Wrap - NRL Grand Final Special - Manly Dead Certs

1. Things I'd like to see at this year's NRL Grand Final:

a. The lap of honour of the winning team in the losing team's jersey.
b. The release of the pre game net of balloons in the team colours.
c. The comeback of the streamers...one free set with every footy double sold!
c. The big eel.
d. The parachutists with the colours of the teams out the back of the ankles.
e. The players introduced by John Brennan when they run on...eg. "He's big, his bustling, he's unbelievable...he's none other than...big Eric Grooooothe!"
f. The police band at half time.
g. Reserve Grade.
h. Thin Lizzy singing "The Boys Are Back In Town" as the anthem....
i. 3.00pm GF start time.
j. 100 metre sprints in the team jumpers from lower grade players at half time.
k. Coloured donut and cup cake stories on the Friday night news from the local bakery in Dee Why and Clovelly.

2. NRL. Is it beyond the pale to insist that in rugby league, a few rule changes are required:
i. "On report" = a sin binning. Otherwise don't go there.
ii. Kicking the ball dead is the opposition's ball from where it was kicked (minimum 25 metre line - maximum from wherever it is kicked). No matter how far out. The defending team is penalised massively.
iii. No cannon ball tackle. Two tacklers max. in a tackle?
iv. One on one tackle needs to become more of a weapon when in 'attacking' defensive positions. It should be encouraged. Gladatorial.
v. The referee's should be given audio EXACTLY like that in the NFL. We should get a CLEAR announcement over the ground PA. It should be deliberate and authoritative.

3.  Manly's cheergirls have been consistently the best in the comp over many years. This is a reflection of the team's form over that time too. Being dead certs is an interesting turn around. After the loss to the Roosters, I mentioned they could still well win the thing. The clash of Foran-Cherry Evans and Maloney-Pearce will determine it. They both ran laps around their opponents, taking on the line and putting the opposition to the sword. Their collective running games are massive! Sonny-Bill is the difference. Never thought I'd say it. Give him the Clive Churchill medal now.

4. Richie Fa'aoso is a maniac. He has no sense of self preservation and now has another broken neck. I would not have in my GF squad, for all his toughness, because coming off the bench he rarely lasts a full game without a terrible injury. He has had more clubs than Jack Nickilaus (Panthers, Easts, Parramatta, Newcastle, Storm Warriors). The only bloke close to him is John 'It Wasn't me' Elias - Newtown, Souths, Bulldogs, Wests, Easts, Balmain. By contrast, John is a remarkable survivor.

5. Is it time to restructure the comp. Horner-McCallum Draft Model:

• Two conferences (Sydney: Cronulla, Bulldogs, Souths, Easts, Manly, Parramatta, Penrith, Tigers and Ex-Sydney: Warriors, Canberra, Saints, Newcastle, Brisbane, North QLD, Gold Coast, Melbourne).
• All teams play each team in their conference twice (14 weeks). The other conference once (7 weeks).
• Three stand alone SOO weeks (3 weeks)
• Top EIGHT remains. Top three from both conferences in semis (6 teams). Plus best other team (either conference). Then a play off for the eighth/ seventh position from next two best teams.

Surely we then see more purposeful play and more intense footy.

6. Did anyone choke on their ten cent pieces when they read how the JJ Giltnan Shield earns the minor premiership winning club $100K? This has not gone up since John Brass and John Peard carried it the year they won the Craven Mild Pre Season Cup.

7. Hawthorn. At long last, despite giving Freo numerous chances to win the thing. Love a rendition of 'Up There Cazaly'.

8. ManU are in a big spot of bother. Losing to West Brom gets fans upset! Moyes will come under the microscope. Scholes and Giggs are the keys to that team. Retirements hurt.

9. Great win in the America's Cup by Oracle. Looks like fun, but how tough would that gig be day in day out?

9. How about Warnie hitting 71 around St Andrew's? Not bad for a professional punter and part time commentator. Obviously has some good practice time on his hands. According to Liz, there may be more...

Wrap - Bad Brand

1. The Knights have been mighty impressive over the last few weeks - especially without Kurt Gidley. That Beau Scott is the best forward in the game - outside Fifita. He is superb - tough fit and emphatic as a leader. Melbourne were immensely disappointing...that salary cap is an awful thing!

Hard to believe the Henny Penny Knights can beat the Roosters who were immense v Manly. However, the Roosters have surprised this year with appalling losses amidst sensational victories. Buderus, Jeremy Smith, Nev Costigan and Willie Mason have led the way. Bennet is classy this time of year. The Knights have over-achieved big time. Hopefully Mullen's kicking game will need to improve. That Kevin Niquama needs to find a decent club opportunity - so does the Manly fullback, Hiku. Two easy signings for a decent club. Parramatta need not apply.

2. If Brian Smith comes back to Parramatta, they can just about shut the doors and become a rugby club. Fancy bringing Ray Price and Brett Kenney in as coaches? The joint would just about fall to pieces. If that is possible. Whatever happened to the bloke who went to Cronulla and caused mayhem there in the office? He should return...that or John Ribot? How's the Melbourne salary cap nightmare mastermind going...Waldron...maybe he's available.

3. Freo. Belted a surprisingly timid Swans. They are spent. And now Roos is stealing juniors to go to Melbourne. Now is that d___head policy applying to ex coaches - or only players? Hawthorn you'd think will blitz them. They are firm and justifiable favourites but have a habit of finding a way to lose under pressure.

4. So it was all Mike Hussey's fault with Clarke. He is such a nice guy, but does anyone seriously believe it? The backroom brawling is just so exhausting...It would be nice to see a few blokes start getting some runs instead and we can all keep moving. Cricket is under pressure in our country as it - like rugby - struggles  to remain relevant. Time poor parents are walking away and the hit and giggle stuff reflects that attitude. Have fun...even if you learn nothing and get smashed. The modern way of parenting.

5. James O'Connor. A bigger goose is only found somewhere between Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson. Good riddance and don't come back. His talent is replaceable. His attitude and arrogance has been deplorable. The NZ coach, Deans has a lot to explain here.

6. Missing a big outburst from Alex Ferguson - or Morhinou..the EPL seems to be too tame at present. A few minnows are aiming up...but great to see Liverpool there and thereabouts. A different jersey or two is refreshing.

I'm noticing the Sydney FC build up is similar to last year - losing everything including pride and resolve under pressure. A mid comp return will be the best they will achieve. Del Pierro does not win you comps.

7. Is it too much to suggest that if the DRS is not used - or goalline technology, it is easier to influence the results of games?

8. Looking forward to the demise of Sepp Blatter. The Bloater could not have his nose in the trough more frequently than what this 'Guitar' fiasco is revealing. By moving it from Qatar, they'll definitely save on stretcher costs.

Wrap - Getting Over Ricky Stuart

1. Ricky Stuart. He has followed the cash since Super league. In fact I distinctly remember him coming out of Phillip St headquarters negotiations saying that "I have to do the best for Ricky Stuart". Ego and angry ant. His loss of the players at Parramatta was in the scorelines...50+ scores show a disrespect for each other and the coach. This is Ricky's humiliation. He has a great art of blaming everyone else all the time....the Board, the officials, the refs, Daniel Anderson, the salary cap, the next half back, the lack of a CEO, the ...on it goes.

At no stage does he ever say that 'I could do a better job'. Really, he has been an abject failure at Parramatta. Lots of ideas that have been half baked and half rsed. Sure, his daughter is in need of care...and he loves Canberra more than your local polly. Canberra are making a huge error and he will be tossed from there too. He has little regard for Dave Furner too. His denials and lies to the media are a bit hard to cop.

His career is at the crossroads.

And what about the claptrap that he is a good coach of great players. This is a cop out. What coach isn't?

Stuart fired up about Sterlo seeking an explanation, citing his generous insight into Parramatta - behind the scenes for Sterlo's show on Fox. That was early in the season and at the time I wrote how poor Stuart's manner and spirit was. His connection with the players was very poor. In the end it was the same too. No Mad Monday? Joke.

Jason Taylor will be next as this will keep Hayne at the club. Simple.

2. Manly were very impressive despite the loss. They may just lap Cronulla and kick on. In fact Manly may well both be a Grand Finalist. The Roosters...defence was awesome. The game's physicality is becoming ridiculously strong. The head knocks and concussions are worse now than at any other stage in the game's history. Was it tougher than State of Origin as a game? I think so.

The Bulldogs poor discipline hurt them a lot today. I wonder if they have learned anything from last year's Mad Monday fiasco.

3. Rugby League refs. No one counting the tackles(?). Seven tackle fiascos bring back memories of Hartley. The refs seem too keen on equalling up the penalty count, learning players' names and even taking a fair bit of the limelight themselves. They need to chill out and remove themselves from the drama/ Cool heads.

The SFS time keeping debacle was laughable. The SFS-SCG continues its amateur record - skydivers hitting the roof of the stadium...Optus TV collapse...nails left on the field after 'Rip Rip Woodchip...'.

When a re we going to lead the way and make it an instant twenty metre penalty for arguing with a referee? We're getting that European Soccer feel. The fifty metre penalty in AFL works.

4. The crowds for the rugby league final on Friday night (21K) and Saturday night's double header (32K) were appalling really. The whole marketing of the game is terrible. No one knew if buses were running, what games were on when...Surely there are lessons to learn from the NFL in the States. How do we bring the game out of the amateur ranks with advertising, marketing and 'spectacle'?

At the moment it is a cash grab only.

5. Wallabies. The crowd at the game rivalled a club game. Sur eit was wet, but no wonder the WACA has been stripped of its Test match cricket status. The national rugby team has become farcical. We would struggle to beat Tonga at present. These new scrum rules are a joke too. Throw in the obligatory pathetic ref and you have a code that is meaningless to most Australian sport fans.

6. ODI v England. Is the ODI game becoming irrelevant? Our lack of success as a nation is hurting that sport big time. Perhaps time to consider Voges and Bailey in our test team? Whoever makes runs in our domestic competition will clean up. Bailey has been outstanding. We could do worse than throw in Mckay into our Test team too. Last time he was injured?

7. Swans. Resounding and Geelong way too good. Can't see Hawthorn losing. Freo will be tough at home too.

8. How about the scandal involving the Southern Stars soccer match fixing story from Melbourne? How desperate for a quid are people? I am seriously concerned that my Over 40's Sunday cricket comp which starts in a fortnight will be targeted as well. How will we cope whilst rolling on the turf in laughter?

Surprisingly, the sun will come up tomorrow.

Wrap - VB - Very Bloody Ordinary

1. Andrew Johns. Pashing Bill Peden in a pub. Now we've all done some dumb things but that is right out there. An immortal - every inch. What is wrong with this bloke? He is the latest Human Headline. Move over man Mundine. He must be back on the funny stuff behaving like that. What's his next trick?

What the hell is wrong with Bill Peden? Has he said anything to explain - or is it all a new phase of bromance. Or is it new age and like a handshake these days? Would not have happened at Stallions or The Pit. Have you ever been that pissed?

2. The Brothers Burgess. Not since Bluey, Rudi and Terry Zarzoff and the Meoff brothers - Paul and Jack has there been a story done to death more than the Burgess brothers. Sam is a grub unfortunately (squirrel grips, high shots, gouging...). George is mad and the twins just shake their heads. Larry, Mo, Curly, Huey, Louie and Dewie Burgess are all over us. The mum is a lovely lady...who also played women's rugby league. Mrs B would be embarrassed however

In sport, the tougher the mum, the better the player. Apply that test to a few you know. It is true.

3. Are we kidding on the world stage as football contenders at the World Cup? We are absolute MINNOWS! Simple as that. Brazil dusted us up 6-0 and we were lucky they did not get to 10-0! We are fodder and are lucky to be there.

4. Link McKenzie is going to have to lift. The Wallabies are travelling worse than expected here really. He is not endearing himself pretending we are all OK. Will the Pumas pump us? Probably.

5. Is VB out of date anyhow? Maybe Fawad Ahmad is doing us all a favour. Half the team play like they are on the drink so it may just be best to retire the brand anyhow. Waiting for the first betting company to push for inclusion on our national team shirt.

6. As predicted, Stuart is gone. Is it too obvious that Ricky Stuart is going? The players don't care. He has left the joint in disarray. Contracts unresolved...not a big name signing in sight...Their defence is horrible. Far too many indians - and NO chief. How good was Hindmarsh really? He papered over a lot and now they lose each week by 50. They lost every away game this year. Terrible.

They should all have to come on Grand Final Day to receive their spoon on the dias. I hope Brohman has retrieved the oversized spoon from the Roosters and can deliver it there this week. Humiliation!

This may be unpopular to say, but Sandow should be sacked and helped. The Club is being held to ransom and needs a playmaker.

7. Liking Manly and Roosters for the premiership. Did Manly tank today v Penrith for a different game? Sounds dumb, but it mattered.

8. Hawthorn are AFL specials. Swans gone. Like Freo's effort away at the Geelong graveyard and what a delight to see the back of Collingwood! Port Power made a super effort. Malthouse was also put out of his misery as well. A great win really and Swans will be nervous.

9. Get on Djokovic and Williams for the double at the tennis. Serena is the best we have seen.

10. Blake Ferguson. Is there a more boring story in world sport?

Wrap - Hird Should Not be Heard

1. Dave Warner. The writing is on the wall. Dropped from the one day squad and sent packing. His form has been terrible. Millionaire shots and little penalty - or punishment - for his loose behaviour on and off the field. Shane Watson should be next, but he seems untouchable. That or he will retire in protest.

2. Lleyton Hewitt. By comparison, this bloke fights and scraps against all odds every time he plays on the big stage. He may be the last of our true champions for some time. Federer is a legend - he powers on regardless.

3. Blake Ferguson. He is as popular as a road toll - or an old election candidate sign. His lack of concern for his teammates and everyone else makes him damaged goods. Watch for a move to French Rugby. 'The Man' Mundine has been made to look silly (sillier).

4. Speaking of which, as mentioned last week, Ricky Stuart looks shaky and with it, Will Hopoate will go too? Can anything else happen at that poisonous club. It started for me this year at the presentation of the Parramatta All Schools Knockout this year. Up in the old 'Kicks', they cut back on party pies this year, eliminating all food, gave the kids a cheap cap (when other clubs provide socks and shorts) and then asked the winning schools to engrave the trophies themselves! Joke.

5. Cowboys are looking good things for a top eight spot. Titans tough, Knights will struggle without Gidley, Warriors brilliant...and Manly suddenly much, much better. Souths have not got the cattle in the backs for mine. Canberra have hit rock bottom.

6. Can anyone explain why Essendon were placed 9th after cheating the system and corrupting the health of players? How about last place? James Hird gets a twelve month ban? Should have been twelve years. Typical of the Demetriou era of softness on drugs, the code has suddenly been sullied by this disgrace. Demetriou has the biggest carpet in world sport to sweep it all under...what drug crisis?

7. Noticed Carlton made the top eight. Maybe Malthouse might crack a smile

8. Loving the darts!