THE subject matter was grave, and so was the speaker. Wayne Bennett was talking about drugs in sport, and match-fixing. That’s the dictionary definition of grave.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
‘‘With the betting today, and all the different options they have,’’ the Knights and NRL All Stars coach said, ‘‘it only encourages people to look for shortcuts ...’’
As TV viewers focused on one of the game’s most respected voices, they were distracted by the owner of the loudest.
Willie Mason had crept up behind Bennett, into the shot, and started posing. He was shirtless, and wore big sunglasses.
He’d picked that moment to photobomb.
Now, we’re not going to join the ranks of spoilsports who’ve suggested Willie should’ve fought the urge to be hilarious, just this once, on such a devastating day for Australian sport (Ken Sutcliffe had a sizeable dig).
On the contrary: we do need more Willie when things get serious.
Lighten up, people. He’s just breaking the ice.
The dog days aren’t over
A COUPLE have put their lives on hold to search for their best friend, writes Topics intern Emily Steele.
Love comes in all shapes and forms and for Phil Latka and Karen Vernon, it’s short, hairy and missing.
The couple, on holiday in Nelson Bay, were distraught when Leonard, their two-year-old labrador cross Staff, went missing on January31.
Fight or flight mode kicks in in a crisis, and Phil and Karen chose to fight.
The pair put up flyers and posters across the town, their cars and even themselves.
Phil was spotted on Wednesday sporting a sandwich board with Leonard’s picture.
The Nelson Bay community have jumped on board the rescue mission and passers-by have yelled words of support, printed their own flyers and shared Facebook pages.
‘‘We have had incredible support from this community,’’ said Karen.
‘‘People yell to us, ‘we are looking for him lady’, ‘don’t give up hope’ and ‘we will find him for you’, from their cars,’’ she said.
Phil has been forced to return to work but is trying to reschedule a business trip to Japan so he can continue the search for Leonard.
Karen has stayed behind and will ask for more time off work if it is needed.
The couple were due to return home to the Blue Mountains last Friday.
Leonard is missed terribly, and has a neurological condition that must be treated.
The Latkas ask anyone with information to call 0434 411 714.
Hunter tokens to pass GO
IN the week that Monopoly swapped its iron for a cat, we asked which tokens would be used in a Hunter version of the game.
There’s been no shortage of reader suggestions. Here’s a list.
Nobbys Lighthouse, a lump of coal, the University of Newcastle seahorse logo, the obelisk, a thong, a bottle of wine, a bogan, a cannon, Queens Wharf Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, a jet, a tug, a surfboard, a coal hopper (no taxis or trains), the Dapper Gentleman of Newcastle Uni, a knight and, our favourite, the Pasha Bulker.
That last one came from Jennie Knight. Thanks, all. You’re a clever bunch.
