Wrap - A Tale of Two Barretts

1. NRL. The crazy end of season form of a few top clubs continues to perplex the fans. Souths had the minor premiership in their sights and have gone to the dogs when it mattered. Then so did the Roosters, while the St George team has just capitulated. Saints look horrible. The Panthers have also just thrown it all away. It will be interesting to see if the Warriors can surprise a few in their first semi final appearance for a while. Somehow the Storm and Sharks just seem to be the most stable in big games. The Roosters have been shocking the last two weeks. The comp is anyone's guess.


2. Spoon-a clock. One thing needing no guessing is the wooden spoon winner. Their 14th such honour - is going to the Parramatta Club, replacing the triple crown winners and ending an era of supreme domination of the Henny Penny Newcastle Knights 2015-2017. Parramatta have now easily secured more spoons than the North Sydney Bears (9) and the Newtown Jets (8). Only Manly remain spoonless.


On Manly, I must say that Trent Barrett is beginning to look quite silly with some of the comments he is coming out with now. His inability to manage his players and win is the issue. Inexperienced and promoted before his time really. That club is on a knife edge. If the Penn family walk away, where will they be?


3. Wallabies. I thought the under fire Michael Cheika managed himself quite well in the press conference after yet another loss. He remained strong and clear but managed his agitation well. The bottom line is that we simply cannot compete with the All Blacks. Our Queensland rugby juggernaut is spluttering and with it our national team brings very little. Beauden Barrett is easily the best oval shaped footballer in the world. He is an awesome competitor and a machine in attack. A complete superstar.


4. BBL Cricket. I noticed the Thunder have signed both Joe Root and Jos Butler. Handy additions. I would also be signing JP Duminy or AB Devilliers. Those two are unbelievable. Andre Russell is another bloke the franchises should be queueing up to secure. A hat trick and a ton in his last game.


5. Virat Kohli. India look like they are hunting down England in their Test Series. Down 1-2 with two tests to play... and Kohli is by far the best in the world. It could be very interesting.


5. AFL. The Hawks may have what it takes to knock over Richmond in the first qualifying final. They are awesome for a team which was written off. They are so resilient and absorb pressure better than most. GWS seem to be falling apart when it matters and Sydney will take them on at home which makes it more difficult yet again for them. The Melbourne Demons are confident, but Geelong could spring a big surprise for mine. They have the best in the business in their squad and they will be itching to dominate in the finals. West Coast and Collingwood... it will depend on venue.


6. EPL. I am liking the look of the Bournemouth operation at present in the EPL soccer. The year looks a lot closer already which is a great thing. Even Manchester City are dropping points to Wolves! Plenty happening and such tremendous atmosphere at all games.