1. Pacific Rugby League Championships - Australia v Tonga. The Tongan crowd was awesome - and their singing... amazing. A 20-14 win to Australia sees international rugby league almost having a completely different balance of power now.
We should get used to overseas nations supporting their team more than what the general public in Australia will. We have been so conditioned to watch it all on TV - in all sports. Sparing the parking thieves, the hot food price hikes and the nonsense, Australians are less inclined than most nations to watch their national teams in any sport. The decline of the Wallabies in recent years, the Australian cricket team being on the nose... women's team support is growing at the same time.
The Jillaroos had a resounding victory. The women's game is a great game to watch for the spectators too. Lively, no nonsense and played in the right spirit.
2. Australian Test Cricket Team. South Australian captain, Nathan McSweeney has been deservedly rewarded. Marcus Harris is far too inconsistent. He like his namesake Kamala have been rolled this week! Interested to see Inglis included. Carey might need to watch his Test form.
3. ODIs - Pakistan v Australia. Jason Gillespie was foisted into the ODI coaching role when Kirsten got the usual Pakistan marching orders. A 2-1 series win is a handy start to his coaching resume. Pakistan's Test series victory over England sees him rising through the world coaching ranks. Andrew McDonald has been extended for another five years so he needs to bide his time.
Zampa is now quite a liability in the field. Honestly, he is dropping catches you should take in the park. Our batting was terrible... Maxwell, Stoinis. These guys are under achieving big time at present and really are at the end of their ODI careers. The hype around Fraser-McGurk is getting a little out of control. He needs to show more discipline and discernment in his shot making.
It should come as no surprise that our players have been snubbed by the IPL. We are inconsistent and overestimate our own value.
How ridiculous is the current scheduling of an ODI series v Pakistan ahead of the Tests? A Monday night game and then resting nearly every top line player is a concession that they got it wrong. Who would go and support that? Cricket Australia are a laughing stock these days. This current debacle has not changed anything on that front.
4. LIV-PGA Golf Reconciliation. Donald J will be on this just before solving the Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts. Good luck!
5. Wallabies. A stunning win v England at Twickenham (first since 2015). Aukuso-Sua'ali'i answered the critics (how could they be so accusatory when Australian rugby is on its knees?). He is a super talent and shone. MOTM. England mind you are nearly as bad as us! Not a lot of defence, but highly entertaining with a scintillating win after the siren.
New Zealand crushed Ireland too...the Scott Robertson wheels are starting to turn.
6. A League. Western Sydney Wanderers are going to need a big turn around. They are struggling big time after four rounds. Four points only after much pre season hype. The champions of last year, the Central Coast Mariners are winless!
7. Man City. Another EPL loss v Brighton (who are now in third spot). Not sure what is going on outside of injuries, but that is the fourth straight loss (the first time in Pep Guardiola's career as manager). Work to do, but the competition is closer now. Tottenham have a great chance to leap into third tonight.
8. Women's BBL. Some excellent play. Lots of women playing the game now and doing it in fine style. How long will it take before it is more popular than the men's game? The arrogance of the modern male cricketer is killing the game. The public are not convinced.
9. NFL. Chiefs, Bills and Steelers in the AFC are dominating. Lions, Commanders and Falcons in the NFC too. It is a hard run to turn a NFL franchise around. Maybe taking five years! A little like the NRL too. The New England Patriots have hit rock bottom at 2-7.
10. Womens Fast5 Netball. A great win by the Australians with Amy Sligar in the front row (next to coach on right hand side). Congrats to the Sligars!
11. James McDonald - 'JMac'. How good is he? Punters should simply back his horses to clean up! Winning 11 races in the one Melbourne Cup carnival is pretty amazing. Onto 104 Group 1 wins in a twinkling of a eye!
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