Less is more: Lack of options means Maguire not spoilt for choice in guiding Blues to series whitewash

0 Comments

NSW not being spoilt by choice for once leads to 3-0 whitewash. The power of positive thinking has led me to this premonition. No Nathan Cleary, no Tom Trbojevic, Mitchell Moses, Latrell Mitchell (surely), no Clint Gutherson, no Cody Walker now that he’s tweaked his calf … no worries. When you are not spoilt for […]

Gareth Southgate’s ruthless approach to England’s Euro 2024 squad proves he’s eager to go out with a bang

0 Comments

Gareth Southgate recently announced his provisional squad for the 2024 European Championship. This will be Southgate’s last throw of the dice, with the Three Lions’ manager moving on from his position after the Euros. This is the most cutthroat the 53-year-old has been when selecting a squad ahead of a major tournament, with many familiar […]

‘Big, line-bending, bruising ball carrier’: What if Suliasi Vunivalu was actually supposed to be an inside centre?

0 Comments

Let me first start by saying that this is neither a defence of, nor promotion of, Suliasi Vunivalu as a player…so much has already been said. Rather, this is more of a thought piece around an alternative position for Suli and requires an open mind when reading. My original idea behind this article was to […]

Out of Origin: There’s enough injured talent to form a quality line-up as coaches face selection dilemmas for game one

0 Comments

The statistical weight of history is against the team that loses game one in a State of Origin series.  It’s only happened nine times in the 42 series since the advent of the three-match contest in 1982.  And often the rot sets in well before kickoff in the series opener at the selection table.  Cast […]

Serial pests, rookies and a ‘dormant volcano’: The 23 most watchable AFL players of 2024

0 Comments

You have no stake in tonight’s game. Your team is not playing and you wonder if you should bother watching. Here are 23 reasons that might help you decide. The 23 most watchable players of 2024. Backs Luke Ryan (Fremantle) – When the Dockers clinically dismantled the Lions back in Round 1, I asked myself […]