PETE’S PUNCHLINE – The National

It is on a somber note that we start this edition of the Puncline. On Thursday, PNG rugby union and all players, friends and followers of the sport lost a loyal, dedicated, humble servant of the game in Douglas Guise. A great player, a genuine good guy, a friend, mentor, coach and brother. The former Pukpuk representative and current coach of the men’s sevens team passed away suddenly leaving his family, friends, rugby compatriots, workmates, teammates, players and everyone who knew him in shock and despair. Our deepest condolences to his wife and children. Rest easy Dougie, you are with the Most High now.
After some thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Hunters will do well to avoid the wooden spoon. Too many upheavals, changes and a roster that doesn’t have the quality required (yet) to get them 12 wins in season 2021. A bottom four finish is most likely, a top-eight finish would be fantastic; a top-four spot would be crazy.
Good to see soccer is taking a stand against school fights in Lae. School fights seem to be a regular thing over there. Those boys (I’m assuming it’s the male students who are into this kind of thing) probably just need some kind of outlet for their energy/frustrations/anxieties/emotions whatever. How about introducing boxing as a part of the school sports curriculum? Amateur rules, head gear, gum shields, tank tops, a ring, a referee and 3x3min rounds. Let’s go.
Could Poro and Genesis be headed for the Women’s National Soccer League grand final? They are the only sides that are yet to drop points this season.
I hate to be in Chelsea boss Frank Lampard’s shoes right now? Okay, they beat Fulham but only by a goal and against 10 men.
I knew Ben Simmons’ three-point game was a dream. After nailing his one and only attempt eight games into the season last week, he’s had a further three attempts and missed them all. Never has a supposed NBA super star been so utterly deficient in one area. At least Shaq could hit a free throw every now and then.
What is this, the golden oldies tour? First we had Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr squaring off in an exhibition bout late last year and now the Golden Boy himself Oscar De La Hoya has announced that he wants to get back in the ring. DLH is 47. Meanwhile, Tyson-Holyfield III is in the works. Cripes.
I get the nostalgia angle and the “I want to prove I can still fight” reasoning but fellas (fans) that’s why we’ve got YouTube, so we can see them in their primes.
So one team says with God’s help they will win. But what about the other team? What if they prayed just as hard? Who gets the help then? – PGTP ([email protected])