to be in the box seat. Tahs went through the motions and lost. Top six gives hope but I still like the Crusaders. Tough to beat.

9. Casey Stoner. Our best international performer outside of Jason Day (two seconds in two successive major golf tournaments) for 2011. The best thing is he is not whinging and complaining. Where was Mark Webber when that lesson was on?

10. World Wrestling is in town this Friday - ACER - get out there for old time's sake.