1. The Rugby League World Cup is still on and these teams being represented by NRL stars (Fiji, Tonga and Lebanon for example) are adding so much to the spectacle. Two cracking games this weekend: Fiji v NZ and Tonga v Lebanon.
New Zealand were appalling it must be said. A proud nation of league stars - McGahan, Freeman, Filipana, Marshall...David Kidwell is yet another 'Assistant Coach' who attracts headlines when near Bellamy and others, but on his own, he looks more like Steve Kearney. A modest, failing record. He has clearly lost the support of players. Hayne has done well here. Worth noting.
Are we headed to an International situation where players are aligned with certain nations from the outset of their careers? The World Cup has been built on the strength of this. Having them all play for Australia or NZ would have been terrible.
Looming as an Australia v England final. Tonga were lucky to beat Lebanon. F1J1 will not beat Australia...even if Kevin Naquama cries.
2. Socceroos. They got there in the end but expect them to get blasted off the park. There is zero attack really. Plenty of enthusiasm but short on talent. Honduras were kicked hard, but had we missed out we only would have had ourselves to blame. The saga about Ange Postocoglou continues...he needs to wake up to himself.
3. Australian Cricket Test Team. We exclude Bailey, Cowan and the like, but keep on selecting Shaun Marsh. Surely this is a cruel hoax. Marshmallow is pathetic under heat and stress. It has been a repeated failure (seven times!). When will this repeated mistake be put to sleep? Once again under Hohns and Greg Chappell, they have gone conservative with an escape clause after two tests. Bancroft was a well deserved selection, returning to the days when sheer weight of runs got you in the team. Tim Paine's selection is baffling, but he attacks as a batsman. Unlike Nevill who should be blaming himself. Nevill just refuses to dominate. While clearly tentative, he must be a tentative type of person, fearing leadership. True Australian wicketkeepers always lead and excel.
4. International Rules - Australia v Ireland. Actually a reasonably exciting game - and very physical -, but it would be great to have other countries play the code seriously. And not just Papua New Guinea.
5. Wallabies v England. We were robbed by yet another terrible rugby ref (is there any other kind?)...but then threw it away with some silliness and laziness. This says a bit about the group...and the coach. You have to endure the tough moments of refereeing stupidity...and rise above it. Regardless. Whinging wins nothing but talkback radio acclaim.
6. Soccer - A League - Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC. Sydney FC get back to the winning post first. Man City still miles in front. A shock if anyone gets close.
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