Wrap - Christmas Frenzy

1. Steve Smith. Can anyone explain why he did a press conference last week? A sympathy gatherer... a part of his redemption? Honestly...he needs to take a tip from Shane Flanagan. When banned, suck it up and keep an eye on the calendar. Don't complicate things unnecessarily. I noticed he cracked a ton for Sutherland to steer them to victory in First Grade this weekend. That is better talk.

Please tell me Mitchell Marsh is not going to be selected in the Boxing Day Test. He has no form, no runs, no wickets. Why would he be selected? Give it up. Is Handscomb being picked as a fieldsman? He certainly has the best hands since Mark Waugh. He needs to move his feet at the crease like he does in the field and back himself in.

2. Shane Flanagan. He has learned cruelly that no one is bigger than the game. Fifty emails to the club when you are banned is not smart. Where are the brains in rugby league? The club will survive but they need the right people there fronting the show. Why do clubs in trouble have bad administration (Bulldogs, Tigers, Sharks, Eels)? They can't win a thing with poor decisions from the top. These then transfer into the player recruitment and on field team decisions.

Forget the cash (is this a driver for the NRL Integrity Commission - self funded?). When will clubs be docked points for misdemeanours? This is the only way to really hit them hard. However consistency in this area is all over the place.

3. EPL Liverpool. Going into Christmas as the leading EPL team is an excellent sign. A tight race in 2018-2019, so it should be interesting. Great win by Crystal Palace over Man City and Leicester over Chelsea over this weekend. These results help Liverpool big time. Arsenal have that flavour of perennial runners up/ third place earners.

4. WBBL. The women's BBL is really taking off. How good is Elise Perry? A champion person and player. It's actually enjoyable to watch.

5. BBL. Can we accelerate some of the youth in Australian cricket? Great to see Jason Sangha doing well on his first outing. Bring back Australia A as well! Australia A on the bigger public stage was when we last dominated. More players have to know what it takes.

6. Jose Mourinho. High maintenance and too much goose in him has brought his demise. Punted by ManU at long last and hopefully they appoint a former legend eg. Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes. Real Madrid might pick him up. Amazing how with him gone, ManU pile on 5 goals! The millstone has been removed!

7. A League. Is the whole show going stale? Are there enough top quality operators on the fields? Star power is lacking. Ball control is getting worse.

8. Anthony Mundine. Seeking a rematch with Jeff Horn. As if! He is a money machine, but he never knows when to quit. It is a sad and lonely figure the boxer knocked down early seeking a re-match. Move on.

9. Cash In. Keep an eye on a horse Brooklyn Hustle in the coming season. Stunning pace.

10. NBL. Still amazed at how popular basketball is in Australia. The NBL is really well attended with plenty of intensity. Lots of locals and a smattering of imports. Perfect blend and a great pathway for your aspiring club ball players. Big avenue of US colleges with a healthy appetite for quality as well. Even the Kings are going well!