SYDNEY SWANS-SONG FOR SUPERSTAR DUSTY?
AFL superstar Dusty Martin wants to become Australia’s version of NFL legend Tom Brady, and it could mean him playing out his career in Sydney.
The country’s best-known footballer and three-time Norm Smith Medallist could play until he’s 38, says his agent Ralph Carr when asked about a rumour he wanted to play in Sydney.
Buddy Franklin is off contract at the Sydney Swans at end of next season, the same time Martin’s contract is up at Richmond.
“Dusty loves Sydney,” Carr said. “He’s there a lot and he originally lived in Camden with his dad. You’ve got to live there to really know how good it is.
“He loves rugby league, too, and he was hanging out with Cameron Munster the other day.”
Richmond star Dustin Martin is a big fan of Sydney. Picture: Getty Images
Martin, 29, spends much of the AFL off-season in Sydney to escape the constant spotlight.
It’s why the Harbour City is appealing on a long-term contract.
“He’s capable of playing until he’s 36 or 38,” Carr said. “The way his body is he can be Australia’s version of Tom Brady.
“They’re talking about him as the greatest ever and I don’t think anyone will beat his record of three flags and three Norm Smith Medals.
“He wants to play for as long as he possibly can.”
Pressed on the Swans, Carr said: “I can’t say, that’s a big question. He’s got two years to go at Richmond and it’s too early to say where he might finish up.”
TYSON’S DOPE VENTURE WON’T PACKER PUNCH
With his casino empire under siege, James Packer could be looking at smaller-scale investments.
However the billionaire businessman has denied links with former heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson after they recently caught up on Packer’s super yacht. After years of substance abuse, Tyson is now running a booming medical marijuana business — and making squillions.
The 53-year-old is believed to earn around $1 million per month through his business that offers premium marijuana strains, edibles and extracts. He needs more investors to enable further growth.
A Packer confidant has confirmed the stricken casino boss spoke to Tyson recently about his venture and the potential to invest but at this stage is unlikely to get involved.
Eels recruit Bryce Cartwright has suffered another injury blow. Picture: Parramatta Eels
BRYCE TO MISS SIX ROUNDS
Parramatta Eels recruit Bryce Cartwright has revealed he will miss six to eight weeks of NRL first round action because of the broken jaw he suffered at training last week.
Cartwright has a badly swollen face as a result and has been struggling to even talk and eat after corrective surgery to fix the break.
It’s a shame because Cartwright was absolutely nailing it at training — to such an extent that coach Brad Arthur was poised to start him as an edge forward in Parra’s pack, with Shaun Lane shifting into the middle.
LAWRENCE JOINS CHANNEL 9 TEAM
Emma Lawrence — sister of old Wests Tigers stalwart Chris Lawrence — has quit Channel 10 to join Channel 9 on the eve of the NRL season.
She will replace Jake Duke, who has gone to Fox Sports.
Nine now has three outstanding female NRL journos/presenters, with Lawrence joining Erin Molan and Danika Mason at the network.
It is a blow for Channel 10, who also recently lost Roz Kelly to Channel 9 as part of their rugby union coverage.
Nine is obviously following the lead from Fox Sports, where Yvonne Sampson, Lara Pitt, Hannah Hollis, Jess Yates and Megan Barnard do such a great job.
Emma Lawrence has joined the Nine Network.
DESSIE DAY
Old Dessie Hasler celebrated his 60th birthday on the northern beaches on Wednesday.
He tried to keep the milestone occasion quiet but the football office knew his date of birth and presented the great man with a cake. He says he had a quiet family dinner at home to celebrate.
AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION
With the demise of the NRL’s official match-day program Big League, it looked likely David Middleton’s Rugby League Annual would also bite the dust.
However, with the support of the ARL Commission and NRL, the print edition will go on sale early next month. It’s only available for purchase online through nrl.com ($19.95).
The 2020 Rugby League Annual will go on sale next month.
SON’S SHINING BRIGHT FOR MANLY CEO
There’s one important player negotiation coming up at Manly that CEO Stephen Humphreys is avoiding.
Humphreys’ teenage son Jamie — rated one of league’s most exciting halfback prospects — is off contract at the Sea Eagles this year.
Jamie Humphreys is an SG Ball rookie with a stack of ability who is now attracting interest from rival NRL clubs. Good judges rate him as potentially a future Daly Cherry-Evans.
Jamie doesn’t have a manager and has relied on advice from his dad. But the Manly boss says he will step away from negotiations to avoid any claims of nepotism.
“Jamie is one of many talented juniors coming through the Manly system,” Humphreys said. “We have a very experienced recruitment manager in ‘Crusher’ Cleal and coach in Des Hasler who will ensure his contract and development is well managed.
“Jamie is really ambitious and dedicated to being the best he can be with his footy and his studies. His mum and I are proud of him and, like any parent would, we hope his hard work is rewarded and he achieves his goals.”
