Thankfully, the rugby will be over by tomorrow morning.

Funnily enough, I have enjoyed parts of the coverage – not the part where Australia got towelled up – but it is a world event and it has been entertaining at times.

What I haven’t enjoyed is the commentary on Channel Ten but that paled into insignificance this week with the Australia media focusing on Eddie Jones, who is the Dicky Knee to the South African coach.

I can’t believe I am saying this but I hope the Poms wipe that smirk off his face tomorrow morning.

How could any Australian rugby supporter barrack for South Africa after what Eddie did to the Reds and Wallabies?

Help support Ben

I was devastated during the week to learn that Ben Thorpe, a Caloundra Sharks league player, was seriously injured in an incident at Kings Beach.

He is in hospital and, thankfully, his condition is improving but it looks like it will be a long road. His football club is having an afternoon barbecue today to offer support to Ben and his family, so get along to Caloundra Rugby League club from 5pm.

If you can help, or for information, ring my old mate Brett Clarke, 0423 869 888.

Our tops refs recognised

I recently attended the Sunshine Coast Referees Association awards night.

Rex Sharp scooped the pool, winning the Referee of the Year as well as the Referees’ Referee Award.

It was well-deserved and well-received, but maybe next year, instead of showering him with trophies, they might buy him a new shirt because, every league function I attend, he has his Harley Davidson dress shirt on.

The junior award went to the very talented Alex Holmes, while it was announced that local talent Darren Gough has been identified by the NRL as a future talent. It may not be long before the Coast sees a referee running around in the NRL.

It was highlighted to me during the evening that the men and women in the middle have a very healthy sense of humour, and we all know that, at times, they certainly need it.

But I must add that, after the other night, I will look at three senior referees in a ‘hole’ different light.

Stupidity a point of contention

I ran into an ‘old’ school mate the other day from my days at Nambour and, being an AFL supporter, he was into me about Ben Cousins.

“Convicted before a trial” was his opening salvo, “all for carrying around valium in his car”. Then he followed up with a comparison with the AFL reaction of sacking Cousins while Andrew Johns got convicted of possessing ecstasy and was promoted to assistant coach of NSW.

I had trouble arguing the case but remain convinced that football is one thing, their stupidity is a totally different subject.

Paddlers prompt protest

I have heard everything now.

A couple of weeks ago I gave a plug to some junior outrigging that was being staged at Kawana Island over the school holidays.

Lots of kids coming from all over Queensland, sounded all good.

The organisers were not only providing activities for experienced young outriggers but also offering encouragement to new recruits and, in addition, mixing the outrigging with some local Gubbi Gubbi culture.

That was until a local resident complained and wanted the whole show closed down because it was interfering with the locals.

After some tweaking, council officers let it continue but, in my mind, it is like buying a house beside an airport and then trying to stop the planes from flying.

And, I must say, the outrigging isn’t quite as loud.

Raiders celebrate their 21st

The Yandina Raiders rugby league club is having its 21st reunion today at its home ground, with an oldies versus youngies game kicking off at 3pm.

There are canteen and bar facilities and all past players and supporters are welcome.

Rumour has it that even Darren Obah is getting along to be part of the festivities.

If Darren doesn’t join in the footy – I am told he sustained an injury last week at the Dancing with The Stars – I am sure he will show his new found skills at the after party at the Yandina Hotel from 6pm.

For more information, ring Woody, 5446 8003, or Mick, 0408 874 501. I guarantee it will be a good time.