The Wrap - Cranky Coaching Clap

1. Penrith Panthers. Since Ivan Cleary joined the Panthers he has a remarkable 75% coaching win success rate (21 home wins in a row). Conversely, Michael Maguire hit 37% coaching win success rate over the weekend after their second one point win. The Panthers' defence was awesome against the Raiders who simply don't have the speed in their three quarters. They barely played a full set in the Panthers' half in the second half of the game. Incredible defence.

The viking clap could be the best clap any team get at a game. It clearly upsets the Raiders.

The speed of a team's centres is such a huge factor now. The sacking of Opacic was no surprise. Crichton scores three tries and steals Jack Wighton's Origin jersey. Without speed you will struggle. It is becoming the key position in rugby league. Herbie Farnworth's value has sky rocketed as a free agent. Dane Gagai was a great signing by Newcastle, but he is struggling. 

2. Talakai. Speaking of which...Awesome on Friday night and State of Origin versatility (back rower, centre) makes him popular, but hardly ready. Morgan Harper is not an Origin opponent. Full stop. 

3. Wigers. Jackson Hastings is a great short term option and has enough steel and game smarts to get the team home under pressure. His voice and energy make a huge difference. Like the Eels, they still lack pace in the centres, but their back row of Twal and Leilua are special talents. Picking up Papal'ii won't worry them either. Their hooker, Jake Simpkin is doing a top job (Liddle too). Simpkin may be an option for Parramatta who may go to dust without Reed Mahoney. He works so hard in defence. Poor old Josh Hodgson is on fading legs, but they said the same thing about Steve Edge back in the 1980s!

4. NRL Coaches. Amazing how our cranky coaches are faring... Barrett simply is being found out around his poor pre-season preparation. The collapse of the Bulldogs was diabolical v Broncos. Kevin Walters is marginally better, but he hardly looks like fun to be around. Adam O'Brien at Newcastle also has major problems. Cranky coaches make for cranky players too. 

Cameron Ciraldo, the Panthers coach must surely be firming as the obvious replacement for all of these at some point. 

Maguire was spotted smiling late on Saturday night. It could be a rumour. Ray Price is in town at present. He will iron that out.

Brad Arthur looked like he couldn't resist playing his special player on the weekend. The Eels win by 30+ for the second time this year, having lost by 2 (Sharks) and by 1 (Tigers) and won by 4 (Titans) and won by 6 (Titans) and won by 4 (Storm). Brad is also one who needs to smile a bit more. He may not have a lot to smile about as they face Cowboys (on 8 points) and then Panthers-Roosters-Sea Eagles in the next three weeks following.

5. Crowds. The rugby league and AFL crowds have come back in force. Amazing numbers on the ANZAC weekend. It really provides a top atmosphere for viewers at the ground and at home too.

6. AFL. The Western Bulldogs are starting to get some bad habits and should not be losing the games they have. Conversely, Brisbane, St Kilda and Melbourne all look sharp. The Swans are solid, but still lack speed for mine. Blistering speed. Johanasen from the Bulldogs may well be available soon. 

The Melbourne v Richmond ANZAC Day eve is an amazing event. Would have been even better with Dustin Martin on deck. A huge crowd.

North Melbourne, West Coast and GWS are woeful in 2022. Lots of excuses, but serious soul searching needs to occur. Port Adelaide are only marginally better. 

7. Rugby. Apparently that comp is still going. Talk about diminishing your exposure by agreeing to the TV/ streaming deal they secured. The Tahs are mid table, but once they head to NZ or play against NZ teams, we get pumped. Simple. The Chiefs did a number on them. We have not improved in five-ten years.

8. Greg Norman. We all loved the legend, but poor old Greg has lost perspective. The latest? Thinking he can make a comeback into the British Open at the age of 67. Surely, like his latest streaming piece, yet another carefully orchestrated piece to cast his image, repair it or to sell something out there. Between the nude photos, the showboating blue pants shot when walking the dog on the beach, the failed Saudi golf venture, talk of returning to Australia, COVID media from his hospital bed, he seems to be suffering from Relevance Deprivation Syndrome. A shame.

9. IPL. Virat Kohli has returned to the humble ranks of normality. Hard to be so dominant for so long. His form has simply slid more and more and his relinquishing of different national team captaincies tells us other priorities in his life are becoming more important. Fair enough too.

10. Brett Kenny. Poor old Brett. Such a talent, but he has endured a cancer fight and then some domestic violence matters have soured our memories of him a touch. Headbutting blokes never ends well. Ian Chappell once famously said to Ian Botham about fighting publicly. "It takes you to two places - hospital or jail. I don't fancy either". Wise words.

The Wrap - Zombie Mystery Ball

1. Scottie Scheffler. A clear world number one now after a very handy 2022 Masters victory worth $2.7 million, complete with a shocking final hole that no one cares to remember. Could be in for an extended run at the top on that form. Brave from Cameron Smith at T3 ($870K). Only $40K for Adam Scott at T48. Not a bad weekend's work regardless.

2. Anthony Milford. He beats the legal system challenge, but not the NRL Integrity Commission system. A wild night on the town indeed. Can't quite remember the last time The Wrap was out on a night with people breaking car windows and assaulting people. Then Haas and this Broncos team mate, Albert Kelly... the drink has claimed a lot of careers. Albert left the NRL some time back and has a new chance, but seems to have thrown it away now. 

Brisbane looked strong on Friday night, before their characteristic capitulation. Lock Penrith in for the title (a double with Melbourne in the AFL is still paying $10). Liam Martin is a pure Origin player. Scores a lot of tries too.

Noticing slight improvements in Kyle Flanagan's game, but attitude seems to be an enduring challenge. He is working to the line more, but Matt Burton is handcuffed playing in that team. Even the great Fox looks ordinary, only scoring his first try this weekend. Bad career move, despite the cash.

3. State of Origin. Origin 2022 looms as an intriguing battle. Tom Trobjevic has to play injury free hopefully. No Latrell? Katoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton look ready made replacements. Especially if Tommy T and Brian To'o can't play. Not sure Jack Wighton should be there. Ricky is fraying badly at present...Laurie Daley is the man to replace him as Canberra's season washes away.

Interested in the former Parramatta junior, Josh Curran (yes another one playing elsewhere) at the Warriors. Looks tough and talented on his feet and another Origin backrow option. Jake Trobjevic can't play forever.

4. Fireburn. Blistering pace in the Golden Slipper and Group 1 races since. First since Winx to almost win three Group 1 races in an Autumn season! The longer length on a heavy deck did not allow for his customary pace in the last 200m. Great win by a tough She's Extreme who just won.

5. New Australian Cricket Coach. In no real surprise, Andrew 'Ronnie' McDonald was announced as the new Australian cricket coach. Hopefully this goes better than his SCG Test debut with the helmet in 2009 against Morne Morkel. See: https://cricketcrowd.com/displayvideo.html?ccvideo=1600&ccdesc=Hit%2Bon%2Bhead%3A%2BNasty%2Bdebut%2Bfor%2BMcDonald%2B(SCG) 

Nonetheless, he was delighted with the news when The Wrap caught up with him earlier this week:

6. IPL. One of McDonald's key early issues is that of Aaron Finch. He has now changed his stance in a pretty extreme fashion in the IPL T20 cricket for the Kolkota Knight Riders. His technique is even more loose. He is in trouble. Maxwell and Warner continue to dominate. Cummins always seems to go for quite a few runs and his elite price tag would be worrying the bank managers.

Keep an eye on young Dewald Brevis from South Africa (Mumbai Indians). A sensational international bat at all of 18 years of age. A name of the future, but hopefully in all forms of the game.

7. Joe Root. Tosses it in as English captain yet looks to continue the trend that you hang around and play in the team - something Australian cricket has never tolerated. Think Gatting, Stewart, Hussain, Pietersen, Strauss, et al. Steve Smith is the only one I can recall in the Australian Test arena. He has however amassed the most English test victories as captain - ever - with 27 wins, but not a win in a series for a long time.

Australian Test cricket captain wins? Ricky Ponting (48 wins ), Steve Waugh (41), Allan Border (32) and Mark Taylor (26). Then you get to Steve Smith (19), Ian Chappell/ Don Bradman (15) Lindsay Hassett/ Bill Woodfull (14) and Richie Benaud/ Bob Simpson (12) with Tim Paine (11).

8. Liverpool (73 points) - ManU (74 points). Neck and neck for the title after a 2-2 draw last week. (A ripping 3-2 win in the FA Cup by Liverpool on the weekend as well, to make the final).  Awesome tension and drama in an EPL competition that is a showpiece in world football, regardless what many think. It is tough, talented and crowds are always full and spirited. The drop zone is getting interesting too. Leeds (33 points), Everton (28), Burnley (25), Watford (22), Norwich (21)...and not much in it. Unheard of that Everton could be in such trouble. Have not been relegated in 68 years! 

So much money at stake and the future of these bottom three clubs ride on this. With three points for a win, it can shift quickly. Only four or so weeks of the competition remain after this weekend.

9. AFL. Good Friday blitzes by both the Western Bulldogs and Swans. Bailey Smith hit 47 disposals which is phenomenal v North Melbourne. The work of Mills, Parker and Gulden has been impressive. Josh Kennedy has almost joined the coaching staff these days. 56-0 just before half time really showed how dominant the Swans were. Incredible scoreline. Carlton and St Kilda are showing more this year which is a little surprising and Adelaide are also looking more like a footy team. Young Josh Rachelle is doing some great things for them. Essendon, GWS and West Coast all look terrible early. Port were better v Carlton, but they have been the biggest early disappointment.

10. UFC. What about Volkanovski beating the Korean Zombie? Great names, but still a grim sport.

11. Stuart MacGill. 200 test wickets but no greater mystery ball than how you get kidnapped and released... Strange days indeed, most peculiar mamma. Something big is not making sense here.

12. French Open Tennis. Staring at the May 22 start date will widen Nadal's eyes as he seeks his fourteenth French Open crown. Extraordinary to even say it. 13 wins - is it the most Grand Slam victories at a single venue ever, in any top flight sport?

The Wrap - Coaching Distress Flares

1. The Masters. Such a great course. Tiger has done an amazing job to even be there - and makes the cut. So much talent, no matter what age. The catfish mo and mullet of Cameron Smith just keeps bouncing on. His steel under pressure is to behold. Such big and intimidating galleries, let alone that awesome Augusta National course. His third round 68 was a lot, lot better than everyone else. The Aussie golf fans wait in great anticipation overnight.

Scottie Scheffler surely has to be the most under stated, unknown world number one in golfing history. Scott or Scottie(?) has only been in the chair since 27 March 2022, with no majors yet.

Since 2018, there have only been SIX players who have been Number One in World Golf (23 times):

• Dustin Johnson (7 different times).
• Justin Rose (5 different times)
• Brooks Koepka (4 different times)
• Jon Rahm (4 different times)
• Justin Thomas (2 different times)
• Rory McIllroy (once)

Most would have had no idea Scottie was the world number one until this week. Always intriguing how you can be world number one and not win a major. He has carved a great position to win this one though. His to lose really. However, how often have others lost from here too on the final day?

2. St George. This club is in dire trouble already for season 2022. They have talented individuals, but not as a package. You almost feel that Ben Hunt, as good as he is, should sign with the Dolphins and reconnect elsewhere to enable the club to define its direction. Griffin has purchased so many forwards, most of whom are not aiming up at present. Lomax, Bird, Suli, Ravalawra... talent, but his inability to back in his younger halves talent is of concern. Not to mention his recent contract extension.

3. Canberra Raiders. How the winds of change shift quickly. Grand Finalists not so long ago and now they look tired and slow. They too are in a world of pain unless something changes swiftly. How long can Ricky Stuart remain at the helm? Is it time he took a back seat? The best leaders know when their time is up.

4. Parramatta looked slick on the Gold Coast early. A high quality game in the first half. However, Arthur better look beyond Josh Hodgson as a hooker option, because when Reed Mahoney leaves that field, they are in all sorts. Mitch Rein is not really the answer longer term, but Arthur is developing a handy knack at transforming players' careers (Mahoney, Cartwright, Papal'ii, Campbell-Gillard, Matterson). Will Smith may have been a better option. 

The Junior Paulo shot was freakish, but how about the work of the security staff on a female intruder onto the playing field? Brutal and ridiculous really. A bit like the flares on the field. Serial pests. Where was Jarvo 69?

A big weekend for the new Bulldogs coach, Trent Barrett-Gould and Michael Maguire-Sheens. Beware when the Director of Coaching is appointed. Time is short. Neither of them have long in their roles the way it is heading. They may have to send up distress flares themselves before too long.

Not sure who Gus would have his eye on, but I am certain Cameron Ciraldo from Penrith would figure in his discussions. Dufty was bagged by ex Saints players this week, but his display today v Penrith was truly awful. Meanwhile, the Storm continue to excel.

4a. Penrith. Get on them to win the NRL Grand Final again and double it up with Melbourne in the AFL Grand Final. Paying big dollars at the minute!

4. The Bunker and Captain Challenges. Coaches - especially Justin Holbrook (Titans) - are exploiting this big time now. Generate a stoppage in play deliberately when something doesn't go your way and force a review, delaying play and allowing your team to 'recover'. The NRL seem unable to make a rule without it rebounding right across the game. Awful for the viewing public.

5. Winning. Winning tight games swings your season. Ask the Gold Coast who have lost by six points or less three times. They have also won by four points or less twice! These outcomes can turn seasons.

6. AFL. Adelaide Crows win the AFLW. (Why are they playing Grand Finals now and not in September on the same card when the crowds would be massive?), but the West Coast (v Collingwood) and Fremantle (v GWS) wins this weekend were big statements. St Kilda on fire early too. 

The free kick numbers are extraordinary when you travel west of Melbourne. Not sure how much accountability there is for umpires when they are in front of raucous home crowds, but there appears to be a distinct advantage nation wide.

Western Bulldogs have not clicked and a loss to Richmond hurts them. They will bounce back soon. Melbourne still look the strongest, despite Geelong and the Swans hobbling over the line in their games.

7. Netball. Is netball, the only sport in the world where there is not a male and female equivalent competition? Or is it on the make?

8. Cricket. Just when the casket had been rolled in, Aaron Finch produces in a T20 game for Australia who "win the T20 series" (one game) v Pakistan. Perhaps he should be in this format only.

9. Guru Coach - Adam Voges Record. In season 20221-2022, WA won the Marsh Cup (ODI), the BBL and the Sheffield Shield!? Rare gold, but Adam Voges  as coach has been a hit. His record has been pretty awesome... and he holds the second best ever average as an Australian Test Cricketer (61.87) as one of eleven Australian Test batsmen to ever average over 50. His coaching credentials are also exemplary here. A future Australian coach?

10. Guru Coach - Scottish Football League. Ange Postocoglou continues to shine. Celtic are poised to win the competition and more silverware after the exploits of his courageous coaching style. 7-0 v St Johnstone on the weekend. He has won in Australia, Japan and now on the cusp in Scotland. Surely higher European coaching honours await him. ManU need a new dynasty!

11. EPL - Liverpool v Man City. The premiership is on the line tonight. The winner strides ahead. ManU have hit rock bottom and look destined not to play at the highest level in Europe for the first time in forever. Reynaldo has not been the cure thus far.

12. F1. Nice to see Daniel Riccardo achieve something in the Australian GP. Excellent young driver Charles Leclerc is running away with the championship with Ferrari at present. 

Clearly the best since Jose Louis Clerc, that Argentinian tennis player who played in the 1970s/ 1980s against Guillermo Vilas and Roscoe Tanner.

The Wrap - Finch and Ducks and Drakes

1. Australian Womens' Cricket. They have delivered once again. World Cup champions. Amazing batting from Alyssa Healy after really struggling for some form leading into the tournament. 170 is handy in any form of the game, let alone a World Cup Final. A classy innings

2. Aaron Finch. He of all the advice for the selection of a new Australian coach. Well, well well, it looks increasingly like he should have shut up and listened because he is about to be dropped. And in good time. His form in the BBL has been absolutely woeful for a few seasons. Two consecutive ducks v Pakistan in the ODIs has sealed it. He needs retirement. One of our most inspiring captains? Langer lives on.

3. Pakistani Pride. The skill of the Pakistani batsmen on their own turf is outstanding. Babar Azam is in scintillating form. He is peeling off tons like stickers off apples. Easy and frequent! Amazing with the series in the line how certain players rise up. Others go quiet and disappear. Top series by McDermott. Abbott and Ellis… not the answer. 

The Shield Final is intriguing. This Aaron Hardie is a phenomenal player for WA. Three wickets and a second innings ton under pressure and suddenly Victoria need 400 to win. A game changer.

4. NRL Coach Sackings. The Broncos started with a couple of lucky wins and it is showing. They were terrible and we now have a race to the end for a few coaches…Walters, Barrett, Payton, Maguire (never do a sports doco as everyone gets sacked eventually). The cantankerous coach has a short life… Ricky is almost finished at the Raiders too. Barrett on thin ice after a 40 point thrashing. Hook not much different.

5. Fledgling. Walters was not helped by Thomas Fledger being put on report four times. Honestly, is there a grade four lunacy rating?

6. Sombrero No More. Interesting to see Payne Haas tipped to join the Roosters. That would be an extraordinary signing. With Brandon Smith and Sam Walker… how good? They have plenty of room still in their cap with so many 2021 retirements.

7. AFL. There are no sides near the Western Bulldogs or Melbourne again. The rest are kidding. Swans were brave… not a lot else. Liking Freo and Geelong early.

8. Netball. You know you have made it when the Wrap gets hold of you. Impressive Giants netballer is young Amy Sligar, Julie and Damian’s daughter. Sporting the ‘Sharon Karen Strzelecki’ WD bib, she played strong, done fine.

9. EPL. A huge finish ahead with Liverpool and Manchester City neck and neck for the title now. They are facing each other next week which should be an amazing contest. Playing for sheep stations now.

10. Ash Barty. A quality golfer from all reports. She is underway with a new career! Talent plus!