Noticed a couple of things in the NRL that I couldn’t let go.

Firstly, Willie Mason calling Eel’s Boss Denis Fitzgerald comments about reducing the salary cap, “The stupidest thing he has ever heard.”

Well I reckon Big Willie would be quite well qualified to make that statement and at first thoughts I probably agree with him, particularly with the rumoured exodus of some of the game’s marquee players either to union or Super League.

But footy is a business and if the bean counters had a good long hard look at quite a few of the NRL clubs (If News Limited and other media giants were taken out of the equation, how long would they last?) something does have to give.

Maybe the NRL needs to look at rewarding rep players on a more permanent basis to keep them in the game and I guess that rewards players and clubs that develop them.

Now the second thing is related to the first. What about the Titans v Tigers game from Leichardt Oval last Sunday? If that wasn’t the best game of footy I have seen this year I’ll wash Peter Slipper’s car.

It just goes to show players and crowds respond to rectangular footy fields in the suburbs on a Sunday afternoon, rather than sticking them in a huge stadium with less than a quarter filled.

They should try playing a Souths game at Redfern and see if all those supporters who wanted them back in the NRL turn up on their home patch.

Maybe a step back in time is a way forward for the game?

Sam Newman
Goodness me, Sam Newman gets put in the bin for an indefinite period on the AFL Footy Show for groping a mannequin.

Whilst I am no fan of Newman, ever since he abused me at Twin Waters driving range for my fog horn voice disturbing his practice in the 90s ( yes I hold a grudge) and I certainly think his actions were inappropriate with the mannequin as she was a serious well brought-up girl, I do think he is a bit unlucky.

Obviously the executives who make those decisions don’t watch puppeteer Vautin and co.

Congratulations
Well done to our latest water polo legends, Kate Miller, Hannah Robinson, Kaylene Bryce and Ellie Bowen on making the Australian team.

What a great effort and it follows a long record of Sunshine Coast achievements in the sport.

I attended a footy meeting the other night at Stockland Park and as I was driving out I noticed what I thought was the Stingrays training.

At the time I thought they were a touch slow and carrying on a bit but on further investigation realised it was the Thirsty Lion’s Over (well and truly) 35’s rugby side.

I must say they looked like they were having fun, and if you are interested ring Peter King on 0417 729 620.

Thanks, Caloundra Hospital
Speaking of rugby, I was holed up in Caloundra Private Hospital last weekend and I was looked after like a king by the staff.

Now one of their stars Amanda Hale is the Nurse of the Year entrant which raises money for cancer.

The girls have a signed framed Wallabies Rugby jersey that will be on display at the hospital for the next month and are holding a silent auction.

Give them a call on 5492 0241.