By Casey O'Connor
As I say at this time every year, I hope as this edition comes to you the Maroons are celebrating Billy and his Maroon kids and a new chapter in State of Origin folklore is beginning to be written.
Unfortunately, they won’t be able to call me up to the bench if they need any replacements for game two. I’ve been sidelined after knee surgery earlier this week. I now have a healthy respect for these sportsmen and women who come back time and again from knee surgery and other serious injury.
While the focus this week has been on Origin there have been a few other notable things happening in the world of sport.
Raffa returned to Roland Garros and added another slam to his total – 22 now and drawing away from a great friend and rival Roger Federer and clear of Novak Djokovic.
At age 36 Nadal notched up French Open number 14.
That is simply ridiculous.
Speaking of injuries, Raffa continues to play on one foot. A chronic injury to his foot is something he now just lives and admits he will play through the pain until he can no longer.
Hopefully, we will see both him and Federer at Wimbledon in a few weeks.
In the Rugby League world, the coaching swings and roundabouts are beginning to pick up speed. Trent Barrett gone from the Bulldogs (not that it has improved their results Mr Gould). Nathan Brown is gone from the Warriors after telling the club he would not relocate across the ditch next year.
Madge Maguire is sure to be the next green bottle to fall. The beat of the drums sounding even louder this week with reports this weekend will be his final game. Over to you Tim Sheens – good luck with Mr Gould and the Doggies, I can’t see it making a great deal of difference.
And you cannot but help but feel sorry for Justin Holbrook who must be wondering why he came back from the UK. NRL Coaching – it really is a great gig.
One thing that has changed forever in NRL and Origin. No longer will we hear the dulcet tones of ‘Rabs’ with Ray Warren after he announced he has hung up his binoculars and called his last game.
There are so many memorable moments in a grand career – Thanks for the memories “Rabs”.
Casey
Casey’s NRL tips Round 14
Cowboys; Rabbitohs; Storm; Brisbane; Manly; Penrith: Sharks; Eels
