blogging it real

For anyone interested the Sydney Morning Herald is hinting at the drug-sports stars identities.

Two high-profile former league stars have been implicated in a drugs ring, broken by Auckland police, that allegedly supplied methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. The two, who are household names in New Zealand, have had their identities suppressed while police continue to pursue what they say is a white-collar drugs ring. But they were named during a court appearance this week by six men arrested in raids on 10 properties. One is a former international believed to be in Europe. The name of a former All Blacks star is also understood to have popped up during the month-long joint investigation between New Zealand police and Customs, code-named Operation Aqua. The second former league player is also overseas and told The New Zealand Herald he didn't plan to return home "for a while". The alleged ringleader, a 55-year-old company director who faces 22 charges, has been denied bail.

It will be interesting to see if the former All Black who is implicated gets permanent name suppression, or whether that just applies to current All Blacks who beat their wives.

It's also intriguing why the SMH doesn't just name them - Kiwi name suppression orders don't apply over the ditch.

Anyway on to current league stars and the world famous Bennyasena versus NZ Herald's league reporter Peter Jessup tipping competition.

The Warriors ($1.37), who welcome back Steve Price, are heavy favourites to beat the Raiders ($2.90) in tomorrow night's match at Ericcsson and if they play like they did against the Roosters last week they should be a shoe-in.

Then again, if they play like they did against the Cowboys in Townsville three weeks ago they'll lose by 28 points.

Anyways, enough hypothesising and lets do the picks; after 19 rounds of the NRL Jessup has tipped 69/124 and bennyasena is right behind on 68/124.

But Bennyasena ain't gonna take the lead this weekend cause our tips are identical.
Tonight
Bulldogs v Broncos - Broncos

Saturday
Warriors v Raiders - Warriors
Cowboys v Panthers - Cowboys
Eels v Knights - Eels

Sunday
Storm v Roosters - Storm
Tigers v Rabbits - Tigers
Dragons v Sharks - Dragons

For anyone who has a spare $10 for a punt Australian tipster onthepunt is urging the gambling community to get behind the Roosters ($2.80) against the Storm.

I'd take the Roosters with the 7.5 points start at $1.82.

Here's my "if only dreams came true Round 20 tips" to boost the Warriors into the top 8:
Broncos to thrash Bulldogs
Warriors thrash Raiders
Panthers thrash Cowboys
Knights against Eels - doesn't matter either way
Storm to thrash Roosters - (or even a draw)
Rabbits to thrash Tigers
Sharks to thrash Dragons