1. NRL. Preliminary Finals time.
(i) The Roosters are warming up nicely and have timed their season to perfection with injuries as well. Trent Robinson has a terrific coaching record. He has been there at the club since 2013, coaching 357 games for a 63% winning ratio. Three premierships: 2013, 2018, 2019. Elite.
The September temperatures are rising again and team fitness matters more than ever. The Dolphins did well (and better than Wayne Bennett's Souths team, despite the post Bennett performance hoax) but have struggled with their defence at key times this year (giving up 50 points twice). The Rabbits put 50 on the Roosters as well, so can they win the premiership at all?
The answer is "definitely". They have an incredible roster with Nawanqanitawase, the acrobat doing the most amazing things. Radley remains a send off risk, but offers so much. They are a young side. Toia is incredible and Tedesco-Cherry-Evans are a dynamic duo. Daly has made the best of choices to move clubs and it has been a wise signing.
Ashley Klein was sacked last weekend and put in the bunker instead. Go figure. He made more mistakes in the first half than anyone on the field. Terrible and the NRL need to eliminate him from the Grand Final (Chris Butler was incredibly fair and accurate), so he doesn't continue to hog the headlines. It is not about him and he needs to understand this.
Is it time there for one captain's challenge in each half of a game?
(ii) Penrith v Newcastle. Leaving out Cleary was clearly a big worry over his foot/ ankle. Missing the early goal was a terrible start for the Panthers and cost them near the end. Exposing Cogger-Cole-Talaigi was a concern. Jack Cole is too slow. The Newcastle centres are incredible in defence with the biggest 'BIG GAME' player, Bradman Best superb. Gagai is tough too.
Blaize bounced back with a Cogger kick for a try, but the Cleary injury was awful. Phoenix Crossland is a great guy...very unfortunate. Silver lining/ You don't get the medical treatment/ rehab required in a PNG compound...he re-signs with the Panthers. Yet Newcastle were too good! An outstanding display with twelve men. First GF in 25 years! Wooden spooners to Grand Finalists! Lots of joy in the crowd for a new group of supporters. Their big new grandstands will be filled in 2027!
The Roosters become the out and out favourites now. They will probably be too strong for Newcastle, but their centres and Ponga are superior.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have uncovered some serious flaws.. lack of pace and attack is the key problem. Losing the best player in the NRL doesn't help either.
2. NRLW. The John Strange coached Roosters team are into the Grand Final once more. They too are an awesome side. Kelleher, Fressard, Boyle (set to retire), Kernick, Jaz Strange, Sergis... lots of stars.
The crack Roosters NRLW team are looking for the their sixth Grand Final (two wins) since the comp started eight years ago. Playing the Broncos who like the Roosters have really dominated the NRLW. Put money on Tamika Upton for first try.
3. AFL. What a brilliant Grand Final - Brisbane v Fremantle. A win for Brisbane for the three peat (four GFs in a row)! Coach Fagan is a special man...much loved and a shrewd tactitian. Very gracious in saying Freo were the better team and he mentioned his team was extremely lucky. Even though Shai Bolton (ex Richmond) won the Norm Smith in a losing team, Freo will be absolutely fuming..."Wharfie time" (4 mins remaining) ignited the Brisbane team for four goals in four minutes! Too many stars there too. A thrilling end and a huge crowd. Such a magnificent spectacle with so many wonderful moments.
Up by 17, with a then Tracey missed one ten metres out (ouch!) that could have sealed the win. Their first flag ever! Brisbane's Sam Draper and Oscar Allen would have been pleased with their moves from Essendon and West Coast respectively...
They really show the NRL Grand Final up with their pre match entertainment and traditions. The NRL is second rate there.
The Nick Daicos Brownlow Medal earlier this week was very deserving. He is easily the best.
3. Presidents Cup Golf. Day two foursome stage at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago was a disaster for the US team with the Internationals surging to a 7-3 lead. A solid position heading into Day Three. In Day Three the advantage was retained 10.5 to 7.5, but nerves are jangling heading into the final day.
A three point lead, but the 28 years wait for an Internationals win will be no formality!
4. Socceroos v Brazil. 1-1. Brazil could probably not believe they were coming to Australia (and not vice versa). We did well, but true to football history in this country, we could not ice the game despite a wonderful penalty goal from the highly talented Irankunda. A last gasp equaliser from Brazil. We hadn't beaten them for 25 years!
5. EPL - Manchester City Scandal. Suddenly their club is in a lot of hot water after a 2008-2019 (6 years ago!!!) enquiry and the prospect of fines, penalties, compensation claims by other teams and possible automatic demotion. This is a huge breaking story for the might of world football.
6. Wallabies v Springboks. The toughest of world rugby contests tonight. A miracle if we can win...but with Newcastle winning and an unlikely victory by Brisbane in the AFL, you never know...!
7. ODI- Australian Cricket. Who would have thought our batting was ordinary and susceptible to collapse? Travis Head is awesome v Zimbabwe, but keeps repeating the same mode of dismissal. That is a huge concern. Nathan Ellis and Zampa get wickets, but no one is scoring runs. Unfortunately, we are in for a very lean time ahead.
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