He suffered a shocking thumb injury, and unfortunately for Tasmanian wicketkeeper Tim Paine it came at the wrong time in his career as his star was certainly on the rise.

A fantastic batsman – as he has proven over the years in domestic one-day and four-day competitions – Paine has also made a name for himself in the Big Bash League.

Peter Nevill and Matthew Wade have had their moments in the sun representing Australian in various forms of cricket.

Nevill has been praised for his efforts behind the stumps, but a lack of runs saw him dumped by Australian selectors.

In contrast, it’s the opposite for Wade – regarded as a better batsman than he is a wicketkeeper.

It’s a travesty that Paine did not succeed Brad Haddin as Australian wicketkeeper because at his best he is the complete package.

Paine should have played 50 Test matches by now, as well as a host of ODIs and T20s for Australia, and hopefully he will get his chance.

Sadly, though, Paine, aged 32, may have missed the boat, but he certainly would give Australia a much stronger look if he was to be selected in all three forms of cricket at an international level.

1. Has to be a question mark in regards to the fitness and condition of NSW trio Paul Gallen, Brett Morris amd Robbie Farah

2. NSW won State of Origin last year when Cooper Croonk succumbed to injury – he is missing for Origin II

3. Mitchell Pearce just cannot produce the big play when required. Instead of preparing for a field goal in Origin I he went looking for a try. Trent Hodkinson is at fault as well. They also battled to gell in Origin I

4. The MCG crowd is bound to be in Queensland’s corner due to the influence of Melbourne Storm players Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Will Chambers

5. How fit is Billy Slater?

6. NSW has once again stuck with a bench that lacks speed. It’s good to have size, but the speedy blokes are hard to stop when players tire

7. The Maroons stuck at it for 80 minutes in Origin I. The Blues switched off after 40 minutes

8. NSW are no chance if they go looking for retribution following Origin I instead of playing football

9. How will Daly Cherry-Evans perform? If he has a decent game the Maroons will take some stopping

10. NSW must play as one unit and show more enterprise in attack. Someone from the Blues has to stand up. Josh Dugan had a tremendous game in Origin I, but clearly lacked support. Will Paul Gallen lead the charge? It may have been 11-10 in Origin I, but Queensland never looked like losing after hitting the front.

Tip – Queensland by 1-12 points

1. Queensland at full strength. Michael Morgan a handy replacement for Daly Cherry-Evans. The only reason NSW won last year is because Queensland had injuries. Cooper Cronk was a massive loss as it was DCE who missed the tackle on Trent Hodkinson in Game 2 last year. Look what Queensland did to NSW in Game 3 in 2014.

2. NSW may rue not having a utility back on the bench. What’s Plan B if Mitchell Pearce or Hodkinson get injured? And who goes to dummy half if Robbie Farah ends up in the halves?

3. Pearce at five-eighth is a huge risk and did anyone see Hodkinson’s shocking attempt to tackle Roger Tuivasa-Scheck two Friday nights ago. Switching Johnathan Thurston to No 6 for Origin has worked for Queensland, but Pearce is no JT.

4. Darius Boyd might be in for a rough night. Has only just returned from exile and despite his experience there might be a lot of traffic heading his way. And how fit are Billy Slater and Justin Hodges?

5. Queensland has boasted a poor record in Sydney in recent years, but history suggests they have a habit of winning games that really matter. Josh Dugan is playing well, but can he make a fist of it at fullback in the absence of Jarryd Hayne?

Verdict: A few question marks surround NSW and there’s also no Paul Gallen. Queensland by 1-12 points.

Enjoy the game people.

Poor old South Africa can’t take a trick can they?

Dudded by the rain back in 1992 in a semi-final against England, the Proteas were victims of the rain once again against New Zealand on Tuesday.

The Black Caps having to chase an extra 18 runs because of the Duckworth/Lewis system can be deemed to be unfair.

However, if it doesn’t rain South Africa would have easily posted more 350 runs.

Perhaps a bridge too far for New Zealand.

The fact that New Zealand also lost bowler Adam Milne to injury didn’t help.

We’ll never know what South Africa would have ended up with, but AB de Villiers and David Miller were flying.

Why is it that rain has a habit of intervening in a World Cup during the big games?

From memory, it hardly rained a drop in Australia in January.

That’s right, you couldn’t play a World Cup then because of the Big Bash League.

Please.

Brendon McCullum yet again produces a sensational cameo on Tuesday to at least give New Zealand a chance.

Corey Anderson then takes over, but he certainly had an element of luck on his side as it was hard to believe he didn’t have his castle knocked over at least three times.

South Africa didn’t help their cause either with two botched run outs and an important dropped catch (what was JP Duminy thinking!!!!!!!)

And the amount of boundaries the South African bowlers conceded off the last ball bordered on the staggering.

Dale Steyn was far from his best, but it’s hard to believe that Imran Tahir and Vernon Philander didn’t grab a wicket.

The fact that Philander played instead of Kyle Abbott, who bowled well against Sri Lanka, is something else that will haunt South Africa for years.

Looking ahead, the fact that New Zealand hasn’t played a game in Australia suggests that it could be a one-sided final come Sunday.

The Black Caps have more than an adequate batting line up, but how do you compare placid New Zealand wickets with a bouncy MCG pitch.

Australia and India would have been licking their lips when South Africa were eliminated on Tuesday.

Could be wrong as far as writing off the Black Caps, but the final does mirror last year’s NRL grand final.

Whoever won the Rabbitohs-Roosters preliminary final were always going to beat the Bulldogs by plenty.

Finally, in light of the famous under arm delivery, how symbolic would it be if Australia and New Zealand squared off in a World Cup final back at the MCG.

Why is English soccer admired so much around the world?

When teams go into battle they have a crack.

There’s hardly any rubbish and the game generally flows.

Sure, there is an element of gamesmanship – but nothing like you would see in Spain, Italy or Portugal for example.

You can add certain South American teams to that list as well, especially at an international level.

Remember Brazilian star Rivaldo at the 2002 World Cup?

The English, as well as soccer lovers from throughout the world, just can’t cop it.

A lesson that Manchester United’s Angel Di Maria learned in a big way during the FA Cup quarter final loss to Arsenal.

He deserved to be booked for simulation in a pathetic attempt to win a free kick.

And he only compounded the situation when he made contact with referee Michael Oliver before receiving a second yellow card.

United teammate Adnan Januzaj deserved his yellow card as well for his dive in a desperate attempt to win a penalty.

There are good players in the top club competitions in Europe, no doubt, but the constant flagrant diving does leave a sour tatste in the mouth.

Say what you will about English soccer, but at least a majority of the players address the game in the right spirit.

And rarely is there a deliberate attempt by a player to get an opponent sent off in their quest to help get their team over the line.

A preview of the 2015 NFL season will be posted on the www.sportsword.com.au website by Sunday, September 7.

We’ll nominate the teams that will most likely win their respective division in the NFC and AFC.

Then settle on the two teams who will advance to the Super Bowl.

And of course weekly tips will be supplied for the duration of the season.

The NFL is so even these days that picking the eight division winners will be no easy task, but last season we successfully predicted the two teams that would end up meeting in the Super Bowl.

Those teams were the Seattle Seahawks (NFC) and Denver Broncos (AFC).

There are a number of reasons why you can expect Queensland to lift for Origin III.

They will be joined by NSW at four-a-piece as far as sweeping the series is concerned.

Being swept 3-0 in Brisbane, especially after honouring Arthur Beetson at the start of this year’s campaign, will leave a sour taste in the mouths of every Queenslander.

And more importantly, Queensland players might well relinquish their spot in the Australian team to NSW players at the end of the year.

Subsequently there’s plenty at stake for the Maroons.

It’s amazing to think that the Blues have ended Queensland’s eight year reign by scoring just 18 points in two games.

Defence has played an important factor in their success, but down the track we’ll look back at the 2014 series and come to the conclusion that injuries cruelled the Maroons.

That might be a bit harsh on NSW, however not having to face the likes of Cooper Cronk, Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday was a bonus.

Unfortunately for the Blues that impressive trio takes the field for Game 3.

And on this occasion it’s NSW who have injury worries with Michael Jennings, Will Hopoate, Brett Morris and Anthony Watmough sidelined.

Had no hesitation tipping Queensland in the Games 1 and 2 as the head always rules the heart when it comes to tipping, but it was pleasing to see the Blues win both games.

As well as NSW defended in Game 1, the loss of Cooper Cronk would have freshened the wind in their sails.

Queensland’s preparations for Game 2 were severely disrupted, but they only have themselves to blame because come game time they butchered chances after seemingly having control of the match.

Forget that rubbish that the Maroons had to wait until the last minute before naming their side for Game 2.

Do you think that it would have taken five minutes to put the names and the numbers on the back of the jumpers?

No chance.

They knew days in advance what their side was.

And the way Daly Cherry-Evans snarled at the media when questioned if he would be named in the side for Game 2 was an indication that the Maroons were on edge.

On paper, it’s hard to believe that NSW has won the series as Queensland clearly have the better players.

What’s that saying.

A champion team will beat a team of champions.

How prophetic when assessing 2014.

Both teams will be desperate for victory tonight at a frenzied Suncorp Stadium.

Should the Maroons win they will boast that injuries cost them in Games 1 and 2, and it’s hard to argue that point.

With the players and depth at their disposal Queensland is capable of winning the series in 2015.

In contrast, should NSW win it will prove once and for all that they’ve finally got Queensland’s measure and that father time might be catching up with a few players.

The return of Cronk is huge and he only has to perform at 80 per cent to cause the Blues problems.

Apart from Jarryd Hayne, Josh Dugan, Josh Morris, Daniel Tupou, Greg Bird, Paul Gallen and Robbie Farah, it’s hard to settle on any other NSW player with the attacking class to trouble Queensland.

Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson have been solid without setting the world on fire.

James McManus could be in for a long night as he hasn’t exactly had a stellar season, while the likes of Trent Merrin, Aaron Woods and James Tamou need to justify their selection.

Look at the Queensland side and you’ve got the likes of Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Thaiday, Cameron Smith, David Taylor and Matt Gillett who can wreak havoc with the football in their hands.

Will Chambers is on debut and after appearing in the headlines for the wrong reason leading up to the match he might see a lot of traffic come his way – both on the ground and in the air.

May not have picked the winner for Games 1 and 2, but it would be stunning if the Maroons didn’t get the cash on this occasion.

Bottom line.
Daly Cherry-Evans plays for Queensland then the Maroons are a chance of saving the State of Origin series.
If he doesn’t – despite the fact that Ben Hunt is clearly on the rise – then NSW will more than likely seal their first series win since 2005.
DCE proved that on one leg he has the capacity to weave his magic following Manly’s recent hammering of Canterbury.
The fact that Queensland have delayed naming their final 17 proves that they’re giving their key players every chance to take the field.
Billy Slater has been given the green light, but how fit will DCE and Greg Inglis be come kick off?
Manly proved in last year’s grand final – when they clearly took a number of busted players into the game – that when it comes to the crunch they just didn’t have anything left in the tank as the Roosters cut loose in the final 20 minutes.
And the Maroons want to take injured players into a crucial Origin match!!!!!
The return of Sam Thaiday is a shot in the arm for Queensland, but the Blues have every reason to feel buoyant with Greg Bird returning to the side.
Although NSW has suffered these past eight years, Josh Dugan has made an impact at fullback and coach Laurie Daley had no hesitation naming him in the centres.
Will it work or will it backfire?
Considering that Dugan has made an impression as a fullback in the NRL for the Raiders and Dragons, and not as a centre, then NSW fans have every right to feel nervous.
Dugan has one good game in the centres for the Dragons against the hapless Sharks and that’s enough to convince Daley that he’s the right fit for Origin in the absence of Josh Morris.
It’s a huge risk, but Daley was keen to go into the match with players who had Origin experience.
Aidan Guerra proved that debutants – if they’re playing good football in the NRL – can stand tall in the Origin arena following his impressive display in Origin I.
And what’s wrong with Tigers centre Chris Lawrence, who is extremely under-rated.
Will Hopate was always going to play for NSW when Brett Morris succumbed to injury.
Despite a clearly disruptive preparation for Game 2, Queensland still boast better players and it would be ridiculous to write them off because in Origin I they were the only team who looked like scoring in the second half.
NSW defended admirably in Game 1, but to have any chance in Sydney they desperately need to find variety in attack.
Paul Gallen, Robbie Farah and Bird, as well as Trent Hodkinson, Michael Jennings and Dugan have to find that spark and not leave it up to Jarryd Hayne.
Losing Cooper Cronk to injury rocked the Maroons to the core in Brisbane, which perhaps confirmed to a lot of people that it’s not Johnathan Thurston or Cameron Smith who guides the Queensland ship after all.
And critics argue that Cronk should be punted for Cherry-Evans.
Go figure.
The loss of the Morris twins is massive for NSW because it was they who nullfied that lethal Greg Inglis-Darius Boyd combination down the left flank three weeks ago when Queensland were in the midst of their traditional late second half surge.
NSW supporters have every reason to feel optimistic when it comes to Origin II, but the simple facts are that Queensland have more weapons in attack.
A loss for the Blues in Sydney will see the Maroons grow another leg for Game 3 back in Brisbane.
Victory for the Blues would end eight years of torment for NSW supporters, but Queensland supporters will be quick to point out that injuries denied their team of making it nine series wins in a row.
Supporters of the Maroons have spruiked the success of their side for the past 30 years when they have fought back from adversity, but just imagine how they will celebrate if they end up winning Games 2 and 3 in 2014.
For NSW supporters, it would be unbearable and rest assured Queensland fans will rub it in with glee and delight.
Make no mistake, the Maroons can win Origin II, but if they don’t let’s hope that they accept the end to their incredible eight year domination with dignity.
Having watched every Origin game since it’s exception in 1980 and having lived in NSW and Queensland, it’s clear that supporters of the Maroons take defeat a lot harder than fans of the Blues.
For goodness sake, Queenslanders don’t even acknowledge the win by the Blues over the Maroons in California back in 1987.
Had the shoe been on the other foot those who bleed Maroon would continue to remind those who bleed Blue.
Heart says that NSW can win if they stick together as one unit, but the head says that Queensland will get the cash as they have too many players who can pull a rabbit out of the hat.
The fact that the Maroons have injury concerns leaves the door wide open for the Blues.
Finally, not knowing the Queensland line up compares to splitting teams in the NRL when it comes to making tips.
How can you settle on a side when you don’t know who is playing?
Good luck picking a winner, but, most of all, enjoy the game.

It’s the start of the 2014 AFL season and picking winners might be a little tougher than what it was last year.

The Dockers, Swans and Hawks will take some stopping in the premiership race, but nominating the other five teams to fill the Top 8 is no easy task.

Little seems to separate the Cats, Tigers, Blues, Kangaroos and Magpies, and you’ve got to think that the Eagles, Bombers, Crows and Power will also be in the mix.

The Bulldogs finished with a wet sail in 2013 and could be the “dark horse” this year.

The Suns are expected to improve and will the Demons respond under the guidance of Paul Roos?

It could be a long year for the Saints and Lions, though surely the Giants will make an impression with the talent at their disposal.

That means at least 10 teams in line for the five remaining spots in the Top 8, which means that there will be a plethora of 50/50 games in 2014 – now there’s something tipsters can look forward to.

Winning on the road is essential when it comes to making the finals, but that could prove pretty tricky for a number of teams and subsequently they’ll no doubt be giving it everything when they’re at home.

It was no easy task picking winners in Round 1 of the NRL premiership and it could be a similar story in the AFL.

Perhaps this might help you out in your quest to work out who will make the finals and who will miss out.

The Tigers, Kangaroos, Power, Bulldogs and Eagles are expected to find another gear.

The Cats, Blues, Magpies, Bombers and Crows are handy outfits, but may struggle to find another gear.

We’ll just have to wait and see what transpires, which is an exciting prospect.

If the Hawks don’t go back to back in the race for this year’s premiership, then take it as a given that the Dockers or Swans will win the grand final.

That means that one of the preliminary finals will be an epic.

The Super Rugby competition is in full swing, and tonight marks the start of the NRL premiership.

It is hoped that Super Rugby won’t be as predictable as it has been in recent years.

There are early signs that teams who have a habit of finding themselves at the bottom of the ladder are finally making a statement.

The Rebels and Lions fall into that category.

In contrast, teams who have dominated Super Rugby are showing signs of vulnerability.

Just look at the Crusaders, Bulls, Brumbies and Reds.

The Waratahs have made an impressive start, so will the Blues and Hurricanes – who have also been a big tease in recent times – finally reach their potential.

The Chiefs appear certain to feature prominantly once again come the finals, but will the Force and Highlanders be able to stamp their authority by stringing a number of wins together.

There have been a few upset results in the opening weeks of the Super Rugby and long may it continue.

There’s no denying the fact that the NRL is the most unpredictable competition when it comes to comparing the footy codes.

Picking winners last year was an extremely difficult assignment and come 2014 it’s no easy task nominating the likely premiers, the Top 8 or the wooden spooners.

Tipped the Cowboys to win the premiership last year and the Roosters, who ended up winning the grand final, were not even included in the Top 8 – although it must be said that 12 months ago the Broncos got the nod ahead of the Roosters when it came to completing the Top 8.

Got it right though when it came to picking the Eels to finish last.

The Roosters, who didn’t have too many injury concerns in 2013, are probably the team to beat this season, but let’s look at the teams who will more than likely miss the Top 8.

The Eels, Dragons, Raiders, Tigers and Broncos are no chance of playing finals.

That means 11 teams are capable of making the Top 8.

Was asked to settle on a Top 8 for the NT News recently and settled on the Cowboys, Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sea Eagles, Storm, Warriors, Sharks and Titans.

That means the Knights, Panthers and Bulldogs miss out.

It was a toss up between the Titans, Knights and Panthers as far as filling the last spot in the Top 8.

It was probbaly foolish to leave the Bulldogs out, but look how they performed when Barba failed to take the field. Barba is no longer at the Bulldogs and it’s hard to see him duplicating his unbelievable form of 2012 now that he is at the Broncos.

If you won your respective NRL tipping competition then by all means stick to your routine, but you might find it hard to go back to back in 2014.

Your author has gone back to the drawing board after a pretty ordinary tipping performance last year, but is confident of striking back in style come 2014 so long as he knows who is playing before the teams take the field.

Forget the odds, history, injuries, form and home ground advantage, you’re virtually no chance in a NRL tipping competition if clubs change their team line up after you make your selection.

The Eels, Dragons or Tigers will finish last in 2014 and having to make the big call there’s every chance it will be the Eels for a third straight year.

It’s the battle of the AFL’s best attacking team versus the competition’s most miserly defence.

The Hawks have scored more than any other club this season and averaged 22 points per game more than the Dockers during the home and away season.

But the Dockers have clearly the best defensive record and the way they stifled the Swans in their preliminary final last Saturday night has persuaded plenty of observers they are capable of upsetting the Hawks, who have long been premiership favourites.

Memories of last year – when the Hawks were also the season’s best attacking team and grand final favourites, but lost to a Swans side who had been the competition’s best defensively – play into that thinking.

Both clubs are near full strength.

The only team change made by either side from the preliminary finals was the Hawks’ loss of Brendan Whitecross, the sub last weekend, to a serious knee injury.

Jonathan Simpkin, best afield for the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL grand final last Sunday, is his replacement.

Grand final nerves could play a part for both sides.

The Hawks let themselves down with poor kicking in last year’s grand final and were again shaky on that front in their narrow preliminary final win over the Cats.

While the Hawks carry the burden of expectation, the Dockers have to deal with having just two players – Zac Dawson and Danyle Pearce – who have grand final experience.

Both sides are strong everywhere, but on paper the Hawks could have an edge in attack.

Hawks star forwards Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and Cyril Rioli were all quiet in their club’s preliminary final though.

The Dockers are unlikely to allow them many easy scoring chances, so they must seize their opportunities.

This match does mirror the 2001 premiership decider.

Back then, the Bombers, who were the defending premiers, snuck by the Hawks in a controversial preliminary final at the MCG.

Meanwhile, the Lions, who ended the year with a wet sail, obliterated the Tigers at the Gabba.

Like the Bombers 12 years ago, the Hawks battled their way to victory over the Cats.

The Dockers, who have timed their run superbly, have been outstanding during the second half of the 2013 season and wiped the floor with the Swans last weekend.

Like the Hawks-Swans grand final last year, the Hawks-Dockers encounter is yet another evenly matched affair and it’s difficult to split both teams with confidence.