Sport

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: It was as clear as day what the superstar did and letting him off with a fine is beyond a joke.

As someone who’s spent a career around elite sport, I think it’s worth stepping back and asking the tough question about the big pay increases being demanded by female athletes: Is it viable?

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: His toilet humour may not be for everyone, but the NRL’s biggest star cuts through like few others do.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Success in short-form cricket is one thing, doing so during the heat of battle during an Ashes series Down Under is another thing completely.

RICHO’S TOP 10: It’s an ongoing issue that the league needs to get on top to maintain the credibility of the side chosen.

DANE ELDRIDGE: Melbourne are staring down their darkest storm in recent memory ahead of their NRL final against the Bulldogs. Can Craig Bellamy turn the tide?

KIERSTEN DUKE: This September is shaping as one of the closest in recent years and these are the players that could prove the difference for their sides when they need it most.

SOPHIE GANNON: The defending premiers look like a shell of their former selves and are seriously staring down the prospect of a straight-sets exit if these players don’t step up.

MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Earlier this year I wrote the outgoing Manly star should have not played State of Origin, and after a recent game we had a heated exchange over my call.

The Aussie skipper’s long-awaited return has ended up in a very disappointing situation.

JUSTIN LANGER: As the world appears to being getting more divided there is one fractious relationship that always tests our patience - the one with the English!

KIERSTEN DUKE: If you finish top of the tree or are happy with your lot in life, it should be nobody’s business who you put out on the field.

RICHO’S TOP 10: There are four blockbusters coming our way starting tonight, but the side that prevails in this match will go all the way.

MITCHELL JOHNSON: Don’t believe the talk coming out of the Australian camp — the Poms will be licking their lips at the prospect of a wounded Aussie skipper limping into the series, if at all.

BEN MCCLELLAN: The disgraced star is being made to pay for his crimes, but at what cost and to what end?