Hillston Hurricane Michael “Speedy” Stratton was scathing of the rugby league world cup recently, saying it just wasn’t competitive.
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Has he changed his tune now after the gripping performances of Fiji and Tonga on the weekend?
In this week’s At the Bar, Speedy also previews the Ashes cricket series between Australia and England.
Oliver: Speedy, two weeks ago you gave the Rugby League World Cup a real spray, slamming the ridiculous margins. Time to eat your words?
Speedy: I’ll definitely eat my words. You can blame it all on Tonga, and to a lesser extent Lebanon.
And then on Saturday Fiji came out and they rolled New Zealand 4 to 2. No tries, but that’s not the point, they got the points. What a plus it is for them. Word is now Fiji could be joining the NSW Rugby League Cup.
And they should bring them in. A Papua New Guinea team joined the Queensland second string comp a few years ago. And guess what? This year they won it. That’s a boost and a half for them.
I think eventually we could see those teams in first grade.
The Fijians are natural born athletes at the best of times – big, strong and fast.
Oliver: Much like yourself Speedy. Do you see yourself as like a white Fijian?
Speedy: Oh yeah they used to call me the flash. If I had anyone’s money in Hillston, I was gone.
Oliver: I can believe it. But anyway, it’s summer now in Australia. And when it’s summer it means time for cricket.
Speedy: And cricket means The Ashes. The best cricket in the world is Australia v England
Oliver: Do you give the poms any chance?
Speedy: Oh definitely, they are the current champs. They hold The Ashes. They’ve got a terrific attack. They’ve got an all rounder named Chris Wooks, don’t they?
Oliver: I think it’s Woakes. But they’re missing Stokes. England all-rounder Ben Stokes in not in the side, as he’s facing charges for an alleged assault. Do you think he should be allowed to play?
Speedy: He would be a big loss. I think he should be allowed to play. He came to the assistance of some bloke who was being giving a hard time by other blokes. I would’ve come to help him and so would you. He’s paid his penance and they should let him come.
Oliver: So what’s your prediction on the series scoreline?
Speedy: If we get some good weather and it doesn’t rain, I think Australia will win 3-2. You can’t write off England. Ten years ago I wouldn’t have given them a chance of winning a game of marbles on the Lachlan River of Hillston. But they’ve kicked on a lot since then.