Wrap - A Marvellous Wrap That

1. Richie Benaud story... I need to share a Richie story... Coming out right of the end of a day's play of test cricket at the SCG some 5-10 years back with another Richie (Roberts), we were heading up that old driveway from the back of the MA Noble on foot. It was absolutely packed. Suddenly, against all odds, came a very austere and regal looking yellow Sunbeam - number plates CAT 212 - looking to politely nudge its way through a spirited and drunken throng of fans. As the crowd recognised the great Richie Benaud behind the wheel, the calls went up "Hey it's Richie"..."get out the way"..."it's bloody Richie"..."two-one-two"..."what a catch!"....Suddenly and majestically, the crowd parted and his car got plenty of bitumen. Richie had the window down and in that Billy Birmingham voice he said "thanks fellas"..."great work"....the car disappeared onto Moore Park Road. Very bloody funny.

One final word - his uniqueness is in his name. How many words have a silent 'd' (as in Benaud) at the end?

2. I was quiet last week after watching the pathetic game last week (Eels v Tigers), but it needs to be said: this Eels team is worse than in 2014. Fan or no fan, the truth needs to be told - and told early.

The main problem is not Hayne's flight...it is the same problem - a lack of brains in that squad. Sign dumb blokes, get more dumb plays. Logical. Who is their leader? Who seriously inspires? Again, a total lack of recruiting intelligence. Foran is a start, but get rid of dumb arses.

Half the team have been in the clink...or in trouble with the law...betting scandals and on it goes Watmough, Ma'u, Sandow, Wicks...Peats, Nelson... Tough yes, but smart?

That team also lacks try scorers. They simply do not have points in them.

Sandow needs to be sacked now. How his re-signing could be seriously entertained is beyond me. He is mediocre and not a leader. His fifth tackle options are horrible. He is also a total liability in defence which hurts his exhausted teammates. Am I the only one that sees this? Paulo is ordinary too. Too slow. Who re-signed Ryan Morgan? Surely that was a pissed joke. Sandow being re-signed will prolong the current agony.

Can someone get in their car and find blokes who are not dumb? When will the psychometric test become part of signing competition winners? It matters.

Their displays in the last two weeks have been appalling. Mickey/ Wayne/ Brad Arthur is under pressure...he might need to find the local Centrelink. To be thumped so badly by the lowly Titans at home is terrible, terrible club leadership that costs the whole organisation.

Hard to believe there is not one kid in the whole Parramatta area who can score tries...or a half back...come on! Weren't Robson, Green and Hodkinson all ex Parra players? Keep Morgan and now seek Tupou who was let go? A mess.

3. Jamie Lyon. Manly will be different when he returns. They will not get the spoon.

3A. That St George defence is awesome. Sustained over numerous weeks. September material.

4. Swans awesome in Adelaide. Where was that defence in the GF? North looking in good touch...Western Bulldogs too. Can there be light for GWS? Two wins but some tough opponents are needed. The Demons need a bullet. A hopeless display after such promise in round one. What about the Bulldogs? A great effort v the ever disappointing Richmond Tigers. Essendon have done well. Better than could ever be expected.

5. Is there a bigger excuse maker than Mick Malthouse? His Carlton team is going backwards fast.

6. What gives with the stupid jersies for some NRL clubs? Newcastle look like Balmain...and the Tigers look like Newcastle - why? Stick solid to your own. Do fans really buy these crappy jersies?

7. Perth Glory. Don't you love that David Gallop whining voice re salary caps? There needs to be new thinking on this space. I am quite partial to overspenders contributing double that overspent amount to the other clubs.

8. Speith has been sparkling. The Masters continues to be a tremendous event. However, the last round at Augusta is always haunting. Tiger has done surprisingly well.

10. Lewis Hamilton is absolutely dominant. Call it now.