PETE’S PUNCHLINE – The National

So the advertisment for the position of executive director of the PNG Sports Foundation has been out since last Thursday. There are some excellent candidates out there and some convenient ones as well. Here’s hoping the PSC, NEC and whoever else that has influence makes a good decision.
Is it just me or do the Tumbe play like bullies, cheap shot artists and grubs every time they’re on TV. They must be trying to impress someone out there.
US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau beefed up to 109kg for his assault on the greens and fairways at Winged Foot (West Course), Mamaroneck, NY. The man is no ordinary looking golfer. He’s yoked as hell. Imagine Titans prop Jarrod Wallace with a driver.
I must admit, I never really thought much of the Gold Coast Titans. They could have been called the Scallywags for all I cared. But their form this year has been good, better than what Brisbane and North Queensland have been offering, so kudos to them. They are the best performing Qld team in the NRL which isn’t saying much, but still. And they’ll be better next season. I think AJ Brimson might even sneak onto the Qld bench for Origin in November.
On the tennis front, I think the penny has dropped, the big stars of the previous two decades are on their way out even if they themselves don’t realise it, or want to admit it. Federer is gone, Nadal is not even a threat on clay anymore, Djokovic’s off court distractions are not doing anything for his game and Serena Williams is now a gatekeeper, a very good one mind you, but even that can’t last much longer. Time to sheath the racquets, people.
That Cowboys-Broncos game this weekend is huge for both sides. For the Broncos, its a chance at avoiding the wooden spoon (if they win and the Bulldogs lose, of course). For both sides, a victory would be like an early Christmas present. Also, its Darius Boyd’s final hurrah … that’s right, nobody cares.
Good to see Lachlan Lam and Nene Macdonald named in the Sharks and Roosters sides for the final round of the NRL regular season. Justin Olam, on the other hand, has been rested along with a bevy of first graders at the Storm for their final round fixture against the Dragons. This would be a great opportunity for the Saints to finish their season off with a win against a second string Melbourne side but that’s not going to happen. The Dragons are rubbish. Sorry, Numa.
When an Aston Villa win is described as “laboured” and last season’s avoidance of relegation was “by the skin of their teeth” you know it’s going to be another long season. But a win’s a win, right. C’mon, Villa! – PGTP ([email protected])