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Clubs stupid to use decoy runners
When are rugby league clubs going to realise cover-ups just don't cut it anymore?
The Bunnies are the latest to find out the shit eventually hits the fan no matter how hard you try to keep things in-house, with the Arizona incident now a major embarrassment.
Did they really expect us to believe there was no over-riding reason grand final-winning skipper John Sutton was dumped from the captaincy?
And that Luke Burgess was let go on football grounds only?
Shane Richardson and Michael Maguire must take us all for fools. The media was always going to keep asking questions
So let's hope it's put a scare among all clubs and we're now told the full story behind Willie Mason's Auckland incident, Paul Kind's abrupt departure from the NRL and myriad other incidents they have been swept under the carpet in recent times.
Who wants out of the west?
Lurker had western Sydney clubs conducting internal witch-hunts after he declared there was a player desperate to return to his former club closer to the coast.
Anthony Watmough was the prime suspect in most people's view but it's wide of the mark.
Choc's actually telling friends how much he's enjoying the change of scenery at Parramatta, but the Eels became very paranoid all the same.
We're not about to "out" the player in question but will keep a close eye on how he aims up this season.
Manly mole still at large
Plenty of headaches for Geoff Toovey and co at the Sea Eagles (Photo by Getty Images)
Talking of witch-hunts, you may have heard that Manly CEO Joe Kelly conducted one after news of his argument with Geoff Toovey made it to the papers.
Two staff members were dismissed as a result but The Repeat Set hears the real culprit wasn't nailed.
Hoppa fingers Jimmy for blue
Are you keen to see Jimmy fight Hoppa? (Photo by Getty Images)
Forget SBW v Paul Gallen.
If you want to see two footy thrashing machines really going at it, look no further than former Manly duo Jimmy Serdaris and John Hopoate.
Serdaris has been calling his former teammate out on Facebook, issuing this challenge on January 21: "I challenge you for a charity fight you pinhead. I'm going too slap you so hard Brenda the kids won't recognise you Greek style. LETS GET IT ON!!!dont be scared!!!"
Serdaris then followed up with: "Can't wait too slap him. He acts this really tough guy. But believe me John Hopoate is all talk. But won't be talking with a busted jaw."
To which Hoppa replied: "Don't know if your talking out of your mouth or your ass cause so much shit is coming out its not funny.
"You talk too much Jimmy "Dr Spock" Serdaris, time I shut that big mouth up!!"
They're joking....we think.
Stars a bit light on
Do you know who this man is? (Photo by Getty Images)
How many of you would recognise Chris Grevsmuhl or Tyson Andrews if they passed you in the street? Yes, we thought so...not many.
Yet they'll both line up for the Indigenous All Stars against the NRL All Stars before a small crowd on the Gold Coast this Friday night.
While it's a wonderful concept and we would never doubt what it means to the Indigenous players in particular, it's fair to say not all clubs or players share the enthusiasm.
And that's a great shame
Out and about
Rumour #1: Jarryd Hayne is getting closer to a deal with the Detroit Lions. It will prompt one of the game's leading players – a top-notch forward from a high-flying club - to seriously consider having a crack in the NFL.
Rumour #2: The behaviour of certain media types will be closely monitored in press boxes around the NRL this season. There are concerns some journos are treating games more like a Schoolies outing than a work assignment.
Spotted #1: Axed Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter dining with friends at Manly Skiff Club
Spotted #2: Roosters hardman Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and his lovely fiancé devouring plates of quality Chinese tucker at popular NRL haunt Lee's Fortuna Court at Crows Nest on Thursday night.
Spotted #3: Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Greg Alexander, Matt Johns and big Les Mason all taking in Manly's trial against Cronulla at Pittwater Rugby Park on Saturday.
