Wrap - A Kick In The Gus

1. Big Bash. Surely the fact that a game is on every night and there is a reliable viewing habit established, makes it the huge success that it is. People watch regardless of the team and quite frankly very few care who is playing...they will watch anyone. The love of cricket.

Why Channel 9 did not show the vision to snap it up is beyond me. Would Kerry Packer have missed out on that? No.

2. Khawaja looked in great nick. His hitting down the ground was impressive. How anyone can say that that T20 form sets him up well for Test performance is beyond me. Shaun Marsh cannot be in the team, even though he has hit form against the equivalent of a first or second grade team in the Windies?

 

3. A League. Starting to hot up. Some big crowds are returning now. Wanderers are carving it up consistently, despite their away draw in Perth, but Melbourne Victory will challenge again despite their recent slump. 

 

4. Chelsea. New coach....GUUUUUS...has come to save the sinking ship. Hard to believe the players have not been tanking. Watch them turn it around now.

 

5. Kane Williamson and BJ Watling look likely to win yet another test together. This time v Sri Lanka. A good test!

 

6. How fat is Jaques Kallis? He has eaten a lot of sheep...Still has it however!

Wrap - Training The House Down

1. West Indian cricket seems to have just one problem for mine. Lack of heart and spirit. Forget academies and basketball (How many West Indian NBA players are there? Surely no more than the Aussie crop!). Watch the old tapes and see smiling assassins who knew how to win - and smiled doing it. These current blokes are spoilt brats who don't care generally. The self indulgence starts with the bangles and necklaces...but cricket form and ability is a nonsense. What they really need is some experienced leadership to bring a few of these raw talented blokes through.

I saw that two fast of their bowlers were refusing to bowl into the wind. What a joke! Banish them to the Afghanistan league for a short while. That may smarten up the whole show...and quickly I suspect.

2. Are there any NRL clubs 'training the house down' and 'ready to rip' in 2016? I am sure that there a few...all the underperforming ones...Tigers, Titans, Knights, Eels....A great 2016 awaits. Had to laugh that Parramatta were interested in James Roberts. Another bloke who has had a brush with the police and courts. How many can one squad hold? Is it just me or do Penrith get everyone they want? Hiku is a tidy player. A great signing.

3. Let's not get too excited about Shaun Marsh just yet. More shots along the ground and down the ground are required for mine yet. He should replace his brother or sit on the bench. Joe Burns is not the answer as opener. Gets bowled too often for mine. Adam Voges has been exceptional. A strong leader.

4. Western Sydney Wanderers. Great to see the fans back. From what I can work out, the fans achieved nothing, soccer achieved nothing and the game goes on...sound familiar?

5. EPL. How Leicester City are at the top is beyond me, but they are there...and Bournemouth keep beating leading teams. Is Alex Ferguson available to return to Man U. They have had a week from hell losing the unloseable!

6. Simon Katich risks becoming a permanent goose in the minds of many. He discloses that he held the power to sing the team song and preferred not to do so. Clarke gets upset and Katich exults in his brief fame...Go figure. Clarke is petulant as we all know.

Wrap - Windies Protest

1. What a cracking venue for a Test match - Tasmania. Any chance Cricket Australia knew it was going to be a frightful dud? Maybe they should have barred BBL appearances from Windies players to assist their test strength? The Windies are terrible. I suspect they need a Super League type war and get the stronger more sensible leaders together. However we have been saying this for twenty years. They are horrible and may be dropped from world top tier test cricket soon. Enter Afghanistan. How many Ladies Stands are at their minefield of a cricket ground?

What price a draw on the back of drizzle, rain, sleet or similar at the map of Tassie?

2. NRL Truce With the Clubs. Thanks Dave McGuiness for getting this off the sport pages. It is boring summer time reading too. Nearly as boring as watching Sevens Rugby. This is the 20-20 Cricket equivalent and could not excite a feral cat.

3. India v South Africa. Rahane hit twin tons in a really low scoring game. Some sort of effort on another low turning deck. South Africa look weaker than our test team at present. No Philander. No Steyn. No joy.

4. V8's at Homebush. Looks a bit like harness racing to me. Once someone gets in front, no chance to overtake them!

5. An exciting finish in the Australian PGA with Nathan Holman in a play off. Tough conditions, but a few stumbles too. How bad was the touring pro and former legend Brandt Snedeker. Must have been on the drink to miss the cut. He hit an 84 on the Gold Coast...a few boys weekenders do better than that!

6. Love a fan protest. They are right up there with player strikes. The A League is a cracker. Remarkably, and quite surprisingly...the show goes on regardless! Who would have thought...?

It seems like a never ending dummy spit for mine. Interesting to see the list and pics of banned fans - I taught a couple of them years back!

7. Not hearing a lot of outrage at Hopoate's imminent move from Parramatta. A bit like when Willie Tonga left and the Bulldogs turned him into a sensation. Hiku is a great talent if they can snare him. Manly are making a big error there. Another long year at Parramatta. They won't need a fan shut out with another year like last year...it will just happen in July as usual.

Wrap - Bad Hands

1. What an unlucky club net bowler who was hit while bowling in the nets. Mitch Marsh middled one! He looms as our next Shane Watson. Can surprise, but disappoints more often than most. How fat is Swampy? He has some guts now.

Mitch Starc injured again. When did we have a summer when all bowlers stayed fit? Not since McGrath, Kaspo, Lee...these blokes didn't fall apart. Gillespie even. Merv lasted.

Oh the irony...Shaun Marsh hits one down the ground in a test for the first time and gets run out! Great to see NZ have brought their own Santa (Santner) with them. Merry Christmas!

Shaun Marsh rose to the occasion and hit a lot more frequently down the ground. A gem of a second innings really. Announced his return under immense pressure. The most relieved Marsh is Rod...the ailing selector.

Unfortunately the Windies will be a misery.

2. Pink Ball. Having been at the ground, the ball is fine when it hits the grass, but down the pitch live - hard to see under lights! Not bad on tele. If it can be so influential under lights, it seems more treacherous than losing the toss. Imagine it in India or Sri Lanka when the dew sets in...

Great to see a pitch where batsmen have to work hard. Much more engaging.

3. Interested to see the massage man/ team trainer fielding for Australia in a Test match. Has it come to this? The 12th man - surely they can hang around and learn other skills. Is there not another decent player somewhere? He hung around for ever. The one through the legs would cop a bagging in B10's. This used to happen when playing the President's XI or the Durham Second XI. Unprofessional and wearing some sort of supporter's cap baggy green...disrespectful.

He has plenty of work off the field he needs to attend to...Starc, Warner....on it goes...

Then they bring on a young kid who Warnie thinks may have had a couple of beers after his game earlier in the day at club cricket! Smith needs work on his hands. The captaincy is taking some toll perhaps. Maybe the massage man needed to come on into the slips.

4. What about the world's most boring issue? The TV rights for the NRL. Get it on television and stop annoying us. No one cares. A bit like when the draw is announced! Who cares? Rivalled by the DRS Pommie umpire. A ditherer.

5. Apparently Essendon AFL club are door knocking fans to thank them for their loyalty. Should be a quick afternoon's work.

6. That ex-NBA player in the NBL. No wonder an 83 year old with some disabilities throws beer on him. If he was any good he would be playing over there. Put the old bloke in a rocking chair with a pipe and keep him under house arrest.

The NBA is wildly over achieving with every game shown live on Fox. Hard to believe it.

7. Sight screens. Since when do we need 15 sections of seating covered in white towels/ banners for the sight screen? Plus the useless one with the garage door remote. In the old days it was big news when Joel Garner made them put two feet on top of the black ODI sight screens. Do we need that much extra? Greg Chappell played with kids hanging over the fence waving flags in front of them...and still got runs.

8. Speith is a class act. Composed and calm regardless. However Matt Jones gets the Stonehaven Cup...only $225,000 for the winner. Lucky to see any international players here at that price. This would be ashtray change for most of the stars.

9. How about Klitschko’s nine-and-a-half-year reign as heavyweight boxing champion getting undone today? Some sort of effort!

Wrap - Pork Chops

1. Unbelievable that a 56 year old - Peter Senior - wins the Australian Masters. A phenomenal effort from a crusty old stager. Invented the 'PING' cap and a broomstick stickler. One of the last of an era of golfers with moustaches! Where have all the moustachioed golfers gone? Think: Roger Davis, Craig Stadler...

2. Where the hell was the Sheffield Shield this weekend? The scheduling of that competition is appalling. Zero interest sport on this weekend really, outside of Craig Lowndes and a few of the van Gisbergens and his mates.

Great to see Michael Clarke carry on like a pork chop. There is an absence of affection for him as Australian cricket captain. You simply don't comment on other players. We all know Symonds is a galoot. The spray for Buchanan seems out of line too. While he was not cricket guru, his role was different and he managed some clowns in his time. Surely Clarke's ascendancy into stupidity under Mickey Arthur (think 'homework gate') says it all for Buchanan.

Spoilt brat sports stars definitely grate on the nerves. Why are so many of them so painful? Think Stephanie Rice, Jana Pittman, Anthony Mundine, Kgyrios...on it goes.

3. Mitchell Johnson. Plenty of wickets but plenty of pain for the spectators at key times over the years. Probably a bit like Brett Lee. Good memories, plenty of wickets, amazing fitness and longevity, but truly great? No chance. Seems a lovely fellow. We are now entering some dark bowling days in Australian cricket. Hold on.

I will be in Adelaide at the Pink test on assignment this week coming. Special Wrap report to follow.

4. Shaun Marsh - Joe Burns. Both these players cannot succeed at Test level long term with their techniques. Both play well square of the wicket but look for it all the time. As a result great swing or fast bowlers will pick them up each time. Mediocre medium pace won't. A false dawn. Mitchell Marsh also needs a rocket. He is loose at key times.

5. Jason Taylor and the West Tigers. How can they be serious turning around and offering Farah a new deal...must be seriously front ended to accommodate what he is owed. They are an untrustworthy lot. Clearly they know he has a deal on the table and rather than pay him to play at another club, are now "wanting" him so they pay what is owed while he remains on the roster at the West Tigers. A circus.

6. Barbarians Rugby. Is this the annual joke that England and the northern hemisphere nations think that free flowing rugby stands for? Defence like the halcyon rugby days of human turnstiles. 49-31? Sounds like a Toyota Cup game.

7. Rhonda Rousey. Great hype last week, but UFC is hard on the eye and a crass showcase of ancient gladiatorial instincts. Is she out of hospital yet?

8. Is anyone sick of 'tell all' biographies like Tiger Woods' old caddie Steve Williams? Give us a break. Something sad about his cashing in on that. Maybe he should have been more of a voice of reason at the time and not played dumb.

Wrap - Olympic Totem Tennis and Olympic Spotlight

1. Why is the sight screen always so problematic at Australian test cricket grounds? They stuff around with it annually. Ploy by advertisers? Harder to navigate than your average garage door!

2. Great to see the umpires crack the ball hoop out to test the shape of the ball. So regularly. A more popular tool in the umpire's kit than the nail file or the boot scraper or stud tightener. A sure sign a team is not getting wickets quickly enough.

It didn't take long for the poor fitness of Khawaja to come into the fore. This has hampered him for years. His running between the wickets has been tolerable against a weak bowling opponent, but he needs to get his act together. The talent and twin ton runs have been impressive, but that's half the game. If someone mentions that underperforming Bancroft again, they need a psyche.

Warner is without doubt the most entertaining since Gilchrist. He is closing in on Hussey (19 tons) already with 15. One of the greats.

3. Man Mundine. As generous with his cash as he is and as nice as the press has been to him of late (cue Phil Hughes story), he surely is "yesterday's man" (think Laurie Daley). A crushing loss mid week.

4. On Laurie, I love a Centre of Excellence. Talk of a new one going in for the NSW team at Homebush. Queensland must be petrified now...look out...a new turf field...a few new weights, wall posters and rap crap songs....booo! Scared yet?

One of the great modern ways to do your cash in as an organisation. Surely there is something brewing to get league teams to use Homebush en masse in the future.

5. Time for Michael Cheika to get the razor blade out on the 'front tuft'. When you have more hair on your rs, ears and nose than your head, it is time. Not that I know this officially of course in this instance, but you get the drift. Take note boys.

6. NRL clubs could do worse than to recruit more Pommy forwards. Some of those blokes are brutally talented. They played really well to beat NZ on the weekend. Something about those skinny in goal areas though that stuffs up our style of play. Maybe this is the way to stop silly kicking obsessions by NRL coaches. It makes teams play the ball instead.

7. The Fight Game. One of the great levellers. Rhonda Rousey got smashed up badly. Eventually someone gets you, regardless of how rich, how mouthy or how good you think you are.

8. Sevens Rugby in the Olympics? Surely we are kidding. No wonder beach cricket was touted as a possible too. Next we'll have matchbox footy played in hallways, yo yo's, elastics, catch n' kiss, flick footy cards, hopscotch and Totem Tennis...maybe even bull rush.

Also, don't forget 'What's the time Mr Wolf', Marco Polo in the pool and even 'Spotlight' at night time with the family torch so as to capture a huge viewing audience. French cricket could also make an exciting appearance. One man footy may also be a cost effective inclusion

At least none rely on the Russian drug industry rorts to excel.

Wrap - Injuries and Outrage

1. Why do jockeys all talk the same high pitched squeak - regardless of gender? No one backed that No. 19 in The Melbourne Cup surely....if you did you would not admit you had zero idea. Michelle Payne did extraordinarily well and has ability.

2. The Australian effort at the Gabba has been impressive. I was absolutely wrong. All the top order have fired. Liked the Joe Burns ton for its aggression and confidence in the second innings of a game. He has the Gilly cab door ears. Great composure and I liked Khawaja's footwork. Both have suddenly cemented their spots. Has anyone noticed how they hit through the 'v' very strongly. This is Shaun Marsh's deficit. However, I think we all need to take a deep breath and remind ourselves that it is the New Zealand attack. Not A-Grade at times. The push to victory with Nathan Lyon bowling will be tough. 7 wickets on a pitch giving nothing...? I must say that the Kane Williamson LBW was a terrible, terrible decision. Fancy getting LBW to something like that at Test level.

3. Warner. He is fast becoming one of the absolute greats of the game. More Test centuries than Bill Lawry and equals Slats and Chappelli on 14. Ponting's 41 Test tons may never be beaten. When Warner is fired up pre Test, look out. He is a fighter and a good teammate who gives his batting partners a lot of support and confidence.

4. Are New Zealand cricketers the most injured group of athletes in world sport? They always have blokes out, shock injuries, breaking down...Jacob Oram is their Brett Papworth - or Pat Cummins/ Shane Watson.

5. What is wrong with our curators? Blacktown was terrible and now the SCG outfield basically causes the game to stop within 40 overs. Poor umpires? Or poor drainage. How? The game makes a lot of cash.

6. AB de Villiers is clearly a better bat than Fanie de Villiers. However India smashed them on a terrible deck, bowling out everyone quickly. The Indians win a lot at home defending totals.

7. Melbourne Victory. Berisha is a goal scoring machine. Hated, but he knows how to win.

8. In soccer, is it Woodwork - or aluminium work that the ball hits? Kevin Muscat...Tony Popovic...Graham Arnold...an impressive quality of person and coach in that competition.

9. Hayne. Based on the 49ers treatment of Jarryd Hayne and his supposed poor hands, Anthony Watmough wouldn't get into their car park.

Wrap - All Blacks No Excuses

1. Wallabies. A tremendous effort to get that far really. Anyone betting on a World Cup Final birth would have cleaned up. The All Blacks were simply awesome. The Welsh referee did us no favours but I did like the Chieka "no excuse" culture. A refreshing change and possibly why he is so successful. Loved the Steve Hanson response to the post match interviewer when she asked if he was worried at 21-17 up. "Worry is a wasted emotion". Gold. And that is why they win all the time.     

2. It is staggering to think that we have selected Joe Burns as opener in the First Test v NZ when established recognised openers – Cowan and Klinger have been piling on the runs. We then get treated to that same dumb and shocked face by Rod Marsh that John Inverarity had mastered all those years ago. Rod is fast becoming the “Iron Gloves” of selectors. The wheel has come full circle. Notwithstanding that howler, it was good to see that Bancroft, despite his considerable hype, was overlooked. Western Australian opening bats have a lot of growing to do on pitches outside of Perth…ask Shaun Marsh. Only Graeeeeeme Wood and Justin Langer reversed this, although Graeeeeme was a ‘duck or a hundred’ man.

3. The selection of Kahwaja has me baffled. No weight of runs there at all. He is the new Shane Watson. Another of those famous under performing batsmen who look good and promise more than Bill Shorten. Often injured, poor between the wickets (watch for a run out this series) and only good for between 20-30 runs max at Test level. Southee will sort him out big time.

4. Chelsea. It goes from bad to worse. Hard to believe the side has fallen apart so dramatically under Mourinho after a premiership last season. He will be heartened to know the horse bearing the same name is doing better than the special one himself. He may be at the coaching knackery soon.

5. MLB World Series. The Kansas City Royals are up over the NY Mets. The home and away series scheduling is very powerful in this. The crowds flock to all these games. A multi million dollar enterprise. Best of 7? How long before a best of three GF in the NRL? One in NSW and one in QLD. The third in the State of Origin winning state.

6. Bring back the ING Cup target sign in the outfield for the 20-20 this year! A great promotion. Did a celebrity ever lay a mit on one?

7. Can Jason Taylor last much longer? This will be it for the cranky one. Fancy signing Matt Ballin when Robbie Farah is still in the stable. Ridiculous.

8. How bad was that Blacktown pitch for the NZ match v Cricket Australia? It was so bad that it made the Kiwis bowl crap and get smashed. Talk about pathetic. They are an intriguing lot. I thought they had more in their kit than that. Lame brains. The All Blacks would have played on it.

9. What of Jarryd Hayne? Sounds like the political correct menace has got hold of the franchise and told it to get traditional. Surely another franchise will snap him up elsewhere. The rapidly changing nature of US sports will have him on a plane tomorrow to somewhere else. He is just a number in that part of the world. The hype is surely all ours.

Wrap - Roger That

1. Bails....are they cricket's equivalent of the footy corner post? Do we need them?

2. Looking forward to the metal ring coming out this summer to check the shape of the ball when a team is getting smacked around the park. Why does a ball only go out of shape when there are no wickets being taken? Why is it so popular in the sub continent?

3. Love an overthrow...the chaos, the mayhem, the defeat. Hate the glove punch.

4. The Matador Cup is an absolute dud. Too many games, no publicity and who cares? Is it a lead up to Test cricket? Strange timing. The winners all get two kilos of thin cut sausages and a Mark Webber barbecue. By the way, as much as this may horrify you, I am backing Ed Cowan (think Chris Rogers' replacement) and Moises Henriques to play Test cricket with best mate Steve Smith. No bowling - just as a batsman. Ed Cowan needs to get cracking. Mo Matthews once said he will hit 5,000 Test runs. I think he has scored 1,001 runs...needs about 80 more tests yet if he can average 50.

5. Wallabies. Let's face it...a  loss to Argentina would be an intolerable joke. It would be one of the great upsets. As good as the publicity machine is...a win should create an All Blacks showdown. Chieka has a great record. No Richie McCaw will even it up.

6. The Hayne Plane. Can anyone believe that the Seattle Mariners wanted JH  and he went to the 49ers? He must have had advice from the Man Mundine. High praise from the 49ers legend Roger Craig overnight. One of the great Rogers in world sport (Federer, Davis, Rasheed...Tuivasa-Sheck...Millward, Cowan and of course Lavis...and on it goes).

7. Speaking of which, when does The Man get the final hammering of his career? Better than Hayne, Nova Perris-Kneebone and Jana Pittman combined...of course. Not as good as Daniel Vidot, the Broncos/ Raiders/ Dragsters winger who has just scored a gig in WWE! The stage name? VIDIOT?

 

8. Did David Smith's exit reveal more than we know about League? Here he is trying to make it more corporate and professional...too many useless staff in there I know...but will he be a revolutionary in years ahead? At the moment no one will miss him, but a few clubs might when the knives are sharpened.

Wrap - Scot Tissues

1. Wallabies. A thrilling close win. Scotland unlucky. Slipper very lucky. We looked loose and shoddy. Scrum was a step back. Foley not brilliant, but a brilliant pressure kick. He is ice. Argentina might trouble us to be honest on that form. An All Blacks-Australia showdown looms. Perhaps the reverse result of the Cricket World Cup. Scotland can whinge all they like. They go home now and let the southern hemisphere countries play the game. Hopefully the stuffy refs do not get hold of the games remaining.

2. Tigers. They continue to implode. Jason Taylor must be relieved as I am sure he expects the axe to swing his way. Instead Ivan Cleary is gone from the Panthers and a great opportunity for the local boy, John Cartwright to return and excel is missed. Gus may have lost the plot here. Anthony Griffin? The Broncos could not get rid of him quick enough. Can't see a happy marriage there.

3. Starc. Killing them in ODI's. Is test cricket that different while bowling. Even if he bowled ten decent overs, form says he might get two wickets. he needs to get more consistent. Steve Smith's brilliance with the bat is unbelievable. Alistair Cook is back in form with 268. There is a minimum year's grace after a knock like that.

4. Idiot Season. Roll up...step right up...Hawthorn have two up for sexual assault allegations...Issac Heaney has a broken jaw...Matt Lodge faces the clink...CEO's must have long nights at this time of year. George Burgess was in good and humbly quiet form at the Gold Coast on Friday night.

5. Noticed Tomic performed well in the Shanghai Open. Djokovic staring at an undefeated season...incredible.

 

6. The Hayne Plane continues to stutter. See above as they land in Baltimore.

Wrap - Tin Cup Half Full

The month of October brings cups of all sorts - World Cups, President's Cups...horse racing cups...the only cup not won this weekend was the Jamie Whincup.

1. Michael Cheika's Wallabies have thrilled us again - unexpectedly - over the past fortnight. First England then a magical defensive performance against Wales. Some tough games which will either prepare us well or take its toll later in the event. No tries is interesting, but once more the referees seemed to actually take a back seat to the players. Unusual. The team is built on some hard heads who remain focused on victory...not excuses. All the while the other Groups meander along. Ludicrous scheduling. Scotland will be quaking in their boots. The rigour of the scrum seems to finally be biting. Foley superb as well. Best since Larkham?

This World Cup organising mob have lost the plot. They let the fans vote on the man of the match...biggest country wins of course...they stuff up the draw and they have farcical match review situations. Bring back the World Court of Arbitration In Sport (and Dean Cappabianco).

2. President's Cup Golf. Hard to imagine golfers actually caring about a team, but it was a good tussle and a nail biting finish. We have not won the thing for an eternity. Jason Day did not really contribute which was disappointing. I suspect the Ryder Cup has more spirit and magic. It needs a permanent home.

3. Liked Criterion, but Press Statement's run in the Caulfield Guineas was particularly impressive. The fifth Sydney-trained three-year-old to win the Caulfield Guineas in the last five years! Get it into the Cox Plate.

4. The form of Mitchell Starc in the Matador/ Riobi/ Gillette/ McDonald's Cup extravaganza is quite something. He is the best white ball bowler in the world at present. Even the Cricket Australia XI under Bug Snappell had a win against Tassie. Too much map and not enough earth. Intriguing to see Watson get to 20, if that, when batting of late and that other talent waste - Shaun Marsh - get low score after low score. His career makes a good phone number: 0402 871 003.

5. Bathurst. They need to build a new dam at Bathurst. It rains there more often than most places. The driving at that event is something else. Those nasty accidents remind you of the skill and danger involved. It is gutsy, earthy and dangerous. Possibly akin to watching a full day of test cricket, some watch the whole race (and they are truly admired). The Peter Brock Cup risks being re-named the Craig Lowndes Trophy. He now has had more podium finishes than the great man himself.

Wrap - GF Special - Nifty Nev's Successor

1. Cowboys. Outstanding. Their never-say-die attitude that prevailed all year (think v Manly and Parramatta for starters and their ability to fight till the end) won out in the end. Superb, but about the fifth time this year. Michael Morgan's class under pressure was built on his QLD Origin initiation this year. Remember the name Kyle Feldt for trivia into the future! The negative Bronco tactics backfired. Why they kicked it out so often and did not pressure for a try is beyond me. Not as though Lachlan Coote was carving them up. Thought Taumoulou was the Churchill Medallist.

The Neville Glover baton has been handed onto Kane Linnett who has given it quickly to Ben Hunt.

2. Wallabies. Defence was surging and they played energetically and hard. This was a scintillating effort under the Twickenham blowtorch. Pocock, Hooper and Douglas were tremendous. Foley was exceptional too. Calm and composed. Why Quayde Cooper is even considered is beyond me. Errors from England killed them. Not impressed with Genia. Two kicks smothered, ran out down a silly short side, some hospital passes and looked slow. Have a look at a replay. Phipps' pass was ambitious, but he brought spark to the game.

3. The main question was who was the dill who devised the draw? How that was ever going to work in Pool A is beyond me. It was foreseeable and should have been changed in advance. To have some of those other nations still alive - and not England - is dumb.

4. AFL. As predicted weeks back, the Hawks were sublime. Absolutely powerful under pressure. A three-peat in the modern era underlines the loyalty and teamwork that the modern club lacks. Players want to be part of their greatness and will sign for less and stay for less. It was telling post game when Luke Hodge eyeballed two players about to give him a Gatorade shower - and they stopped instantly. That shows respect in the playing ranks. Hard to find these days.

5. Why can the AFL have an afternoon Grand Final that rates its socks off and the NRL cannot? The entertainment at the AFL was pretty good too. Halftime is a gross disappointment however. Would not have hurt either code for an encore of some of the overpaid stars to re-appear!

6. Junior Paulo. Joins the ranks of geese who inhabit the Parramatta Eels scrum. Add some more court papers to the bonfire. Fair dinkum. Until these blokes are weeded out, that club will struggle. They need to set some standards - like they did with Jacob Loko - and recruit smart blokes who make good decisions under pressure. Get rid of the jailbirds, the DUI duds and the hard luck cases. Send them somewhere else. Look at Kenny-Dowall in that final and join the dots.

7. EPL. Just two types of coaches: some coaches are sacked and some who will be.

8. Hayne Plane. Plenty of hype, but that team is terrible. Coach under pressure.

9. About to wade through the annual petrol fumes and see a brand new number of Aussie cricketers come to the fore. Bring it on! I did note however that the cricketers Aus XI who were rolled for 60 chasing 300 are coached by one of the great dud cricket coaches...Greg Chappell (aka 'Bug Snappell' on his signed broad brimmed hats).

 

Wrap - What You Talking About Willis?

1. The energy of Ben Hunt was the difference for the Broncos. He has followed the Lockyer style with the rocket pass. It makes a huge difference. The absence of muscle up front hurt the Roosters (Hargreaves!). No brutal front man like Parker or Thaiday. Lots of game wiry blokes, but simply not good or big enough. Too much cross field crabbing from the Roosters. Tupou was terrible.

The Wests Tigers must feel great about the form of Adam Blair. Apparently it brought a smile to the face of Jason Taylor. As I am sure the Knights fans were cheering the transformation of Darius Boyd. The Spa Club and Retreat in the USA seems to have worked wonders. Bennett always seems to get the best out of blokes at the right time. How is Anthony Griffin this week? 

2. Another massive disappointment for Mitchell Pearce in a big game. He has an attitude that is a concern, but nothing will change. The form of young Hastings though is something else. He will be a star but needs more pace. Was it just me or was there a boot on the sideline for that second try? When Tallis, Lockyer and Lewis are on the call, it was ignored! Maybe I need OPSM. Jack Reid is a poor defender out wide. They have some problems when Hodges retires.

 

3. The Cowboys were impressive away from home. Thurston - brilliant as always. He produces in every big game and is so tough. Gracious in defeat and electric in triumph. Coach Green has been superb too. Ditched the silly losing blue checked shirt last year and look what happens! Melbourne, gallant, but poor ultimately. They really need a talented number 6 again. Ben Roberts? Blake Green? When does Widdop's contract end?

4. The Hawks. Too much skill. Can anyone get close? Once they get on the MCG they will run riot v West Coast! West Coast were underwhelming by comparison. If North can hold you goalless in a prelim final, what will the Hawks do to them in a GF? Engrave the medals already for mine. Hodge will be BOG. get on it. The pressure and experience of the Hawks wins big games. Fourth straight GF! Super impressive. First Melbourne team to win an interstate prelim final! One of the best teams ever.

 

Is there any reason why the AFL TV coverage is more lively and spirited than the NRL? More microphones? Commentators? On the ground commentators and interviews? Or is it the team song at the end? The crowds are more animated and alive too.

5. However, the crowd behaviour from many of the Freo fans was disgraceful. Purple ferals. Blokes raising hands to opposition players, to women, leaning over fences and gesticulating...it started with the disgrace against Micky O'Loughlin (the Irish one) in Perth behind the goals way, way back. The AFL have allowed this free rein by the crowd to prosper. The Adam Goodes stupidity was unchecked. The crowd simply feel they can do anything now and get away with it! There will be more in the GF too.

 

Can't wait for the voice to be rolled out at the AFL GF....the gravel sounding CRAIG WILLIS!? We used to have Brenno in Sydney for the NRL GF...nothing like it now.

6. Chelsea. Mourinho is still struggling. Unlike the horse namesake who cleaned up on the weekend after seemingly years of understated and limited promise.

7. The Rugby World Cup. Is the TV coverage and its timing killing the event off? How many really knew it started? Or is the sporting public just sick of World Cups going on and on...Soccer started it...cricket has two: 20/20 and ODI...rugby league...golf...hockey, rugby union? I think darts might have one too!

It will be quite miraculous if we can beat England or Wales really.

8. Here's hoping Hayne can find some space and carve out a new chapter for the SF49ers. To be honest, since the season proper has started he has struggled two games in. He needs to relax a little I suspect. Some more dominant forward play might help him too.

9. It goes without saying that the government's sudden shock safety announcement last night re the Australian cricket team visiting Bangladesh, were "bombshell" revelations.

10. Not sure what to make of the fact that Parramatta have signed more back office staff than your average Kebab store. Serious investment. Shame they chose the former fitness guru for St Kilda and Essendon. They came 14th and 15th out of 18 teams. Maybe someone from the decidedly more successful Hawthorn or the Swans perhaps next time? Memo to all rugby league personnel, Roosters included...don't associate yourself with Essendon. Not good for the CV.

 

 

Wrap - Dud Siblings and Sticking To Your Guns

A1. Japanese Rugby under Eddie Jones. Talk about increasing your price as a coach on the world stage. South Africa have been a little under their best for a while, but not this dreadful. A horrible loss, but good luck to Japan. Plenty of surprising multicultures in the national team too. The minnows strike back.

Pleased to see Georgia get a win against Tonga. The Middle East don't get much of a look in to world sport outside of football, so an interesting development. They really stuck to their guns.

1. Buddy Franklin. A sad end to the Swans 2015 story. How they missed him, Keiran Jack (Brandon Jack is a little like Merv Muggleton, Don Price or even Jamie Mahon...not as good as the sibling...John, Ray or Scott), Parker et al. They lack pace however from the centre and got found out.

By the way, I think everyone knows Buddy could not possibly be having an affair. His partner is elite in character, loyalty, spirit and everything else too.

2. Adam Goodes leaves the game with more headaches than ever. The behaviour of the North Melbourne fans on Saturday night at ANZ was appalling. Compensated by over enthusiastic local cheering by Sydney for a bloke who has been honoured twice as the BEST player in the AFL. Been honoured FOUR TIMES as one of the best in the country. 372 games and the low vermin of Melbourne think this is appropriate. Melbourne should hang its head in shame. North, West and East...maybe saved by the South. It is suddenly revealed as a small town with a disgusting attitude and will never become accepted on a world stage with that appalling rubbish.

Keith and every other apologist should go away and look at whether Melbourne are actually up to it as a sports town. The fans have shown they are worse than the worst the NRL can dish up. They have shown it through their appalling attendance at ODI fixtures and their inability to get over themselves and support the Melbourne Storm outside a cheated Grand Final Day or two.

At least the Canterbury Bulldogs just give the finger and look terrible. The Melbourne fans have proven TO BE terrible. One would have expected much, much better from this self appointed "sports loving" capital of the world. No, a joke of a city who were embarrassed and shameful. They will get smashed in the west nest week. That club has spirit, but they lack class. An absolute embarrassment, despite their crushing and convincing win.

An empty day for AFL. "Absolute Foolish Losers".

3. Cowboys. We would all like to see them knock over Melbourne. Thurston deserves to be on the end of great rewards. His consistency across the season is unbelievable. He should win every single award going. He is by far the best in the game.

4. Cronulla did really well to get this far, but ended in a heap. How can that happen at such a critical time of the club's year? Unbelievable. Gummy sharks...Perhaps over achievement at its best.

5. Roosters. They will do a number on the Broncos for mine. However the Broncos and Cowboys have had the advantage of hot weather prep for an extended time. If either team make the Grand Final, they will shine.

6. Davis Cup Tennis. Tomic did really well. His work under pressure was impressive. A shame that pink headed galoot, Kgyrios, was not up to it. He could have helped us if he had his head removed from other orifices. Hewitt and Groth almost made it too, but Andy Murray, as cranky as he is, was far too good. Another one with a sibling not as good.

7. Jason Day. Possibly world number 1? A great story of consistency and defiance of the odds. What an effort.

8. Jarryd Hayne. He has found a good team and home where he is at present. Some great spirit and a coach who knows how to manage men. Hoping he can deliver some excellence in Pittsburgh. It would be great to see him cut free and razzle dazzle. It looks like the extra muscle has cost him pace. Hopefully not.

9. Ronda Rousey is something else as a UFC fighter. Don't like the sport much, but appreciate the craft and the athletic ability. She is doing an awesome promotional job...and can fight.

10. Back on June 7 2015 I wrote this: I am sensing too that it will all end in tears at the Tigers with Jason Taylor. He is incapable of smiling and I see a bloke whose negativity will bounce heavily on a team of emerging whingers and brats. Get set for the tears. We are getting close to a show down.

Wrap - Jim Who?

1. The arrogance of Australian cricket knows no bounds sometimes. 2-0 up v England in the ODI series and now 2-2. They decide to rest Starc...suddenly he is back and gets a wicket in his first over. Not many teams have ever turned around a 0-2 series situation. Australia may yet go home with nothing. Maxwell is the new freak. Eoin Morgan has been in fine touch. He hits the ball with a pure crispness!

2. It is going to be hard work for the Bulldogs (v Roosters) and Sharks (v Cowboys) next week. A tough match up for the winners of the elimination finals. The top four teams seem to be so far ahead of the rest, but never discount the Bulldogs in a Finals series. They are an unbelievable club with an unbelievable record. Great effort from Melbourne and the Broncos.

I wonder how long it will be before we have another Sydney led conspiracy to oust the Cowboys from the finals?

3. Hawthorn will be back, despite their loss to West Coast. I still fancy them to win the whole show. The Freo win was only just over the wasteful Sydney. How Richmond can lose to North Melbourne is beyond me. They may well toss Sydney to the side too. The story is Adelaide however...what a phenomenal performance to down the gallant Western Bulldogs.

4. Pennetta did well to win the Women's US Open, but Serena Williams must be kicking herself. To lose to Vinci was pretty feeble in the circumstances. She has struggled at times at the US Open including losing that final to Sam Stosur when she fell apart. Will be interesting between Djokovic and Federer. How Federer keeps making finals after all these years is beyond me...a true legend and the best we may ever see.

5. He joins the following athletes of our time that we may never see the equivalent of again...Shane Warne, Kelly Slater, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods...and of course Anthony Mundine who would put himself in that company.

6. Floyd Mayweather can join that list too. A loud mouth goose at times, but can fight and does the business time and time again.

7. Jarryd Hayne. A phenomenal effort to make the top squad. Hopefully he will be used. Jim Tomsula is now better known than most NRL coaches!

8. Chelsea. Awful. They need a re-think before it is all too late.

Wrap - No Real Love (NRL)

1. Parramatta were best summed up today by a comment from my youngest son "Ryan Morgan did well today dad. He didn't stuff it up at the end and lose the game with poor defence in the last five minutes". He actually played alright to be fair, but he has hands like Dolf. Their defence was willing, but their attack is terrible. A bad loss by Manly, but Parra will be doing handstands. No wooden sppon in 2015. They are back (to rank mediocrity, not terrible underperformance).

2. Troubled by the anti-NRL sentiment flowing regarding TV rights. The NRL simply have no presence in two states (SA, WA) and a fledgling at best presence in VIC with zero interest in NT and TAS. They are probably lucky to have received what they have got. Smith has actually done pretty well attracting what he has. As for sponsors worried by the shoulder charge, Smith is too smart by half with all these journos. Law suits for damages will mount up. Are these the same people calling for a shorter season to ease the load on player's health and their welfare. Spare me! The critics have been brought undone with a tighter more professional approach (complete with errors) minus the leaks and mates deals. The NRL has become a financial powerhouse, operating with backward clubs who are mostly if not in, are certainly nearing in, on the shithouse. Does anyone really care these days if there were only 12 teams. There is a lack of care in most people who know that crowds on game day are a thing of the past.

 3. The Australian Cricket Team. Clarke has plummeted with the bat although apart from his feisty leadership, we will miss his fabulous hands in the slips. God help us with our batting order this summer. The Windies might get closer to us than we think - especially if they select Chanderpaul.

Good to see Siddle has put away the maps and the Tom Tom and is playing cricket. He has bowled well. Accurate, but all too late. Warne's criticism of Rod Marsh is absolutely spot on. Rod Marsh has lost the plot. Mark Waugh was in on that too wasn't he? He needs to get his act together too. Faceless.

Interesting to see we have scored more tons (3) than the Poms (1), but have lost. Inconsistency has cruelled us. Nothing like a dead rubber victory. It feels the same as painting the dog house after the dog just got killed by a motorbike. Empty. Noticed Steve Smith has scored 9/10 test tons in the first innings. Handy strike rate. Nathan Lyon has the wood on Cook. Even if it takes him 90 runs to crack.

4. Just when you thought Hawthorn were definites, the West Coast are forming a new threat - especially with a home final. Their work v Western Bulldogs has certainly helped Sydney's top four cause too.

5. Jarryd Hayne. Hopefully he can produce the goods tomorrow v the Dallas Cowboys, but certainly under pressure and the microscope. Something massive.

6. Noticed Ricky Stuart has presided over another end of season free fall. He could yet get another wooden spoon. He must like baking cakes.

7. England beaten by France in a Rugby Test. Maybe Sam Burgess is needed after all.

Wrap - Plane Dumb

1. This Kyrgios fellow fits the bill for a tennis player. Self absorbed, selfish, all about me and spoilt. Reminds me a bit of Olympic swimmers. He will forever be tainted. Not just for the latest stupid comment, but for the feigned injuries, the tantrums, the pathetic effort at Davis Cup for Australia, the ridiculous colours through his hair and the fluro clothes and nasty comments to ball boys/ girls. In short, he is a grub.

However I am also concerned by his form. He is inconsistent and erratic, unpredictable and boringly lacking in self awareness. He seemingly tanks and turns, gives up and gives out. There will be more stories soon...the world's media are out there now after him. His cards are marked and there will be no limits, as he himself has set none.

Then when it all ends, the sychophantic relatives and friends who have feasted on the gravy train vanish.

The unfortunate world of "booing" has just taken another turn.

2. Is it just me or is the turn for home in the NRL a true indicator of the worth of a coach? Which coaches can rally their teams and exert the required pressure in a 'conduicive to success' manner...Bennett...Robinson...Bellamy...Hasler? While others flounder despite their best efforts (and their limited rosters)...Stuart...Taylor...Arthur...McFadden...McGregor...

However Toovey is the one who is most tenacious. Yet sacked. Get him to your club ASAP!

Some players, hurting from injury no doubt, simply refuse to lift when it matters. Some coaches remain incapable of lifting them. Poor players...they play for 80 minutes, less stoppages and breaks, interchanges and substitutions...some play for half an hour a week and make $200K...player welfare...player welfare cheats...

Surely too in the next round of greed, the NRL need to look at centralised salary cap payments to players...pay from the centre and eliminate third party (cap dodge) arrangements. After all, they are providing the money. The clubs will then be clearly tagged as rorting as it is not for them to pay players at all. They sign an NRL contract so they should pay them directly. All TPA's should be published as well.

3. AFL. The whips are cracking now...Hawthorn, Freo and West Coast are most likely...Swans are no chance. West Coast win v Freo was a big statement. They have done well to rebuild post Ben Cousins and are getting better!

4. NFL. Will the plane fly or die? He has immense talent and has probably done better than anyone thought. However, one injury and it is curtains. A bright start on debut v Houston. There are plenty of Australian media banging the drum. It will be some sort of story if he pulls it off.

5. Wallabies. Michael Chieka is losing the plot. Fancy playing Quayde Cooper at Eden Park. He lacks composure under pressure and is not calm or considered in his judgement. Plainly, he is a liability in such games. Giteau, while not spectacular, has been sound or better and the whole balance of the side is suddenly undone. What a shock we lost. Refreshing to have a game of footy start earlier than 8.30pm. Bring back the 7.00pm start at the latest.

6. US PGA. Has John Daley got bigger in the guts? Jordan Speith is something else. Great to see new legends emerging in the game. It has been in the doldrums post Tiger. Jason Day's unbelievable record at majors continues to impress.

7. Dave Warner Australian Vice captain? Hard to believe. I doubt he has the maturity to carry it off. He is probably the only bloke likely to be picked regularly in the team so it was him or Johnson! Him.

8. Australian Netball. A great effort to win the World Cup. A huge event with massive crowds...whn will it get mainstream media support. There is a lively market there!

Wrap - Dark Clarke

1. As soon as Clarke announced a family was on the way, the writing was on the wall. After all he has been doing this for a million years. Forget about the Duke ball, the WAGS and the like, we were outgunned and mentally fragile. The mental hopelessness was the most striking thing about it all. We gave up and did not fight. One can only wonder at the impact of the disaffected Clarke fanclub in Watson, Haddin and Siddle in the background of the team set up and the impact this had on some feeble minds.

Clarke's exclusive with Warnie almost guarantees his inclusion on the commentary team next summer in Australia. He joins the likes of Swann, Prior and Trott who have bailed out mid Ashes tour.

We have learned a few things:

a. Shaun Marsh is terrible and as I have been banging on about, moves habitually laterally - not like a Langer and Hayden who hit in the V down the ground. Phil Hughes (RIP) suffered bit from this too. When was the last straight drive for four runs in this team? Steve Smith maybe. Those who can execute that shot are the batsmen of class and distinction. S. Marsh may have had his papers stamped - "never to be selected again"...despite some good pre Test series batting v counties.

b. Rod Marsh and Mark Waugh as selectors are on the skids. How you drop Mitchell Marsh, diddle yourself a bowler and get no runs...a terrible selection of S. Marsh instead.

c. Boof Lehmann is incredibly unlucky. Bayliss has made him look third rate. Bayliss will get his own back though when England travel abroad.

d. Clarke will be gone. Voges is done. Haddin is done. Siddle is done and Watson is done. The loss of Harris was significant. He would have been handy on this tour.

e. Rogers must play on a little longer. Ed Cowan looks better in jeans and a coat on Fox Sports than in whites.

f. Starc, despite getting two Michelle's, is erratic and cannot build pressure. Having he and Johnson in the same side is not real clever.

g. Hazelwood looks like he does not concentrate and lost form terribly with each test.

h. Johnson rarely gets wickets when he should. He surprises yes, but no wickets of substance in England's first innings? Please.

i. Steve Smith for all his talent is a wasteful millionaire at times...like Warner. God help us when they decide to be wasteful on the same day.

j. Kevin Pietersen is never playing again.

k. As Chappelli says though, what new talent? Have we got any?

2. Wallabies. A bright performance against a wasteful and surprisingly off beat All Blacks. Not often you go home from ANZ with a smile after an All Blacks test. Forwards looked a lot stronger and this selection change regarding blokes abroad is common sense. South Africa losing to the Argentinians was as big a story.

3. Roosters look good things for the NRL GF. Manly are surging and were never getting the spoon. They might surprise further. Both the Cowboys and Bunnies looked weak on the weekend.

4. AFL. Freo and Hawks still loom. The demise of the Swans has been staggering!

5. I noticed the fans at Sandow's new club have been chanting "what a waste of money!"...who would have thought.

Wrap - Peter Siddle Holiday Edition

1. Ashes. The seaming deck is our nemesis. We get negative and then fold. Adam Voges has been an immense disappointment after a stunning Shield year. Clarke has been soft too. Where's the mongrel and fight he was renown for? He has become a passenger. No good telling the press you are either Michael. They know. We know. Maybe instead tell the scoreboard assistant you might trouble him/ her. Not often an Aussie skipper does not fall to pieces in an Ashes series...we have had Kim Hughes, Graham Yallop, Ponting with his run out and now Clarke.

Clarke also needs to back Nevill. Haddin is past it. He is not good at accepting the selectors' decision. His own decision is suddenly a lot closer. Clarke is dividing the camp - not Nevill.

If Shaun Marsh comes into the team, watch the slips catching. He does not use his feet properly. Broad and Anderson will get him in a heart beat. Is Siddle getting paid?

2. Adam Goodes. Way back on 7 June 2015, two month back, I wrote this:

This Adam Goodes thing is dividing the game, not uniting in its indigenous focus. There needs to be some cool heads, but this wholesale booing of Goodes is a terrible look. I note that at the SCG he is applauded more loudly than ever with every touch. The AFL have a significant problem with their fans.
They still do. In a sport where drugs can be consumed without penalty, they need to fix that up too. I notice that Mr K Hunt will be in court this week. maybe the tightening up will be quicker now.

Richmond have turned the corner (and in good time). Their defeat of Hawthorn was sensational.

3. The 'Shoot Me Shield' in NSW Club Rugby has continued to roll on this weekend. Surprised to see Beale playing in the park to get some touch back. Any reason why there was no SA-NZ-Argie games this weekend? I wonder how the Penrith Emus and Parramatta Two Blues clubs feel about rugby union. I would get rid of both and turn it into a four team comp. Are we having another edition of the WA v Canberra Rugby Comp this season? It was such a cracking success, surely we are...

4. SANZAR. Is it possible they are suffering from 'headupone's arseitis'? To appeal Hooper's penalty? Daft. I didn't know Sepp had moved codes.

5. NRL. Like Toovey's style. He is a hard head and should be snapped up by another club...Titans? Knights? He is an out and out winner. I have my doubts about Barrett. Raw and an example of the Peter Principle (promoted to a level of incompetence).

Is a Crusher tackle more dangerous than a shoulder charge? Is a crusher tackle more dangerous than a punch? Surely wrestling moves need to be banned. The NRL will have some serious litigation against it one day.

6. I read that Ryan Morgan is set to be re-signed for two years. Might be the money left over from Sandow's car ashtray. Parramatta are on the up. Great news Foran will skipper the group.

7. Has anyone seen this Ronda Rousey fight? She is awesome. 34 seconds and 12 undefeated titles.

8. Is the Jarryd Hayne NFL saga over yet? Getting close surely.

Wrap - Alien Abduction

1. Robert 'Alien' Allenby. What is it about this bloke? Cranky and hard work. Has had more caddies than breakfasts. The Hawaii abduction story and any sympathy wears thin when you see the way he goes on. They may have thought he was an alien. He is simply not normal. He rarely wins these days and should move on. Goose of the highest order. Up there with Tomic in the popularity stakes. Did you notice Tomic playing a small town tournament and is into the final. Cunning rat.

2. Swans. They are in a hole. There needs some serious recalibration or they will simply fade when the pressure really mounts. Tired legs? Longmire needs to reinvent them and fast. Not enough midfield pace for mine. Skills and over finessing are fine, but they lack pace at the break.

3. Cronulla. They are powering to the semis at present. A tough win at Belmore. 19,000 fans. There must be some fit dogs fans with the parking at that joint. They would have been walking for miles. Great tempo and atmosphere. Ennis is a competitor who while hated by the opposition is loved by his teammates. Like Javed Miandad.

4. Tour de France. Is it still as glamorous as it once was? Every time you watch it you feel like it is the Olympics...great performance, but is it legitimate? What new drug is taking hold and is presently undetectable??

5. Wallabies. Good solid performance, but it was Argentina. Still hard to watch. The All Blacks on the other hand are red hot. Great entertainment. However any thoughts we hold of beating them will evaporate soon enough. Cooper is a clear liability.

6. Fifitas. Real tough guys. Lucky no one belted them up too - or arrested them. Again, too much money and not enough brains.

7. Mitchell Marsh. Looks tidy. Good pace and hopefully injury free! Would like to see Rogers play. He offers such wisdom and experience, but may not play again. Shaun Marsh opening the batting in a Test will be a nightmare. Poor footwork. Moves laterally but not down the pitch. Anderson will get him every time. Interested to see Peter Nevill behind the stumps v Derbyshire in their tour match. Is Haddin gone?

8. Geoff Toovey: "There has to be an investigation into this...somebody has to be made accountable for this". Personally I cannot see Trent Barrett as a smart enough coach to carry the Manly club. Have you heard the rumour about Jamie Lyon returning to Parramatta? He is looking for a white ute and a blue cattle dog from a third party provider - and a casino.  The Obeids deliver.

The Wrap - Loud and Late, But Feeling Fresh

Every now and then there is a weekend with too much sport. It was this weekend! The remote is still recovering.

1. The Cricket. The featherbed of a deck at Lords will take some work to unlock as the Poms chase over 500. Love the style and poise of Smith. He has sent a bit of a message. Rogers looks strong too - wobbly overnight - but strong mentally. I like his style. Johnson better, but Starc is a bit soft. Just before lunch he bowls wide when the pressure is on. He gets injured waking up in the morning. Toughen up! Nevill  looked sharp too...great footwork. That was very promising. I am also impressed with the work of Lyon. He is looking good after a terrible start to the tour before the Tests started.

2. NRL. Is it a "go to the ground" spectator sport anymore? I suspect the game has now almost made itself redundant to a live crowd.

Disgrace I. Chris Sandow. Thankfully his immature temperamental outbursts will soon come to an end. It is an awful thing to suggest, but there was evidence of him tanking for Parramatta v the Bulldogs. A tantrum to get his own release and in so doing, annoy and disgust his team mates. His no running, missed tackles and kicking game disgrace were appalling. A shame they can't sack him instantly. Good riddance to a bloke who was far too inconsistent to be good.

The Dragsters. Six losses in a row is a bit worrying. Where has their great defence gone?

3. Tennis Disgrace II. Nick Kygrios. For him to lose a Davis Cup tie was appalling v Kazakhstan. Deservedly sacked for the return singles and that old fighter who is a tremendous strength in world sport - Lleyton Hewitt - steps up to rescue us. I hope Nick was watching closely. 40 Davis Cup appearances for Hewitt...amazing! Sam Groth did well too. A rare thing to win a Davis Cup tie after being down 0-2.

 

By the way, can Tomic act a bigger tool than at present? The thought of him getting his Dad's advice to change countries for tennis would now be less of a surprise than last week!

4. Lucky escape for the Wallabies. Why you would persist with Cooper is beyond me. Toomua or even Foley not kicking in such a big event... ridiculous. Is Giteau big enough?

 

I must say that the Rugby advantage rule was no doubt well intended. Meant to get the referee out of the way and let play continue. The stupidity of rugby however has now meant that the advantage stretches far too long...stupidly long...and the ref brings it back and continues to dominate and ruin games. Nice to see the Irish failure of a ref - Paddy O'Dud - not there this week. The refs should also focus on all the drinks/ huddles and nonsense time wasting between set plays...too slow to ever become prime TV viewing. The refs are to blame and the players/ coaches exploit it.

 

5. Footballroos. Someone is making some huge cash out of these Juventus- Liverpool- ManU - Chelsea visits....they are everywhere.

 

6. British Open Golf. Has anyone asked the question about why there is not a wind farm at St Andrews? They are something else. Aussies well placed.

 

7. Hawthorn. Give them the flag. Roughead too good. Swans appalling. No running and defence not there. Tippett terrible. Forward line ineffective including Buddy. Permanent scars! The only scars for Hawthorn were from the rogue dynabolts. Did anyone see the stupid groundsman put the mat over them. Amateur hour and rudeness to Lingy who was explaining it all. The folk at 'The Back Page' will have a lot of fun with that this week.

 How many serious injuries have occurred from advertising hoardings, fences and rogue foreign objects... I can think of Marcus Bai, Luke Lewis...advertising hoarding injuries...Ricky Ponting at the SCG...

 8. Warnie Gold. I must say, no matter how crass, loud or overbearing, Warnie is a funny bloke. Talking to Tubby about the previous night's drinking and socialising activities, he said to a demure Taylor.."I was loud and late, but feeling fresh today!". Magnificent!

Wrap - Let's Banish Watson (LBW)

1. If Shane 'LBW' Watson is not dropped - finally - we are all surely to boycott watching the team at Lords. How Mitchell Marsh could be omitted is beyond me. Firstly Watson's inability to change his technique is because he has NEVER been dropped. He has NEVER had to dig deep and feel the pain and embarrassment to make himself better. The selectors need to take responsibility for that one. His bowling is also not that great. He only bowled 13 overs in over 700 runs scored.

This is where Clarke is dangerous. He surrounds himself with his captain picks - Haddin, Rogers, Watson, Johnson...His own form has been horrible. The form of Haddin has been woeful too. Both need to look closely at themselves or they too will be sacked. Rod Marsh and Mark Waugh will need to have a careful look at whether they like staying employed.

Theoretically, these four Haddin, Rogers, Watson, Johnson - and Clarke himself could all be retired in the coming year.

As for the bowling, Starc was a major disappointment. Sure, got five wickets in the first innings, but so reckless and wayward. He did not build pressure. Then he falls down injured. Too precious for mine. How can this poor performance happen if you are truly concentrating? Wasteful rock star cricketers. Johnson was as terrible. He must be terrible to bowl along side at times. No pressure and worse, no dismissals this time, when they were needed.

There is a valid theory that you cannot have Johnson and Starc in the one team.

Trevor Bayliss has been masterful again.

2. Is it fair to say that going to an Ashes series in England is similar now in psychology to our teams of the 80's travelling to India. We had food, accommodation, umpires complaints then...now it's the pitch, the curators, the swing, the DRS, the weather, the ball...damn that Duke ball...everything except close preparation and professionalism.

I was so disappointed in Voges. He fights hard through a whole Shield season, he plays well in the lead up games, gets a plumb opportunity and plays two very bad, extremely poor, shots. He needs to stand up or perish in Lords.

3. Hawkeye. Is there an instruction manual? It seems as though no one understands it - or owns the decision. There is a ridiculous level of scrutiny now...suffice to say the West Indies would have been dismissed a lot more cheaply - and no team would have gotten half the runs they did against them.

4. When will hotspot be introduced into rugby league for those contested bombs? It shouldn't be too far away, but surprising it is not there already for Origin.

5. Speaking of which...NSW were absolutely pumped. QLD just have that stamp of class and intensity that is undefeatable. We may not see the like of it again. (We live in amazing sporting times really...we have seen many of the best ever in ALL sports like the Windies pace bowlers, Tendulkar, Warne, Tiger Woods, Kelly Slater, Federer/ Nadal/ Djokovic, Ronaldo, Messi, Serena, Phelps....) and throw in Thurston and Inglis.

Unfortunately, those referees were again far too whistle happy and far too influenced by the QLD crowd - as Ennis indicated. But the dropped balls and ill discipline by NSW was the real source of their demise. Mitchell Pearce, Will Hopoate, Ryan Hoffman, Michael Ennis, Trent Hodkinson...have all had their papers stamped 'never to play again'.

6. Serena Williams was awesome. She will retire as the best ever. The 'Serena Slam' has now occurred twice. All four Grand Slams in a row - but not in a calendar year.

7. Such a shame that Warnie lost in the world poker tournament. Imagine him in Vegas post tournament.

Wrap - The Haircut of Truth

1. With the start of the Ashes this week coming we will no doubt be thrown up the biggest furphy of them all...the Duke ball. This will detract from the seaming decks and any wastefulness of Warner and Watson in particular. If Mitchell Marsh misses out on selection, that will be one of the greatest travesties...especially after two tons. Couldn't help but note how he ran out Adam Voges (nearest rival), so he will fit in perfectly in place of the selfish Watson. A shame we will not see Ryan Harris in action over there. Pat Cummins is a handy replacement. He might just strike fear into their hearts. Surely Siddle is finished. A good net bowler however on a long tour.

2. NRL Player Health. This is one of the annual nonsense stories, especially looking at the demand on EPL and European footballers, NBL players, MLB players...these NRL blokes are handsomely paid and the most "hard done by individuals" play once a week for 80 minutes (less about 15 minutes for stoppages and deduct the interchange interruptions too). Maybe player health should focus on the vile high shots and nonsense to player's through wrestling moves...not to mention the riding of mechanical bulls at QLD Origin camp.

3. This week will be important for Klemmer. He has suffered acute over exposure in the press and stands to be a massive hit or a great dud by Thursday morning.

3. Sam Stosur. Like Shane Watson you will always hear these words from Sam: "I feel like I am hitting the ball well at the moment". She has become terrible. Weak really. She wins the first two games of her most recent loss this weekend - and wins not a game more! She is frail mentally, sadly.

4. Kgyrios. Why is a haircut the best and most accurate judgement of a bloke's personality? This was raised as a major looming issue on The Wrap over 18 months back.

5. Tomic. I am tipping we might see a change of country very soon...like Jelena Dokic before him. Croatia...Serbia? He is as valuable to us as the Greek drachma. I also note that the mighty and famous Poo is making a senior men's tour comeback. He was woeful when at his prime most weeks. He will fade.

5. Death of Adelaide AFL coach, Phil Walsh. A sad and terrible situation, but the game v Geelong should have been postponed by the AFL. As it was both will share points which might just cost one or other a valuable semi spot or rank order position. Phil Walsh would not have stood for this.

6. Highlanders v Hurricanes. 35,000 in the crowd to the GF? Is this good enough? Good to see the Penrith Emus are back v Warringah. Lost 209 - 27 this week across the different grades above colts..

7. Western Sydney Wanderers - world wide offcuts are the best you get in the A League. The absence of any loyalty makes soccer hard to warm to...no one has any loyalty..players, clubs, fans...no one.

8. As honest as Karmichael Hunt. A new saying. A very honest Hunt.

Wrap - Parramatta Reminisce

There is no doubting the legions of support for Parramatta. Blind faith that there is club and football team leadership and direction at the top. Regardless, the good and madly simple Parramatta supporter folk just want to see victories and cheer on their local team. They are a loyal lot, lurking in every office across the nation. Maybe the 'Friends of Parramatta Park' might just be the last fans left if they are not careful. Moeroa is a champion...Pauli Pauli potentially awesome...Radradra exemplary...Norman outstanding...Takairangi (rangdoo) making a difference...Peats a rep player... they offer hope.

So where did it all go wrong? Is it just that the beaches of Cronulla and Manly are better places than the banks of the upside down Parramatta River? Was it just after the Cumberland Oval grandstand fire - or was it when 'Click Go The Shears' gave way to Jon English's song that was seemingly recorded down a coal mine? Or was it when 'Kick on at Kicks' and the famous dollar drinks gave way to Sterlos? Maybe it was when "The Pit" was disbanded downstairs.

Many also point to the greatest dud signing of all time - a 14 year old kid called Barney Haslett. Poor bugger. Crusher Cleal's last brainwave before he, his shopping trolley full of pasta and his modern day boys home concept was shipped out. Or was it when the club signed Jeff Fenech (love youse all)? However the crazy/. unfortunate/ mad signings have continued to this day.

We all recall the terrible luck in signing Adam Ritson, but how did they ever let Andrew Ryan go to the Bulldogs? To this day, no one also knows what happened with Jamie Lyon and that contract fiasco. He apparently even pocketed those fifties waved at him over the fence and collected those coins thrown at him. It was as mysterious as the annually renewed Mick Cronin contract in his playing days. As mysterious as why Justin Poore became a rank dud once signed and how Kevin Kingston - a smart leader and player - was not signed up.

How about the foray into England...first it was Chris Thorman, a renown dud, then it was the Englishman Lee Mossop who played three games after being signed with a chronic shoulder injury, Gareth Hock bailed out before even arriving, while this year young Ben Crooks was meant to be the next great thing.  Never seen. Will Hopoate was signed and allowed to forgo two years of his prime - and has not been the same player since. Don't forget the Israel Folau signing contract schemozzle too. But we just re-signed John Folau who is as good, so who cares. We have had ex jailbirds in Mahu and Wicks (playing well), ex druggies like Rene Maitua and we even re-signed a bloke who was there but only after he had returned with a possible broken neck (Fa'aoso). Now the Foran hullabaloo, malarkey. Apparently, Beau Scott is more nervous than a garden gnome in John Ibrahim's garden.

We've also signed Peter Sharp, sent him packing and signed him again. The success he has brought to the club is unparalleled. Just better than his namesake, Steve Sharp. Hard to get that early 1980's image of Steve Sharp with a tyre lever at Brooks Tyres near Parramatta Jail out of my mind. But at least he won a lot of comps.

Oh for the glory days of bouncing on the wooden seats at Cumberland Oval and later watching Mike Eden pot them from the sideline with his left and right boot, seeing Paul Carige try and singlehandedly lose a semi final, cheering Shane Whereat the fastest man in rugby league, hearing Guru Grothe had slipped over in the pre game warm up v Canberra and was out again, hoping young Guru Grothe grew up and discarded his stupid guitar first, or watching Lee Oudenryn beat Martin 'Chariots' Fire in a foot race. Like the League Olympics from way back. Enough to make Chook Herron choke on a World Rugby League Sevens 2003 winners medal! That or gnaw away at the Tooth Cup of 1980.

Bring back the long plastic Eel with human legs underneath, the Aboriginal guys who ran out with spears and posed so powerfully leg on knee on the quarter lines pre game or even the flying wedge from the late 1970's. There was character in those days. Where are those nets that held the blue and gold balloons?

Character it was that saw all those locals at Pennant Hills identify Paul Mares and Guru Grothe making a hash of the Molotov cocktail and land themselves in the clink. The association with police and jails knows no bounds. Why even the great Jarryd Hayne proved himself in those early days in Kings Cross, sidestepping bullets well before hapless defenders.

And who has been the next Sterlo? First it was Stu Galbraith, Jason Bell, Andrew Fitzhenry, Tulsen Tollett and Ben Kusto, then Witt, Speechley, Dykes, Johnny Simon, Andrew McFadden, Casey McGuire, Gary Freeman, Troy Pezet, John Morris, Tim Smith, Kris Keating and young Mortimer. Sandow is better than the lot. He has been dropped more often than a dollar coin in a poker machine at Wenty Leagues - or dropped more often by a toothless woman (or bloke..) after 2.00am at the same place.

Brian Jackson and David Woods - even Michael Beuttner were the next Steve Ellas...the great paspalum chewing junior nursery has been corrupted by Brian Smith cloned coaches who forgot about flair and talent, preferring left sides and right sides. Jack Gibson did it all from a bus at Granville Park. Now we have weekends away in Coffs Harbour with massages and facials. Even now, local juniors are as rare as the National Panasonic Cup winner's photos.

So for every new fan, hoping for the future, there is one who remembers the Danny Crnkovich sidestep at pace, the Peter Johnston big hit, Graham Settree's head gear, the Bear O'Reilly's red cheeks, Eddie Flahey's sidestep, John Kolc's mo, Graham Murray's mo, Graeme Atkin's mo, Phil Mann's stride, Graham Olling's bald head before his steroid confession, Scott Mahon's mullet, Greg Drake's gut, Mark Tookey's gut, David Vaealiki's low socks, Inu's smile, David Solomona's black head gear rat's tail or Ray Higgs' blonde curls.

Pricey's statue has never had more bird crap on it. Board/ Club Elections that would make Robert Mugabe blush..with outcomes as predictable as Neil Hunt's sidestep... Fake ballots...gravy trains and the words 'Fitzgerald-Spagnola' that make the fans wince and churn. You always know when an election is coming...they renovate the Leagues Club. A perfect distraction from the main game.

Often too we have all cried out for some Tingha vouchers to halt the ex player whinging - Kenny, Price and Guru have led this. Of late Leadbeater has shown more talent for offending the opposition than he ever did as a player.  Then there is Fitzy getting marched off the premesis...Fui Fui putting the boot in to all in his best selling novel...the Sandow car accident...Peats' car repossessed. Salary cap fines. Docked competition points. Players avoid drug tests with an old fashioned switcheroo...

Enough to send you straight to the Tollgate. Surely it has to improve.

Wrap - The Difference of a Day

1. Origin II. Melbourne have once again outdone us lads. Sorry to say it, but they have. A huge crowd. 91,000+. Most had no idea who was playing and who they were cheering, but they turned up. Slow in winter down there.

Got to say that the ref - Gerard Sutton - is dreadful. His effort to march across both team's ten metre line and blow a penalty in front of the sticks was the legend of Jack Danzy or Kevin - 'Bilko' - Roberts. Amazing time warp stuff for the modern era. He did it twice!

How Aaron Woods did not win the MOTM is beyond me. He was dominant and tough. Farah was down on form with a busted shoulder (good story when you win), Hoppa is still mediocre and Pearce must run with the footy. We look electric when he runs the ball. A much improved player. Love the way Merrin and Klemmer play. Hard. Cordner is a bit of an imposter however.

This Klemmer is truly mad. We need a bit of that. Jennings...how he could be such a galoot is beyond me, but just for a moment would a policeman get a bit starry eyed and suddenly intolerant at 2.30am in Parramatta and make a name for himself? Never. Not much good happens in Parramatta after 12.00pm. Not a lot of good happens before 12.00pm either, just quietly.

2. Interesting to see Thurston get agitated in Origin footy. It happens a bit. Not a sign of it in club ball, but when playing for QLD he seems to lapse into it - especially if scoreboard pressure is mounting. Still the best in the game and by far the best player we have seen. Quite amazing really. He backs up and beats Canberra on his own. The Cowboys have won so many games in the final moments this year (v. Storm by 1, Warriors by 4, Knights by 2, Manly by 4, Parramatta by 6, Canberra by 1...). Thurston is the difference. That's 12 NRL points!

3. Cricket. Will be interesting to see when Mitchell Marsh replaces Shane Watson. Can't be too far away surely. Ryan Harris has joined the team so the big dilemma is who is left out. Harris will play. I suspect it will be Lyon - or Johnson. Johnson seems down on pace again for mine and nothing like his last Ashes in Australia. How can you lose it so quickly? Grow that mo!

4. Super 15. Highlanders won well. The Brumbies have been gallant winning yet again in South Africa, but need some more spark. Not enough in the tank for mine. Tomane's opposite was terrible.

5. Swans. The week off, but well set for the semis again. Like the look of North Melbourne but Port Adelaide are on a fast downwards spiral. They were terrible to lose to Carlton. The video ref in AFL is one of the worst. The beer must flow steadily into the video ref box.

6. US Golf. Jason Day has had a vertigo relapse, but still finished strongly. A great story with the news editors across the world gathering their headlines...He has shown amazing character. Here's hoping for a better than top ten in a major.

Is it unfair to suggest Adam Scott may be a one trick pony in winning majors? A magnificent pony it was, but top 20 is often as good as it gets. How soon a No 1 in the world fades...What to make of Tiger? He seems to have almost lost it. I suspect he will be back sometime, but not soon. Speith is the new champion to beat. Calm under pressure!

7. Intriguing to see that another innocent Australian sportswoman has been done for drugs in swimming this time. Kylie Palmer. Looks like a cross between Petria Thomas and Dimity Douglas. No idea how it got there of course...maybe toothpaste, too much sex, infected food, crook drink, fine print on medicine...or maybe Warnie's mum gave it to her. It was a diuretic.

8. UFC. I find it very hard to believe this to be a credible sport. Tough. Uncompromising no doubt. Fit. Strong, but oh so brutal. One of those sports that no one knows the names of its best players. Like ten pin bowling. Maybe it needs to be in the Olympics too?

9. The netball. These women are superb athletes. Tough and skilful. Big in the shoulders. Unbelievable comeback by the Queensland Firebirds. Edging towards a choke by the Swifts. Superb theatre. Let's hope the Matilda's can knock over Brazil tonight. Now that would be a glorious choke!

Wrap - Holding On

1. Swans. Buddy Franklin is in some sort of form. Worth every cent. His dominance  and length of kick is unparalleled in the game. Popular? Not really, but all class and is a clear matchwinner. His teammates love him. A good sign. The work of the Swans midfield is also exceptional. Jarred McVey is a calm legend of the game. However Kurt Tippett may be on the look out for a new club - and Rhys Shaw. Too many ineffectual plays and looseness. No place in the modern game.

2. The Warriors. Has there been a squad more powerful and dynamic than this lot - and a bunch of more disappointing underperformers? They are woeful at times.

3. I noticed Andrew McFadyn has donned the slimline jumper - and Paul Green has gotten rid of the blue checked shirt. Says something.

4. Waratahs. Despite my ongoing baggings, they have triumphed once more and are well positioned to make another final. Congrats to them all and like Graham Arnold, Michael Chieka is one of our best man managers in all of Australian sport (conversely, look at the Western Force!). I suspect the Brumbies - whose defence has been one of the strongest all season - may have something to say about that.

5. When will an Australian sport take the US lead and make the Grand Final a best of three? One home. One away. Final one dictated by the highest finishing team. What a money spinner (a la Origin) that would be. Think MLB, NBA...Some of these sports need to start thinking differently.

6. Cricket. Steve Smith looks in good form - again (has he ever been out of form?). I still think his lateral crease shuffle at the point of playing the ball could be exploited more. However, what bowlers in the current world crop are good enough to do this? Anderson? Broad? Steyn? Morkel? It would be nice to see Shane Watson get more than 30 runs in a Test. Borrowed time surely.

Did you see some of the excuses given for not playing in the Test by some of the West Indians..Bishoo (bad finger) and Samuels in particular. Marlon Samuels is surely on his last warning. He has a lot of the Gayles/ Bravos about  him. The flu? He was sitting there in a shirt and shorts. Maybe a heartlidge or a paper cut. Anyone missing Chanderpaul?

Loved seeing some old fashioned West Indian fast bowling aggression...a few jaw ticklers...that Holder reminds me of Big Bird/ Ambrose! Starc is fast becoming our main man too.

7. Women's Football World Cup. Highly skilled and amazing brutality! There is some old fashioned entertainment in this sport, where players seem to be enjoying playing for the thrill of representing their country and winning!

Wrap - Parramatta's Relegation - Special Edition

I think we have all just witnessed one of the most catastrophic and pathetic displays of rugby league by a team since 1908. Leading 30-6, Parramatta lose 36-30!

Sorry to all the Eels apologists out there and those who want to sook about loyalty, but get a grip, please.

The Eels. Pathetic.

Does anyone think they need leadership and leaders - smarter footballers - to be recruited instantly? This was staggering.

They are a dumb, rudderless football team. Watmough has added nothing really...except a few customary play the ball fumbles and penalties.

How does Ryan Morgan get a start in any first grade team? He is possibly the worst footballer in first grade at any club. Ever. In fact, when you see his name on the team sheet, Parramatta are destined to lose. Have a close look at the last 20 mins of game footage and tell me Ryan Morgan is not the worst player since Chris Thorman - or Paul Carige for the Eels.

Tim Mannah..good bloke...top fella...wonderful ambassador...yada yada...but he clearly is done. He needs to be part of the clean out. He is the surviving problem over the last eight years. He has not offloaded a footy since he started and offers no leadership or mental toughness. I am sad to say it, but he is too used to losing. He also draws a hefty wage.

Exit stage left, before the good players go too.

They need to also look at the coach. He was the one who could not crack a win in the last few games last year to edge them to the semis. He is not getting through to them, but if many of your squad are ex prisoners, domestic violence offenders, accused cheats, regulars in court and drug test liars and avoiders ...maybe he is performing miracles.

Far too many of these players make poor choices in their personal lives, which are reflected in the poor choices they make on the field. When it comes to a crisis decision or the tough moment, they wilt. They have proven form in this sphere.

Bring it in close. Adopt the Swans' "NO DICKHEAD POLICY" please.

They could also give some thought to getting Toovey across there when he gets punted. He at least knows how to win...most years. He is tough and insistent.

Brad Arthur puts on a great surprised - face lift - look in a press conference.

But, the sun comes up as usual and another spoon will make its way to the Eels Leagues Club (which by the way is making a storming profit...cue handstands....cartwheels....yippee..). All the while the club goes down the sinkhole.

Maybe the brainiac who took the overpaid, underperforming Eels brats to the north coast last week for their weekend massage and day spa needs to be sacked. It's hard work losing the unloseable and earning a wooden spoon.

Maybe a lesson or two in reading the momentum of the game and choices that need to be made under pressure would have been better. Was that not part of the USA frolic at the start of the year? What did they actually learn over there?

No matter, the wages will be in the account tomorrow.

They should be relegated to the NSW Cup. Today.

Wrap - A Goodes Thing

1. So Adam Voges was the man as predicted. A wonderful ton under pressure on a low turner (not a WACA deck), reinforcing the old ethic that those excelling in Shield make the best batsmen. He is actually quite capable of playing the middle order Boof Lehmann role when he was selected all those years ago.

Shane Watson may need to be nervous now. Do we really need his bowling at present - even allowing for the rubbish attitude of the West Indies when the pressure is on? Starc, Hazlewood and Johnson have him covered. And no room for Chanderpaul? The politics of protecting Lara's run scoring record is clearly at work here. Typical dysfunctional West Indian cricket...even when they have a solution, no one can bend. And where is Pollard, Gayle, et al? Stupidity.

Had to laugh a little at the Nathan Lyon record v Hugh Trumble. Lyon may have the total wickets but at nearly 38 runs each, compared to Trumble's low 20's? A steady cricketer who seems to be a good bloke, but who ranks somewhere above Ray Bright and Tom Hogan but beneath Roo Yardley.

2. AFL. This Adam Goodes thing is dividing the game, not uniting in its indigenous focus. There needs to be some cool heads, but this wholesale booing of Goodes is a terrible look. I note that at the SCG he is applauded more loudly than ever with every touch. The AFL have a significant problem with their fans.

3. Souths and the Storm looked dominant. Titans are doing pretty well for a team that has a ridiculous situation with the turncoat, Daley Cherry-Evans. Always be wary of a man with a hyphenated surname. Usually VERY indecisive by name and nature.

I am sensing too that it will all end in tears at the Tigers with Jason Taylor. He is incapable of smiling and I see a bloke whose negativity will bounce heavily on a team of emerging whingers and brats. Get set for the tears.

4. Folau finally clicked for the Tahs on the weekend. He has had a quiet season really and needs to lift. Their next South African match looms as critical. Being on top of the Australian conference sounds great, but means little.

I was wrong about that Reds coach. Inexplicably they have kept him on, despite the shipwreck.

5. FIFA. Is there not scope for a break away football league? A world split aligned to 'old FIFA' (Africa, Asia) and those who seek a new order (Europe, Americas)? Surely the game could divide like Super League as there is significant cash in that game. When all is resolved, they re-unite on new terms. Simple. TV companies make a motza in between.

6. Serena Williams. She is elite and simply phenomenal. Four behind the best ever but now goes to Wimbledon with the Australian and French under her belt. What price a 2015 Grand Slam?

7. Barcelona 3-1 over Juventus as world champions. They are some sort of team - with some sort of chequebook.

8. I saw one of the funniest movies on the weekend - San Andreas. If you want to see an action film that makes no sense, has no logic and has ridiculous one liners that make no sense...watch it. Very funny.