Penalties hit

1. Is it just me or is there something very odd about our state cricketers playing for different states in this much hyped 20-20 comp around Christmas (a different state to the one they have represented up to Christmas!). Fancy Hauritz going back to play in Brisbane? (Some would say go further north to Bangladesh). What about South Aussie giving the Vics Tait - or Callam Ferguson going to play in Hobart. We are in more trouble than we think in world cricket.

India could kill us by mercy rule this summer.

2. State of Origin. Rick Stuart has something about him that makes New South Welshmen even hate him. If he was so overwhelmed by the moment of the series loss that he waited in the dressing room for so long he missed Lockyer's presentation....he has issues which make him a liability. Maybe Gould was right. Is player loyalty to Ricky simply a ticket to future Origin games?

3. If any one saw Parramatta's mediocre win on Friday night, they must have faith that the Tigers may now be one of the worst teams in the NRL.

4. Many would not have seen it, but baseballer Derek Jeter (2) hit his 3,000th hit for the New York Yankees on the weekend. An incredible feat.

5. Can anyone explain the stupidity of AFL players who hit opponents before the first centre bounce of a game - and give away a penalty? I am a big believer that those who give away penalties in any code are not worth selecting long term. Too risky and there is always an equivalent player of equal ability - but better temperament. The best players never seem to be that person.

6. Reds. A grand performance under pressure - and despite the ever increasing stupidity of Stu 'I want my face on TV' Dickinson, the ref had a decent game. The speed of rugby needs to be heightened however. It can never be a mainstream sport until the governing bods accept this.

QLD now hold national titles in A League, Super 15, Origin...their AFL is terrible and so is their cricket team. Doing well however.

7. The ARU World Cup Squad. Let's name 40 - FORTY - players and then cut it to 30 - THIRTY! Robbie Deans is kidding surely. Ewan Mackenzie should be measured up right now with a coach's blazer.

Can't wait for a carbon tax, pokies tax and a mining tax. Hopefully Gillard will shut up, stump up,and give up.