Sports can be cruel: Thornton and the dislocated ankle
Chiefs v Raiders was a terrific game to watch, and I thought both teams were performing at a high level, but it comes down to the small victories in elite level sport. As ever, when a game is played at this level, there will be standout performers.
This game, I thought it was Tyquan Thornton, with five receptions, 111 yards and two touchdowns. He seemed to be on the end of those back-breaking plays that can deflate a team. With three and a half minutes to go, 3rd & 4, the Chiefs down two and their offence stalling, the blitz came and Thornton got that separation to haul in a 55 yard pass from Patrick Mahomes.
It felt like a game changing moment, and it was, but it had a sombre feel. His ankle was facing a way it should not have been, making my girlfriend look away as well. What should have been Thornton's moment to rejoice took a different shape.
The silver lining is that his teammates capitalised on his performance and came away with the win. Rest up, Thornton, and come back stronger.
England brutalise Croatia: Bellingham, the next great England captain?
I thought Croatian captain Luka Modric summed up how anyone should feel after a 7-0 defeat. Ashamed.
I do not think it is unfair to say Croatia's golden run is coming to an end, with their better players getting older. That does not mean it should be acceptable to be beaten in that manner, but that is easier said than done when you have someone like Jude Bellingham on the other team.
He has just got that "it" thing that some athletes have.
His performances in an England shirt are exemplary, and he welcomes the pressure rather than shying away from it. He was involved in four of the seven goals.
I believe it is not just this side of his game that makes him a future great, but his attitude, which is something all athletes should look up to. I read on social media someone saying to give him the captain's armband now. That might be a bit hasty, because Kane is a model professional as well, but there should be only one name after he goes.
The Knights couldn't slay the Rooster (NRL Grand Final)
I was told the Newcastle Knights should have been nowhere near that final and that it was all heart, guts and commitment. The final showed exactly that.
The Sydney Roosters felt like they set up base camp in the Knights' half the whole game, pouncing on the opportunities when they presented themselves and leading 12-6 at half time. The constant defending took its toll on the Knights, and you started to see the power and skill come through from the Roosters. You could see it when the Knights were down 19-18 on their last set and could not conjure up anything.
It was disappointing because Kalyn Ponga, I thought, was really impressive and should have got on the ball more. When they were 19-12 down, he came in at first receiver, demanded the ball, took it on the front foot, and within that play a try was scored.
It felt like a missed opportunity, although it was hard to ask much more from them considering they only lost by a point.
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