Wrap - Tennis Elbows

1. NRL. The Storm remain stronger than many suspect. They are now one win away from yet another GF outing. They have been one of Australia's most successful sporting teams for the past decade. The Penny Panthers suddenly look like impressive contenders again. Ciraldo is doing the business for Gus. The Roosters' defence is colossal. Latrell Mitchell's trysaver on Luke Lewis was extraordinary. Hard to score tries these days. The Roosters are going to take some beating for the premiership!

How disappointing were the Warriors? If you can't win that final away from home, will you ever win one?

What a phenomenal effort by St George. A stirring victory after a few weeks of mediocrity. Bennett has until Tuesday afternoon for mine.
 
2. AFL. The Swans. Absolutely dusted by the Giants who were fitter and quicker. A familiar theme in recent years of finals. The Swans need to recruit more heavily and more quality. They simply cannot continue to carry Jack, Hannebery, McVeigh...old legs. Their scoring all year has been abysmally low. They simply cannot get goals from Ronke and Papley. The GWS team have promised a lot for many years...but delivered zip. Maybe Scully may return yet and really position them for a crack at their first GF? 

3. GWS - Toby Greene. For some reason - usually niggle, the pompous strut, the leg kicking out in a marking contest - he is probably one of the most hated players in the AFL. That said, he is also one of the best. His ability to rise up under pressure is incredible. He has the killer instinct and is a superstar of the future, if he can iron out the nonsense.

Richmond still look to be the complete picture. A crushing win v Hawthorn. Their winning record at the MCG (22?) will continue and they seem unstoppable for the 2018 flag. GWS may just topple Collingwood.

  3. Wallabies. A 23-18 win is like gold at the moment. After crushing losses to the All Blacks, they'll take this. Often is seems like it is a case of no Folau, then there is no hope. We are simply not good enough to toss the All Blacks, but the real test will be if we can win in South Africa which has proven quite elusive in recent years.

Troubled by the amount of silverware in rugby contests. Every game they play seems to have a new trophy/ plate/ mug/ urn. Can they just play a Test and win without appearing to have taken home the America's Cup?

 4. England v India Test Series. A stunning series win by England. Remember it because we will be feeling that too next Ashes. Kohli cannot do everything. There is no shorter patience than Indian selectors and officials. Alistair Cook with 12,000 runs has had a highly successful career. Another 70 in the first innings of the current test, but retirement there will leave a hole.

5. Nadal. US Open Tennis. Another Grand Slam and another crushing injury brings him to retire early. Seems to be going the way of Tiger and majors. Lots of talent, but lots of injuries. Meanwhile Djokovic powers on. His record is phenomenal too. 13 Grand Slams with a 14th imminent. Federer (20) and Nadal (17) lead him.

6. Serena Williams. US Open Tennis. 23 Grand Slams and 8 Runners Up titles. She is awesome. However they are catching her. Osaka from Japan did very well. The strength of these women is something to behold. Amazing talent. The beauty of sport is too often spoiled by umpires/ referees who want to take their own slice of glory. Some look for issues - and what do you know, they find them! Love a resistant official who does not want to back down. Poor brinkmanship and pathetic officiating. Serena gets unusually emotional at her home final and will be kicking herself. Even Sammy Stosur beat her once when she had a meltdown. Needs more ice cool in her kit and less reaction. Surprising granted her record, but very hurt by the cheating allegation. Illie Natase would have come down from the stands to sort that out if he was the coach!