Wrap - Tongan Surprise

1. The Rugby League World Cup. What a joy to see the Tongans excelling - and the pre match hakas! Strong island nations in rugby league allow for some greater international possibilities. Maybe even some State of Origin expansion of what is a tiring concept (especially for NSW!). The Kumuls continue to dominate the fellow minnows. This Lachlan Lam (son of the movie maker) was outstanding and has tremendous skill and pace.

Lebanon were gallant in losing 34-0. Not the biggest loss against the Australian outfit. They probably will continue to be an exceptional force too given their affection for the game. It would be great if they could get stronger and bigger.

Lots of injuries from this tournament and it is starting to get quite late in the year in terms of preparation for the new season. Nervous NRL coaches abound! Makes the efforts of Cronk and Smith, especially, all the more amazing. Those guys have played a lot of football this calendar year, without missing a beat.

2. Cricket. Here's an idea...have a whole weekend off in the two weeks before an Ashes Test and play no games until the following Monday when no one can follow it. Ever since "High Performance" became a Cricket Australia catch cry, performance has been less than high. I wonder how we will look back upon this era's legacy...busted fast bowlers, rotation policies, dodgy selections (Heazlett, Stanlake), selectors that play charity golf days rather than watch cricketers. (Again the 'Greg Chappell Effect'). Look for Jake Lehmann to make his debut. He only needs to crack a half century and he is there. Not convinced about Wade, Nevill or Carey. Nevill is too stodgy as a bat. Ironically, this may help Wade's cause. Bancroft is a batsman, not a keeper. Tim Paine may be the best option.

Two hat tricks in a game by Mitchell Starc was an amazing achievement this week gone v WA. He cleans up the tail regularly - becoming known as "dunny paper".

3. Socceroos v Honduras. We are on the brink of obliteration. A goal against us and we are cooked. We need a 3-0 result our way as a minimum. (We wish!). New Zealand however look to be in the box seat v Peru. Now that would be salt in the wounds if that happened - they qualify and we don't. The lack of goal finishing ability by the Socceroos has been a curse all campaign. If we don't qualify we will only have ourselves to blame. It won't change world sport either. Significantly, it may precipitate some necessary changes in the organisation. One big change will be fees at the local soccer club will climb to cover the wages of the bloated administration of the game.

The question really needs to be asked...where are the great young Australian footballers? That sport impacts on so many kids, but is tossed aside too regularly by the same kids. Why is this game and its reach not having a bigger impact on our young sportspeople? They are not even in the A League either.

4. Redzel. What a phenomenal force in the sprint races. A colossus of a horse that has won many millions this year, including the Everest. Vengeur Masque won on Saturday too and looms as a massive threat this time next year. Should have been a late entry into the Melbourne Cup field. Great win by Rekindling.

5. Wallabies. Beat Wales in the end which was an enterprising game where finally more belief and a bit of razzle dazzle has emerged. Beale is in career best form, but Genia looked sharp too. More athletic and more expansive.

6. Australian Women's Cricket. A double ton to Ellyse Perry was an outstanding achievement. Her play under pressure here and in other contexts for Australia is immense. Lots of hard work by her father Mark (my former Maths teacher) over many years...sparkling skill and a balanced, beautiful kid. Hopefully this unusual Ashes series can fall Australia's way. Pure, clean and striking cricket without the big headed egos appeals to cricket purists.

7. International Rules winners. Relax and don't panic. International AFL is in safe hands. We beat the Irish and the world remains on an even keel. The annual farce, but someone must be making some good coin from it all.

8. Conor McGregor. He is mad and is out of control. His entry into the ring following a bout in Ireland and his aggression to the referee was extraordinary. Mind you, the ref was not worried. I think he would have dropped him. Wouldn't be a rematch with Mayweather coming up soon? A publicity hound...a rich one too.