1. Cameron Smith. He better write his book quickly and start writing one for Harry Grant. Keith makes a good point...how do Sydney clubs keep missing out on these guys? Harry Grant changed Origin in what was a tired and lacklustre affair really. NSW simply do not have the firepower in attack (not helped by Tedesco's early exit). Fittler has become a little stubborn of late and to leave Papenhuyzen out was daft. Cody Walker unfortunately is not the answer. Jack Wighton is at five eight.
His namesake also did well at the masters and gets a return invite. Tied second on -15 and now the first EVER golfer in the history of the Masters to post four rounds in the 60s! Some sort of effort...when is his book out?
Never like reading a sports story where the wife/ partner starts to be a dominant figure. It is about the player. Not sure that Smith needs to retire either. This seems something that the media want more than the player or his partner! The form of Munster the other night tells you that Melbourne will be a success for some time to follow... especially when Harry Grant arrives home.
2. Manny Ramirez. Has jetted into Sydney and tails off his remaining days in quarantine, before hitting the ballpark for the Sydney Bluesox baseball team. A rich pedigree. The crowd will be hoping he stays injury free and hits a few out of the park! There is some suggestion he may play a couple of park warm up games. That would be something! Drug record or not, his reputation is unbelievable.
3. ODI Cricket. The start of the cricket season is hard to warm into. The game is like an old jumper. Much loved but needs a revamp. ODI series do not take the eye too much now. Richie Benaud, Tony, Bull and the boys made cricket in this country. A new batch and new ideas need to arise. Nine is flat and so is their product.
4. Rugby - Wallabies. Some sort of fortnight for the Pumas beating the All Blacks and drawing with us (not such a great triumph really). Chieka would be enjoying this. We have learned little and the leadership around the park looks haphazard. No tries...please. What sort of spectacle is that? Great for the self centred refs and turtle-like TMO...they would love the spotlight. The fans switched off hours ago. The balance of the team looks out. Surely Vunivalu comes straight in to that team.
5. EPL. Tottenham under the Great One, "Jose I say" are striking form, but Man City are not. Liking the open competition this year, but it is a multi bet killer! Liverpool are ready to strike still, as are Leicester. The foxes are on the run!
6. Wests Tigers. What a unfortunately miserable reputation they have for keeping and recruiting talent. They have Joey Leilua, James Roberts, Douhei and Reynolds, Mbye, et al. I cannot see them beating their customary ninth position on the ladder. No Fox. No Harry Grant. No real leadership. They are losing decent forwards like McIntyre. They could have a lot of blokes mowing the grass at Leichhardt. They need young guns and stars on the up.
7. Paul Gallen. Love the media hype with boxers. The trouble is it is so familiar and so tiring. Paul was a good footballer, but does he really need this? The silent player who does the business (eg. Sonny Bill) is far more impressive.
8. Court of Appeal. Michael 'Flash' Gordon, Jarryd Hayne and Jack de Belin are all in strife. How players can become so muddled professionally and put themselves in bad situations is one thing. Putting others in danger is another thing. The off season seems to be where most of the NRL salaries are spent - defending themselves. The Burgess case is another one. The media love an NRL court case with all the angst, powerplay, battered reputations and pain - and sadly can't wait to make it their own. Why do some clubs never face this?
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