PETE’S PUNCHLINE – The National

The relocation of the Hunters will be a one-year arrangement, provided Covid-19 is brought under control next year. I can’t see the Hunters staying in Australia any longer than is absolutely necessary.
Some say the Hunters’ relocation to Queensland is actually another step in the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League bid (remember that venture?). Although that is stretching things a bit, I can see how this experience would eventually put the PNG Rugby Football League in good stead somewhere down the line for a genuine bid. But that’s long way down the line, at least 10 years.
I think the Blues should stick with the same team that lost game one and ask the players to make up for it. Freddy’s got to show some faith in his troops after all he did pick his starting 17. The only changes should be injury forced.
I think Body Cordner’s best years are behind him. He’s got a lot of wear and tear on his body and now the concussion discussion has reared its head. There’s plenty of great second-rowers New South Wales can chose from to replace him. Respect to Boyd, he’s managed to stay at or around the top for a while now.
I’m happy that the Wallabies got a win over the All Blacks. They fought hard and stayed in the contest all the way to the end this time. Pity the referee had to use the red card though. It marred a great contest. That hit on Tom Wright wasn’t a red-card offence. Maybe a yellow but not a flamin’ red.
Andrew Johns is a rugby league great but I still have Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk ahead of him as all-time great halves. Simply put, these three gentlemen performed at a top level for longer, won premierships and played more rep and club games. Joey may have been potentially better than them but his career didn’t reflect this.
So the National Football Stadium looks like it’ll stay unused next year. Not sure what financial model the venue management is using but they should consider allowing the Digicel Cup back in at the very least.
Just about this time of the year I’m getting ready for the cricket season. Getting ready to watch Australia play whoever is touring and also following the Black Caps intently. While Australia is hosting India in a home series this summer, I can’t say that the Indian Premier League has really grabbed my attention. Sure there are great players involved but it just seems flat. I don’t know, may be its because guys are playing purely for the money.
Are we still observing Covid-19 protocols/measures like social distancing and mask wearing?
Joe Biden’s the president. He’s got the ball now, hope he can run with it. – PGTP [email protected]