NRL rejects grassroots footy with plush party

THE NRL continues to shoot itself in the foot when it comes to funding for grassroots rugby league.

HAIR-RAISING FOOTY: The 2018 Rugby League Ipswich season is being launched with three massive games at the North Ipswich next weekend. Picture: David Nielsen

THE NRL continues to shoot itself in the foot when it comes to funding for grassroots rugby league.

It initially announced a good package but then had to dip into the allotted funding when they found a financial shortfall.

Now we hear that the NRL had a going away party for outgoing chairman John Grant.

While that is not the big issue, the big talking point is the amount spent on this plush party. The total for this shindig was $30,000, an unbelievable amount for an organisation that could be spending its money in a much better way.

Clubs at the lowest level of our great game are struggling and in some cases dying but the people at the top end just can't seem to see what a lot of fans can.

Peter Beattie now has this role and let's hope he has a great financial brain that can see where funding is needed.

Cheating concerns

AT a time when our racing industry needed a feel good story, it was slammed back into the gutter with the reports surfacing of broad scale cheating.

The text messages that have been uncovered were a shock to many.

If proven, they will end the careers of some trainers and their support staff.

These are sensational claims and very damaging.

Everybody knows that when money is involved you will always find a minor element that will try and buck the system and employ a win at all costs mentality.

Hopefully for the Sport of Kings it is only a handful of people who are employing this method.

Super Saturday

THE Rugby League Ipswich competition is only eight days from kicking off with a Super Saturday booked to start the season.

On March 3, the top six teams from last year descend on the North Ipswich Reserve to try to get their season off on a winning foot.

The first game features the Eastern Cobras taking on Brothers. Norths will face Swifts in game 2.

The main match is between last year's grand finalists Goodna and Fassifern.

Look out for my guide on each team next week.

Quick thoughts

HERO of the week 1: While our one-day team performed dreadfully in their series, you could not fault the form of our T20 side as they went through their Tri-series undefeated.

Hero of the week 2: For those who have Foxtel, get ready for a plethora of rugby league with the announcement of four new shows.

Villain of the week: When is an elbow not an elbow? When it is connected to Cameron Smith's arm. The judiciary again showed that consistency is not their strong suit with only a warning letter. I hope this is not a precedence for the year ahead.

Bomber's Best: I hope you loaded up on Tony Finau in the golf as he finished second at great eachway odds. I am going for three in a row, having found a horse that is flying. Check out Melbourne race 2, horse number 3, Mr So and So.

Did you know?

Aussie cricketer Don Bradman averaged 99.94 but did you know that he only averaged 89.78 in England? He averaged a lot better in India (178.75) and South Africa (201.50).