Sunday, July 26, 2026

The Wrap - Spiders and Fires for the Wests Tigers

1. Wests Tigers. This franchise is officially totally inept. They have slumped to second last in 16th spot now, behind the Eels. They need a whole new set up - and coach sadly. 14 years without a semi final appearance and nothing looks like changing. A few blokes who have signed longer contracts will be a little anxious about their careers now. Representative football is so far away. Three losses by fifty points (Sharks, Panthers, Raiders) and two losses by high forties (Manly, Storm) tells us the club is in crisis.

Adam Doueihi should thank the gods he was not cut a few years back. He has always seen himself as a lot more talented than most. He is too slow to be a halfback and not creative enough. Tough, hard runner with good defence, but unlikely to win a comp - or make the semi finals for a club. He is a forward in the Issac Yeo style. What a performance of protest. Embarrassing, especially when the team he left is losing by 50 yet again. How you manage yourself in times of disappointment, defines you. Peace talks? Honestly, cut and run.

Let it be said, that if Parramatta sign Doueihi, every member should start supporting the PNG Chiefs. They will be done and will emphasise that they are the worst run club in the NRL. The Chiefs and Perth Bears will have a better chance at winning the comp. 

  • Zac Lomax moves to the PNG Chiefs. The tax free dollars appeal to many players! Yet the Perth Bears get no such luxuries or concessions. It seems very unfair by comparison and they will get the spoon for a long time if they can't address this soon.
  • Interesting to see the Roosters keep winning tight games as well, even when they are not at their sizzling best. So far in 2026, the Eels have lost four games by less than six points while the Roosters have won four games by eight points or less. A big difference on the premiership table.
  • Great to see young Nick Lenaz playing for Manly today as the hooker. Coached him as a junior and never saw a kid who was tougher and who could poleaxe players in defence like him. An awesome success story after a tough time in North Queensland.
  • Manly got pumped in their game against Cronulla, who have taken out the July premiership scoring so many tries in recent weeks. The Sharks look good, but have done so at this time of year before too. 'Fozball' is dead, but 'Fitzyball' is thriving!

2. Injuries. What an horrific weekend for NRL injuries... Tom Dearden, Dylan Brown, Dylan Lucas, Daniel Tupou, Harry Grant, Latrell Mitchell (ruled out for season), Dylan Edwards, Tallis Duncan, Cameron Murray, Kaylan Ponga, Noah Martin, Reed Mahoney and Cameron Munster who is out of action too.  

3. Commonwealth Games. Not that too many noticed, but the Commonwealth Games have started. We already have so many more gold medals than everyone else it is ridiculous.  Almost like a Little Athletics carnival with the big kids smashing the smaller ones. Medals are expected - and lots of them. 

We had flash backs to the old Richard Wilkins song from years ago - "Out there every morning, under windy skies and pounding thighs, it's a long hard road". See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBi4p--iUGM.  Should these games even be a thing? It seems very outdated as a concept and the hosting of them is not popular. So many better and bigger games and competitions these days.

4. AFL. Collingwood are surging. Six straight wins and crowd support of the best supporter base in Australia. The Swans bounced back v GWS who simply cannot compete with Sydney time and time again. Essendon are a misery once again after a win last week... but it is Freo who are minor premiership bound, hoping they don't go out in straight sets like Adelaide in 2025.

Carlton continue on their winning ways too, after last week's hiccup...Brisbane are still racking them up and are surging into a three-peat premiership feat. So much talent right across the field.

5. NBA. Lebron James. He heads to the Philadelphia 76ers (and maybe takes his son). Maybe they won't need Ben Simmons there now! Great for memberships, but he is 40 years old!

6. 2026 British Open Golf. A top effort from New Zealand's Ryan Fox for the victory! An incredible story of perseverance and dedication. Top composure under pressure.

The 3M PGA Championship at present is seeing some ridiculous scoring. Ten unders and Eight unders! Scheffler is six off the lead, but will still be in the mix.

7. Hungarian F1 Grand Prix. Kimi Antonelli has won six races this season already and Mercedes and Ferrari have won every race. Dominance. Interesting to see that after penalties, Piastri starts from third spot. Two McLarens in the top three...a changing of the tide?  Not many opportunities to overtake anyone in Hungary, so a podium finish is within reach! Piastri is sitting sixth overall on point ahead of the great Max Verstappen. Lewis Hamilton is sniffing around the top this year too. Such a legend of the sport.

8. Tim Tszyu. It truly is a zoo with the media frenzy... he was running out of chances, but has bounced back against an older, but wily rival. A mug's game in so many ways, but good luck to him. He was running out of support and chances, but may get another crack at a big and possibly final pay day.

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