Pete’s Punchline
- I hope this isn’t right but has there been another transfer window (the third such one) opened recently in the National Soccer League that is allegedly benefitting just one club? Apparently, the question is being asked by a club based outside Port Moresby. The NSL board should come out and explain just what exactly is happening.
- Vale Don Fox. A long-serving member of the PNGRFL board and long-time resident of PNG passed away on July 3 after losing his battle with leukemia. The 78-year-old played a part in rugby league’s development in this country, as a player, administrator, adviser and sponsor. His efforts and contributions will not be forgotten.
- The National Sports Policy for 2020-2050 is set to be launched soon after the finishing touches are added to it this month. This comes after a three-day consultative forum on Friday and ending yesterday. Thanks to everyone involved, sports will finally have a document to guide its development.
- I must say, I can’t say I remember an Australian rugby league season like this one. I can’t for the life of me remember the last time we had players bagging hat-tricks and more on a regular basis. Matt Ikavulu was a last-minute sub for Brett Morris and scored five tries to kick off round nine on Thursday night. Then the following day, Souths winger Dane Gagai grabbed a hat-trick against the Tigers, his first, and debutant Panther Charlie Staines bagged four against the Sharks on Saturday. Maika Sivo bagged four the previous round. These are try-ing times indeed.
- I’ve noticed something about the AFL since it kicked off: there are quite a few low scoring matches. Not sure why that is. The Hawks only managed to kick three goals in four quarters against the Pies on Friday night. Three goals! They lost 3.9 (27) – 8.11 (59) to Collingwood. Oh, by the way, did I mention that the Lions are in third spot on the ladder.
- The Crusaders managed to beat the Blues in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Saturday in Super Rugby Aotearoa’s match of the round. The Crusaders trailed for 60-odd minutes before finally taking control. Can’t wait for the return match in Auckland in the final round.
- Been watching classic fights during the lockdown and I have to say there were some pretty tough hombres back in the day. The following are my opinions on some of the fighters and fights: 1.) Leonard beat Hagler. Sugar Ray did enough to win 115-113 on my scorecard; 2.) Ali could take a punch. He took so many flush left hooks in his first fight with Joe Frazier that my jaw just hurt watching the fight; 3.) They called Leonard, Hagler, Duran and Hearns the Fab Four of boxing but they should’ve added Wilfred Benitez into the mix too – that cat was all class. – PGTP ([email protected])